Saddle Mountain Minerals, L.L.C. v. Joshi

Outcome: Reversed on Appeal

Description: Washington Supreme Court affirmed and extended appellate decision confirming title to minerals and protection of Saddle Mountain Minerals from surface developer who claimed zoning laws and restrictions extinguished mineral rights. Developer was liable for value of sand and gravel removed in the course of completing the development because developer did not hold title to mineral rights. Case was remanded to trial court and settled favorable for Saddle Mountain for a base price of $8 per cubic yard for the material exported and subject to treble damages, totalling $24 per cubic yard.