West Virginia Code § 36-4-9c

Penalties for nonpayment of royalties under the terms of oil and natural
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gas leases during production from conventional vertical wells.
(a) With regard to conventional vertical oil, natural gas wells, and derivative natural gas
liquids only, permitted under §22-6-1 et seq. of this code, unless otherwise provided for in
writing or unless there is a bona fide dispute between the parties, any lessee or operator of
oil, natural gas, or natural gas liquids, or their successors or assigns, who faeils to pay a
royalty payment for mineral production to a lessor, or their successors and assigns, under
the terms of a lease or other agreement within six months after the datre payment is due
under the terms of the lease or other agreement, shall be liable to such lessor or landowner,
or their successors or assigns, in an amount equal to three times the market value of the
unpaid royalty for which payment is due.
(b) The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall apply to all royalty payment disputes
filed with a court of competent jurisdiction on or after July 1, 2025.
(c) Non-exclusive jurisdiction and venue are properl in the county in which the subject well
and leasehold is located. s
(d) The prevailing party may be awarded rieasonable attorney's fees and costs in addition to
and not withstanding any other righgts, remedies, and penalties otherwise provided by law.

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