69-9-3: Definitions.

As used in Chapter 69, Article 9 NMSA 1978:

A. "small tract" means a tract of land comprising two acres or less. Where contiguous tracts of two acres or less are owned in common, as for example common ownership of contiguous lots created by platting, each tract is nevertheless a small tract within this definition;

B. "ore" means uranium exclusively with the exception of associated minerals mined therewith;

C. "owner" means a person having an interest in or right to ore in place, or the mining and removal thereof, in or on a small tract included in the area covered by an application for consolidation under Chapter 69, Article 9 NMSA 1978;

D. "mining rights" means the right to explore for, mine, remove, own and dispose of ore; and

E. "secretary" means the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources.