Title ownership of properties in North Dakota is divided into two types. The right to free use of the surface and the right of access to underground minerals like oil and gas. These offer their holders specific access to the various North Dakota mineral rights described here. Both grant the holders access to various parts of a property or estate. For example, anyone with surface owner rights as free use of the surface of the location for ranching, farming, commercial, residential, and other such activity.
In North Dakota, the mineral and surface owner rights can be held by the same person. However, in certain situations, marked North Dakota mineral rights may or may not be owned by the same person. These marked mineral rights will be explained to any person who wants to purchase the mineral or surface rights before the deal is complete.