(a) Each person, firm, company, corporation, association, or other business entity holding a lease or permit for the taking or production of any sand, gravel, timber or logs, minerals, or other natural resources shall be absolutely liable for all severance taxes, royalties, and actual consideration for all the sand, gravel, or minerals produced or timber or logs severed under the lease or permit regardless of whether the lessee or permittee is actually producing or severing the minerals or timber or logs from the land.
(b)
(1) All leases issued under the authority of this section and §§ 22-5-801 — 22-5-809 and 22-5-811 — 22-5-813 shall be transferable only with the approval of the Commissioner of State Lands.
(2) Any lease transferred in violation of subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall be subject to cancellation by the Commissioner of State Lands.
(3) All permits issued under the authority of this section and §§ 22-5-801 — 22-5-809 and 22-5-811 — 22-5-813 shall not be transferable.
(c) Upon the expiration of any lease or permit issued under the authority of this section and §§ 22-5-801 — 22-5-809 and 22-5-811 — 22-5-813, the lease or permit shall not be renewed or reissued.