N.D. Cent. Code § 38-15-01: Policy

It is hereby declared to be in the public interest to foster, encourage, and promote the development, production, and utilization of all natural resources of coal, commercial leonardite, oil, gas, and subsurface minerals in a manner as will prevent waste and allow a greater ultimate recovery of the natural resources, and to protect the rights of all owners so that the greatest possible economic recovery of natural resources be obtained in the state, to the end that landowners, royalty owners, producers, and the general public realize and enjoy the greatest possible good from these vital natural resources.