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 clarifies that these minerals, when chemically bound or contained within coal seams, are part of the coal estate unless specifically excluded in a lease. Additionally, it mandates that operators pay a minimum royalty of 2.5% on the gross proceeds from the sale of these minerals.

Furthermore, the bill includes a declaration of policy that promotes the development and utilization of critical and rare earth minerals, recognizing their potential economic benefits and the need for domestic production to reduce reliance on foreign sources. It allows for the amendment of existing leases to facilitate the extraction of these minerals and establishes that coal conversion facility operators are not liable for damages related to the minerals contained in coal. The bill is retroactively applicable, ensuring that its provisions can be enforced for past actions as well.

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