FEDERAL INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Components of Future Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 24,228	$ 22,584
Capital loss carryforwards	22,508	22,508
Mineral properties	1,759	3,694
Capitalized joint venture costs	3,725	3,427
Fixed assets	1,916	1,921
Capitalized transaction costs	1,144	1,150
Share based compensation	98	418
Accrued vacation	5	62
Other	93	26
Deferred tax assets	55,476	55,790
Valuation allowance	(55,387)	(55,769)
Net deferred tax assets	89	21
Other	(89)	(21)
Deferred tax liabilities	$ (89)	$ (21)