Please forgive me if this has been asked before. I did a search but didn’t find my specific answer.
I have mineral rights in Golden valley North Dakota, township 144 North, 104 and 105 West. I inherited them recently and there hasn’t been a lease since 2013. From what information I could find, nothing is really happening in that area, but are there companies interested in leasing? How do I find them?
Any information anyone wants to pass along would be appreciated. I’m learning along the way and there has been so much information to go through. Thanks!
Companies generally lease when they plan to drill, so if no interest in the area, they won’t be coming to knock on your door. They do not waste money leasing if not planning to drill it. The most recent leasing was in sec 36-144zN-105W. Northern Energy leased from the State of North Dakota. Those were the first leases in the area since 2019.
Make sure that you do claim the interests with the proper form for North Dakota as they have a dormant mineral statute. You will have to file in every county where you have interests. It is call "Statement of Claim of Mineral Interest.
This is a template that I used many years ago. Contact the county clerk of deeds and ask for the updated form. When I did it, they had specific margins, size of paper, etc. STATEMENT OF CLAIM OF MINERAL INTEREST North Dakota.docx (18.8 KB)
One more question, North Dakota says a claim has to be made every 20 years, since I just transferred the deed over to my name in 2024, is it 20 years from that date, or every 20 years from the last lease?
From title transfer according to what I was told. I went ahead and did a form in every county for every tract even if some were still producing just so the records would all be filed on the same date. And I left a big folder with copies in paper and digitally with notes for my family if I am not around at the end of the 20 years. (Not giving legal advice.)
This is a great idea! Thank you. I really appreciate it. There is so much information to try and absorb with no one around that can help me wade through it all. It has been a learning experience!
It is a challenge. The National Association of Royalty Owners has a Rocky Mountain Chapter that can be of great use to mineral owners. They have an upcoming conference in person or online. www.naro-us.org. June 13-14.
As M_Barnes said These don’t work. If they are interested they will find you. Just make sure your contact information is on file with the land records.
This post is not legal, tax or investment advice. Reading or responding to this post does not create an attorney/client relationship.
