Everest Exploration, Inc. v. URI, INC.

OPINION

Opinion by SARAH B. DUNCAN, Justice.

Everest Exploration, Inc. appeals the summary judgment declaring that uranium leases held by its competitor, URI, Inc., were extended by payment of shut-in royalties and awarding URI its attorney’s fees. We affirm.

Factual and Procedural Background

URI, Inc. and Everest Exploration, Inc. claim competing rights to the uranium underlying certain property owned by the Vasquez family. URI bases its claim on four uranium mining leases and a ratification agreement by which the Vasquez family conveyed to URI the right to mine the uranium until February 12,…