Mineral rights lawsuit between MHA Nation and North Dakota headed for trial

A federal lawsuit over mineral rights beneath the Missouri River on tribal land involving the MHA Nation and the state of North Dakota is headed for trial after a judge denied summary judgment requests from both sides, according to KFYR.

A U.S. District judge ordered the case to proceed after rejecting motions seeking a ruling without trial. The dispute centers on ownership of minerals beneath the Missouri River, with an estimated $100 million in potential unpaid royalties if drilling were to occur. The MHA Nation and the federal government argue the tribe holds mineral rights through a federal trust. North Dakota contends the state owns the rights and should control leasing, collection and development.

Federal opinions dating back to the 1930s are cited by the tribe in support of its claim. A 2020 federal ruling favored the state, but a 2022 decision by the Biden administration returned ownership to the tribes. A trial date has not been set.