N.C. Gen. Stat. § 46A-24
When title to the oil, gas, or mineral interests in real property has been separated in ownership from the title to the surface of the property, a tenant in common or joint tenant of the oil, gas, or mineral interests may partition the oil, gas, or mineral interests, distinct from the surface, without joining the owner of the surface. Similarly, a tenant in common or joint tenant of the surface of the property may partition the surface, distinct from the oil, gas, or mineral interests, without joining the owner of the oil, gas, or mineral interests. An owner of the oil, gas, or mineral interests is not required to join a partition of the surface of the property, and an owner of the surface of the property is not required to join a partition of the oil, gas, or mineral interests. The rights of either owner shall not be prejudiced by a partition of the other interests.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 46A-24