Royalty Brawl Along the Missouri

Landowners are fighting the State of North Dakota over disputed mineral rights in the Bakken Shale. The state has leased mineral rights along and under the Missouri River. Landowners contend the state improperly defined the river’s boundaries and is infringing on their ownership interest. The confusion has caused oil companies to suspend royalty payments and, in one instance, file a lawsuit in federal court to determine who it should pay. Read more HERE.