What is necessary for a royalty to be determined under West Virginia's marketable product rule?

Determining a royalty under West Virginia's marketable product rule hinges on the premise that the gas produced must be transportable at market price. This principle reflects the idea that in order for a producer to claim royalties, the gas must not just be extracted but must also be refined and made ready for sale in a manner that competes in the marketplace. The marketable product rule essentially underscores the necessity for products to meet certain standards of usability and salesability, which directly influences the valuation and calculation of royalties.

While other options present elements of the framework surrounding gas production and royalties, they do not encapsulate the core requirement of marketability that is essential for determining royalties. The focus on transportation at market price is critical because it links the physical aspects of gas production and its economic viability, ensuring that the operator can actually sell the gas or utilize it in a way that fairly reflects its market value. Therefore, understanding this marketability aspect is fundamental to correctly determining royalties under West Virginia's legal standards.