The provisions of § 45-6B-33.1 do not apply to any permit application for a small–scale mining operation. For purposes of this section, a small–scale mining operation is an operation which satisfies the criteria or definition of small–scale operation as set forth in any applicable county zoning ordinance or regulation. However, if applicable county zoning ordinances or regulations do not include a definition of “small–scale operation,” the definition set forth in § 45-6B-53 shall apply.

Source: SL 1987, ch 320, § 4.