(1) "commissioner" means the commissioner of natural resources;
(2) "mined area" has the same meaning as in AS 27.19.100(2); however, that definition applies only if the mining occurred after October 14, 1991;
(3) "miner" has the same meaning as in AS 27.19.100(3); however, "miner" does not include a state, federal, or municipal landowner, regardless of whether that landowner retains a royalty interest as lessor, unless it owns or operates the mining operation; nor does "miner" include any other landowner, unless the landowner has a managing interest or working interest in the mining operation;
(4) "previously mined area" means the land surface, reclaimed or not, that is left by a mining activity.