# Can two operators drill in the same spacing unit?
**URL:** https://www.mineralrightsforum.com/t/can-two-operators-drill-in-the-same-spacing-unit/85427
**Category:** General Mineral Rights Discussion
**Created:** [January 10, 2026, 7:02pm UTC](https://www.mineralrightsforum.com/t/can-two-operators-drill-in-the-same-spacing-unit/85427 "2026-01-10T19:02:47Z")
**Posts on this page:** 5
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Skimo](https://www.mineralrightsforum.com/u/Skimo)
#### Post date: [January 10, 2026, 7:02pm UTC](https://www.mineralrightsforum.com/t/can-two-operators-drill-in-the-same-spacing-unit/85427/1 "2026-01-10T19:02:47Z")
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?
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### Author:  [@tina00](https://www.mineralrightsforum.com/u/tina00)
#### Post date: [January 11, 2026, 2:09pm UTC](https://www.mineralrightsforum.com/t/can-two-operators-drill-in-the-same-spacing-unit/85427/2 "2026-01-11T14:09:40Z")
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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### Author:  [@M\_Barnes](https://www.mineralrightsforum.com/u/M_Barnes)
#### Post date: [January 12, 2026, 9:46pm UTC](https://www.mineralrightsforum.com/t/can-two-operators-drill-in-the-same-spacing-unit/85427/3 "2026-01-12T21:46:33Z")
They can if they are in different reservoirs. Might be jockeying to see who wins. Time will tell.
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### Author:  [@Skimo](https://www.mineralrightsforum.com/u/Skimo)
#### Post date: [January 13, 2026, 3:14pm UTC](https://www.mineralrightsforum.com/t/can-two-operators-drill-in-the-same-spacing-unit/85427/4 "2026-01-13T15:14:38Z")
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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### Author:  [@system](https://www.mineralrightsforum.com/u/system)
#### Post date: [April 10, 2026, 7:03pm UTC](https://www.mineralrightsforum.com/t/can-two-operators-drill-in-the-same-spacing-unit/85427/5 "2026-04-10T19:03:14Z")
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