North Dakota Law Lists Fake Critical Minerals

A new law in North Dakota has been identified that lists fake critical minerals based on the names of coal lawyers. The legislation, which was published on January 4, 2026, has drawn attention for its unusual content. The article discussing this law was published by the Bismarck Tribune.

Online discussion regarding the article took place on Hacker News, a platform hosted by Y Combinator. The article received 15 points and generated 4 comments on the platform. The focus of the discussion is the content of the North Dakota law itself, which appears to include fabricated mineral names derived from legal professionals' names associated with the coal industry.

This development highlights the intersection of local government legislation and online commentary. The specific details of the law and the names used are the subject of the original reporting. The story has gained traction among readers interested in politics and economics within the state.

The legislation in question was published on January 4, 2026. It pertains to the classification of critical minerals within the state. According to the reporting, the law includes a list of minerals that are not genuine geological resources. Instead, these names are derived from the surnames of lawyers representing the coal industry.

The original report detailing these findings appeared in the Bismarck Tribune. The article focuses on the specific wording of the legislation and the origin of the mineral names listed. This suggests a specific intent behind the inclusion of these names within the legal text.

The legislation falls under categories of politics and economics. The inclusion of these specific names has raised questions about the drafting process of the bill. The source material provides the basis for these observations without further editorializing.

The story gained significant traction on the internet shortly after publication. Specifically, the article was shared on Hacker News. This platform is a technology and politics-focused forum operated by Y Combinator.

On this platform, the story garnered specific engagement metrics:

• Total Points: 15
• Total Comments: 4

These metrics indicate a moderate level of interest among the platform's user base. The discussion centered on the content of the North Dakota law. The engagement highlights how state-level political developments can reach wider audiences through specialized online communities.

Several key entities are central to this story. The primary subject is the state of North Dakota and its legislative body. The law in question is a product of this state's government.

The reporting entity is the Bismarck Tribune. This organization is responsible for breaking the news regarding the specific content of the legislation. They provided the initial facts regarding the mineral names and their origins.

The discussion platform is Hacker News. Owned by Y Combinator, this site served as the venue for public commentary on the report. The interaction between these entities illustrates the modern news cycle: local reporting followed by digital discussion.

The report concerning North Dakota's legislation highlights a unique intersection of industry influence and legal drafting. By listing fake minerals based on coal lawyers' names, the law has drawn scrutiny from both journalists and the online community.

The engagement on Hacker News demonstrates that niche political stories can find an audience beyond their immediate geographic region. The metrics of 15 points and 4 comments reflect a specific interest in the mechanics of local governance.

Ultimately, the story serves as a case study in legislative transparency. The facts presented by the Bismarck Tribune provide a clear record of the events. As of the publication date of January 4, 2026, the discussion remains focused on the verifiable text of the law.