Stevens Mineral Co. v. Michigan

Plaintiff appeals as of right from an opinion and order granting summary disposition in favor of defendants pursuant to MCR 2.116(C)(8). We affirm.

On December 17, 1951, Gertie Stevens executed a warranty deed conveying 3,600 acres of land in Montmorency County to the State of Michigan (defendant). In the deed, Stevens reserved the right to operate, produce, and remove oil, gas, and other minerals, except sand and gravel. This right was to last for thirty years or, if at the end of thirty years minerals "were being operated and produced,” until production in paying commercial quantities…