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Reclamation and Mine Closure Costs (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Asset retirement obligation
Asset retirement obligation - January 1	$ 27,302	$ 38,193
Adjustment to remove	0	(13,081)
Accretion	2,648	2,334
Addition and changes in estimates	2,822	(104)
Settlements	(58)	(40)
Asset retirement obligation - December 31	$ 32,714	$ 27,302

The carrying amount of a liability for an asset retirement obligation. An asset retirement obligation is a legal obligation associated with the disposal or retirement of a tangible long-lived asset that results from the acquisition, construction or development, or the normal operations of a long-lived asset, except for certain obligations of lessees.

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- Definition

Amount of accretion expense recognized during the period that is associated with an asset retirement obligation. Accretion expense measures and incorporates changes due to the passage of time into the carrying amount of the liability.

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