N.D. Cent. Code § 38-17-05
38-17-05. Maximum term of years
38-17-05. Maximum term of years
No coal lease executed after April 9, 1975, is valid for a primary term of more than twenty
years, unless operations for mining are taking place on the leased land within the primary term,
or the land is subject to a valid mining permit, and for so long thereafter as coal is regularly
mined therefrom, or the land is subject to permit. This limitation does not prohibit agreements for
extensions or renewals of the primary term.