Write-Downs (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Impairment or Disposal of Tangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block]

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company performed a comprehensive analysis of its Silvertip property and determined that indicators of impairment existed, primarily as a result of further deterioration in zinc and lead market conditions as well as processing facility-related challenges. As a result of the impairment indicators, a recoverability test was performed and the Company concluded that the carrying value of the long-lived assets for the Silvertip property was impaired. A non-cash impairment charge of $250.8 million was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2019. The write-down was allocated between Property, plant and equipment, net, Mining properties, net and Other non-current assets, $43.6 million, $201.5 million and $5.7 million, respectively. Subsequent to the end of the period covered by this Report, the Company made the decision to temporarily suspend active mining and processing activities. The Company plans to (i) double its exploration investment in 2020 to potentially further expand the mineralized material and extend the mine life, and (ii) pursue a mill expansion to improve the asset’s cost structure and its ability to deliver sustainable cash flow. See Note 16 -- Fair Value Measurements for additional detail of the assumptions used in the determination of the fair value of the long-lived assets tested for impairment.