(a) A mineral interest shall be considered to be used when:
- (1) There are any minerals produced under the interest;
- (2) operations are being conducted on the interest for injection, withdrawal, storage or disposal of water, gas or other fluid substances;
- (3) rentals or royalties are being paid by the owner of the interest for the purpose of delaying or enjoying the use or exercise of the mineral rights;
- (4) the use or exercise of the mineral rights is being carried out on a tract with which the mineral interest may be unitized or pooled for production purposes;
- (5) in the case of coal or other solid minerals, there is production from a common vein or seam by the owners of the mineral interests; or
- (6) taxes are paid on the mineral interest by its owner.
- (b) Any use pursuant to or authorized by the instrument creating the mineral interest shall be effective to continue in force all rights granted by the instrument.
L. 1983, ch. 185, § 3; July 1.