Missouri Revised Statutes Title XXIX. Ownership and Conveyance of Property § 444.040. Notice to owner or lessee

If any person or persons having dug or mined lead ore or other mineral, and having the same in his or their possession, and having offered to deliver such mineral according to contract, or paid or tendered the royalty, if any, due thereon, or the value of such royalty in cash, to such owner or lessee of said real estate, or to his agent, shall serve or cause to be served a notice in writing upon such owner or lessee or his agent, by delivering to him a copy thereof, or by leaving a copy thereof at the usual place of abode of such owner, lessee or agent, with some member of the family over the age of fifteen years, stating in such notice the amount of lead ore or other mineral he or they have ready for delivery and requiring such owner, lessee or agent to receive and pay for the same, the said owner or lessee shall, within five days after the service of such notice, receive and pay for such lead ore or other mineral which the said person or persons digging or mining the same may deliver to him, not exceeding the amount named in the notice; and in such case, if such owner or lessee fail or refuse within the time aforesaid to pay for such lead ore or mineral delivered or offered to be delivered to him as aforesaid at the said price, then in that event the said person or persons who dug and mined the same shall thereupon acquire an absolute title to such lead ore or mineral, and may thereupon dispose of the same to any person or in any manner he or they may choose.