RECLAMATION

Reclamation and mine closure costs are based principally on legal and regulatory requirements. Management estimates costs associated with reclamation of mining properties. The Company uses assumptions about future costs, mineral prices, mineral processing recovery rates, production levels, capital costs, and reclamation costs. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and assumptions, and future expenditures could differ from current estimates.

Changes to the Company’s asset retirement obligations for operating sites are as follows:



	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
In thousands	2015			2014			2015			2014
Asset retirement obligation - Beginning	$	87,601		$	59,795		$	67,214		$	57,454
Accretion	2,038			1,452			5,652			4,205
Additions and changes in estimates	—			—			18,270			—
Settlements	(2,363		)	(58		)	(3,860		)	(470		)
Asset retirement obligation - Ending	$	87,276		$	61,189		$	87,276		$	61,189

The increase in asset retirement obligations in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 is due to the acquisition of the Wharf gold mine. The Company has accrued $4.0 million and $3.6 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, for reclamation liabilities related to former mining activities, which are included in Reclamation.