North Dakota Mineral Rights Guide

When it comes to owning and selling mineral rights, each state has its own unique regulations and market conditions. In North Dakota, mineral rights can be a valuable asset, especially in key areas like the Bakken formation. Whether you’re new to the process or looking to sell, understanding the ins and outs of North Dakota mineral rights is essential.
In this guide, we’ll explore the tax and regulation landscape, how ownership works, and the best steps to sell your mineral rights in North Dakota.
Bakken and Other Key Areas

The Bakken formation is one of the most well-known and valuable oil-producing regions in North Dakota. This shale oil play extends across parts of North Dakota, Montana, and Canada. In recent years, it has drawn substantial attention from oil and gas producers due to its prolific output.
Mineral rights in the Bakken can be worth significant amounts of money, depending on the quality and location of the land. Curious about mineral rights value? Contact us for a free consultation and get an offer within 24 hours.
Why the Bakken is So Valuable
The Bakken formation is particularly rich in shale oil, and advancements in hydraulic fracturing (fracking) technology have made it economically viable to extract oil from these reserves. As a result, the area has seen a significant increase in drilling activity.
If you own mineral rights in or near the Bakken, you may be sitting on a valuable asset.
Other Key Oil Plays in North Dakota
Besides the Bakken, North Dakota’s oil industry also benefits from other plays like the Three Forks and the Spearfish. Each of these regions has been an important contributor to North Dakota’s energy production.
Mineral rights in these areas can also be worth a considerable amount.
Tax and Regulation in North Dakota

Before buying or selling mineral rights in North Dakota, it’s crucial to understand the state’s tax and regulatory framework. Mineral rights holders are subject to specific tax obligations, and the regulatory environment can impact your ability to lease, sell, or produce minerals from your land.
State Tax on Royalties
In North Dakota, royalties from oil and gas production are typically subject to state taxes. These taxes are often a percentage of the revenue generated from the sale of the extracted minerals.
It’s important to be aware of these obligations when you’re considering selling or leasing your mineral rights.
Regulatory Environment for Oil and Gas in North Dakota
North Dakota is known for its relatively business-friendly approach to oil and gas regulation. However, that doesn’t mean there are no rules to follow.
The North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) is responsible for regulating oil and gas production, including the permitting and monitoring of wells. Understanding the state’s regulatory environment can help ensure a smooth process if you decide to sell your mineral rights.
How Ownership Works in North Dakota

Understanding mineral rights ownership in North Dakota is crucial for anyone considering buying, selling, or leasing these assets. Ownership can be complicated, especially when multiple parties are involved, so it’s important to know exactly what rights you own.
What Are Mineral Rights?
Mineral rights are the legal rights to extract and sell the minerals located beneath the surface of a piece of land.
In North Dakota, mineral rights are typically severed from surface rights, meaning a landowner may own the surface of the land but not the minerals beneath it. If you own the mineral rights, you have the right to lease or sell them to oil and gas companies.
Surface Rights vs. Mineral Rights
While surface rights pertain to the land above the surface, mineral rights pertain to the resources beneath the land.
Understanding the distinction is essential because you may own one but not the other. In many cases, mineral rights holders can lease the land to an oil company while the surface rights holder still controls access to the land.
Market Conditions for North Dakota Mineral Rights

The market for mineral rights in North Dakota has been heavily influenced by oil prices and the demand for energy. The Bakken formation, in particular, has experienced periods of both boom and bust, with fluctuating oil prices affecting the market for mineral rights.
How Oil Prices Affect the Market
When oil prices are high, demand for mineral rights in North Dakota increases. This is because higher prices make it more economically viable for oil companies to extract oil from the Bakken and other formations.
Conversely, when oil prices fall, the market for mineral rights can slow down, as oil companies may scale back drilling operations.
Valuing Mineral Rights in North Dakota
Valuing your mineral rights in North Dakota can be tricky, as it depends on factors like location, production history, and the current market. If your land is near active drilling sites, your mineral rights may be worth significantly more.
Having your mineral rights professionally appraised can provide you with an accurate estimate of their value.
Steps to Sell Oil and Gas Royalties in North Dakota

Before selling your oil and gas royalties, it’s essential to get an accurate valuation. This will help you understand the current market value of your rights, so you can make informed decisions during negotiations.
A professional appraisal or consultation with an experienced mineral rights buyer can ensure you receive the best offer.
Step 2: Choose a Trusted Buyer
Once you know the value of your mineral rights, the next step is to find a reputable buyer. Many companies, including Fraction Royalty, specialize in buying mineral rights and offer fast, no-pressure transactions.
Choose a buyer who communicates clearly and provides a no-obligation offer within 24 hours.
Step 3: Understand the Terms of the Sale
Before finalizing the sale, ensure that you understand all the terms and conditions. This includes any fees, the process of transferring ownership, and when you will receive payment.
At Fraction Royalty, we make sure there are no closing costs and the process is smooth, with most transactions closing in as little as 7 days.
Step 4: Complete the Sale
Once you agree to the terms, the sale process is simple. The buyer will typically handle all the paperwork and ensure that you receive payment.
With Fraction Royalty, the entire process is quick, and there are no hidden fees or unexpected delays.
Get a Free Mineral Rights Evaluation

If you’re thinking about selling your mineral rights in North Dakota, it’s a good idea to get a free evaluation of your rights.
At Fraction Royalty, we offer fast, no-obligation offers within 24 hours, with the ability to close deals in as little as seven days. Our team specializes in small deals, making the process easy and hassle-free.
👇 Fill out the contact form below to receive your free mineral rights evaluation today!
Same Day Quote
After we receive your last 3 months of royalty statements, our team will put together a formal offer for you to consider. Your formal offer will be ready within 24 hours, and typically the same day you provide your documentation.