N.M. Stat. § 42-4-23
[Working mine pending suit; waste.]
That nothing in the two preceding sections [42-4-21, 42-4-22 NMSA 1978] shall
prohibit the working and development of a mine or mining claim by either party in
interest who may be in possession of the mine or claim during the pendency of the suit,
nor prohibit anyone from bringing an action for damages, or a suit in equity to prevent
waste.