Terms used in §§ 45-6-64 to 45-6-77, inclusive, mean:
(1) "Affected land," land from which overburden is to be or has been removed and land upon which overburden or waste rock is to be or has been deposited; land which is disturbed by the building of access roads, railroad loops, storage areas, or other support facilities for the purpose of mining; and unstable slopes;
(2) "Board," the Board of Minerals and Environment;
(3) "Department," the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources;
(4) "Operator," any person, firm, partnership, limited liability company, association, or corporation or any department, division, or agency of federal or state government or any political subdivision of the state; and
(5) "Secretary," the secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.