FEDERAL INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Non-Current:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 63,539,000	$ 58,720,000
Mineral properties	14,153,000	12,230,000
Equipment & Furniture	127,000
Restoration Reserves	1,303,000	(2,681,000)
Derivatives	37,000
Deferred tax assets	79,159,000	68,269,000
Valuation allowance	(78,544,000)	(67,975,000)
Net	615,000	294,000
Current:
Prepaids and other	50,000
Total	50,000
Non-Current:
Equipment & Furniture	(665,000)	(294,000)
Total	(665,000)	(294,000)
Deferred tax liabilities	(615,000)	(294,000)
Composition of valuation allowance by tax jurisdiction
Valuation allowance	78,544,000	67,975,000
Increase in valuation allowance	9,300,000
Percentage of valuation allowance recorded against the net deferred tax assets	100.00%
United States
Non-Current:
Valuation allowance	(78,544,000)	(67,975,000)
Composition of valuation allowance by tax jurisdiction
Valuation allowance	$ 78,544,000	$ 67,975,000