Exploratory Operation Clause Samples
The Exploratory Operation clause defines the rights and procedures for conducting preliminary investigations or activities to assess the potential of a site or resource. Typically, this clause outlines what types of exploratory work are permitted, such as surveys, sampling, or testing, and may specify notification requirements, timeframes, and any limitations on the scope of activities. Its core practical function is to provide a clear framework for parties to gather necessary information before committing to full-scale operations, thereby reducing uncertainty and managing risk at the outset of a project.
Exploratory Operation. An operation that is conducted on the Contract Area and that is any of the following:
(a) proposed for an Objective Horizon that is not a Producible Reservoir; or (b) proposed for an Objective Horizon that has a Producible Well, but that will be penetrated at a location where the distance between the midpoint of the Objective Horizon to be penetrated by the proposed operation and the midpoint of the same Objective Horizon where it is actually penetrated by a Producible Well will be at least three thousand five hundred (3,500) feet from a Gas Completion or one thousand seven hundred fifty (1,750) feet from an Oil Completion.
Exploratory Operation. An operation that is conducted on the Contract Area and that is any of the following:
(a) proposed to Complete an Exploratory Well;
(b) proposed for an Objective Horizon that is not a Producible Reservoir; or
(c) proposed for an Objective Horizon that has a Producible Well, but that will be penetrated at a location where the distance between the midpoint of the Objective Horizon to be penetrated by the proposed operation and the midpoint of the same Objective Horizon where it is actually penetrated by a Producible Well will be at least six thousand (6,000) feet from a Gas Completion or three thousand ((3,000) feet from an Oil Completion.
(d) proposed for an Objective Horizon that is unanimously agreed by the Parties not to be in an existing Producible Reservoir; or
(e) proposed as a deeper drilling operation below the base of the deepest producible reservoir.
Exploratory Operation. An operation (including, but not limited to, an operation after an Exploratory Well has reached its Objective Depth but before the attempted completion of the well, except for Production Testing) conducted under Article 10 (Exploratory Operations).
Exploratory Operation. An operation that is conducted on the Lease and that is any of the following:
(a) proposed to Complete an Exploratory Well;
(b) proposed for an Objective Horizon that is not a Producible Reservoir; or
(c) proposed for an Objective Horizon that has a Producible Well, but that will be penetrated at a location where the distance between the midpoint of the Objective Horizon to be penetrated by the proposed operation and the midpoint of the same Objective Horizon where it is actually penetrated by a Producible Well will be at least four thousand (4000) feet for a gas Completion and at least two thousand (2000) feet for an oil Completion.
Exploratory Operation. An operation that is conducted on the Lease and that is any of the following: proposed to Complete an Exploratory Well; proposed for an Objective Horizon that is not a Producible Reservoir; or proposed for an Objective Horizon that has a Producible Well, but that will be penetrated at a location where the distance between the midpoint of the Objective Horizon to be penetrated by the proposed operation and the midpoint of the same Objective Horizon where it is actually penetrated by a Producible Well will be at least __________ (___) feet for a gas Completion and at least (___) feet for an oil Completion. A well or portion of a well proposed as an Exploratory Operation.