Unlocatable Mineral Trusts

What is an Unlocatable Mineral Trust?

An unlocatable mineral trust is created when the leasehold, mineral, or royalty interest owner can't be found. In these cases, a court may name a trustee to manage and invest the funds until they are claimed. Normally, a court will appoint the clerk of court for the county as a trustee. If the clerk of court declines, the Department of Revenue will be named instead.

Claimant Interest

When we manage a fund, claimants receive 50% of the interest earned on our investments.

Trust Summary Spreadsheet

We maintain an Unlocatable Mineral Trust Summary spreadsheet (XLSX, 36 KB) of the trusts we administer.

How to Claim a Trust

To claim a trust you must file a Notice of Address with the Clerk and Recorder of the same county where the mineral interest is located. There is a $5.00 fee for filing a Notice of Address. (82-1-306, MCA)

Making an Unlocatable Mineral Trust Payment

If you are a Holder remitting unlocatable mineral trust unclaimed property, please mail a check to the Montana Department of Revenue with the following attached documents:

• UCH Payment Voucher
• List of trusts and amounts included in the payment.