Exhibit 23.1
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                  Independent Auditors' Consent
                  -----------------------------

                  The Owners
                        Republic Royalty Company and
                        Affiliated Partners of RRC NPI Holdings, L.P.:

                  We consent to the use of our report included herein and to the
                  reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the
                  registration statement.


                                                /s/ KPMG, LLP
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                                                KPMG, LLP

                  Dallas, Texas

                  October 29, 2002