Rippey v. Steatite Co.

By Judge J. Michael Gamble

This is an action brought by the Complainants (“Rippey”) pursuant to § 55-153 et seq. of the Code of Virginia to extinguish mineral rights on a parcel containing 9.455 acres recently owned by Rippey. The general issue in this case is whether the mineral rights should be extinguished on this property.

The initial action was brought by Rippey against the Steatite Company and parties unknown who may be successors in title to the Steatite Company. An order of publication was duly run as required by law. Nobody initially appeared in response to the order of publication,…