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 Exhibit 10.8  

 
 

  FARMOUT AGREEMENT    
    

        This Farmout Agreement (this "Agreement") is made and entered into this 29th day of September, 2008, but effective as of
September 30, 2008 (the "Effective Date"), by and among Dominion Exploration & Production, Inc. ("DEPI"), Dominion Appalachian Development, LLC and Dominion
Transmission, Inc., (all of such entities collectively, "Farmor") and Antero Resources Appalachian Corporation ("Farmee"). Farmor and Farmee are collectively referred to herein as the "Parties"
and each of Farmor and Farmee are sometimes referred to herein individually as a "Party". 

        WHEREAS,
the Parties entered into that certain Amended and Restated Farmout Acquisition Agreement dated September 23, 2008 (the "Acquisition Agreement"), whereby in return for the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the payment of the amounts set forth in the Acquisition Agreement, Farmor agreed to convey to Farmee all of Farmor's right, title and interest in and to
certain leases covering lands in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Washington and Westmoreland Counties in Pennsylvania and Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Marshall,
Monongalia and Wetzel Counties in West Virginia (such leases, as more particularly described in the Assignment, as hereinafter defined, the "Leases"), insofar and only insofar as such Leases cover
depths and formations from the top of the Rhinestreet formation (as seen by the Bear Rocks #1 well, API number 37-051-22785, at a depth of 4805') to five hundred feet
(500') below the top of the Helderberg formation (with the top of the Helderberg formation as seen by the
Bear Rocks #1 well, API number 37-051-22785, at a depth of 7577') (such depths and formations, the "Target Formations"); 

        WHEREAS,
pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement and by that certain Partial Assignment of Oil and Gas Leases of even date herewith between Farmor and Farmee (the "Assignment"), Farmor has
conveyed to Farmee its interests in the Leases as limited to the Target Formations (as more particularly described in the Assignment, the "Leasehold Rights"); 

        WHEREAS,
pursuant to the Assignment, Farmor retained all rights under the Leases except for the Leasehold Rights (as more particularly described in the Assignment, the "Retained
Rights"); and 

        WHEREAS,
as part of the consideration for such Assignment and the Leasehold Rights acquired by Farmee thereunder, Farmee has agreed to certain drilling and other obligations set forth in
this Agreement. 

        NOW,
THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the Assignment, the mutual covenants of the Parties and other good and valuable consideration, the Parties hereby agree as follows: 

1.     DRILLING COMMITMENT:  

        (a)   Farmee
shall be required to drill (or participate, including by way of farmout, in the drilling by third parties) to the Target Formations on the Leases or lands pooled
or unitized therewith (collectively, the "Contract Area") the following minimum number of wells (the "Obligation Wells" and 

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each
such well, an "Obligation Well") as of the time periods indicated (each such time period, a "Calendar Period") 

 

 

					
	Annual Wells

 
	 	Cumulative Obligation Wells 	 
	 Effective Date through December 31, 2009: eight (8) wells;
	 	 	8	 
	 January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010: sixteen (16) wells;
	 	 	24	 
	 January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011: twenty-four (24) wells;
	 	 	48	 
	 January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012: twenty-four (24) wells;
	 	 	72	 
	 January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013: twenty-four (24) wells;
	 	 	96	 
	 January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014: twenty-four (24) wells;
	 	 	120	 
	 January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015: twenty-four (24) wells;
	 	 	144	 
	 January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016: twenty-four (24) wells;
	 	 	168	 
	 January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017: eleven (11) wells;
	 	 	179	 

 

         (b)   Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary herein, in the event that Farmee drills (or participates, including by way of farmout, in the drilling by third parties) any
number of Obligation Wells within the Contract Area that are in excess of the required minimum Obligation Wells in any Calendar Period under Section 1(a) hereof, then those number of Obligation
Wells in excess of such required minimum Obligation Wells for such Calendar Period shall be credited to Farmee's drilling obligations in subsequent Calendar Periods on a cumulative basis. By way of
example only, if during the Calendar Period of 2009, Farmee drills (or participates, including by way of farmout, in the drilling by third parties) 28 Obligation Wells, then Farmee shall be deemed to
have satisfied its drilling obligations for the Calendar Periods of 2009 and 2010 and it shall be credited with drilling 4 of the Obligation Wells required to be drilled in the Calendar Period of
2011. 

        (c)   It
is anticipated by the Parties that the majority of the Obligation Wells will be horizontal wells with the horizontal portion of each wellbore being of a reasonable
and practical length given the geological, leasehold and surface conditions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and unless the Parties otherwise agree, to qualify as a horizontal well hereunder, once the
wellbore reaches the Target Formations in no event shall the lateral length of such horizontal wellbore be less than 1,600 feet in length within the Target Formations; provided, however, that Farmee
shall be permitted to drill Obligation Wells that are vertical but such vertical wells shall count as only 0.5 of an Obligation Well required to be drilled pursuant to Section 1(a) hereof. 

2.     CONSULTATION REGARDING OPERATIONS:  

        The Parties agree to meet on a Calendar Quarter basis to consult with each other regarding each Party's drilling plans and surface operations within the Contract
Area (the "Quarterly Meetings"). No later than thirty (30) days prior to each scheduled Quarterly Meeting, each Party will provide to the other Party its anticipated drilling plans for the
following Calendar Quarter. Each of the Parties shall use their reasonable efforts to cooperate with each other in their respective operations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth
herein, Farmee shall not be permitted to drill any well in the Contract Area which is within the closer of (i) the boundaries of an existing voluntary well unit (as set forth on the plat for
such well); or (ii) the smallest radius possible to encompass one hundred sixty (160) acres surrounding any then existing well not unitized (as measured by each well's current or
proposed surface location) unless Farmee obtains the prior written consent of Farmor; provided, however, that the limitations set forth in subsections (i) and (ii) shall not apply to
wells in which Farmee owns an interest and shall be limited to those wells producing from the Target Formations as set forth in Exhibit "B" attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein.
"Calendar Quarter" means a period of three (3) months commencing with January 1 and ending on the following March 31, a period of three (3) months commencing with
April 1 and ending on the following June 30, a period of three (3) months commencing with July 1 and ending on the following 

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September 30,
or a period of three (3) months commencing with October 1 and ending on the following December 31. 

3.     GEOLOGICAL, TECHNICAL, OPERATIONAL AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:  

        With respect to each well drilled by Farmee (or in which Farmee participates, including by way of farmout, in the drilling with third parties) in the Contract
Area, Farmee agrees to provide and perform those services outlined in Exhibit "A". Farmee shall be required to provide to Farmor, upon Farmor's request, any production data or reports which
indicate gross production by month for each well drilled by Farmee (or in which Farmee participates, including by way of farmout, in the drilling with third parties) in the Contract Area. 

4.     EARNING EVENT:  

        With respect to any Obligation Well, an "Earning Event" shall occur at such time as such Obligation Well is completed as a well capable of producing oil and/or
gas in paying quantities or, if based upon logs and other data pertaining to such Obligation Well, Farmee determines (in Farmee's sole and reasonable judgment) that an attempt to complete such
Obligation Well as a commercial producer would not be prudent or economical, then at such time as such Obligation Well is plugged and abandoned by Farmee. 

5.     LEASE MAINTENANCE—RENTALS:  

        For a period of one hundred and eighty (180) days following the date of this Agreement (the "Transition Period"), Farmor shall continue to pay or cause to
be paid all delay rental and similar payments (other than shut-in royalties attributable to any Retained Rights) necessary to maintain the Leases in full force and effect without
production and Farmee shall reimburse Farmor within thirty (30) days following its receipt of an invoice for such payments, together with proof of Farmor's payment of the same. Following the
expiration of the Transition Period through December 31, 2017, Farmee shall pay or cause to be paid such payments and within thirty (30) days following such payment, Farmee shall provide
to Farmor proof of Farmee's payment of the same. Farmor shall provide Farmee, monthly, on or before the 10th day of each month, a report setting out the well status of Farmor's
wells on the Leases. Such report will indicate if any wells are shut-in or there exists a proposal to shut-in any well at any time during the next succeeding three
(3) months and if shut-in or other delay rental payments are required to be made with respect thereto and if such payments have been made where applicable. 

6.     ABANDONMENT AND RESTORATION OF PREMISES:  

        In the event that (a) in the case of Farmee, any well drilled by or on behalf of Farmee on the Contract Area is not capable of producing oil and/or gas in
paying quantities or a producing well ceases to produce oil and/or gas in paying quantities, or (b) in the case of Farmor, any well drilled by or on behalf of Farmor on the Leases (or lands
pooled therewith) is not capable of producing oil and/or gas in paying quantities and there are no other wells capable of production in paying quantities on the respective Lease (or lands pooled
therewith), or a producing well ceases to produce oil and/or gas in paying quantities and such well is the only well capable of production in paying quantities on the respective Lease (or lands pooled
therewith) (in either case, Farmee or Farmor, as applicable, being an "Abandoning Party"), and such Abandoning Party desires to plug and abandon such well, then such Abandoning Party shall provide
written notice (or if during the drilling of such well, oral notice) (any such notice, the "Abandonment Notice") to the non-abandoning Party at least thirty (30) days (or, if during
the drilling of such well, 24 hours) prior to the anticipated plugging and abandonment of such well in order to permit such non-abandoning Party the option, in its sole discretion,
to take over operation of such well. In the event that such non-abandoning Party desires to take over the operation 

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of
such well, then such non-abandoning Party shall provide written notice (or, if during the drilling of such well, oral notice) (the "Take Over Notice") to the Abandoning Party within
thirty (30) days (or, if during the drilling of such well, 24 hours) of receiving such Abandonment Notice applicable thereto. Promptly following such receipt of such Take Over Notice,
such Abandoning Party shall assign to such non-abandoning Party, free and clear of all encumbrances created by such Abandoning Party, all of its right, title and interest in such well
pursuant to a mutually agreeable form of assignment containing no warranties except for a special warranty of title by, through and under the Abandoning Party. If a non-abandoning Party
takes over the operations of any such well, then such non-abandoning Party agrees to plug and abandon such well and reclaim, restore and clean up the drillsite location and access routes
associated therewith in accordance with all applicable rules, regulations and laws and the terms of the applicable Lease. If such non-abandoning Party does not elect to take over the
operations of such well within the time period specified, then the Abandoning Party agrees to plug and abandon such well and reclaim, restore and clean up the drillsite location and access routes
associated therewith in accordance with all applicable rules, regulations and laws and the terms of the applicable Lease. All oral notices provided under this Section 6 shall be followed with
written notice as soon as reasonably practicable. 

7.     SEISMIC AND OTHER INFORMATION:  

        From time to time, upon reasonable notice and during normal business hours, each Party shall have access to all records, documents and data pertaining to the
Leases, including but not limited to, seismic information, abstracts, supplemental abstracts, title opinions, surveys and production reports in the possession of the other Party, but (a) only
to the extent that such other Party may grant such access without violating any confidentiality or other obligation to any third party (provided that such other Party shall use its commercially
reasonable efforts to have such obligations waived by such third party or otherwise satisfied) or waiving any attorney client privilege, and (b) excluding all such records, documents and data
(other than seismic records, documents and data which shall be governed by the terms and provisions of the Seismic Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit "C") relating solely to the Retained
Rights. To the extent that either Party desires to have access to seismic records, documents or
data of the other Party, then the Parties shall enter into a Seismic Agreement in the form of Exhibit "C" attached hereto (a "Seismic Agreement") under which such accessing Party shall be the
"Licensee" thereunder. No representation or warranty, express or implied, shall be given by a Party regarding any such records, documents or data to which the other Party is granted access hereunder
or a Seismic Agreement. 

8.     JOINT USE OF CONTRACT AREA/FARMOR RIGHT OF ACCESS:  

        (a)   The
Parties understand that each Party may have existing or future wells, pipelines and access roads located within the Contract Area, and no Party shall unreasonably
interfere with or impede the operations of the other Party under the Leases or otherwise within the Contract Area. Upon request by a Party, the other Party may permit such requesting Party the right
to utilize any existing well pads and other surface facilities (other than pipelines or gathering systems) on such Leases of such non-requesting Party. Should such requesting Party be
granted such utilization rights, such requesting Party agrees to make repairs for any damage to and to share in the cost of maintenance of any shared facilities for so long as the requesting Party
continues to share such facilities with the non-requesting Party. 

        (b)   Whenever
the Parties are drilling, operating or maintaining wells on the Contract Area at the same time, then the Parties shall cooperate with each other in a reasonable
commercial manner so that such parallel activities can be accommodated. 

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        (c)   Farmee
agrees that Farmor shall have the right of access to, and inspection of, any of Farmee's wells in the Contract Area during drilling, completion, production,
operation and plugging phases of any of Farmee's wells drilled in the Contract Area. 

        (d)   Each
of the Parties agrees not to amend, breach, default or (subject however to Section 6 above) cause the termination of the terms of the Leases and to comply,
in all material respects, with the terms of the Leases. 

        (e)   To
the extent that each Party is not restricted from granting such access, each Party shall have the right to use any access roads constructed by the other Party for the
non-constructing Party's oil and gas operations related to its operations upon the Leases. The non-constructing Party shall indemnify the other Party from any claims, damages
or injuries that arise from such non-constructing Party's or its representatives' or contractors' use of such access roads, and each Party, for so long as such access roads are used
jointly by the Parties, shall (i) promptly repair any and all damages that such Party or its representatives or contractors may cause to such access roads; and (ii) participate in the
further maintenance of such access roads. 

9.     LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY:  

        (a)   Neither
Party shall have any control over the drilling, testing, completing or other operations of the other Party upon the Leases and each Party shall be responsible
for all costs and expenses incurred by such Party in connection with such operations including, without limitation, the proper payment of royalties. Each Party (an "Indemnifying Party") shall defend,
indemnify and hold the other Party and such Party's Affiliates (as defined in the Acquisition Agreement), equity holders, officers, directors, employees and agents (all of such persons and entities,
the "Indemnified Party") harmless from and against all claims, losses, damages, expenses, causes of action or lawsuits of every kind and character, including, without limitation, those lawsuits and/or
claims brought by such Indemnifying Party's contractors, sub-contractors or the employees thereof, or such Indemnifying Party's employees, or any lessor or land owner associated with the
Leases, arising out of or resulting from such Indemnifying Party's operations and with respect to the proper payment of royalties, and each Party shall keep the lands covered by the Leases, such
Party's wells and all permanently installed equipment used in connection with such operations free and clear of all liens for delinquent monies. 

        (b)   Each
Indemnifying Party shall additionally assume all liability for and defend, indemnify and hold each Indemnified Party harmless from and against any penalty, loss,
injury or damage arising from pollution, contamination or environmental damage of any kind, which arises out of or results from such Indemnifying Party's or its contractors' or subcontractors'
operations, including, without limitation, spills of materials such as fuels, lubricants, motor oils, pipe dope, paints and garbage, and such Indemnifying Party shall control and remove such pollution
or contamination. 

10.   ASSUMPTION OF OBLIGATIONS:  

        As between the Parties hereto, Farmee shall assume all of the obligations of Farmor under the Leases with respect to the Target Formations. Farmee shall comply
with all laws, rules and regulations of governmental subdivisions, regulatory bodies, or agencies having jurisdiction over such operations or the premises. 

11.   INSURANCE:  

        While conducting any operations hereunder, Farmee shall carry insurance in not less than the following amounts, and furnish Farmor with certificates evidencing
same, to wit: 

        (a)   General
Liability: 

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Property
Damage—$1,000,000.00 each occurrence

Bodily Injury—$1,000,000.00 each occurrence 

Such
general liability coverage shall provide coverage for Farmee's contractual liabilities and indemnities assumed hereunder, as well as coverage for sudden and accidental pollution. 

        (b)   Automobile
Liability: (which shall include non owners liability coverage) 

Property
Damage—$1,000,000.00 each occurrence

Bodily Injury—$1,000,000.00 each occurrence 

        (c)   Workers'
Compensation: 

Workers'
Compensation and Occupational Disease Insurance in full compliance with the laws of the state(s) in which the Contract Area is located. 

        (d)   Excess/umbrella: 

Liability—$5,000,000.00 

        (e)   Operator
extra expense or care, custody and control: 

Coverage—$5,000,000.00

The
minimum insurance requirements as set forth above shall not limit or diminish in any way the respective rights and obligations of the Parties under this Agreement. Except for Workers'
Compensation, the policy(ies) of insurance obtained by Farmee shall provide that Farmor is an additional named insured for all coverages and shall contain waivers of rights of subrogation against
Farmor. 

12.   RESTRICTION ON ASSIGNMENT:  

        During the Term, Farmee's rights and obligations under this Agreement shall not be assigned, subleased, farmed out or encumbered in whole or in part without
obtaining Farmor's prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). Any such consent shall (a) not be effective until Farmor has received an instrument of
the parties evidencing such assignment, sublease or farmout wherein the assignee, sublessee or farmee has agreed to be bound by the terms of this Agreement; and (b) provide that such assignee,
sublessee or farmee be subject to the same limitations on assignments, subleases, farmouts and encumbrances as provided herein. If Farmee elects to assign (x) its interest in any Production
Unit which has been earned, (y) its interest under this Agreement and the associated Leasehold Rights or (z) otherwise farms out any of its rights or obligations hereunder, in each case,
to a Capable Party, Farmee shall give Farmor not less than thirty (30) days' prior written notice of the proposed transaction and furnish reasonable particulars confirming that its proposed
counterparty qualifies as a Capable Party, in which event Farmor shall consent to the assignment of Farmee's interest to such Capable Party and Farmee shall be relieved of its obligations to Farmor
hereunder to the extent of the interest(s) transferred. "Capable Party" means a person or entity who or which has demonstrated technical expertise with respect to oil and gas drilling and production
operations and has the financial capability to fulfill Farmee's obligations under the Farmout Agreement with respect to the assigned interests. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement will extend to,
inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Parties and each of their successors and permitted assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of Farmor, Farmee shall have the right to
(i) mortgage or pledge as security for indebtedness all or any part of its interests in the Contract Area, and (ii) assign all or part of its rights and obligations hereunder to an
Affiliate, but in neither case shall Farmee be relieved of its obligations to Farmor hereunder. 

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13.   FAILURE TO FULFILL DRILLING OBLIGATIONS:  

        (a)   In
the event that Farmee fails to drill the required number of Obligation Wells during any Calendar Period as required pursuant to Section 1(a) hereof and such
failure is not cured on or before one hundred and eighty (180) days following the expiration of such Calendar Period (a "Drilling Obligation Deadline") or Farmee has not paid the Extension
Amount (as hereinafter defined) on or before the expiration of such Drilling Obligation Deadline, then all of Farmee's rights, titles and interests in and to the Contract Area that is not within a
Production Unit for any Obligation Well for which an Earning Event has occurred (the "Reversionary Rights") shall automatically terminate and vest in Farmors, and, upon request of Farmors, Farmee
shall execute and deliver such instrument or instruments (containing a special warranty of title by, through and under Farmee, except for the Permitted Encumbrances, as defined in the Acquisition
Agreement) as is necessary or desirable to evidence the termination and vesting in Farmors of the Reversionary Rights; provided, however, that if an Obligation Well is then being drilled by or on
behalf of Farmee and within a reasonable period of time thereafter it is reasonably expected that an Earning Event may occur with respect to such well, then the Reversionary Rights shall not
terminate; provided further, however, if such Earning Event does not occur within a reasonable period of time with respect to such Obligation Well being drilled, then the Reversionary Rights shall
automatically terminate and vest in Farmor. In the event that an assignment from Farmee to Farmors is required to effect any such reversion, such assignment shall be in a form mutually agreeable to
the Parties containing no warranties except for a special warranty of title by, through and under Farmee. 

        (b)   If
Farmee tenders to Farmor a payment of $500,000 per undrilled Obligation Well with respect to any Calendar Period on or before the expiration of the Drilling
Obligation Deadline applicable to such Calendar Period in which the shortfall occurred (the "Extension Payment"), such Extension Payment shall operate to cure any failure by Farmee to drill the
Obligation Well(s) (with respect to the applicable Contract Period and on a cumulative basis) with respect to which such payment is made; provided, however, that Extension Payments may not apply to
more than five (5) Obligation Wells during one (1) Calendar Period; and further provided that Extension Payments shall not apply to more than twenty (20) Obligation Wells (on a
cumulative basis) during the Term. 

        (c)   The
term "Production Unit" means (i) in the case of a vertical well with no portion of its wellbore being a horizontal lateral, that portion of the Contract Area
covering 320 acres, (ii) in the case of a horizontal well with the horizontal distance of such wellbore within the Target Formations of less than 2,000 feet, that portion of the Contract Area
covering 320 acres, (iii) in the case of a horizontal well with the horizontal distance of such wellbore within the Target Formations equal to or more than 2,000 feet, that portion of the
Contract Area covering 640 acres, or (iv) in the event that Farmee fulfills the cumulative Obligation Well commitment set forth in Section 1 hereof, all of the Leases. Portions of the
Contract Area for which a Production Unit applies shall be designated by Farmee (subject to applicable spacing or field rules); provided, however, that no later than September 30th of
each Calendar Period, Farmee shall deliver to Farmor the proposed location designations for Production Units that will be earned during the following Calendar Period; and further provided that on or
before the 31st day of March of each Calendar Period, Farmee shall submit to Farmor "as drilled" plats indicating the location of Obligation Wells drilled during the preceding Calendar Period,
including the distance of the horizontal wellbore within the Target Formations, and the proposed acreage earned from such Obligation Wells on each Lease, and the Parties, if necessary, shall meet to
consider and modify such location designations in good faith at the following Quarterly Meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that Farmee's obligation to drill (or participate,
including by way of farmout, in the drilling of) an Obligation Well is satisfied by an Extension Payment, Farmee shall not be entitled to a Production Unit or any acreage in the Leases whatsoever. 

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14.   FORCE MAJEURE:  

        If any Party is rendered unable, wholly or in part by force majeure, to carry out its obligations under this Agreement, other than any obligation to make any
money payments (which obligation will never be extended or suspended due to force majeure), such Party must give to the other Party prompt written notice of the force majeure, with reasonably full
particulars, and thereupon the obligations of the Party giving the notice, so far as they are affected by the act of force majeure, will be suspended, and the running of all time periods within which
certain actions must be completed will be tolled, during, but not longer than, the continuance of the force majeure plus such reasonable further period of time, if any, required to resume the
suspended operation. The affected Party must use all reasonable diligence to remove the force majeure situation as quickly as practicable; provided, however, that it will not be required to settle
strikes, lockouts or other labor difficulty contrary to its wishes. All such difficulties are to be handled entirely within the discretion of the Party concerned. "Force majeure" means an act of
nature, strike, lock-out or other industrial disturbance, act of the public enemy, war, blockade, public riot, lightning, fire, storm, flood or other adverse weather condition, explosion,
governmental action, inaction, restraint or delay, or any other cause, whether of the kind specifically enumerated above or otherwise, which is not reasonably within the control of the Party claiming
force majeure; provided that the unavailability of drilling rigs shall not qualify as force majeure. 

15.   NON-SOLICITATION:  

        Farmee agrees not to solicit or cause an Affiliate of Farmee to solicit any of Farmor's or its respective Affiliates' employees for performance of duties for
Farmee or any of its Affiliates as an employee, contractor or consultant. The foregoing prohibition on solicitation shall not include an advertisement published in a general circulation newspaper or
other similar recruiting media that are not expressly designed or targeted to solicit the employees of Farmor and also shall not apply to the situation wherein any employee of Farmor voluntarily
approaches the other Farmee for employment. Such prohibition shall be in full force and effect for a period of three (3) years from the Effective Date. 

16.   NO PARTNERSHIP:  

        It is not the purpose or intention to create any mining partnership, joint venture, general partnership or other partnership relation and none shall be inferred. 

17.   NOTICES:  

        All notices which are required or may be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be sufficient in all respects if given in writing and delivered personally, by
telecopy or by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, as follows: 

 

 

			
	If to Farmee:	 	Antero Resources Appalachian Corporation
	 	 	1625 17th Street
	 	 	Denver, CO 80202
	 	 	Attn: Vice President—Land
	 	 	Telephone: (303) 357-7310
	 	 	Telecopy: (303) 357-7315

 

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 With a copy to:	
 	
Vinson & Elkins LLP
	 	 	1001 Fannin, Suite 2300
	 	 	Houston, TX 77002
	 	 	Attn: David Oelman
	 	 	Telephone: (713) 758-3708
	 	 	Telecopy: (713) 615-5861
	
 If to Farmors:	
 	
Dominion Exploration & Production, Inc.
	 	 	P.O. Box 1248, One Dominion Drive
	 	 	Jane Lew, WV 26378
	 	 	Attn: Land Manager
	 	 	Telephone: (304) 884-2000
	 	 	Telecopy: (304) 884-2094
	
 With a copy to:	
 	
Baker Botts L.L.P.
	 	 	910 Louisiana Street
	 	 	Houston, Texas 77002-4995
	 	 	Attn: Hugh Tucker
	 	 	Telephone: (713) 229-1656
	 	 	Telecopy: (713) 229-2856

 

 Either
Party may change its address for notice by notice to the other in the manner set forth above. All notices shall be deemed to have been duly given at the time of receipt by the Party to which
such notice is addressed if received during normal business hours or on the next business day, if received outside of normal business hours. 

18.   TERM:  

        Unless earlier terminated in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement, Farmee's drilling obligations, together with all other rights and obligations of
the Parties hereunder, shall terminate as of December 31, 2017; provided, however, in the event that any Obligation Well for the calendar year of 2017 is being drilled as of such termination
date, then such date will be extended for a six (6) month period (such total time period, the "Term"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Exhibit A shall survive the termination or
expiration of this Agreement. 

19.   CONFLICT:  

        In the event that any provision within this Agreement conflicts with any provision in the Acquisition Agreement, the terms provided in this Agreement shall
control. 

20.   TIME OF ESSENCE:  

        Except as expressly provided otherwise in this Agreement, it is understood that time is of the essence in fulfilling all provisions of this Agreement. 

21.   MODIFICATION:  

        No change, modification or alteration of this Agreement shall be valid unless the same be made in writing and signed by the Parties hereto and no course of
dealing between the Parties shall be construed to alter the terms hereof. 

22.   GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE:  

        THIS AGREEMENT AND THE LEGAL RELATIONS BETWEEN THE PARTIES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE 

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COMMONWEALTH
OF PENNSYLVANIA WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS OTHERWISE APPLICABLE TO SUCH DETERMINATIONS. JURISDICTION AND VENUE WITH RESPECT TO ANY DISPUTES ARISING HEREUNDER SHALL
BE PROPER ONLY IN ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 

23.   CONFIDENTIALITY:  

        Except as expressly set forth herein and except as required by applicable laws, the Parties hereto acknowledge and agree that this Agreement, their negotiations
in connection herewith and all information obtained by or provided to any of them in connection with the matters contemplated herein or as it relates to the Contract Area will be maintained as
confidential, except for disclosures to Representatives (as hereinafter defined) of the Parties and disclosures by Farmee to a third party that may be interested in participating in the drilling of
any Obligation Well or other well (to the extent permitted hereunder) on the Leases; provided, however, that prior to making any such disclosures to third parties and/or Representatives, the Party
disclosing such information shall obtain an undertaking of confidentiality from each such party. The term "Representatives," as used herein, shall mean (a) partners, employees, officers,
directors, members, equity owners and counsel of a Party or any of its Affiliates or any prospective purchaser of a Party or an interest in a Party; (b) any consultant or agent retained by a
Party or the parties listed in subsection (a) above; and (c) any bank, other financial institution or entity funding, or proposing to fund, such Party's operations in connection with the
Leases, including any consultant retained by such bank, other financial institution or entity. 

24.   SEVERABILITY:  

        If any term or other provision of this Agreement is held invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced under any rule of law, all other conditions and
provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in a materially
adverse manner with respect to either Party. 

25.   COUNTERPARTS:  

        This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original instrument, but all such counterparts together shall constitute but one
agreement. 

[Signature
page follows.] 

10

 

        IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the authorized representatives of the Parties have executed this Agreement as of date set forth above: 

 

 

							
	
 FARMOR:	
 	
FARMEE:
	
 DOMINION EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION, INC.	
 	
ANTERO RESOURCES APPALACHIAN CORPORATION
	
 By:	
 	
/s/ BENJAMIN A. HARDESTY

 Benjamin A. Hardesty	
 	
 By:	
 	
/s/ ALVYN A. SCHOPP

 Alvyn A. Schopp
	
 Title:	
 	
 President	
 	
 Title:	
 	
 Vice President and Treasurer
	
 DOMINION TRANSMISSION, INC.	
 	

 	
 	

 
	
 By:	
 	
/s/ SCOTT C. MILLER

 Scott C. Miller	
 	

 	
 	

 
	
 Title:	
 	
 VP Financial Management	
 	

 	
 	

 
	
 DOMINION APPALACHIAN DEVELOPMENT, LLC	
 	

 	
 	

 
	
 By:	
 	
/s/ BENJAMIN A. HARDESTY

 Benjamin A. Hardesty	
 	

 	
 	

 
	
 Title:	
 	
 President	
 	

 	
 	

 

 

 11

QuickLinks

FARMOUT AGREEMENTExhibit
10.1

 

SABRE COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.

NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN

 

A.  Purpose and Scope

 

The purposes of this Plan are to encourage stock ownership by key
management employees of Sabre Communications Holdings, Inc., a Delaware
Corporation (herein called the “Corporation”) and its Subsidiaries, to provide
an incentive for such employees to expand and improve the profits and
prosperity of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries, and to assist the
Corporation and its Subsidiaries in attracting and retaining key personnel
through the grant of Options to purchase shares of the Corporation’s common
stock.

 

B.  Definitions

 

1.               “Board” shall mean the Board
of Directors of the Corporation.

 

2.               “Code” shall mean the
Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended.

 

3.               “Committee” shall mean the
Stock Option Plan Committee, which is appointed by the Board, and which shall
be composed of persons appointed by the Board.

 

4.               “Option” shall mean a right
to purchase Stock, granted pursuant to the Plan.

 

5.               “Option Price” shall mean
the purchase price for Stock under an Option, as determined in Section F
below.

 

6.               “Participant” shall mean an
employee of the Corporation, or of any Subsidiary of the Corporation, to whom
an Option is granted under the Plan.

 

7.               “Plan” shall mean this Sabre
Communications Holdings, Inc., Stock Option Plan.

 

8.               “Stock” shall mean the
common stock of the Corporation, par value $0.01.

 

9.               “Subsidiary” shall mean a
subsidiary corporation of the Corporation, as defined in §§425(f) and 425(g) of
the Code.

 

C.  Stock to be Optioned

 

Subject to the provisions of Section M of the Plan, the maximum
number of shares of Stock that may be optioned or sold under the Plan is 91,304 shares.  Such shares may be treasury, or authorized,
but unissued, shares of Stock of the Corporation.

 

D.  Administration

 

The
Plan shall be administered by the Committee appointed by the Board.  A majority of the members of the Committee
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.  The Committee shall be responsible to the
Board for the operation of the Plan, and shall make recommendations to the
Board with respect to participation in the Plan by employees of the Corporation
and its Subsidiaries, and with respect to the extent of that participation.  No member of the Board or the Committee shall
be liable for any action or determination made by him in good faith.

 

 

E.  Eligibility

 

The Board, upon recommendation of the
Committee, may grant Options to any key management employee (including an
employee who is a director or an officer) of the Corporation or its
Subsidiaries.  Options may be awarded by
the Board at any time and from time to time to new Participants, or to then
Participants, or to a greater or lesser number of Participants, and may include
or exclude previous Participants, as the Board, upon recommendation by the
Committee shall determine.  Options
granted at different times need not contain similar provisions provided such
terms for option grants conform to all relevant provisions of the stock holder,
subscription and registration agreements and bylaws of the Corporation as may
be amended from time to time.

 

All Stock acquired by the Participant upon
exercise of the Option (the “Option Shares”) will be subject to the stock
holder, subscription and registration agreements and bylaws of the Corporation
as may be amended from time to time.

 

F.  Option Price

 

The purchase price for Stock under each Option shall be 100 percent of
the fair market value of the Stock, as agreed by the Board of Directors, at the
time the Option is granted, but in no event less than the par value of the
Stock.

 

G.  Terms and
Conditions of Options

 

Options granted pursuant to the Plan shall be authorized by the Board
and shall be evidenced by agreements in such form as the Board, upon
recommendation of the Committee, shall from time to time approve.  Such agreements shall comply with and be
subject to the following terms and conditions:

 

1.  Employment Agreement. 
The Board may, in its discretion, include in any Option granted under the
Plan a condition that the Participant shall agree to remain in the employ of,
and to render services to, the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries for a
period of time (specified in the agreement following the date the Option is
granted).  The granting of options under
this plan does not impose upon the Corporation, or its subsidiaries, any
obligation to employ the participant for any period of time. Employment or
management agreements, if any, shall be governed by separate agreements between
the parties.

 

2.  Time and Method of Payment.  The Option Price shall be paid in full in
cash at the time an Option is exercised under the Plan, unless the Participant
has notified the Corporation of its desire to utilize a cashless exercise as
further described in Section N below. 
A Participant shall have none of the rights of a shareholder until
shares are issued to him, and no adjustment will be made for dividends or other
rights for which the record date is prior to the date such stock certificate is
issued.

 

3.  Number of Shares. 
Each Option shall state the total number of shares of Stock to which it
pertains.

 

4.  Option Period and Limitations on Exercise of Options.  Except as provided in the Option agreement,
an Option may be exercised in whole or in part at any time during its
term.  No 

 

2

 

Option may be exercised after the expiration of 10 years from the date
it is granted.  No Option may be
exercised for a fractional share of Stock.

 

5.  Time of Exercise of Option.

 

i.              Vesting
Schedule.  The Board may, in its
discretion, provide that an Option may vest at different times or upon certain
events specified in the Option agreement. 
At the adoption of this Option Plan, the vesting schedule shall
otherwise be as follows: The Option shall become exercisable for 20% of the
Shares on the date of the Option, and on each May 10th thereafter, so that the Option will be fully
exercisable on May 10, 2010.  Until
it expires or is terminated as provided in this Plan or in the Option
agreement, the Option may be exercised from time to time to purchase whole
shares as to which it has become exercisable.

 

ii.             Change
of Control.  Notwithstanding anything
else to the contrary in this Plan, the Option shall become fully exercisable
upon the occurrence of a Change of Control as defined in this section.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Change of
Control” shall mean the occurrence of approval by the Board of any of the
following events:

 

(a)     any
consolidation, merger or plan of share exchange involving the Corporation (a “Merger”)
as a result of which the holders of outstanding securities of the Corporation
ordinarily having the right to vote for the election of directors (“Voting
Securities”) immediately prior to the Merger do not continue to hold at least
50% of the combined voting power of the outstanding Voting Securities of the
surviving or continuing corporation immediately after the Merger.

 

(b)  any sale, lease, exchange or other
transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all, or
substantially all, the assets of the Corporation; or

 

(c)  the adoption of any plan or
proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation, Except as such
liquidation or dissolution relates to a Merger that results in holders of
Voting Securities immediately prior to the Merger continuing to hold at least
50% of the combined voting power of the outstanding Voting Securities of the
surviving or continuing corporation immediately after the merger.

 

6.  Restrictions on Transfer of Shares.  Any shares purchased under this Option will
be subject to the restrictions on transfer included in this Plan, as well as
those restrictions included in the Corporation’s articles of incorporation and
any buy-sell agreement, stockholder agreement, stock transfer agreement,
registration rights or similar agreement then in effect between the Corporation
and holders of at least a majority of the Corporation’s outstanding common
stock, and the Optionee agrees to become a party to any such agreement.  Copies of such agreements are available for
review at the Corporation’s headquarters.

 

H.  Termination
of Employment

 

Except as provided in Section I below, if a Participant ceases to
be employed by the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, his Options shall
terminate immediately; provided, however,
that if a Participant’s cessation of employment with the Corporation and its
Subsidiaries is due to his retirement with the consent of the Corporation or
any of its Subsidiaries, the Participant may, at any time within three months
after such cessation of employment, exercise his Options to the 

 

3

 

extent that he was entitled to exercise them on the date of cessation
of employment, but in no event shall any Option be exercisable more than 10
years from the date it was granted.  The
Committee may cancel an Option during the three-month period referred to in
this paragraph, if the Participant engages in employment or activities
contrary, in the opinion of the Committee, to the best interests of the
Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries. 
The Committee shall determine in each case whether a termination of
employment shall be considered a retirement with the consent of the Corporation
or a Subsidiary, and, subject to applicable law, whether a leave of absence
shall constitute a termination of employment. 
Any such determination of the Committee shall be final and conclusive,
unless overruled by the Board.

 

I.  Rights in
Event of Retirement or Death

 

Upon retirement, with the approval of the Corporation, the participant
has 3 months following the date of retirement to exercise any unexercised
vested options that were exercisable at the time of retirement or during the 3
months following retirement.

 

If a Participant dies while employed by the Corporation or any of its
Subsidiaries, and without having fully exercised vested Options, the executors
or administrators, or legatees or heirs, of this estate shall have the right to
exercise such Options to the extent that such deceased Participant was entitled
to exercise the Options on the date of his death; provided, however, that in no event shall the Options be
exercisable more than 10 years from the date they were granted.

 

J.  Corporation
Repurchase Option

 

If the Optionee ceases to be employed by the Corporation for any
reason, or no reason, with or without cause, including death or disability, the
Corporation shall have an irrevocable, exclusive option (the “Repurchase Option”)
for a period of 120 days from the date of termination of employment to purchase
any shares of Stock acquired by the Optionee upon exercise of the Option (“Option
Shares”).  The right of the Corporation
under the Repurchase Option to purchase any part of the Option Shares may be
assigned in whole or in part to any person or persons designated by the Board
of Directors of the Corporation.  The
Repurchase Option shall be exercised by the Corporation by delivering to
Optionee (or to Optionee’s executors or administrators, if applicable) a written
notice of exercise and a check for the original purchase price paid by
Optionee, provided, however, that in the case of death or retirement with the
consent of the Corporation, the price shall be fair market value of the Option
Shares as determined by the Board of Directors of the Corporation. Upon
delivery of such notice and payment of the purchase price, the Corporation
shall become the legal and beneficial owner of the Option Shares, as
applicable, being repurchased and all rights and interest therein or related
thereto, and the Corporation shall have the right to transfer to its own name
the Option Shares being purchased without further action by Optionee.  The rights of the Corporation under this
section shall terminate upon the completion by the Corporation of a public
offering of Common Stock registered under the Securities Act of 1933.

 

K.  No
Obligations to Exercise Option

 

The granting of an Option shall impose no obligation upon the
Participant to exercise such Option.

 

4

 

L.             Nonassignability

 

Options shall not be transferable other than by will or by the law of
descent and distribution, and during a Participant’s lifetime shall be
exercisable only by such Participant.

 

M.  Effect of
Change in Stock Subject to the Plan

 

The
aggregate number of shares of Stock available for Options under the Plan, the
shares subject to any Option and the price per share shall proportionately be
adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Stock
subsequent to the effective date of the Plan resulting from (1) a
subdivision or consolidation of shares or any other capital adjustment, (2) the
payment of a stock dividend, or (3) other increase or decrease in such
shares effected without receipt of consideration by the Corporation.

 

Nothing
in this section shall be construed as providing the Participant with respect to
either the Option granted under this plan or Option Shares any protection
against dilution as a result of additional invested capital in the Corporation
or its Subsidiaries or as a result of a merger or consolidation.

 

If
the Corporation shall be the surviving corporation in any merger or
consolidation, any Option shall pertain, apply, and relate to the securities to
which a holder of the number of shares of Stock subject to the Option would
have been entitled after the merger or consolidation.

 

If
the Corporation is not the surviving corporation, all Options outstanding under
the Plan shall terminate; provided, however,
that each Participant (and each other person entitled under Section I to
exercise an Option) shall have the right, immediately prior to such dissolution
or liquidation, or such merger or consolidation, to exercise such Participant’s
Options in whole or in part, but only to the extent that such Options are
otherwise exercisable under the terms of the Plan.

 

N.  Method of Exercise of Option

 

The
Option may be exercised only by notice in writing from the Optionee to the
Corporation of the Optionee’s binding commitment to purchase shares, specifying
the number of shares the Optionee desires to purchase under the Option and the
date on which the Optionee agrees to complete the transaction, which may not be
more than 30 days after delivery of the notice, and, if required to comply with
the Securities Act of 1933, containing a representation that it is the Optionee’s
intention to acquire the shares for investment and not with a view to
distribution.

 

Upon
notification by the Board of Directors of a Change of Control,  Optionee shall deliver to the Corporation,
within 10 days of such notice, a declaration of intent to utilize a cash or
cashless exercise.

 

i.              Cash Exercise.  In the event Optionee has elected to utilize
the cash exercise, on or before the date specified for completion of the
purchase, the Optionee must pay the Corporation the full purchase price of
those shares in cash or by check.  No
shares shall be issued until full payment for the shares has been made,
including all amounts owed for tax withholding. 
The Optionee shall, immediately upon notification of the amount due, if
any, pay to the Corporation in cash or by check amounts necessary to satisfy
any applicable federal, state and 

 

5

 

local
tax withholding requirements.  If
additional withholding is or becomes required (as a result of exercise of the
Option) beyond any amount deposited before delivery of the certificates, the
Optionee shall pay such amount to the Corporation, in cash or by check, on
demand.  If the Optionee fails to pay the
amount demanded, the Corporation or its Subsidiary may withhold that amount
from other amounts payable to the Optionee, including salary, bonus,
commissions or other cash compensation, subject to applicable law.

 

ii.             Cashless Exercise.

 

(a)           In the event Optionee has elected to
utilize the cashless exercise, the Corporation shall issue to the Optionee, the
number of Shares determined as follows:

 

X = Y [(A-B)/A]

 

where: X = the number of Shares to be issued
to the Optionee.

 

Y = the number of Shares with respect to which this
Option is being exercised.

 

A = the Fair Value of one common share as of the
exercise date.

 

B = the Exercise Price then in effect.

 

(b)           “Fair Value.” The final prospectus
price; the value of the consideration upon the closing of a Change in Control;
or fair value as approved by the Board.

 

(c)           The
Optionee shall pay to the Corporation in cash or by check amounts necessary to
satisfy any applicable federal, state and local tax withholding requirements as
a result of the cashless exercise.  If
additional withholding is or becomes required (as a result of exercise of the
Option) beyond any amount deposited before delivery of the certificates, the
Optionee shall pay such amount to the Corporation, in cash or by check, on
demand.  If the Optionee fails to pay the
amount demanded, the Corporation or its Subsidiary may withhold that amount
from other amounts payable to the Optionee, including salary, bonus,
commissions or other cash compensation, subject to applicable law.

 

O.  Amendment and
Termination

 

The
Board, by resolution, may terminate, amend, or revise the Plan with respect to
any shares as to which Options have not been granted.  Neither the Board nor the Committee may,
without the consent of the holder of an Option, alter or impair any Option
previously granted under the Plan, except as authorized herein.  Unless sooner terminated, the Plan shall
remain in effect for a period of 10 years from the date of the Plan’s adoption
by the Board.  Termination of the Plan shall
not affect any Option previously granted.

 

P.  Agreement and Representation of Employees

 

As a condition to the exercise of any portion of an Option, the
Corporation may require the person exercising such Option to represent and
warrant at the time of such exercise that any shares of Stock acquired at
exercise are being acquired only for investment and without any 

 

6

 

present intention to sell or distribute such shares, if, in the opinion
of counsel for the Corporation, such a representation is required under the
Securities Act of 1933 or any other applicable law, regulation, or rule of
any governmental agency.

 

As
provided for in the stockholders’ agreement of the Corporation, a legend,
substantially in the form set forth below, shall be placed on the certificates
representing any shares of Stock owned by the Participant:

 

The
shares represented by this certificate (1) Have not been registered under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or registered or qualified under any
state securities lay, and may not be sold or otherwise transferred except in
compliance with such laws, and (2) are subject to the rights and
restrictions contained in the stockholders agreement dated as of May 9,
2006 copy of which is on file with the secretary of the issuer hereof

 

Q.  Reservation of Shares of Stock

 

The Corporation, during the term of this Plan, will at all times
reserve and keep available, and will seek or obtain from any regulatory body
having jurisdiction any requisite authority necessary to issue and to sell, the
number of shares of Stock that shall be sufficient to satisfy the requirements
of this Plan.  The inability of the
Corporation to obtain from any regulatory body having jurisdiction the
authority deemed necessary by counsel for the Corporation for the lawful
issuance and sale of its Stock hereunder shall relieve the Corporation of any
liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell Stock as to which the
requisite authority has not been obtained.

 

R.
 Effective Date of Plan

 

The
Plan shall be effective as of May 10, 2006.

 

S.             Governing
Law

 

Sabre
Communications Holding, Inc. Nonqualified Stock Option Plan will be
governed by the laws of the state of Iowa, without regard to its conflict of
laws principles and the agreed jurisdiction for any dispute regarding the terms
hereof shall be in the United States District Court for the District of
Delaware and the Chancery of the State of Delaware (and of the appropriate
appellate courts therefrom).

 

7

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