If any mineral developer fails or refuses to conduct good faith negotiations with the surface owner to determine damages pursuant to § 45-5A-4, whether or not arising out of an existing contract or lease, the court, in any subsequent litigation arising out of the mineral developer’s failure or refusal to negotiate in good faith, may, at its discretion, award treble damages on all or part of any recovery by the surface owner.

Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 45-5A-4.1

  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Lease: A contract transferring the use of property or occupancy of land, space, structures, or equipment in consideration of a payment (e.g., rent). Source: OCC
  • Litigation: A case, controversy, or lawsuit. Participants (plaintiffs and defendants) in lawsuits are called litigants.

Source: SL 2013, ch 225, § 1.