North Dakota’s new law on mining critical minerals mentions “friezium” and “stralium”, apparently references to Christopher Friez and David Straley, lawyers for North American Coal.

Both lawyers were involved in the drafting of the bill but deny any involvement, The Bismarck Tribune reports.

“I assume it was put in to embarrass us, or to make light of it, or have a practical joke,” Mr Straley said.

North Dakota’s agriculture commissioner drew attention to the fake elements during a meeting of the North Dakota Industrial Commission, which is drawing up new rules based on the legislation.

Dick Anderson, the Republican legislator who introduced the bill, said he was in the dark about who had inserted the references to fake minerals.

“I know it’s my name on it, and I should have checked it out,” he added.