The Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources, on behalf of the state, is hereby authorized, upon the written request of the head of any state department, institution or agency, to lease any land or interest therein owned by such department, institution or agency or in which such department, institution or agency has the beneficial interest for the exploration, development and production of oil, gas and other minerals or any one or more of them, on, in and under such lands.
Ala. Code § 9-17-61 (1975)