§ 80. Definitions. As used in this article:

1. "Gold mine" means a mineral deposit in which the total sales value
of the gold is more than fifty per centum of the value of all other
minerals associated or occurring with the gold in the mine.

2. "Silver mine" means a mineral deposit in which the total sales
value of the silver is more than fifty per centum of the value of all
other minerals associated or occurring with the silver in the mine.

3. "Minerals" means all minerals and rocks, more particularly any
inorganic substance which can be extracted from the earth, excepting
gas, oil and water.

4. "State lands" means all lands now or hereafter owned by the state
of New York except lands in the forest preserve as defined by section
sixty-three of the conservation law.

5. "Filer" means the person filing a notice of discovery, or his
heirs, distributees, representatives or successors in interest.