The North Dakota Department of Agriculture's royalty oversight program connects royalty owners and well operators with an independent ombudsman to provide assistance with royalty payment issues.
After case assignment, the ombudsman will contact the mineral owner within 2 business days regarding the situation. The ombudsman will also contact the well operator detailing the findings and work with all parties to clarify the discrepancy or communication breakdown in a timely manner.
Program Limitations:
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We will not work on royalty issues currently under regulatory review or state and/or federal litigation
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We will not work on royalty issues beyond the previous 6 years
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In some cases, we may work on royalty issues with working interest but may have limitations
The program also provides educational outreach to help royalty owners who have been or may be impacted by royalty issues.
The names of royalty owners who receive assistance under the program are closed records as defined in section 44-04-17.1 of the North Dakota Century Code. The identity of those requesting or receiving assistance will remain confidential.
If you are a royalty owner and need help getting in contact or understanding royalty payments, please fill out the request:
Royalty Oversight Program Request Form
If you have a completed request and would like to provide feedback regarding your case, please fill out the evaluation below:
Royalty Oversight Program Evaluation Form
If you have questions on the program you can call the special programs line at
(701) 328-5110 and select option 1
or email us at royaltyoversight@nd.gov.
Royalty Ombudsman Program Coordinator
Ron Webb
Program System Specialist