Montana Title 77. State Lands § 77-3-425. Dry hole clause

If the first well drilled is a dry hole and if a second well is not commenced on the land covered by the lease before the next anniversary of the lease following the completion of the well, the lease may be terminated by the board unless the lessee, on or before such anniversary, resumes payment of any delay drilling penalties imposed by the board. Upon the resumption of payment of any required delay drilling penalties and their continued payment, the lease continues in force during the primary term as though there had been no interruption in the delay drilling penalty payments.