N.D. Cent. Code § 38-14.2-01
The legislative assembly finds and declares that there are a substantial number of acres [hectares] within the state disturbed by surface coal mining operations and noncoal mining operations on which little or no reclamation was conducted, and the impacts from these unreclaimed lands impose social and economic costs on residents in nearby and adjoining areas as well as continuing to impair environmental quality. It is, therefore, the purpose of this chapter to promote the reclamation of mined areas left without adequate reclamation prior to the enactment of this chapter and which continue, in their unreclaimed condition, to substantially degrade the quality of the environment, prevent or damage the beneficial use of land or water resources, or endanger the health or safety of the public.
N.D.C.C. § 38-14.2-01