In this chapter, unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires:
1. "Agency" means and includes any department, agency, instrumentality, or political subdivision of the state of North Dakota.
2. "Mineral" means and includes any valuable inert or lifeless substance formed or deposited in its present position through natural agencies, and which is found within the earth or beneath the soil, except that it does not mean oil or gas, topsoil, or surface rocks.
3. "State" means and includes the state of North Dakota, its departments, agencies, instrumentalities, and political subdivisions.