It is unlawful to commence operations for the drilling of a well for oil or gas or the production of metallic minerals or to commence operations to deepen any well to a different geological formation without first giving the director notice of intention to drill, and without first obtaining a permit from the director, under rules prescribed by the department and paying to the department a fee established by rule of the department for the well. The fee shall be deposited in the general fund of the state.
86 Acts, ch 1245, §1815, 1816
C93, §458A.5