Tennessee Code Title 66. Property § 66-5-102

(a) In any instrument heretofore or hereafter executed purporting to sever the surface and mineral estates which does not describe the manner or method of mineral extraction in express and specific terms, it shall be presumed that the intention of the parties to the instrument was that the minerals be extracted only in the principal manner and method of mineral extraction prevailing in this state at the time the instrument was executed.

(b) This section is not intended to exclude evidence that would otherwise be admissible to show the intentions of the parties.

(c) This section shall only apply to mineral estates in coal.