The West Virginia Oil and Gas Division Order is a legal document that governs the rights and responsibilities of mineral owners and oil and gas companies operating in the state. It establishes a framework for the efficient and orderly development of oil and gas resources in West Virginia. The Division Order is a critical piece of regulation that ensures fair and equitable distribution of royalties to mineral owners. It outlines the terms of a lease agreement, including the drilling and production process, payment of royalties, and the division of interests among multiple owners. The primary purpose of the Division Order is to establish a system for accurately determining and allocating the proportionate share of production revenues to each mineral owner. This helps to prevent disputes and confusion regarding ownership and payment distribution. There are several types of Division Orders that may be issued by the West Virginia Oil and Gas Division: 1. Individual Division Order: This is the most common type of Division Order, issued to individual mineral owners or groups of owners with specified interests in a particular oil and gas lease. 2. Pooling Division Order: In situations where multiple mineral owners within a designated drilling unit consent to combine their interests in development, a Pooling Division Order is issued. It ensures that all involved parties receive their rightful share of the production revenues. 3. Compulsory Pooling Division Order: Sometimes, not all mineral owners within a drilling unit agree to participate in pooling. In such cases, the state may issue a Compulsory Pooling Division Order to force the integration of the non-consenting parties into the drilling unit. This helps prevent the loss of resources due to owners holding out and promotes the efficient development of oil and gas reserves. 4. Unitization Division Order: Unitization Division Orders are issued when multiple oil and gas leases are combined into a single unit for development purposes. This approach facilitates efficient drilling, reduces waste, and streamlines operations. The West Virginia Oil and Gas Division Order serves as a vital tool in regulating oil and gas operations and protecting the interests of both mineral owners and oil and gas companies. It ensures an orderly and fair distribution of royalties and promotes the responsible development of the state's natural resources.