47-16-40. Record of lease as notice for definite term - Extension upon contingency - Affidavit

47-16-40. Record of lease as notice for definite term - Extension upon contingency - Affidavit. When an oil, gas, or mineral lease is hereafter given on land situated within the state of North Dakota, the recording thereof in the office of the recorder of the county in which the land is located shall impart notice to the public of the validity and continuance of said lease for the definite term therein expressed, but no longer. If such lease contains the statement of any contingency upon the happening of which the term of any such lease may be extended, such as, and as much longer as oil and gas or either are produced in paying quantities, the owner of said lease may at any time before the expiration of the definite term of said lease file with said recorder an affidavit setting forth the description of the lease, that the affiant is the owner thereof and the facts showing that the required contingency has happened. This affidavit shall be recorded in full by the recorder, and such record together with that of the lease shall be due notice to the public of the existence and continuing validity of said lease, until the same shall be forfeited, canceled, set aside, or surrendered according to law.