The Public Service Authority may, through its board of directors, make and execute leases of gas, oil, and other minerals and mineral rights, excluding phosphate and lime and phosphatic deposits, over and upon the lands and properties owned by said authority; and the Department of Health and Environmental Control and the forfeited land commissions of the counties of this State may, with the approval of the Attorney General, make and execute such leases over and upon the lands and waters of the State and of the counties under the ownership, management, or control of the department and commissions respectively.