Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America, Midcon Gas Services Corp., and Chesapeake Panhandle Limited Partnership V…

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court reversed the appellate courts and held that the lessees acquired fee simple determinable mineral estates by adverse possession under the three‑, five‑ and ten‑year statutes of limitations, thereby rendering the lessors' claims barred. The Court declined to decide whether the leases terminated due to cessation of production, and Justice Jefferson dissented, urging a remand on that issue.