Home | Department of Mineral Resources, North Dakota

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Oil and Gas Regulation

Regulates the drilling and production of oil and natural gas in North Dakota in a manner that will realize the greatest possible good from our state's vital natural resources.

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Geological Survey

The primary source of geological information in the state. Publishes maps and reports on the mineralogical, paleontological, and geochemical resources of North Dakota.

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Paleontology

The Paleontology Department manages the public fossil dig program, collections database, and provides both scientific and educational resources about our great state's fossils.

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DMR Hot Topics:

Press Release: A Critical Mineral Deposit Discovery in North Dakota

PSC to Hold Four Public Hearings for Proposed Carbon Pipeline Project

CO2 Storage - Class VI in North Dakota

North Dakota's Subsurface Salts - Underground Storage

Critical Minerals - Below North Dakota's Oldest Landscapes

Uranium Mines in North Dakota

IIJA Letter Sent to Landowners Regarding Abandoned Wells

Ordinary High Water Mark

Quick Links:

Pipeline Authority - provides data analytics and production forecasting for the transportation and processing industry.

Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) - develops new technologies and practical solutions to critical energy challenges.

Unified Spill Reporting System - spill reporting

Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) - contact for North Dakota’s air, land, and water resources.

Fraq Focus - data and resources regarding hydraulic fracturing.

Public Service Commission - statutory authority over gas pipeline safety.

ND Mediation Services - mediation services are available to address many energy development-related issues.

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Lynn D. Helms, Ph.D., Director Department of Mineral Resources

Lynn earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Lynn has served as Director of the North Dakota Industrial Commission Oil & Gas Division since July 1998, then Director of the Department of Mineral Resources since it was formed in July 2005.

Bruce E. Hicks, Assistant Director Oil and Gas Division

Bruce Hicks has an Engineering Degree from the University of North Dakota. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the state and has been employed with the ND Industrial Commission for many years. He has held several positions, including Water Injection Supervisor, and Manager of Horizontal Drilling, and currently serves as the Assistant Director of the Oil and Gas Division.

Edward C. Murphy, State Geologist

Edward C. Murphy has a B.S. in Geology and an M.S. in Geology from the University of North Dakota. He has worked as a geologist for the North Dakota Geological Survey and the Department of Mineral Resources for 43 years and 19 as State Geologist.