Mineral Research Information

Many individuals contact the County Recorder's Office with inquiries about mineral ownership in North Dakota. Mineral rights can be separated from surface ownership, making ownership tracing complex. Documents related to real property transactions are recorded in the specific county where the land is located and indexed by township, range, section and sometimes by the names of the parties involved. Additionally, wills, trusts or divorce decrees affecting ownership may also be recorded with the County Recorder.

State law considers mineral interests abandoned if not "used" for 20 years. Activities such as leases or mortgages can document the use of these interests. If abandoned, surface owners may take possession by recording a document. Researching mineral interests requires reviewing recorded documents, which individuals must do themselves or hire a private researcher. Some county records are available online via a subscription service, but on-site review may be necessary.

If mineral interests are leased or in production and some owners cannot be found, a court-established trust may manage the revenue. The County Treasurer serves as Trustee, with unclaimed revenues eventually transferred to the Unclaimed Property Division of the State Land Department.

Contact the County Recorder for inquiries about mineral ownership in McKenzie County and North Dakota.