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.