§22-3-26. Surface mining operations not subject to article.

The provisions of this article do not apply to any of the following activities:

(a) The extraction of coal by a landowner for the landowner's own noncommercial use from land owned or leased by the landowner.

(b) The extraction of coal as an incidental part of federal, state, county, municipal or other local government-financed highway or other construction: Provided, That the provisions of the construction contract require the furnishing of a suitable bond which provides for reclamation, wherever practicable, of the area affected by such extraction.