It is unlawful to commence operations for the exploration, development, or production of subsurface minerals without first obtaining a permit from the director of mineral resources, under such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the commission and paying to the commission a fee for each such permit in an amount to be prescribed by the commission.
N.D. Cent. Code § 38-12-03
Permit required
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.