New DMR director outlines steady Bakken production, high gas capture and progress on critical‑minerals sampling

Nathan Henderson, director of the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources (DMR), and Ed Murphy, state geologist, presented the DMR’s latest oil and gas statistics, mapping work and a state survey of critical minerals in lignite at a joint Natural Resources and Energy Committee meeting on Jan. 22.

Production and capture: Henderson told the committee that North Dakota oil production in 2024 is expected to finish near 1.1–1.2 million barrels per year and that gas capture across the state has remained strong—about 95% capture in recent years, he said. He described the current rig count as stable and indicated he expects rig and frac‑crew levels to hold roughly steady in the near term. Henderson said industry production decisions are increasingly driven by investor expectations (shareholder returns) rather than only by production growth targets.

Bakken inventory and well technology: The DMR updated lawmakers on inventory in the Bakken/Three Forks: the agency estimates tens of thousands of remaining locations across three tiers of development (Tier 1 core acreage largely developed, Tier 2 more prospective acreage and Tier 3 fringe acreage). Henderson…