Minerals are part of virtually all the products we use every day, acting as the raw materials for manufacturing processes or as the end products themselves. Not surprisingly, minerals also are used in the energy generation that we rely on every day. Emerging energy technologies like wind, solar and nuclear heavily rely on minerals to
mineral rights
U.S. House Hearing Supports Legislation for Development of Domestic Minerals (H.R. 761)
By Mike Mills on
Posted in Mining
On Wednesday, July 23, 2014, the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an oversight hearing, titled “American Metals and Mineral Security: An examination of the domestic critical minerals supply and demand chain.” During the hearing, a panel of witnesses spoke on the benefits of securing a supply of minerals through domestic mining. This panel included representatives from GE Global Research and the National Defense Industrial Association, among others.
The hearing demonstrated support for H.R. 761, the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act. H.R. 761 passed the House (246-178) on September 18, 2013, and is awaiting Senate approval. The purpose is to “more efficiently develop domestic sources of the minerals and mineral materials of strategic and critical importance to United States.” Key sections of H.R. 761 introduce mandates for streamlining the permitting process for mineral development and limits the permitting review period to 30 months. Continue Reading U.S. House Hearing Supports Legislation for Development of Domestic Minerals (H.R. 761)
A River Runs Through It: North Dakota Supreme Court Finds State Government Owns Minerals In Disputed “Shore Zone”
By Andrew Pieper on
The North Dakota Supreme Court issued an opinion last week resolving a constitutional question of public vs. private ownership of mineral interests in the area between the high and low water marks along navigable waters (commonly known as the “shore zone”). Ultimately, the court found that the state’s interest in minerals begins at the high…
An Opportunity to Cure? When Bankruptcy and Unpaid Oil and Gas Lease Royalties Collide in North Dakota
By Andrew Pieper on
Posted in Landowner issues, Oil & Gas
The North Dakota Supreme Court recently issued its second opinion in Van Sickle v. Hallmark & Associates, a case that has tested the boundaries of a mineral interest holder’s right to royalties when well operators go bankrupt.
The Van Sickles own interests in oil and gas produced from a well in McKenzie County that’s…