As used in §§ 69-3-143 — 69-3-147, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) As used for the purposes of rock harvesting under §§ 69-3-143 — 69-3-147 only, “mineral” means dimension stone, flagstone, fieldstone, landscaping stone, drystack stone, fagade and marble, but does not include any other “mineral” as defined in § 59-8-202;
(2) “Operator” means any person engaged in rock harvesting who disturbs or intends to disturb one (1) acre or more of land or removes or intends to remove more than one hundred (100) tons of minerals as defined in subdivision (1). Any operator who has obtained a permit and otherwise complied with this part may subcontract any part or all of the rock harvesting area covered by the permit to the extent that such subcontractors meet all the qualifications and requirements of this part; and
(3) “Rock harvesting” means the removal of minerals, as defined in subdivision (1), by an operator with or without machinery.