43-02-02.5-19. Basic data.

1. Basic data developed by or for the person conducting critical mineral exploration or evaluation, consisting of testhole locations; testhole elevations; total depths; driller's logs; radioactivity, resistivity, or other types of electrical or mechanical logs; laboratory analyses; or any other pertinent data collected during the project must be delivered free of charge to the state geologist.

2. If requested by the operator, the data submitted must be confidential for a period of one year commencing on the expiration date of the permit. The period may be extended further upon approval of the commission. As long as the operator is exploring, developing, or producing critical minerals, the basic data may remain confidential. The commission and the state geologist shall have access to all confidential data. The director may release confidential completion and production data to health care professionals; emergency responders; and state, federal, or tribal environmental and public health regulators, if the state geologist deems it necessary to protect the public's health, safety, and welfare.

3. Sample cuts, portions of cores not required for analysis, and core analyses developed by or for the person conducting the critical mineral exploration or evaluation also must be submitted free of cost to the state geologist, if requested.

History: Effective July 1, 2026.

General Authority: NDCC 38-12-02

Law Implemented: NDCC 38-12-02