New Mexico Court of Appeals July 26, 2004, No. 24,211 (Matrix Production Co. v. Ricks Exploration, Inc.)

OPINION

FRY, Judge.

{1} This oil and gas case arises out of a model form joint operating agreement (JOA) to explore and develop minerals in Lea County, New Mexico, between the co-lessees of the mineral estate. “Form 610 Model Operating Agreement has been in use in the oil and gas industry in one form or another since 1956.” John R. Reeves & J.