OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES AND DEFERRED CREDITS (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other long-term liabilities and deferred credits
Reserve for future restoration and reclamation costs (Asset Retirement Obligations), net of current portion of $0 and $1,227,000 in 2012 and 2011, respectively	$ 3,337,679	$ 3,508,634
Royalties payable	500,000	500,000
Other long-term liabilities and deferred credits	3,837,679	4,008,634
Current portion of reserve for future restoration and reclamation costs	$ 1,160,378	$ 1,227,125