Within one year after a compensation offer made under section 38-11.1-08 is rejected, either the mineral developer or surface owner may involve the North Dakota mediation service or other civil mediator. Involvement of a mediator may comply with Rule 8.8 of the North Dakota Rules of Court for purposes of alternative dispute resolution compliance. The cost of the mediator must be mediated between the parties. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement regarding the cost of the mediator through mediation, each party shall pay an equal portion of the mediator's compensation. If the mediation is provided by the North Dakota mediation service, compensation of the mediator must be the actual cost of the mediator to the North Dakota mediation service.
N.D.C.C. § 38-11.1-09.1