DEFINITIONS

In this subchapter: (1) "Mineral(s)" means coal, lignite, sulphur, salt, and potash. (2) "Geophysical exploration" means a survey or investigation conducted to discover or locate mineral prospects using magnetic, gravity, seismic, and/or electrical techniques. (3) "Geochemical exploration" means a survey or investigation conducted to discover or locate mineral prospects using techniques involving soil sampling and analysis. (4) "Public school land" means land dedicated by the constitution or laws of this state to the permanent free school fund, but does not include land with a mineral classification described in Section 53.061 of this chapter in which the state has retained the minerals, nor does it include areas within tidewater limits. (5) "Permit" means a license issued by the commissioner authorizing geophysical and/or geochemical exploration on public school land. (6) "Permittee" means the holder of a permit. (7) "Areas within tidewater limits" means islands, saltwater lakes, bays, inlets, marshes, and reefs within tidewater limits and that portion of the Gulf of Mexico within the jurisdiction of Texas.