Mineral rights are fragmented across the state.  For example, this map shows surface owndership in the Superior National Forest.

Especially due to a constitutional provision that whenever the state takes ownership (by tax forfeiture, bequest, or any reason), the surface ownership is severed from the mineral rights.  If the land changes ownership, the state keeps the mineral estate permanently.  Thereby, the state retains and accumulates this mineral interest. 

Most Minnesotans are unaware of the state's interest and influence in land ownership.

The DNR (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources) Lands and Minerals Division systematically leases these public lands for logging and mineral exploration and extraction.   Contrary to resource conservation, the purpose of the leasing program is to encourage private for-profit extraction of public resources to endow the "Permanent School Trust Fund".