This bill aims to amend the North Dakota Century Code by introducing new definitions and provisions related to critical minerals and rare earth minerals, as well as establishing royalty requirements for their extraction. It defines "critical minerals" and "rare earth minerals," emphasizing their importance to the economic and national security of the United States. The bill also includes a declaration of policy that promotes the development and utilization of these minerals, particularly those that are chemically bound within coal seams. It asserts that coal leases must include rights to these minerals unless explicitly excluded, and it establishes a royalty rate of at least 2.5% on the gross proceeds from the sale of extracted critical and rare earth minerals.

Additionally, the bill amends existing sections of the law to clarify the ownership and conveyance of mineral rights, ensuring that leases of coal automatically include rights to critical and rare earth minerals unless stated otherwise. It also retroactively applies these provisions, indicating that they will affect past leases and agreements. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance the economic benefits derived from North Dakota's mineral resources while ensuring that the rights of landowners and producers are protected.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 47-10-24
Adopted by the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee: 38-12-02, 47-10-24
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 38-12-02, 47-10-24
Adopted by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee: 38-12-01
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Porter: 38-12-01, 47-10-24
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Anderson: 38-12-01, 47-10-24
Enrollment: 38-12-01, 47-10-24