Anadarko Petroleum Corp. v. Thompson

In this case, we decide whether a gas mining lease terminated when actual production ceased longer than sixty days. The lease expressly states that it lasts for one year and “as long thereafter as gas is or can be produced.” The lease also provides that, if production ceases for any reason, the lease “shah not terminate provided lessee resumes operations for drilling a well within sixty (60) days from such cessation.” The lessees began producing gas in 1936. However, in 1981 and again in 1985, actual production ceased longer than sixty days. The court of appeals held that these cessations…