Slade v. Rudman Resources, Inc.

Jordan, Justice.

This case presents several questions of first impression in this state involving the rights of co-tenants with regard to mineral interests.

The relevant facts, which are undisputed, are as follows: In 1943, C. C. Stebbins, being the fee simple owner of the land in question, conveyed a one-half undivided interest in the land to Paul J. Varner. In 1944 C. C. Stebbins, then being the owner of a one-half undivided interest in the subject property, conveyed an undivided one-half interest in the oil, gas, and other minerals on or under the subject property to C. W. Smith; Thereafter,…