A. For the privilege of severing natural resources, there is imposed on any severer of natural resources in New Mexico an excise tax at the following rates on the taxable value of the natural resources:

(1)     all natural resources except potash and molybdenum, three-fourths of one percent;

(2)     potash, one-half of one percent; and

(3)     molybdenum, one-eighth of one percent.

B. The tax imposed by this section shall be referred to as the “resources tax”.