Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the bonding provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any surface mining operations conducted by a public or governmental agency for maintenance, repair, or construction of a public highway. Surface mining operations conducted by a public or governmental agency for maintenance, repair, or construction of a public highway which disturb two (2) or more acres shall comply with the provisions of section 47-1506, Idaho Code, as though all minerals were mined for the purpose of immediate or ultimate sale. Surface mining operations conducted by a public or governmental agency for maintenance, repair or construction of a public highway which disturb less than two (2) acres are exempt from the provisions of section 47-1506, Idaho Code. The extraction of minerals from within the right-of-way of a public highway by a public or governmental agency for maintenance, repair or construction of a public highway shall not be deemed surface mining operations under this chapter, provided that the affected land is an integral part of the public highway.