District of Columbia Geophysical Exploration Agreement Between Mineral Owner and Operator, with Option to Purchase Oil and Gas Lease is a legally binding document that outlines the agreement between a mineral owner and an operator for geophysical exploration activities in the District of Columbia. This agreement allows the operator to conduct exploration activities on the mineral owner's property for the purpose of identifying oil and gas reserves. Additionally, it provides an option for the operator to purchase an oil and gas lease if commercially viable reserves are identified. The main components of this agreement include: 1. Parties Involved: The agreement names the mineral owner and the operator, specifying their full legal names and contact information. 2. Grant of Rights: The agreement grants the operator the exclusive right and permission to access the mineral owner's property for conducting geophysical exploration activities. This includes the right to enter the property, conduct surveys, seismic testing, drilling, and any other necessary operations to assess the potential for oil and gas reserves. 3. Exploration Activities: The agreement outlines the specific activities that the operator is authorized to carry out, such as geophysical surveys, seismic testing, test drilling, and any other activities necessary for evaluating the mineral resources on the property. 4. Obligations and Responsibilities: Both the mineral owner and the operator have certain obligations and responsibilities. The operator must exercise reasonable care in conducting exploration activities to prevent damage to the property and address any environmental concerns. The mineral owner must provide access to the property and cooperate with the operator while the exploration activities are being carried out. 5. Duration and Termination: The agreement specifies the duration of the exploration period, which is typically a fixed number of years. It also includes provisions for early termination, either by mutual agreement or in case of breach of contract. 6. Compensation and Royalties: The agreement outlines the compensation structure for the mineral owner, which may include upfront payments, annual rental fees, and a percentage of royalties from any oil and gas production resulting from the lease. The operator may also cover any reasonable expenses incurred during the exploration phase. 7. Option to Purchase: If the exploration activities identify commercially viable oil and gas reserves on the property, the operator is given the option to purchase an oil and gas lease. The terms and conditions for the lease purchase are detailed in a separate document, which may include rent and royalty rates, operational obligations, and duration of the lease. It's important to note that specific variations of the District of Columbia Geophysical Exploration Agreement Between Mineral Owner and Operator, with Option to Purchase Oil and Gas Lease may exist depending on the details unique to each agreement. These variations can include specific clauses related to indemnification, surface use agreements, dispute resolution mechanisms, and any other terms negotiated between the mineral owner and the operator.