2. Definitions:
Unless the subject or the context otherwise requires, in this Act;
(a) “Minerals” means inorganic substance with a chemical compound of any definitive physical properties and elements, other than those of petroleum and gas, located on the surface or underground of the land.
(b) “Prospecting operations” means all types exploration and feasibility studies to be operated for discovering mines or minerals or for determining the category, quality and quantity etc. of minerals.
(c) “Excavation” means the working of opening, producing, purifying, processing, transporting, storing or selling and supplying minerals.
(d) “Mining operations” means prospecting and excavation.
(e) “Licensee” means a person who has obtained a license for mining operations.
(f) “Mining area” means an area referred to in the license for mining operations.
(g) “Department” means the Department of Mines and Geology of  Government of Nepal.
(h) “Prescribed” or “as prescribed” means prescribed or as prescribed in the Rules framed under this Act.