Reid v. Gulf Oil Corp.

ANDERSON, Chief Justice.

We are called upon to construe an oil, gas and mineral lease and to determine whether it lapsed for want of production after expiration of its primary term or is still in force as a result of drilling operations, and discovery of gas in paying quantities, a tender of “shut-in” gas royalties, and the commercial production of gas, commenced after an interim of several months during which the gas well was shut in.

In pertinent part, the lease — one of the “unless” type — is as follows:

“2. Subject to the other provisions herein contained, this lease shall be for a term of…