(765 ILCS 515/3) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 9203)

Sec. 3. If the title to any severed mineral interest is vested in an unknown or missing owner, the circuit court of the county in which the minerals or the major portion thereof lies shall have the power to declare a trust therein, appoint a trustee for the unknown or missing owners and authorize the trustee to sell, execute and deliver a valid lease thereon on terms and conditions approved by the circuit court for the purposes hereinafter provided. The lease shall continue in full force and effect after the termination of the trust or merger of the severed mineral estate with the surface estate unless the lease has previously expired by its own terms.

(Source: P.A. 83-571.)