Who is liable if a property collapses after minerals are extracted beneath it?

In the context of liability for property collapse following the extraction of minerals beneath the surface, the most accurate answer considers the principles of property law and the responsibilities tied to the grantee, who is the party granted rights to extract minerals.

Initially, if a grantee extracts minerals, they are expected to do so in a manner that does not adversely affect the surface land or cause damage, adhering to the standards of reasonable care. Therefore, their liability hinges on whether they acted negligently during the extraction process. If negligence can be established—such as failing to support the structure above or doing the extraction in an irresponsible manner—the grantee would indeed be liable for any resulting damage, including property collapse.

The original landowner would not be held liable after the transfer of extraction rights unless they had some ongoing duty of care or the extraction was conducted under conditions that warranted their involvement. The creditor is typically not responsible for activities undertaken by the grantee related to property usage. The liability is thus correctly placed on the grantee, but only when negligence is proven, making this response the most accurate in the scenario presented.