Can two operators drill in the same spacing unit?

General Mineral Rights Discussion
1

In the last month, KODA and Phoenix have pulled well permits that would occupy the same spacing unit. North Dakota 159N/103W, Sections 3-10-15-22. (4 mile laterals) They have two different well pad locations specified.

KODA pulled permit #42554 on 12/11/25.

Phoenix pulled five permits starting with #42623 on 1/8/26.

I thought an operator could only drill/control a unit with a majority of leases? I’m a little confused. Is KODA playing games with Phoenix, who appears more serious about this unit? Are they hoping to drill and hold the unit for a future date?

2

Our family owns mineral rights that are leased both to Phoenix and Koda within the above mentioned sections. Please keep us in the loop.

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3

They can if they are in different reservoirs. Might be jockeying to see who wins. Time will tell.

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4

Looking at the Permits in the area it seems that KODA is trying to hold the acreage/leases by using one pad to drill a single well in two different units. Phoenix has permits for 5 wells in the unit, which is typical in the Bakken.

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