The state may issue prospecting permits or issue leases for the purpose of prospecting for and mining minerals contained in any portion of lands owned by this state or that may be contained in state lands sold with a reservation of mineral deposits.
N.D. Cent. Code § 38-11-02
Leases of certain mineral rights in state lands
Official source: North Dakota Legislative Branch. Reproduced from public-domain North Dakota statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.