# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0002028336
**File Stem:** 0001213900-26-045200
**Filing Date:** 2026-4
**Character Count:** 118785
**Document Hash:** b5a93d6fe7ed288545f2618dc3637dcd
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001213900-26-045200.hdr.sgml**: 20260417

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001213900-26-045200

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 14

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20260414

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Regulation FD Disclosure

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260417

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260417

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** New ERA Energy & Digital, Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0002028336
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** CRUDE PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS [1311]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 01 Energy & Transportation
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** NV
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-42433
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26872241

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 200 N. LORAINE STREET
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 1324
- **CITY:** MIDLAND
- **STATE:** TX
- **ZIP:** 79701
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 432-695-6997

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 200 N. LORAINE STREET
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 1324
- **CITY:** MIDLAND
- **STATE:** TX
- **ZIP:** 79701

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** NEW ERA HELIUM INC.
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20241209

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** Roth CH V Holdings, Inc.
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20240625

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'?

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

**FORM 8-K**

**CURRENT REPORT**

**Pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the**

**Securities Exchange Act of 1934**

**April 14, 2026**

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

**NEW ERA ENERGY & DIGITAL, INC.**

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Nevada** | **001-42433** | **99-3749880** |
| (State or Other Jurisdiction <br> of Incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (I.R.S. Employer <br> Identification Number) |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **200 N. Loraine Street, Suite 1324<br> Midland, TX** | **79701** |
| (Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |

---

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: **(432) 695-6997**

**Not Applicable** 

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Title of each class** | **Trading Symbol(s)** | **Name of each exchange on which registered** |
| Common Stock | NUAI | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
| Warrants | NUAIW | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |

---

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR § 230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).

Emerging growth company ☒

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

**Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.**

*Appointment of Chief Corporate Officer*

On April 17, 2026, New Era Energy & Digital, Inc. (the "<u>Company</u>") announced that on April 14, 2026, the Board of Directors (the "<u>Board</u>") of the Company appointed Andrew Casazza to serve as Chief Corporate Officer of the Company, effective April 28, 2026.

Mr. Casazza, age 58, served as co-founder, chief financial officer and a board member for Windy Cove Energy II and Pure Earth Plasma Holdings, since 2017 and 2021, respectively. Mr. Casazza has a B.A. from Claremont McKenna College.

There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Casazza and any other person pursuant to which Mr. Casazza was selected to serve as the Company's Chief Corporate Officer. Mr. Casazza does not have any family relationship with any director or executive officer of the Company, or any person nominated or chosen by the Company to become a director or executive officer. There are no transactions in which Mr. Casazza has an interest requiring disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

*Casazza Employment Agreement*

In connection with Mr. Casazza's appointment as Chief Corporate Officer, the Company and Mr. Casazza entered into an employment agreement (the "<u>Casazza Employment Agreement</u>"), effective April 28, 2026. Under the Casazza Employment Agreement, Mr. Casazza's annual base salary is $415,000, subject to adjustment by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the "<u>Compensation Committee</u>"). Mr. Casazza will have an annual target bonus opportunity of up to 40% of his annual base salary based on the achievement of specified performance goals set by the Compensation Committee. Mr. Casazza will be entitled to participate, on the same basis as other executives of the Company, in those employee benefit programs for which substantially all of the executive officers of the Company are from time to time generally eligible, as determined by the Board. Mr. Casazza may be eligible to receive grants of equity, equity-based or similar compensation awards pursuant to the Company's Equity Incentive Plan (the "<u>Plan</u>") or as otherwise approved by the Compensation Committee.

In the event of a termination by the Company without Cause or a termination by Mr. Casazza for Good Reason at any time before a Change in Control (as such terms are defined in the Employment Agreement), the Company will pay to Mr. Casazza: (i) severance compensation in an amount equal to 100% of his annual base salary, (ii) any unpaid annual target bonus earned for the prior year, (iii) a pro-rated portion of the annual target bonus for the year in which the Casazza Employment Agreement is terminated, and (iv) a lump sum payment equal to the total cost of premium payments for 12 months of coverage under the Company's benefit plans.

In the event of a termination by the Company without Cause or a termination by Mr. Casazza for Good Reason on or after a Change in Control, the Company will pay to Mr. Casazza: (i) severance compensation in an amount equal to 150% of his annual base salary, (ii) any unpaid annual target bonus earned for the prior year, (iii) a pro-rated portion of the annual target bonus for the year in which the Employment Agreement is terminated, and (iv) a lump sum payment equal to the total cost of premium payments for 18 months of coverage under the Company's benefit plans. Severance payments described above are contingent upon the execution of a release of claims against the Company.

The Casazza Employment Agreement also contains certain restrictive covenants, including non-competition, confidentiality and non-disparagement covenants, a covenant not to solicit clients for a period of 18-months following the termination of his employment and not to solicit employees for a period of 24 months following the termination of his employment.

 ****

*Casazza RSU Award Agreement*

Mr. Casazza was also granted an award of restricted stock units ("<u>RSUs</u>") covering a total of 400,000 shares of the Company's common stock which shall vest each month over a four-year period beginning on April 28, 2026 subject to Mr. Casazza's continued employment with the Company and in accordance with the terms set forth in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2026, by and between the Company and Mr. Casazza (the "<u>Casazza RSU Agreement</u>"). The RSUs are intended to serve as inducement grants, and were not granted pursuant to the Plan.

The foregoing descriptions of the Casazza Employment Agreement and Casazza RSU Agreement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the Casazza Employment Agreement and Casazza RSU Agreement, copies of which are filed herewith as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2, respectively, and are incorporated by reference herein.

**Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.**

The Company currently expects that its flagship project, Texas Critical Data Centers LLC, will have the potential to support up to approximately 1.4 GW of gross power production.

**Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.**

(d) Exhibits

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **EXHIBIT** | **DESCRIPTION** |
| 10.1 | [Employment Agreement, dated April 28, 2026, by and between the Company and Andrew Casazza.](ea028676701ex10-1.htm) |
| 10.2 | [Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, dated April 28, 2026, by and between the Company and Andrew Casazza.](ea028676701ex10-2.htm) |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document). |

---

**Forward-Looking Statements** 

*This Current Report on Form 8-K contains "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements reflect the current view about future events. When used in this Current Report on Form 8-K, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "future," "intend," "plan" or the negative of these terms and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management, identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees of assurance of future performance. We caution you therefore against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the risks contained in the "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or planned. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results.*

**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **NEW ERA ENERGY & DIGITAL, INC.** | **NEW ERA ENERGY & DIGITAL, INC.** |
| Date: April 17, 2026 |  |  |
|  | By: | /s/ E. Will Gray II |
|  |  | E. Will Gray II |
|  |  | Chief Executive Officer |

---

## Exhibit 10.1

**Exhibit 10.1**

Execution Version

**<u>EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT</u>**

This Employment Agreement (this "***Agreement***") is entered into effective as of April 28, 2026 (the "***Effective Date***"), between New Era Energy & Digital, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the "***Company***"), and Andy Casazza ("***Executive***").

In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. <u>Employment</u>.
 The Company shall employ Executive, and Executive accepts employment with the Company as
 of the Effective Date, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement for the
 period beginning on the Effective Date and ending upon Executive's termination of employment
 for any reason (such period of employment, the "  ***Employment Period*** ").

2. <u>Position and Duties</u>. During the Employment Period, Executive shall serve as the Chief Corporate
 Officer of the Company, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and the President of the
 Company, and shall have the normal duties, responsibilities and authority of an executive
 serving in such position, subject to the power of the Chief Executive Officer, the President
 and Board of Directors of the Company (the "  ***Board***") to expand or
 limit such duties, responsibilities and authority, either generally or in specific instances.
 During the Employment Period, Executive shall devote Executive's best efforts and Executive's
 full business time and attention (except for permitted vacation periods, reasonable periods
 of illness or other incapacity) to the business and affairs of the Company, its subsidiaries
 and affiliates. During the Employment Period, Executive shall owe a fiduciary duty of loyalty,
 fidelity, and allegiance to act in the best interests of the Company and each of its subsidiaries
 and affiliates to which he provides services, and to not act in a manner that would materially
 injure their business, interests, or reputations. In keeping with these duties, Executive
 shall make full disclosure to the Chief Executive Officer and the President of the Company
 of all Business Opportunities and not appropriate for his own benefit any such Business Opportunities.
 For purposes of this Agreement, "  ***Business Opportunities***" shall
 mean all material business ideas, prospects, proposals, and other opportunities pertaining
 to the Business of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates that come to Executive's
 attention during the Employment Period that he determines, while acting reasonably in good
 faith and as a fiduciary to the Company, should be further considered by the Board.

3. <u>Compensation and Benefits</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Base Salary</u>. The Company agrees to pay Executive a base salary (the "  ***Base Salary*** ")
 during the Employment Period in installments based on the Company's practices as may
 be in effect from time to time. Executive's Base Salary shall initially be at the rate
 of $415,000.00 per year and shall be subject to adjustment by the Compensation Committee
 of the Board (the "  ***Committee*** ").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Target Bonus</u>. During the Employment Period, Executive will be eligible to earn an annual target
 bonus of up to forty percent (40%) of the Base Salary (the "  ***Target Bonus*** "),
 based on the achievement of specified performance goals (as determined in good faith by the
 Committee); <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that Executive shall not be eligible for any
 such Target Bonus for a calendar year unless Executive remains in the continuous employ of
 the Company until the date such bonus is paid (except as otherwise set forth herein). Any
 Target Bonus earned pursuant to this <u>Section 3(b)</u> shall be paid to Executive in a
 single lump sum following receipt of the Company's audited financial statements, but
 in any event such Target Bonus will be paid by March 15<sup>th</sup> of the calendar year
 following the calendar year for which such Target Bonus was earned.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Standard Benefits Package</u>. Executive shall be entitled during the Employment Period to participate,
 on the same basis as other executives of the Company, in those employee benefit programs,
 for which substantially all of the executives of the Company are from time to time generally
 eligible (including insurance and other benefits, but excluding, except as provided in <u>Section 5(b)</u>, any severance pay programs or policies of the Company), as determined from time
 to time by the Board. Such employee benefits will be governed by the applicable plan documents,
 insurance policies, or employment policies, and may be modified, suspended, or revoked in
 accordance with the terms of the applicable documents or policies without violating this
 Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Equity Compensation Plan</u>. Executive may be eligible to receive grants of equity, equity-based
 or similar compensation awards pursuant to the Company's Equity Incentive Plan or otherwise
 as may be approved in the sole discretion of the Committee from time to time. Any such grant
 will be represented by an award agreement and will be subject to the terms of the Company's
 Equity Incentive Plan (if applicable) and such award agreement under all circumstances (including
 in connection with Executive's termination of employment).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) <u>Business Expenses</u>. The Company shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable expenses incurred
 by Executive during the Employment Period in the course of performing Executive's duties
 under this Agreement that are consistent with the Company's policies as in effect from
 time to time with respect to travel, entertainment and other business expenses, subject to
 the Company's requirements applicable generally with respect to reporting and documentation
 of such expenses.

4. <u>Notice of Termination</u>. The Company may terminate Executive's employment at any time. Executive
 may voluntarily terminate his employment without Good Reason with ninety (90) days'
 advance notice or for Good Reason in accordance with the procedures set forth in <u>Section 7(e)</u>. In the event Executive provides notice to the Company of his voluntary termination
 of employment, the Company may accept such resignation, waive any remaining notice period,
 and accelerate the date of Executive's termination of employment, and any such waiver
 and earlier termination of employment will not constitute a Termination Without Cause. Executive's
 employment shall also terminate on the date of his death or as a result of a Disability (as
 determined by the Committee).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. <u>Post-Employment Payments</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Accrued Obligations</u>. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, at the end of Executive's
 employment for any reason, Executive shall cease to have any rights to further compensation
 or employee benefits except for (i) any Base Salary earned prior to Executive's termination
 of employment that remains unpaid as of such termination; (ii) any unreimbursed business
 expenses incurred prior to Executive's termination that are reimbursable in accordance
 with the Company's policies as in effect from time to time; (iii) vested benefits to
 which Executive may be entitled under any employee benefit plans of the Company (or an affiliate
 thereof), which vested benefits will be payable in accordance with the terms of the applicable
 employee benefit plan; and (iv) pursuant to any equity compensation, equity-based or similar
 award (or any portion thereof) which either vests by its terms due to the circumstances of
 termination of Executive's employment or extends by its terms beyond termination of
 Executive's employment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Severance Benefits</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) <u>Termination Without Cause or Termination For Good Reason Before a Change in Control</u>. Subject to <u>Section 5(c)</u>, if the Employment Period ends on account of a Termination Without Cause or a Termination
 For Good Reason at any time before a Change in Control, the Company shall pay Executive the
 following payments:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) severance
 compensation in an amount equal to one (1) multiplied by: the Base Salary, payable in equal
 installments across a twelve (12)-month period based on the Company's normal payroll
 cycles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) any
 annual Target Bonus earned for a calendar year prior to the calendar year in which the termination
 of employment occurs that remains unpaid as of such termination of employment (the "  ***Prior Year Bonus*** "), payable at the same time as paid to active employees in accordance
 with <u>Section 3(b)</u> herein;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) a
 pro-rated portion of the Target Bonus for the year in which Executive terminates employment,
 pro-rated based on the number of days that elapse during such calendar year prior to the
 date of Executive's termination of employment out of the entire calendar year (the
 "  ***Pro-Rated Bonus*** "), payable in equal installments in the same time
 and manner as set forth in <u>Section 5(b)(i)(A)</u>; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(D) payment
 of a lump sum amount within sixty (60) days following such termination of employment equal
 to the total cost of premium payments (including both the employer and employee portions)
 for twelve (12) months of coverage under the Company's medical, dental and vision plans
 for the same level of coverage Executive participated in with his dependents or family immediately
 prior to Executive's Termination Without Cause or Termination For Good Reason.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) <u>Termination Without Cause or Termination For Good Reason on or After a Change in Control</u>. Subject
 to <u>Section 5(c)</u>, if the Employment Period ends on account of a Termination Without
 Cause or a Termination For Good Reason either on the date of consummation of a Change in
 Control or within twelve (12) months following such date, the Company shall pay Executive
 the following payments:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) severance
 compensation in an amount equal to one and one-half (1.5) multiplied by: the Base Salary,
 payable in a lump sum within sixty (60) days following such termination of employment;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) the
 Prior Year Bonus, payable at the same time as paid to active employees in accordance with <u>Section 3(b)</u> herein;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) the
 Pro-Rated Bonus, payable in a lump sum within sixty (60) days following such termination
 of employment; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(D) payment
 of a lump sum amount within sixty (60) days following such termination of employment equal
 to the total cost of premium payments (including both the employer and employee portions)
 for eighteen (18) months of coverage under the Company's medical, dental and vision
 plans for the same level of coverage Executive participated in with his dependents or family
 immediately prior to Executive's Termination Without Cause or Termination For Good
 Reason.

It is expressly understood that the Company's payment obligations under this <u>Section 5(b)</u> shall cease in the event Executive breaches any of the agreements in <u>Section 6</u> hereof or any other restrictive covenant agreements entered with the Company or any of its affiliates. Any payment made pursuant to this <u>Section 5(b)</u> that is not made following Executive's Termination Without Cause or Termination For Good Reason because Executive has not executed the release described in <u>Section 5(c)</u> shall be paid to Executive in a single lump sum on the first payroll date following the last day of any applicable revocation period after Executive executes the release.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Release</u>.
 Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be obligated to make
 any payment under <u>Section 5(b)</u> hereof unless on or prior to the sixtieth (60th) day
 following the Termination Without Cause or Termination For Good Reason: (i) Executive executes
 a release of all current or future claims, known or unknown, arising on or before the date
 of the release against the Company and its subsidiaries and the directors, managers, officers,
 employees and affiliates of any of them in a form approved by the Company in the form attached
 as Exhibit A (such release, the "  ***Release*** "); and (ii) Executive
 does not revoke the Release and such Release becomes effective and nonrevocable.

6. <u>Non-Competition; Confidentiality; Non-Solicitation</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Acknowledgements and Agreements</u>. Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that in the performance of Executive's
 duties to the Company during the Employment Period, Executive will be brought into frequent
 contact with the Company's existing and potential customers throughout the world and
 the Company's trade secrets. Executive also agrees that trade secrets and confidential
 information of the Company gained by Executive during Executive's association with
 the Company, have been developed by the Company through substantial expenditures of time,
 effort and money and constitute valuable and unique property of the Company. Executive further
 understands and agrees that the foregoing makes it necessary for the protection of the Company's
 business that Executive not compete with the Company during Executive's employment
 with the Company and not compete with the Company for a reasonable period thereafter, as
 further provided in the following Sections.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Covenants</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) <u>Covenants During Employment</u>. While employed by the Company, Executive will not compete with the
 Company anywhere in the world and will not take any act or make any omission which is contrary
 to the best interests of the Company or its affiliates. In accordance with this restriction,
 but without limiting its terms, while employed by the Company, Executive will not:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) enter
 into or engage in any business that competes with the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) solicit
 customers, business, patronage or orders for, or sell, any products or services in competition
 with, or for any business that competes with, the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) divert,
 entice or otherwise take away any customers, business, patronage or orders of the Company
 or attempt to do so; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(D) promote
 or assist, financially or otherwise, any person, firm, association, partnership, corporation
 or other entity engaged in any business that competes with the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary contained herein, Executive shall at all times be allowed to undertake any of the activities set forth in Exhibit A (as such activities are conducted (as disclosed to the Board) as of the Effective Date) without restriction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) <u>Covenants Following Termination</u>. For a period of eighteen (18) months following the termination
 of Executive's employment, Executive will not:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) enter
 into or engage in any business in any manner which is similar to the capacity in which Executive
 provided services to the Company during the Employment Period that competes with the Company
 within the Restricted Territory;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) solicit
 customers, business, patronage or orders for, or sell, any products or services in competition
 with, or for any business that competes with, the Company within the Restricted Territory;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) divert,
 entice or otherwise take away any customers, business, patronage or orders of the Company
 within the Restricted Territory, or attempt to do so; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(D) promote
 or assist, financially or otherwise, in any capacity which is similar to the capacity in
 which Executive provided services to the Company during the Employment Period any person,
 firm, association, partnership, corporation or other entity engaged in any business that
 competes with the Company within the Restricted Territory.

Notwithstanding any provision in this <u>Section 6(b)</u> to the contrary, (1) nothing herein restricts Executive from providing services or engaging in any other activity with respect to a competitor of the Company in a capacity that is not the same or similar capacity as Executive provided services to the Company; and (2) the prohibitions in <u>Section 6(b)(ii)(B)</u> and <u>Section 6(b)(ii)(C)</u> shall be limited to customers with whom Executive had material business contact with on behalf of the Company, or about whom Executive received from the Company its confidential information, during the last two years of the Employment Period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) <u>Indirect Competition; Passive Investments</u>. Executive will be in violation of any of the restrictions
 in <u>Section 6(b)(i)</u> and <u>Section 6(b)(ii</u>) if Executive engages in any or all
 of the activities set forth therein directly as an individual on Executive's own account,
 or indirectly as a partner, joint venturer, employee, agent, salesperson, consultant, officer
 or director of any firm, association, partnership, corporation or other entity, or as a stockholder
 of any corporation in which Executive or Executive's spouse, child or parent owns,
 directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, more than five percent (5%) of
 the outstanding stock. Notwithstanding any provision of this <u>Section 6(b)</u> to the contrary,
 any passive investment by Executive in a publicly traded company of two percent (2%) or less
 of such company's outstanding stock shall not be a violation of this <u>Section 6(b)</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) <u>Tolling</u>.
 If it shall be judicially determined that Executive has violated this <u>Section 6(b),</u> then the period applicable to each obligation that Executive shall have been determined to
 have violated shall automatically be extended by a period of time equal in length to the
 period during which such violation(s) occurred.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Company</u>.
 For the purposes of <u>Section 6</u> and <u>Section 7(c)</u>, the Company shall include any
 and all direct and indirect subsidiary, parent, affiliated, or related companies of the Company
 for which Executive worked, had responsibility, or had access to confidential information
 at the time of termination of his employment and at any time during the two (2)-year period
 prior to such termination.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Non-Solicitation</u>.
 Executive will not directly or indirectly at any time during the period of Executive's
 employment or the two (2)-year period thereafter attempt to disrupt, damage, impair or interfere
 with the Company by raiding any of the Company's employees or soliciting any of them
 to resign from their employment by the Company, or by disrupting the relationship between
 the Company and any of its consultants, agents, representatives or vendors. Executive acknowledges
 that this covenant is necessary to enable the Company to maintain a stable workforce and
 remain in business. Notwithstanding any provision in this <u>Section 6(d)</u> to the contrary,
 the post-termination prohibitions in the preceding sentence shall be limited to Company employees,
 consultants, agents, representatives, and vendors with whom Executive had material business
 contact with on behalf of the Company, or about whom Executive received from the Company
 confidential information, during the last two years of the Employment Period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) <u>Non-Disparagement</u>.
 During the Employment Period and for a period of two (2) years thereafter, Executive agrees
 not to disparage or authorize to be made any written or oral disparagement of the Company
 or any of its past, present or future shareholders (equityholders), directors, accounting
 firms, third party investigators, attorneys, officers, employees, or agents or any aspect
 of Executive's employment with the Company or termination thereof except to the extent
 required by applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) truthful statements necessary
 to be made in the good faith performance of Executive's duties for the Company, (ii)
 reporting any actions or inactions to a governmental agency that Executive believes to be
 unlawful, (iii) participating in or cooperating with a governmental investigation, and (iv)
 discussing or disclosing underlying facts of any alleged discriminatory or unfair employment
 practice will not result in a breach of this <u>Section 6(e)</u>.

During the Employment Period and for a period of two (2) years thereafter, the Company agrees that it shall instruct the members of the Board and the Company's executive officers not to disparage or authorize to be made any written or oral disparagement of the Executive except to the extent required by applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) truthful statements necessary to be made in the good faith performance of the duties of the directors or executive officers of the Company, (ii) reporting any actions or inactions to a governmental agency that the Company believes to be unlawful, (iii) participating in or cooperating with a governmental investigation, and (iv) discussing or disclosing underlying facts of any alleged discriminatory or unfair employment practice will not result in a breach of this <u>Section 6(e)</u>.

At the same time that this Agreement is signed, Executive will sign the Acknowledgement of Notice of Restrictive Covenants attached hereto as Exhibit B attesting to compliance with C.R.S. § 8-2-113(4).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) <u>Further Covenants</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) <u>Confidential Information</u>. Executive will keep in strict confidence, and will not, directly or indirectly,
 at any time, during or after Executive's employment with the Company, disclose, furnish,
 disseminate, make available or, except in the course of performing Executive's duties
 of employment, use any trade secrets or confidential business and technical information of
 the Company or its customers or vendors, without limitation as to when or how Executive may
 have acquired such information. Such confidential information is material that is not generally
 available to the public and shall include, without limitation, the Company's unique
 selling, manufacturing and servicing methods and business techniques, training, service and
 business manuals, promotional materials, training courses and other training and instructional
 materials, vendor and product information, employee evaluations and employee performance
 information, customer and prospective customer lists, other customer and prospective customer
 information and other business information. Executive specifically acknowledges that all
 such confidential information, whether reduced to writing, maintained on any form of electronic
 media, or maintained in the mind or memory of Executive and whether compiled by the Company
 or Executive, derives independent economic value from not being readily known to or ascertainable
 by proper means by others who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use, that
 reasonable efforts have been made by the Company to maintain the secrecy of such information,
 that such information is the sole property of the Company and that any retention and use
 of such information by Executive during his employment with the Company (except in the course
 of performing his duties and obligations to the Company) or after the termination of his
 employment shall constitute a misappropriation of the Company's trade secrets. Executive's
 obligations in this <u>Section 6(f)(i)</u> with regard to (A) trade secrets will continue
 for so long as such information remains trade secrets under applicable law; and (B) the Company's
 confidential information will continue for ten (10) years following Executive's termination
 of employment from the Company. Nothing in this Agreement prevents Executive from providing,
 without prior notice to the Company, information to governmental or administrative authorities
 regarding possible violations of law or otherwise testifying or participating in any investigation
 or proceeding by any governmental or administrative authorities regarding possible violations
 of law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) <u>Return of Property</u>. Executive agrees that upon termination of Executive's employment with
 the Company for any reason, Executive shall return to the Company all property of the Company
 without being intentionally damaged, including without limitation, any Company-provided laptop,
 cell phone, keys or keycards, work papers, reports, drawings, photographs, negatives, prototypes,
 and the originals and all copies of any materials that contain, reflect, summarize, describe,
 analyze or refer or relate to any items of information listed in <u>Section 6(f)(i)</u>,
 whether in hard copy or generated and maintained on any form of electronic media. In the
 event that such items are not so returned, the Company will have the right to charge Executive
 for all reasonable damages, costs, attorneys' fees and other expenses incurred in searching
 for, taking, removing or recovering such property.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) <u>Defend Trade Secrets Act Notice of Immunity</u>. The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 ("  ***DTSA*** ")
 provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal
 or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made (1) in confidence
 to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an
 attorney and (2) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation
 of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding,
 if such filing is made under seal. In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who
 files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law
 may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret
 information in the court proceeding, if the individual (x) files any document containing
 the trade secret under seal and (y) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to
 court order.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) <u>Discoveries and Inventions; Work Made for Hire</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Executive
 agrees that upon conception or development of any idea, discovery, invention, improvement,
 software, writing or other material or design that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) relates
 to the business of the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) relates
 to the Company's actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) results
 from any work performed by Executive for the Company, Executive does hereby assign to the
 Company the entire right, title and interest in and to any such idea, discovery, invention,
 improvement, software, writing or other material or design. Executive has no obligation to
 assign any idea, discovery, invention, improvement, software, writing or other material or
 design that Executive conceives or develops entirely on Executive's own time without
 using the Company's equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information unless
 the idea, discovery, invention, improvement, software, writing or other material or design
 (x) relates to the business of the Company; (y) relates to the Company's actual or
 demonstrably anticipated research or development; or (z) results from any work performed
 by Executive for the Company. Executive agrees that any idea, discovery, invention, improvement,
 software, writing or other material or design that relates to the business of the Company
 or relates to the Company's actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development
 that is conceived or suggested by Executive, either solely or jointly with others, within
 one (1) year following termination of Executive's employment under this Agreement or
 any successor agreements shall be presumed to have been so made, conceived or suggested in
 the course of such employment with the use of the Company's equipment, supplies, facilities,
 or trade secrets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) In
 order to determine the rights of Executive and the Company in any idea, discovery, invention,
 improvement, software, writing or other material or design, and to ensure the protection
 of the same, Executive agrees that during Executive's employment and for one (1) year
 after termination of Executive's employment under this Agreement or any successor agreements,
 Executive will disclose immediately and fully to the Company any idea, discovery, invention,
 improvement, software, writing or other material or design conceived, made or developed by
 Executive solely or jointly with others that relates to the business of the Company or relates
 to the Company's actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development. The Company
 agrees to keep any such disclosures confidential. Executive also agrees to record descriptions
 of all work in the manner directed by the Company and agrees that all such records and copies,
 samples, and experimental materials will be the exclusive property of the Company. Executive
 agrees that at the request of and without charge to the Company, but at the Company's
 expense, Executive will execute a written assignment of the idea, discovery, invention, improvement,
 software, writing or other material or design to the Company and will assign to the Company
 any application for letters patent or for trademark registration made thereon, and to any
 common-law or statutory copyright therein; and that Executive will do whatever may be necessary
 or desirable to enable the Company to secure any patent, trademark, copyright, or other property
 right therein in the United States and in any foreign country, and any division, renewal,
 continuation, or continuation in part thereof, or for any reissue of any patent issued thereon.
 In the event the Company is unable, after reasonable effort, and in any event after ten (10)
 business days, to secure Executive's signature on a written assignment to the Company
 of any application for letters patent or to any common-law or statutory copyright or other
 property right therein, whether because of Executive's physical or mental incapacity
 or for any other reason whatsoever, Executive irrevocably designates and appoints the Corporate
 Secretary of the Company as Executive's attorney-in-fact to act on Executive's
 behalf to execute and file any such application and to do all other lawfully permitted acts
 to further the prosecution and issuance of such letters patent, copyright or trademark.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) <u>Work Made for Hire</u>. Executive acknowledges that, to the extent permitted by law, all work
 papers, reports, documentation, drawings, photographs, negatives, tapes and masters therefor,
 prototypes and other materials (hereinafter, "  ***items*** "), including
 without limitation, any and all such items generated and maintained on any form of electronic
 media, generated by Executive while performing work for the Company shall be considered a
 "*work made for hire*" and that ownership of any and all copyrights in any
 and all such items shall belong to the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) <u>Communication of Contents of Agreement</u>. While employed by the Company and for two (2) years thereafter,
 Executive will communicate the contents of <u>Section 6</u> of this Agreement to any person,
 firm, association, partnership, corporation or other entity that Executive intends to be
 employed by, associated with, or represent.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) <u>Confidentiality Agreements</u>. Executive agrees that Executive shall not disclose to the Company or induce
 the Company to use any secret or confidential information belonging to Executive's
 former employers. Executive warrants that Executive is not bound by the terms of a confidentiality
 agreement or other agreement with a third party that would preclude or limit Executive's
 right to work for the Company or to disclose to the Company any ideas, inventions, discoveries,
 improvements or designs or other information that may be conceived during employment with
 the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) <u>Relief</u>.
 Executive acknowledges and agrees that the remedy at law available to the Company for breach
 of any of Executive's obligations under this Agreement would be inadequate and any
 such breach would result in irreparable harm for which damages are difficult to calculate.
 Executive therefore agrees that, in addition to any other rights or remedies that the Company
 may have at law or in equity, temporary and permanent injunctive relief may be granted in
 any proceeding that may be brought to enforce any provision contained in <u>Section 6</u> inclusive, of this Agreement, without the necessity of proof of actual damage and without
 posting of a bond.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) <u>Reasonableness</u>.
 Executive acknowledges that Executive's obligations under this <u>Section 6</u> are
 reasonable in the context of the nature of the Company's business and the competitive
 injuries likely to be sustained by the Company if Executive were to violate such obligations
 and that these obligations do not place an undue burden on Executive. Executive further acknowledges
 that this Agreement is made in consideration of, and is adequately supported by, the agreement
 of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement and by other consideration,
 including Executive's employment with the Company, which Executive acknowledges constitutes
 good, valuable and sufficient consideration. It is the desire and intent of the parties hereto
 that the provisions of this Agreement shall be enforced to the fullest extent legally permissible.
 Accordingly, if any particular provision(s) of this Agreement shall be adjudicated to be
 invalid or unenforceable, the court may modify or sever such provision(s), such modification
 or deletion to apply only with respect to the operation of such provision(s) in the particular
 jurisdiction in which such adjudication is made. Further, <u>Section 6</u> herein is independent
 of other obligations under this Agreement, and therefore, no claim by Executive against the
 Company or its affiliates for breach of this Agreement or otherwise will constitute a defense
 to enforceability of the covenants contained in <u>Section 6</u>. In addition, if any one
 or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be
 excessively broad as to duration, geographical scope, activity or subject, it shall be construed
 by limiting and reducing it, so as to be enforceable to the extent compatible with the applicable
 law as it shall then appear. The remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full
 force and effect.

7. <u>Definitions</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) "  ***Change in Control***" shall have the meaning set forth in the Company's 2024 Equity
 Incentive Plan (or any successor plan thereto). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
 in this Agreement, a "Change in Control" shall only be deemed to occur for purposes
 of this Agreement if such event constitutes a "change in control event" within
 the meaning of Section 409A (as defined below).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) "  ***Disability*** "
 means the determination by a physician selected by the Committee (that is reasonably acceptable
 to Executive) that Executive is reasonably likely to be unable to perform the essential functions
 of his position, with or without reasonable accommodation, due to a physical or mental impairment,
 for a period of one hundred and eighty (180) consecutive days (or one hundred and eighty
 (180) days within a twelve (12)-month period) or that Executive has a physical or mental
 impairment that is reasonably likely to result in Executive's death.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) "  ***Restricted Territory***" means: (i) the geographic area(s) within a one hundred and fifty
 (150) mile radius of any and all Company location(s), and (ii) Texas and New Mexico.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)  ***"Termination For Cause***" means the termination by the Company or any subsidiary of Executive's
 employment with the Company or any affiliate as a result of: (i) the indictment or conviction
 of Executive or plea of *nolo contendere* by Executive for a felony, fraud or other
 crime of moral turpitude; (ii) gross negligence or gross misconduct by Executive, which is
 not cured within fourteen (14) days after written notice thereof to Executive; (iii) Executive's
 failure to follow the directions of the Board which is not cured within fourteen (14) days
 after written notice thereof to Executive; (iv) Executive's violation of <u>Section 6</u> of this Agreement or any other restrictive covenant agreement entered with the Company
 or any of its affiliates, which is not cured (if curable) within fourteen (14) days after
 written notice thereof to Executive; (v) any conduct by or at the direction of Executive
 that would reasonably be expected to result in material injury or reputational harm to the
 Company (or any of its affiliates), which is not cured within fourteen (14) days after written
 notice thereof to Executive; (vi) Executive's breach of a material employment policy
 of the Company (or any of its affiliates), which is not cured within fourteen (14) days after
 written notice thereof to Executive; (vii) Executive's breach of the Company's
 Code of Conduct and Ethics or the New Era Helium Inc. Policy for Recovery of Erroneously
 Awarded Compensation, which is not cured within fourteen (14) days after written notice thereof
 to Executive or (viii) any other breach by Executive of this Agreement or any other agreement
 with the Company (or any of its affiliates) that is material and that is not cured within
 fourteen (14) days after written notice thereof to Executive.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) **" *Termination For Good Reason* "** means Executive's termination of Executive's employment
 with the Company or any affiliate as result of any of the following without Executive's
 consent: (i) a decrease in the Base Salary; (ii) any action or inaction that results in a
 material breach of this Agreement (including Section 22 herein) or any other agreement between
 the Company and Executive by the Company; (iii) any material diminution in Executive's
 position, duties, authority, or responsibilities; or (iv) a requirement that Executive work
 full-time from an office that is more than fifty (50) miles from Boulder, Colorado. Notwithstanding
 the foregoing, no termination of employment by Executive shall constitute a "  ***Termination For Good Reason***" unless (A) Executive gives the Company notice of the existence
 of an event described above within sixty (60) days following the initial occurrence thereof;
 (B) the Company does not remedy such event within thirty (30) days of receiving the notice
 described in the preceding clause (A); and (C) Executive terminates employment within ninety
 (90) days of the end of the cure period specified in <u>clause (B)</u> above.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) "  ***Termination Without Cause***" means the termination by the Company or any of its affiliates
 of Executive's employment for any reason other than a termination by the Company as
 a result of Executive's Disability or death or a Termination For Cause.

8. <u>Survival</u>.
 Subject to any limits on applicability contained therein, <u>Section 6</u>, <u>Section 9</u>, <u>Section 10</u> and <u>Section 22</u> hereof shall survive and continue in full force in
 accordance with its terms notwithstanding any termination of the Employment Period.

9. <u>Clawback.</u> Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement or any other agreement to the contrary, performance-based
 compensation provided to Executive under this Agreement or pursuant to any other agreement
 or understanding shall be subject to the Company's Policy for Recovery of Erroneously
 Awarded Compensation or any successor or other clawback or recoupment policy as in effect
 from time to time, and any amendments thereto, as required by applicable law, including but
 not limited to Section 10D of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations
 of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the rules of the Nasdaq. Further notwithstanding
 any provision of this Agreement or any other agreement to the contrary, in the event the
 Company acquires evidence within the twenty-four (24) month period following Executive's
 termination of employment that would have given the Company grounds to terminate Executive's
 employment as a result of a Termination For Cause if the Company had had such evidence at
 the time of Executive's termination, the Company may require Executive to return to
 the Company all benefits and compensation paid to Executive pursuant to <u>Section 5(b)</u> herein and may cease payment of any further benefits under <u>Section 5(b)</u>. In the event
 the Company notifies Executive that it has obtained evidence of grounds to terminate Executive's
 employment as a result of a Termination For Cause, Executive shall be given fourteen (14)
 days to appear in front of the Committee to discuss such grounds. Executive expressly agrees
 to return or repay any amounts to the Company as required under this <u>Section 9</u> following
 a final determination hereunder by the Committee promptly and further expressly agrees to
 the Company's offsetting any amounts owed to the Company under this <u>Section 9</u> by any amounts otherwise owed by the Company to Executive to the extent permissible under
 Section 409A (as defined below).

10. <u>Tax Matters</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Withholding</u>.
 The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state,
 city or other taxes as the Company is required to withhold pursuant to any applicable law,
 regulation or ruling. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company
 shall not be obligated to guarantee any particular tax result for Executive with respect
 to any payment provided to Executive hereunder, and Executive shall be responsible for any
 taxes imposed on Executive with respect to any such payment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Section 409A</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) This
 Agreement is intended to comply with or be exempt from Section 409A of the Internal
 Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("  ***Section 409A***") and all provisions
 of this Agreement shall be administered, construed and interpreted in a manner consistent
 with such intent. If the Company independently determines any provision of this Agreement
 fails to comply with or be exempt from Section 409A, the Company shall, after consulting
 with Executive, reform such provision to the minimum extent reasonably appropriate and necessary
 to attempt to avoid any additional tax or interest under Section 409A. To the extent that
 any such modification becomes reasonably appropriate and necessary, such modification shall
 be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the
 original intent and economic benefit to Executive and the Company of the applicable provision
 without violating the provisions of Section 409A. The Company does not guarantee any particular
 tax result for Executive and has no obligation to provide Executive with a gross up or indemnity
 with respect to any taxes that Executive may incur with respect to any payments or benefits
 received pursuant to this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Any
 expense reimbursements required to be made under this Agreement shall be for covered expenses
 incurred by Executive during his lifetime, and such reimbursements shall be made not later
 than December 31st of the year following the year in which Executive incurs the expense;
 provided that in no event shall the amount of expenses eligible for payment or reimbursement,
 or in-kind benefits provided, by the Company in one calendar year affect the amount of expenses
 to be paid or reimbursed, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other calendar year.
 Executive's right to expense reimbursement shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange
 for another benefit.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) To
 the extent that this Agreement provides for the payment of "deferred compensation"
 (within the meaning of Section 409A) to Executive or Executive's beneficiaries upon
 or as a result of Executive's termination of employment, Executive shall be considered
 to have experienced a termination of employment as of the date that Executive incurs a "separation
 from service" within the meaning of Section 409A.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) Each
 payment or benefit to which Executive becomes entitled under this Agreement will be considered,
 and is hereby designated as, a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A (and consequently
 Executive's entitlement to such payment or benefit will not be considered an entitlement
 to a single payment of the aggregate amount to be paid). Each such payment shall be deemed
 exempt from Section 409A to the greatest extent possible. To the extent that any payments
 pursuant to this Agreement are contingent upon Executive entering into the Release and if
 the period for review or revocation of the Release crosses calendar years, such payments
 shall be made or commence in the later calendar year if necessary to avoid taxes or penalties
 under Section 409A. Any payments that would otherwise be made during the period for review
 and revocation of the Release will be made as soon as practicable after such period ends.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) If
 the Company makes a good faith determination that a payment under this Agreement (A) constitutes
 a deferral of compensation for purposes of Section 409A, (B) is made to Executive by reason
 of his separation from service, (C) at the time such payment would otherwise be made,
 Executive is a "specified employee" within the meaning of Section 409A (and using
 the identification methodology specified by the Company from time to time), and (D) a delay
 in payment is required in order to avoid the imposition of excise taxes under Section 409A,
 then the payment shall be delayed until the earlier of (1) the first (1st) business day following
 the six (6)-month anniversary of Executive's separation from service, or (2) Executive's
 death.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Parachute Payments</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Notwithstanding
 any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any amount or benefit to be paid or provided
 under this Agreement would be an "Excess Parachute Payment" within the meaning
 of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "  ***Code*** ")
 but for the application of this sentence, then the payments and benefits to be paid or provided
 under this Agreement will be reduced to the minimum extent necessary (but in no event to
 less than zero (0)) so that no portion of any such payment or benefit, as so reduced, constitutes
 an Excess Parachute Payment; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that the foregoing reduction
 will be made only if and to the extent that such reduction would result in an increase in
 the aggregate payment and benefits to be provided, determined on an after-tax basis (taking
 into account the excise tax imposed pursuant to Section 4999 of the Code, any tax imposed
 by any comparable provision of state law, and any applicable federal, state and local income
 and employment taxes). The fact that Executive's right to payments or benefits may
 be reduced by reason of the limitations contained in this <u>Section 10(c)(i)</u> will not
 of itself limit or otherwise affect any other rights of Executive other than pursuant to
 this Agreement. In the event that any payment or benefit intended to be provided under this
 Agreement or otherwise is required to be reduced pursuant to this <u>Section 10(c)(i)</u>,
 the Company will effect such reduction to the extent necessary in the following order: first,
 performance-based equity grants; second, time-based equity grants; third other noncash benefits;
 and fourth, cash payments. Within each group, such benefits or payments shall be reduced
 in the reverse order in which they would otherwise have been vested or paid.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) All
 computations and determinations relevant to this Section 10(c)(ii) shall be implemented in
 a manner that maximizes the Executive's after-tax economic benefit and be made
 by an independent accounting firm selected and paid by the Company and reasonably acceptable
 to Executive (the "  ***Accounting Firm*** "), which firm may be the Company's
 ordinary course accountants. If the Accounting Firm determines that any amounts are Excess
 Parachute Payments, the Accounting Firm shall provide its determination (the "  ***Determination*** "),
 together with detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and Executive. If the
 Accounting Firm determines that no amounts are Excess Parachute Payments, it shall furnish
 Executive and the Company with a written statement that such Accounting Firm has so concluded
 that no excise tax is payable (including the reasons therefor) and that Executive has substantial
 authority not to report any excise tax on his federal income tax. The Company and Executive
 shall furnish to the Accounting Firm such information and documents as the Accounting Firm
 may reasonably request in order to make the Determination hereunder. The Accounting Firm
 shall make its Determination on the basis of substantial authority and shall provide opinions
 to that effect to both the Company and Executive upon the request of either of them.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) The
 Executive shall have the right, at the Executive's expense, to contest the determination
 of the Accounting Firm by providing written notice to the Company within fifteen (15) days
 following receipt of the determination, together with alternative calculations prepared by
 an independent advisor reasonably acceptable to the Company. If the Company and the Executive
 are unable to resolve such dispute within ten (10) days, the matter shall be submitted to
 a mutually agreed independent nationally recognized accounting firm, whose determination
 shall be final and binding. Pending final resolution, payments shall be made in accordance
 with the original determination, subject to adjustment (including repayment or additional
 payment, as applicable) promptly following final determination.

11. <u>Securities</u>.
 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement (or in any other agreement, contract
 or arrangement with the Company or any parent or subsidiary of the Company, or in any policy,
 procedure or practice of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate (collectively, the "  ***Arrangements*** ")):
 (i) nothing in the Arrangements or otherwise limits Executive's right to any monetary
 award offered by a government-administered whistleblower award program for providing information
 directly to a government agency (including the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant
 to Section 21F of the Exchange Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection
 Act or The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), and (ii) nothing in the Arrangements or otherwise
 prevents the Executive from providing, without prior notice to the Company, information to
 governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations or otherwise testifying or participating
 in any investigation or proceeding by any governmental authorities regarding possible legal
 violations, and for purposes of clarity, the Executive is not prohibited from providing information
 voluntarily to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange
 Act.

12. <u>Notices</u>.
 Any notice provided to the Company provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing to
 the Company, marked Attention: Compensation Committee Chair, and any notice to Executive
 shall be addressed to Executive at his address on file with the Company. Except as otherwise
 provided herein, any written notice shall be deemed to be duly given if and when delivered
 personally or deposited in the United States mail, first class registered mail, postage and
 fees prepaid, and addressed as aforesaid.

13. <u>Severability</u>.
 If one or more of the provisions of this Agreement is invalidated for any reason by a court
 of competent jurisdiction, any provision so invalidated shall be deemed to be separable from
 the other provisions hereof, and the remaining provisions hereof shall continue to be valid
 and fully enforceable.

14. <u>Complete Agreement</u>. This Agreement embodies the complete agreement and understanding between the
 parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and effective as of its date supersedes
 and preempts any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or between the parties,
 written or oral, that may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way. Notwithstanding
 the foregoing, this Agreement does not supersede or in any way limit or otherwise affect
 (i) Executive's rights with respect to equity, equity-based, or similar compensation
 granted under other agreements between the Company (or an affiliate thereof) and Executive,
 or (ii) restrictive covenants that may be included in other agreements between the Company
 (or an affiliate thereof) and Executive to which Executive may be bound. Executive acknowledges
 and agrees that, in signing this Agreement, he is not relying on any prior oral or written
 statement or representation by the Company or its representatives outside of this Agreement
 but is instead relying solely on his own judgment and his legal and tax advisors, if any.

15. <u>Counterparts</u>.
 This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts (including counterparts transmitted
 by facsimile or Adobe PDF attached to an email), each of which shall be deemed to be an original
 and both of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

16. <u>Successors and Assigns</u>. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable
 by Executive, the Company and their respective heirs, executors, personal representatives,
 successors and assigns, except that Executive may not assign any rights or delegate any obligations
 hereunder without the prior written consent of the Company. Executive hereby consents to
 the assignment by the Company of all of its rights and obligations hereunder to any successor
 to the Company by merger or consolidation or purchase of all or substantially all of the
 Company's assets, provided that such transferee or successor assumes the liabilities
 of the Company hereunder.

17. <u>Choice of Law</u>. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal,
 substantive laws of the State of Nevada. Executive agrees that the state and federal courts
 located in the State of Texas shall have exclusive jurisdiction in any action, suit or proceeding
 by or against Executive based on or arising out of this Agreement and Executive hereby: (a)
 submits to the personal jurisdiction of such courts; (b) consents to service of process in
 connection with any action, suit or proceeding against Executive; and (c) waives any other
 requirement (whether imposed by statute, rule of court or otherwise) with respect to personal
 jurisdiction, venue or service of process. In addition, the parties hereby irrevocably consent
 to the binding and exclusive venue for any dispute, controversy, claim, or cause of action
 between them arising out of or related to this Agreement being in the state or federal court
 of competent jurisdiction that regularly conducts proceedings or has jurisdiction in Midland
 County, Texas. Nothing in this Agreement, however, precludes either party from seeking to
 remove a civil action from any state court to federal court.

18. <u>Alternative-Dispute Resolution Protocol</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Definition of Dispute</u>. Any dispute, controversy, claim or cause of action between the parties arising
 out of or relating to this Agreement (each, a "  ***Dispute*** "), shall
 be resolved solely in accordance with the terms of this <u>Section 18</u>. Notwithstanding
 the preceding sentence, the Company may seek injunctive relief from any court of competent
 jurisdiction for breaches of <u>Section 6</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Mandatory Arbitration</u>. A Dispute may be submitted by either party for definitive resolution through
 binding arbitration (an "  ***Arbitration***") with a single neutral arbitrator
 (the "  ***Arbitrator***") mutually agreed upon by the parties or otherwise
 selected in accordance with the Rules (as defined below) in Midland, Texas. In the event
 the parties cannot agree on an Arbitrator, the Arbitrator shall be selected by the Dallas,
 Texas office of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. ("  ***JAMS*** ")
 or its successor in accordance with its arbitrator selection procedures. The Arbitration
 shall be brought before the Arbitrator and heard in accordance with then-applicable JAMS
 Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures (the "  ***Rules*** "). The
 arbitrator shall (i) have the authority to compel adequate discovery for the resolution of
 the Dispute and to award such relief as would otherwise be permitted by applicable law; and
 (ii) issue a written arbitration decision including the Arbitrator's essential findings
 and conclusions and a statement of the award. The Arbitrator shall determine if any Dispute
 or issue is subject to this arbitration obligation, and to award any or all remedies that
 either party would be entitled to seek in a court of law. The Company shall bear the administrative
 costs and expenses of the Arbitration, including the Arbitrator's fee, and each party
 shall bear its own attorney's fees and associated expenses, subject to re-allocation
 as permitted under the Rules and applicable substantive law. Except as required by law or
 as may be reasonably required in connection with ancillary judicial proceedings to compel
 arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or
 to confirm or challenge an arbitration award, the Arbitration proceedings, including any
 hearings, evidence, and award, shall be confidential, and the parties shall not disclose
 any awards, any materials in the proceedings created for the purpose of the Arbitration,
 or any documents produced by another party in the proceedings not otherwise in the public
 domain. Judgment on any award rendered by an arbitration tribunal may be entered in any court
 having jurisdiction thereover. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties may bring an action
 or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling
 arbitration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Waiver of Right to Jury Trial</u>. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION IN THIS AGREEMENT, EXECUTIVE
 AND THE COMPANY SHALL, AND HEREBY DO, IRREVOCABLY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT
 TO ANY DISPUTE AGAINST THE COMPANY OR ITS AFFILIATES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT
 (EITHER ALLEGED BREACH OR ENFORCEMENT).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Confidentiality</u>.
 Except as required by law, Executive and the Company agree that all aspects of any arbitration
 or mediation proceeding arising under or relating to this Agreement, including, without limitation,
 all filings, evidence, testimony, transcripts, briefs, settlement discussions, rulings, and
 any final award or order, shall be kept strictly confidential. Neither the Company nor Executive
 shall, directly or indirectly, disclose, publish, or communicate any such information to
 any person or entity, except: (i) to the extent required by law or court order; (ii) to Executive's
 spouse, or the Company's or Executive's respective legal counsel, tax advisors,
 or other professional advisors who have a need to know and are bound by confidentiality obligations;
 or (iii) as necessary to enforce or challenge the arbitration award in a court of competent
 jurisdiction. Executive and the Company shall each take all reasonable steps to ensure compliance
 with this confidentiality obligation and shall remain responsible for any unauthorized disclosure
 by persons to whom disclosure is permitted under this provision.

19. <u>Amendment and Waiver</u>. The provisions of this Agreement may be amended or waived only with the prior
 written consent of the Company and Executive; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, the Company
 may modify or amend the Agreement in its sole discretion at any time without the further
 consent of Executive in any manner necessary to comply with applicable law and regulations
 or the listing or other requirements of any stock exchange upon which the Company or its
 affiliate is listed. Any such amendment shall preserve the rights and benefits of Executive
 as reasonably possible, and the Company will use reasonable efforts to consult with Executive
 prior to and regarding any such proposed amendment. No waiver by either party of a breach
 of any term of this Agreement will operate or be construed as a waiver of a subsequent breach
 of the same provision by either party or of the breach of any other term or provision of
 this Agreement, unless so stated in writing.

20. <u>Third-Party Beneficiaries</u>. The Company and the Company's subsidiaries and affiliates to which
 Executive provides services shall be included within the definition of "Company"
 for purposes of this Agreement, are intended to be third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement,
 and therefore may enforce this Agreement.

21. <u>Representations</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) <u>Executive</u>:
 Executive represents and warrants that (a) he has not previously assumed any obligations
 inconsistent with those in this Agreement; (b) his execution of this Agreement, and his employment
 with the Company, shall not violate any other contract or obligation between Executive and
 any former employer or other third party; and (c) during the Employment Period, he shall
 not use or disclose to anyone within the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates any proprietary
 information or trade secrets of any former employer or other third party. Executive further
 represents and warrants that he has entered into this Agreement pursuant to his own initiative
 and that the Company did not induce him to execute this Agreement in contravention of any
 existing commitments. Executive further acknowledges that the Company has entered into this
 Agreement in reliance upon the foregoing representations of Executive.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) <u>Company</u>:
 The Company represents and warrants that (a) it has not previously assumed any obligations
 inconsistent with those in this Agreement; (b) the execution of this Agreement, the employment
 of the Executive and the provision of the compensation, benefits or awards referenced hereunder
 shall not violate any other contract or obligation between the Company and any other third
 party.

[Signatures are located on the next page.]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date set forth below to be effective as of the date first written above.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NEW ERA ENERGY & DIGITAL, INC.** | **NEW ERA ENERGY & DIGITAL, INC.** |
| By: | /s/ E. Will Gray II |
| Name: | E. Will Gray II |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
| Dated: | April 16, 2026 |
| **ANDY CASAZZA** | **ANDY CASAZZA** |
| /s/ Andy Casazza | /s/ Andy Casazza |
| Dated: | April 16, 2026 |

---

**EXHIBIT A**

**RELEASE**

**<u>General Release Agreement</u>**

This General Release Agreement (this "***Agreement***") constitutes the Release referred to in that certain Employment Agreement (the "***Employment Agreement***") ****effective as of April 28, 2026, by and among New Era Energy & Digital, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the "***Company***"), and Andy Casazza ("***Employee***").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Capitalized words used but not defined in this Agreement shall have the same meaning as such terms are assigned by the Employment Agreement. In exchange for the post-employment benefits set forth in Section 5 of the Employment Agreement (the "***Separation Payments***"), to be provided to Employee by the Company in accordance with the Employment Agreement, the Employee releases, waives, acquits, and forever discharges to the maximum extent permitted by law any and all rights, claims, and demands of whatever kind or character, whether presently known to me or unknown, and whether vicarious, derivative, or direct or indirect, that he may have or assert against: (i) the Company; (ii) any parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of the Company; (iii) any past or present officer, director, or employee of the entities just referred to in (i)-(ii), in their individual and official capacities; and (iv) any past or present predecessors, parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, owners, shareholders, members, managers, benefit plans, operating units, divisions, agents, representatives, officers, directors, partners, employees, fiduciaries, insurers, attorneys, successors, and assigns of the entities just named in (i)-(iii) (the "***Released Parties***"). This release includes without limitation any claims arising under federal, state, or local laws prohibiting employment discrimination, including without limitation the Age Discrimination in Employment Act ("***ADEA***"); any claims growing out of any legal restrictions, contractual or otherwise, on the Company's right to terminate the employment of its employees; any claims arising out of Employee's employment with the Company or the termination of that employment; any claims relating to or arising out of any agreement or contract between Employee and any of the Released Parties; and any claims arising out of or based on any other act, conduct, or omission of any of the Released Parties (collectively, the rights, claims, and demands referenced above are referred to as the "***Released Claims***"). This release does not prevent Employee from filing any administrative claims for unemployment compensation or workers' compensation benefits. This Agreement is not intended to indicate that any Released Claims exist or that, if they do exist, they are meritorious. Rather, Employee is simply agreeing that, in exchange for the Separation Payments, any and all potential claims of this nature that Employee may have against the Released Parties, regardless of whether they actually exist, are expressly settled, compromised, and waived.

In no event shall the Released Claims include (a) any claim which arises after the date this Agreement is signed by Employee, (b) any claim to vested benefits or compensation under an employee benefit plan or equity compensation plan (in accordance with the terms of such plans), or (c) any claim to receive the Separation Payments.

By signing this Agreement, Employee is bound by it. Anyone who succeeds to Employee's rights and responsibilities, such as heirs or the executor of Employee's estate, is also bound by this Agreement. The release set forth in this Agreement also applies to any claims brought by any person or agency or class action under which Employee may have a right or benefit.

Notwithstanding the release in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement prevents Employee from (i) contacting, filing a charge or complaint with, providing information to, or cooperating with an investigation conducted by, any governmental agency, (ii) making disclosures or giving truthful testimony as required by law or valid legal process (such as by a subpoena), or (iii) engaging in other legally-protected activities. Employee acknowledges and agrees, however, that he forever waives any right to recover, and he will not request or accept, anything of monetary value from any of the Released Parties arising out of or connected in any way with his employment or the ending of his employment with the Company, the employment practices of the Company, or with any other act, conduct, or omission of any of the Released Parties, other than the Separation Payments, whether sought directly by him or by any governmental agency, individuals, or group of individuals on his behalf.

**<u>THIS RELEASE INCLUDES MATTERS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE SOLE OR PARTIAL NEGLIGENCE (WHETHER GROSS OR SIMPLE) OR OTHER FAULT, INCLUDING STRICT LIABILITY, OF ANY OF THE RELEASED PARTIES</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Employee agrees not to bring or join any lawsuit, arbitration, or other proceeding against any of the Released Parties in any court relating to any of the Released Claims. Employee represents that Employee has not brought or joined any lawsuit or filed any charge or claim against any of the Released Parties in any court or before any government agency and has made no assignment of any rights Employee has asserted or may have against any of the Released Parties to any person (including any entity), in each case, with respect to any Released Claims.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Employee further agrees to keep confidential and not to disclose to anyone the terms of this Agreement, except as permitted below or by law and except that he may disclose the terms to his family, attorney, or tax or financial advisor, if any, provided such persons have agreed to keep such information confidential.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Employee's covenants in <u>Section 6</u> of the Employment Agreement (and those provisions necessary to enforce and interpret them) remain in full force and effect, and Employee promises to abide by such covenants. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement or the Employment Agreement shall prohibit or restrict Employee from lawfully (a) initiating communications directly with, cooperating with, providing information to, causing information to be provided to, or otherwise assisting in an investigation by, any governmental agency regarding a possible violation of any law; (b) responding to any inquiry or legal process directed to the Employee from any governmental agency; (c) testifying, participating or otherwise assisting in an action or proceeding by any governmental agency relating to a possible violation of law or (d) making any other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of any applicable law. Further, nothing herein or in the Employment Agreement shall prevent Employee from, nor shall Employee be criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for, making a disclosure of trade secrets or other confidential information that is: (a) made (i) in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of applicable law; (b) made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal; or (c) protected under the whistleblower provisions of applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) By executing and delivering this Agreement, Employee acknowledges that: (i) Employee has carefully read this Agreement; (ii) Employee has had at least twenty (21) days to consider this Agreement before the execution and delivery hereof to the Company; (iii) Employee has been and hereby is advised in writing that Employee may, at Employee's option, discuss this Agreement with an attorney of Employee's choice and that Employee has had adequate opportunity to do so; (iv) Employee fully understands the final and binding effect of this Agreement and agrees that the only promises made to Employee to sign this Agreement are those stated in the Employment Agreement and herein; (v) Employee is signing this Agreement voluntarily and of Employee's own free will and Employee understands and agrees to each of the terms of this Agreement; and (vi) Employee has been paid all wages and other compensation to which Employee is entitled pursuant to his employment with the Company (other than any Separation Payments due after Employee's termination of employment) and received all leaves (paid and unpaid) to which Employee was entitled during such employment.

Employee further acknowledges and agrees that (1) he has been given a reasonable period to read and consider this Agreement before signing it; (2) this Agreement and the Employment Agreement contain the entire understandings and agreements between the Company and him regarding their subject matters and supersede all prior agreements and understandings between them; (3) he has read this Agreement and fully understands the effect of his signing this Agreement; (4) in signing this Agreement, he is not relying on any written or oral statement or promise from the Company other than in this Agreement and the Employment Agreement; (5) this Agreement shall be governed by Nevada law and exclusive venue for any claim between the parties or their affiliates arising out of or related this Agreement is in any state or federal court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Texas; and (6) nothing in this Agreement constitutes any sort of admission of liability.

Notwithstanding the initial effectiveness of this Agreement, Employee may revoke the delivery (and therefore the effectiveness) of this Agreement within the seven (7) day period beginning on the date Employee delivers this Agreement to the Company (such seven-day period being referred to herein as the *"**Release Revocation Period**"*). To be effective, such revocation must be in writing signed by Employee and must be delivered to the Company's Board on or before 11:59 p.m., C.S.T., on the last day of the Release Revocation Period. If an effective revocation is delivered in the foregoing manner and timeframe, this Agreement shall be of no force or effect and shall be null and void *ab initio*. No Separation Payments shall be paid if this Agreement is revoked by Employee in the foregoing manner.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Employee has executed this Agreement as of the date written below.

---

| |
|:---|
| **ANDY CASAZZA** |
| Dated: |

---

**EXHIBIT B**

**ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NOTICE OF RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS**

You are hereby notified by New Era Energy & Digital, Inc. (the "***Company***") that you must agree to the terms set forth in the attached Employment Agreement (the "***Employment Agreement***") as a condition of your employment with the Company.

**NOTICE**: In <u>Section 6</u> and in certain defined terms in <u>Section 7</u> of the Employment Agreement, there are restrictive covenants, in the form of reasonable confidentiality provisions and a covenant not to solicit, not to compete, and not to disparage, that could restrict your options for subsequent employment following your separation from the Company. **<u>Please read them carefully</u>**.

Printed Name of Employee: <u>Andy Casazza</u>

I, the above-named Employee, acknowledge receipt of this notice and of the Employment Agreement (including <u>Section 6</u> and <u>Section 7</u> thereof). Through this document, that is separate from any other covenants between me and the Company, I acknowledge that I have been informed in clear and conspicuous terms of the existence of the restrictive covenants in the Employment Agreement.

I further acknowledge I have been provided this notice and the Employment Agreement at least (14) days before I executed the Employment Agreement and before its effectiveness (despite its retroactive effective date). I acknowledge that this notice is provided in the language in which I communicate with the Company or intend to communicate with the Company about my performance. I understand that I may request an additional copy of Section 6 and Section 7 of the Employment Agreement containing the restrictive covenants once each calendar year if so desired.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Signature: |  |  |
| /s/ Andy Casazza | Date: | April 16, 2026 |
| Andy Casazza |  |  |

---

## Exhibit 10.2

**Exhibit 10.2**

Execution Version

**New Era Energy & Digital, Inc.**

**Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement**

You have been selected to receive a grant of Restricted Stock Units as specified below:

**Participant:** Andy Casazza

**Date of Grant:** April 28, 2026

**Number of Restricted Stock Units Granted: 400,000**

**Vesting Schedule:** The Restricted Stock Units granted shall vest in equal installments on the first business day of each calendar month following the Date of Grant over a period of four (4) years, subject to the Participant's continued employment with the Company (or any affiliate thereof) through each applicable vesting date, except as otherwise set forth herein.

THIS RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT (this "**Agreement**"), effective as of the Date of Grant, evidences the grant of Restricted Stock Units ("**RSUs**") by New Era Energy & Digital, Inc. (formerly known as New Era Helium Corp.), a Nevada corporation (the "**Company**"), to the Participant named above (the "**Participant**").

The RSUs granted pursuant to this Agreement are granted as an inducement material to the Participant's acceptance of employment with the Company in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). This Award is not granted under the New Era Helium Corp. 2024 Equity Incentive Plan (the "**Plan**"); however, for purposes of interpreting this Agreement, all capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan, and the provisions of the Plan (other than Sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 therein) shall apply to this Agreement as if incorporated herein, except to the extent inconsistent with this Agreement.

This Agreement and the Plan collectively provide a complete description of the terms and conditions governing the RSUs granted hereunder. If there is any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement, on the one hand, and the terms of the Plan, on the other hand, this Agreement's terms shall control. This grant of RSUs shall not confer any right to the Participant (or any other Participant) to be granted RSUs or other awards in the future under the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1. Grant of RSUs**. The RSUs covered by this Agreement are granted to the Participant effective on the Date of Grant and are subject to, and granted upon, the terms, conditions and restrictions set forth in this Agreement and in the Plan. The RSUs granted hereunder shall vest in accordance with the "**Vesting Schedule**" set forth above (except as otherwise provided herein).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Issuance of the Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Each RSU granted hereunder that vests shall entitle the Participant to receive one (1) Share, subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 15 of the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Company shall issue or deliver Shares to the Participant (or, in the event the issuance or delivery of Shares occurs after the Participant's death, to the person or persons that have been named as the Participant's beneficiary as contemplated by Section 7 of this Agreement or to the person or persons that have acquired rights to such RSUs by will or the laws of descent and distribution) to settle vested RSUs granted hereunder on or as promptly as practicable following the date such RSUs become vested in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, but in no event later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the RSUs become vested.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Except to the extent determined by the Committee and permitted by the Plan and applicable law, the Company may not issue or deliver Shares to the Participant in respect of the RSUs granted hereunder at a time earlier than otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Company's obligations to the Participant with respect to this Agreement and the RSUs granted and vested hereunder shall be satisfied in full upon the issuance or delivery of Shares in respect of such RSUs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. No Rights as Stockholder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Participant shall have no rights of ownership in the RSUs granted hereunder and shall have no voting or other ownership rights in respect of the Shares underlying the RSUs granted hereunder until the date on which such Shares underlying the RSUs, if any, are issued or delivered to the Participant pursuant to Section 2 of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The obligations of the Company under this Agreement are unfunded and unsecured, and the rights of the Participant hereunder will be no greater than those of an unsecured general creditor. No assets of the Company will be held or set aside as security for the obligations of the Company under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Cessation of Employment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) **By Death**. In the event the Participant ceases to be an Employee by reason of death prior to the final vesting date in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set forth above, all RSUs granted hereunder shall become 100% vested on the date of death, and the Company shall issue or deliver the Shares underlying such RSUs to the Participant or other appropriate person in accordance with Section 2(b) of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) **By Disability**. In the event the Participant ceases to be an Employee due to Disability prior to the final vesting date in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set forth above, all RSUs granted hereunder and held by the Participant at the time of the termination due to Disability shall become 100% vested, and the Company shall issue or deliver the Shares underlying such RSUs to the Participant in accordance with Section 2(b) of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) **Involuntary Termination Other Than For Cause; Termination For Good Reason**. In the event the Participant ceases to be an Employee prior to the final vesting date in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set forth above because either (i) the Company (or any affiliate thereof) terminates such employment for any reason other than for Cause (as defined in Section 10 of this Agreement) or (ii) the Participant terminates his or her employment for Good Reason (as defined in Section 10 of this Agreement), all RSUs granted hereunder and held by the Participant at the time of such employment termination shall become 100% vested, and the Company shall issue or deliver the Shares underlying such RSUs in accordance with Section 2(b) of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) **For Other Reasons**. In the event the Participant ceases to be an Employee for any reason other than a reason set forth in Section 4(a), 4(b) or 4(c) of this Agreement prior to the final vesting date in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set forth above, all unvested RSUs granted hereunder and held by the Participant at the time of employment cessation shall be forfeited by the Participant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5. Change in Control**. In the event of a Change in Control prior to the final vesting date in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set forth above while the Participant continues to be an Employee, all RSUs granted hereunder and held by the Participant at the time of such Change in Control shall become 100% vested, and the Company shall issue and deliver the Shares underlying such RSUs to the Participant in accordance with Section 2(b) of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6. Restrictions on Transfer**. Neither the RSUs granted hereunder nor any right or interest under this Agreement (including, without limitation, any interest in the Shares underlying such RSUs) shall be transferable prior to payment in accordance with Section 2 of this Agreement other than as contemplated by Section 7 of this Agreement or by will or the laws of descent and distribution. If RSUs granted hereunder or any right or interest under this Agreement (including, without limitation, any interest in the Shares underlying RSUs) are sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, other than in accordance with this Agreement or the Plan, or if any attachment, execution, garnishment or lien shall be issued against or placed upon RSUs granted hereunder or any right or interest under this Agreement (including, without limitation, any interest in the Shares underlying RSUs), all RSUs shall be immediately forfeited by the Participant and all obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall terminate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7. Beneficiary Designation**. The Participant may, from time to time, name any beneficiary or beneficiaries (who may be named contingently or successively) to whom any benefit under this Agreement is to be paid in case of the Participant's death before the Participant receives all of such benefit. Each such designation shall revoke all prior designations by the Participant, shall be in a form prescribed by the Company and shall be effective only when filed by the Participant in writing with the Company during the Participant's lifetime. In the absence of any such designation, benefits remaining unpaid at the Participant's death shall be paid in accordance with the Participant's will or the laws of descent and distribution.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8. Continuation of Employment**. This Agreement shall not confer upon the Participant any right with respect to continuance of employment with the Company (or any affiliate thereof), nor shall this Agreement interfere in any way with any right that the Company (or any affiliate thereof) would otherwise have to terminate the Participant's employment or other service at any time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. Miscellaneous.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) This Agreement and the rights of the Participant hereunder are subject to all the terms and conditions of the Plan, as the same may be amended from time to time, as well as to such rules and regulations as the Committee may adopt for administration of the Plan. It is expressly understood that the Committee is authorized to administer, construe and make all reasonable determinations necessary or appropriate to the administration of the Plan and this Agreement, all of which shall be binding upon the Participant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In accordance with Section 20 of the Plan, the Board may terminate, amend or modify the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Participant shall be obligated to pay to the Company or make arrangements satisfactory to the Committee for payment of any federal, state and local taxes (including the Participant's FICA obligation), whether domestic or foreign, required by law to be withheld on account of any event under this Agreement. The Company shall have the power and the right to deduct or withhold from the Participant's compensation an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state and local taxes (including the Participant's FICA obligation), whether domestic or foreign, required by law to be withheld with respect to any event under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the above, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the Company will withhold Shares otherwise to be issued or delivered to settle vested RSUs having an aggregate fair market value on the date the tax is to be determined equal to the amount required to be withheld. Such withholding shall be subject to any procedural rules adopted by the Committee with respect thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Participant shall be obligated to take all steps necessary to comply with all applicable provisions with respect to transfers of the Company's securities imposed by the Company's certificate of incorporation, bylaws and insider trading policies and federal and state securities laws, each as in effect from time to time, in exercising his or her rights under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) All obligations of the Company under the Plan and this Agreement shall be binding on any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal substantive laws of the State of Nevada.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) Notice hereunder shall be given to the Company at its principal place of business or such other address as the Company may subsequently furnish to the Participant in writing and shall be given to the Participant at the address of such Participant that is specified in the Company's records.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) The Participant is deemed to be bound by the terms and conditions governing the RSUs granted hereunder as the same are set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, regardless of whether the Participant acknowledges acceptance of such grant by electronic communication or other written communication.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) This Agreement and the Plan are intended to be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code, and all provisions of this Agreement and the Plan shall be administered, construed and interpreted in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Section 409A of the Code. To the extent that the RSUs, or the issuance or delivery of the Shares underlying the RSUs are subject to Section 409A of the Code, the RSUs shall be awarded and any Shares in respect thereof shall be issued or delivered in a manner that will comply with Section 409A of the Code, including proposed, temporary or final regulations or any other guidance issued by the Secretary of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service with respect thereto. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in light of the uncertainty with respect to the proper application of Section 409A of the Code, the Company reserves the right to make amendments to this Agreement as the Company deems necessary or desirable to avoid the imposition of taxes or penalties under Section 409A of the Code. In any case, the Participant shall be solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of all taxes and penalties that may be imposed in connection with this Agreement (including any taxes and penalties under Section 409A of the Code), and neither the Company nor any affiliate thereof shall have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise hold the Participant harmless from any or all of such taxes or penalties. Each payment under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, to the extent that any payment described in this Agreement constitutes a "deferral of compensation" subject to Section 409A of the Code (after taking into account to the maximum extent possible any applicable exemptions) treated as payable upon a "separation from service" (as defined in Section 409A of the Code), then, if on the date of the Participant's separation from service, the Participant is a "specified employee" (as defined in Section 409A of the Code and using the identification methodology selected by the Company from time to time), to the extent required for the Participant not to incur additional taxes pursuant to Section 409A of the Code, then such payment will be made to the Participant on the earlier of (i) the first business day following the six-month anniversary of the Participant's separation from service or (ii) the Participant's death. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, a termination or cessation of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of "deferred compensation" upon or following a termination or cessation of employment unless such termination is also a "separation from service" from the Company, and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to "employment termination," "termination of employment," "employment cessation," "cessation of employment" or like terms shall mean "separation from service."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement (or in any other agreement, contract or arrangement with the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, or in any policy, procedure or practice of the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or affiliate of the Company (collectively, the "**Arrangements**")): (i) nothing in the Arrangements or otherwise limits Participant's right to any monetary award offered by a government-administered whistleblower award program for providing information directly to a government agency (including the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), and (ii) nothing in the Arrangements or otherwise prevents the Participant from providing, without prior notice to the Company, information to governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations or otherwise testifying or participating in any investigation or proceeding by any governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations, and for purposes of clarity, the Participant is not prohibited from providing information voluntarily to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) If any provision of this Agreement is or becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, or would disqualify the Plan or this Agreement under any applicable law, such provision will be construed or deemed amended or limited in scope to conform to applicable laws or, in the discretion of the Committee, it will be stricken and the remainder of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. Definitions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) "**Cause**" shall mean shall mean any of the following: (i) the indictment or conviction of the Participant or plea of *nolo contendere* by the Participant for a felony, fraud or other crime of moral turpitude; (ii) gross negligence or gross misconduct by the Participant, which is not cured within fourteen (14) days after written notice thereof to the Participant; (iii) the Participant's failure to follow the directions of the Board which is not cured within fourteen (14) days after written notice thereof to the Participant; (iv) the Participant's violation of any restrictive covenant agreement (including, without limitation, any noncompete, nonsolicit, nondisparagement and confidentiality agreement) entered with the Company or any of its affiliates, which is not cured (if curable) within fourteen (14) days after written notice thereof to the Participant; (v) any conduct by or at the direction of the Participant that would reasonably be expected to result in material injury or reputational harm to the Company (or any of its affiliates), which is not cured within fourteen (14) days after written notice thereof to the Participant; (vi) the Participant's breach of a material employment policy of the Company (or any of its affiliates), which is not cured within fourteen (14) days after written notice thereof to the Participant; (vii) the Participant's breach of the Company's Code of Conduct and Ethics or the New Era Helium Inc. Policy for Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation, which is not cured within fourteen (14) days after written notice thereof to the Participant or (viii) any other breach by the Participant of any agreement with the Company (or any of its affiliates) that is material and that is not cured within fourteen (14) days after written notice thereof to the Participant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) "**Good Reason**" shall mean the Participant's termination of his employment with the Company or any affiliate as result of any of the following without the Participant's consent: (i) a decrease in the Participant's base salary; (ii) any action or inaction that results in a material breach of any agreement between the Company and the Participant by the Company; (iii) any material diminution in the Participant's position, duties, authority, or responsibilities; or (iv) a requirement that the Participant work full-time from an office that is more than fifty (50) miles from Boulder, Colorado. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no termination of employment by the Participant shall constitute a termination for "**Good Reason**" unless (A) the Participant gives the Company notice of the existence of an event described above within sixty (60) days following the initial occurrence thereof; (B) the Company does not remedy such event within thirty (30) days of receiving the notice described in the preceding clause (A); and (C) the Participant terminates employment within ninety (90) days of the end of the cure period specified in clause (B) above.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement has been executed as of the date first written above.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **<u>COMPANY</u>:** | **<u>COMPANY</u>:** |
| **New Era Energy & Digital, Inc.**, a Nevada corporation | **New Era Energy & Digital, Inc.**, a Nevada corporation |
| By: | /s/ E. Will Gray II |
| Name: | E. Will Gray II |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
| **<u>PARTICIPANT</u>:** | **<u>PARTICIPANT</u>:** |
| /s/ Andy Casazza | /s/ Andy Casazza |
| Andy Casazza | Andy Casazza |

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