Several contract holders

(1) If two or more companies are parties to the same contract, they shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations and liabilities resulting from petroleum operations or their activities related thereto. (2) In every case referred to in subsection (1) of this section, the companies shall, subject to the prior written approval of the Minister, appoint one of their number to be an operator on behalf of the other or others and no change in such appointment shall be made without the Minister’s approval as aforesaid.