§40-20-30. Definitions.

For the purpose of this article, the following terms shall have the respective meanings ascribed by this section:

(1) OIL, GAS AND OTHER MINERALS. Oil, gas, petroleum, hydrocarbons, distillate, condensate, casing-head gas, other petroleum derivatives and all other similar minerals of commercial value which are usually produced by the drilling, boring or sinking of wells.

(2) MINERAL ACRE and ROYALTY ACRE. The number of acres obtained by multiplying the aggregate acreage described in the instrument involved by the fractional interest leased or conveyed thereby.

(3) PRIMARY TERM. In connection with any instrument affected by this article shall mean the period of time that the estate created by such instrument shall endure under the terms thereof in the absence of production of oil, gas or other minerals in paying quantities, the carrying on of drilling or reworking operations for the production of such oil, gas or other minerals, force majeure or laws, rules or regulations, federal or state, preventing such drilling operations.

(Acts 1957, No. 261, p. 332, §1.)