Section 22-9-7 - Exemptions(a) The provisions of this article shall not apply to strip mines and auger mines operating from the surface.(b) Injection of gas for storage purposes in any workable coal seam, whether or not such seam is being or has been mined, shall be prohibited. Nothing in this article shall be construed to prohibit the original extraction of natural gas, crude oil or coal. No storage operator shall have authority to appropriate any coal or coal measure whether or not being mined, or any interest therein.