A North Dakota Subordination of Surface Rights Agreement, also known as Subordination by Mineral Owner, is a legally binding document that outlines the rights and priorities between the surface rights owner and the mineral rights' owner in North Dakota. This agreement is crucial in situations where conflicts may arise between the two parties, ensuring that the mineral rights' owner can access and utilize the subsurface resources without unduly interfering with the surface rights' owner's enjoyment and use of the land. In North Dakota, there are a few types of Subordination of Surface Rights Agreement that may be categorized based on their specific provisions and circumstances. The key types include: 1. Standard Subordination Agreement: This common type of agreement addresses the relationship between the surface rights owner and the mineral rights' owner. It typically establishes the hierarchy of rights, specifying that the mineral rights take precedence over the surface rights in the event of exploration, extraction, or development activities. This type of agreement ensures that the mineral rights' owner has the necessary access and rights to carry out their operations while providing certain protections to the surface rights' owner. 2. Compulsory Pooling Agreement: In cases where multiple mineral rights owners hold adjacent or overlapping rights in a particular area, a compulsory pooling agreement may be required. This agreement allows for the consolidation of mineral rights to achieve more efficient exploration and extraction of subsurface resources. Compulsory pooling typically involves the subordination of surface rights to facilitate joint operation or integration of multiple operations. 3. Leasehold Agreement: In some instances, the mineral rights' owner may lease out their rights to a third party, such as an oil and gas company, through a leasehold agreement. This type of agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which the lessee can extract resources from the leased property. A subordination provision within this agreement ensures that the surface rights' owner's interests are appropriately protected while the lessee operates on the land. Key terms included in a North Dakota Subordination of Surface Rights Agreement may entail: — Surface Rights: The rights related to the use and enjoyment of the land's surface, which may include residential, agricultural, or commercial activities. — Mineral Rights: The rights to explore, extract, and develop subsurface minerals, such as oil, gas, coal, or other valuable resources. — Priority of Rights: Establishes that the mineral rights take priority over the surface rights, allowing the mineral rights' owner to access and exploit the subsurface resources without unduly impairing the surface rights' owner's rights. — Access and Easements: Specifies the necessary rights of way, access routes, and easements required for the mineral rights' owner to conduct exploration, extraction, or development operations on the property. — Surface Damage Compensation: Addresses the compensation and mitigation measures that the mineral rights' owner must provide to the surface rights' owner for any potential damages caused during exploration or extraction activities. — Environmental Protection: Outlines the obligations of the mineral rights' owner to comply with environmental regulations and best practices regarding land reclamation, water management, and other sustainability considerations. It is important to note that each Subordination of Surface Rights Agreement may vary in its specific provisions and terms, depending on the unique circumstances and negotiation between the parties involved. It is advisable to seek legal counsel to ensure the agreement accurately reflects the interests and rights of both the surface rights owner and the mineral rights' owner in North Dakota.