Miss. Code Ann. § 53-1-13: Miss. Code Ann. § 53-1-13

No person while engaged in the business of, or in the employ of, or holding an official connection or position with, any person, firm, partnership, corporation or association engaged in the business of buying or selling mineral leases or minerals, drilling wells in search of oil or gas, producing, transporting, refining or distributing crude oil or natural gas in this state, or any other state, shall be eligible as a member of the board or as an employee thereof.