At ES3 Minerals, integrity and transparency are the foundation of our business. These values have guided us from the very beginning, shaping the way we operate, build relationships, and serve our clients and partners. In an industry where trust is paramount, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ethical business practices and holding ourselves—and those we work with—to the highest professional standards.
Recent events compel us to address a matter of significant importance to our company and the broader mineral and royalty subset of the oil industry. A recent court ruling has confirmed that former employees of ES3 (David Ryan and Nick Kreines, operating as “Liberty Mineral Partners”) violated their contractual and fiduciary obligations, including the misappropriation of proprietary trade secrets. These actions not only breach the legal agreements they entered into but also undermine the ethical principles that our industry relies upon.
It is especially troubling that individuals entrusted with a Certified Professional Landman (CPL) designation—a credential that signifies expertise, ethical responsibility, and professional integrity—chose to engage in deceptive practices for personal gain. Such conduct erodes the trust that professionals, businesses, and stakeholders place in our industry.
In response, ES3 Minerals has taken decisive action to protect our business, our clients, and the ethical standards of our profession. The court has issued a Temporary Injunction in our favor, mandating that these individuals immediately cease their unlawful activities. We are committed to ensuring accountability and reinforcing the standards that define our industry.
We share this information not only to keep our community informed but to underscore the serious consequences of violating professional and ethical responsibilities. As a company, we believe in fostering a business environment where honesty and integrity thrive. We also recognize the importance of alerting our colleagues in the industry about the risks associated with engaging with individuals who have demonstrated a disregard for their contractual and ethical obligations.
We appreciate the continued partnership and trust of our clients, investors, and industry peers. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
