Comstock (LODE) 10-Q28 Apr 142014 Q1 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 25, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Comstock Mining Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001120970	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	74,011,212

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$2,602,944	$2,409,446
Accounts receivable	268,484	14,629
Inventories	1,370,994	591,961
Stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads	618,370	547,480
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,632,135	2,396,747
Total current assets	7,492,927	5,960,263
MINERAL RIGHTS AND PROPERTIES, Net	7,436,780	7,470,780
PROPERTIES, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, Net	25,625,027	25,275,440
RECLAMATION BOND DEPOSIT	2,742,804	2,742,804
RETIREMENT OBLIGATION ASSET	2,240,551	2,491,956
OTHER ASSETS	52,283	58,753
TOTAL ASSETS	45,590,372	43,999,996
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'
Accounts payable	2,754,706	3,131,029
Accrued expenses	6,416,916	7,043,335
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations - current portion	7,825,106	2,675,800
Derivative liabilities	653,638	250,000
Total current liabilities	17,650,366	13,100,164
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:	'	'
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	5,633,048	5,231,674
Long-term reclamation liability	5,510,382	5,424,410
Total long-term liabilities	11,143,430	10,656,084
Total liabilities	28,793,796	23,756,248
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Common stock, $.000666 par value, 3,950,000,000 shares authorized, 72,292,324 and 70,188,937 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	48,078	46,746
Additional paid-in capital	199,543,780	199,167,304
Accumulated deficit	-182,795,314	-178,970,335
Total stockholders' equity	16,796,576	20,243,748
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	45,590,372	43,999,996
7.5% Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock; $.000666 par value, 1,500,000 shares authorized; 24,362 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively [Member]	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Convertible Preferred Stock; 50,000,000 shares authorized	16	16
7.5% Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, $.0000666 par value, 250,000 shares authorized; 1,610 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively [Member]	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Convertible Preferred Stock; 50,000,000 shares authorized	1	1
7.5% Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, $.000666 par value, 600,000 shares authorized; 23,013 and 24,193 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively [Member]	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Convertible Preferred Stock; 50,000,000 shares authorized	$15	$16

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Common stock, par value per share	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	3,950,000,000	3,950,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	72,292,324	70,188,937
Common stock, shares outstanding	72,292,324	70,188,937
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
7.5% Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock, dividend rate	7.50%	7.50%
Preferred stock, par or stated value per share	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,500,000	1,500,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	24,362	24,362
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	24,362	24,362
7.5% Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock, dividend rate	7.50%	7.50%
Preferred stock, par or stated value per share	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	250,000	250,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	1,610	1,610
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	1,610	1,610
7.5% Series B Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock, dividend rate	7.50%	7.50%
Preferred stock, par or stated value per share	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	600,000	600,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	23,013	24,193
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	23,013	24,193

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'
REVENUE - MINING	$5,606,064	$3,667,922
REVENUE - HOTEL	157,397	121,844
Total revenues	5,763,461	3,789,766
COST AND EXPENSES	'	'
Costs applicable to mining revenue	4,762,901	3,836,097
Hospitality operating costs	286,299	206,341
Reclamation and exploration	1,925,955	2,088,863
General and administrative	2,191,970	3,396,625
Total cost and expenses	9,167,125	9,527,926
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS	-3,403,664	-5,738,160
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	'	'
Change in fair value of derivatives	-235,207	437,814
Interest expense	-186,330	-463,436
Interest and other income	222	750
Total other income (expense), net	-421,315	-24,872
NET LOSS	-3,824,979	-5,763,032
INCOME TAXES	'	'
NET LOSS	-3,824,979	-5,763,032
DIVIDENDS ON CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK	-1,061,609	-1,034,307
NET LOSS AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS	($4,886,588)	($6,797,339)
Net loss per common share - basic (in dollars per share)	($0.07)	($0.13)
Net loss per common share - diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.07)	($0.13)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	71,808,908	51,666,399
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	71,808,908	51,666,399

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net loss	($3,824,979)	($5,763,032)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation, amortization and depletion	1,640,309	1,083,169
Stock payments and stock-based compensation	615,491	644,534
Accretion of reclamation liability	85,972	73,206
Loss on sale of properties, plant, and equipment	45,499	1,015,496
Amortization of debt discounts and issuance costs	92,638	382,420
Net change in fair value of derivatives	403,638	-437,814
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-219,836	-1,331,083
Inventories	-779,033	-606,690
Stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads	-70,890	-593,342
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-191,724	37,831
Other assets	6,470	6,470
Accounts payable	75,230	49,489
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	-263,859	-170,210
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES	-2,385,074	-5,609,556
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Proceeds from sale of properties, plant and equipment	159,310	571,820
Purchase of properties, plant and equipment	-1,142,784	-202,386
Increase in reclamation bond deposit	-300,000	-350,000
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES	-1,283,474	19,434
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-764,243	-528,252
Proceeds from long-term debt obligations	4,626,289	'
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock	'	10,000,000
Common stock issuance costs	'	-261,647
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES	3,862,046	9,210,101
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	193,498	3,619,979
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	2,409,446	5,973,079
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	2,602,944	9,593,058
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:	'	'
Cash paid for interest	179,475	81,016
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Conversion of convertible preferred stock to common stock (par value)	1	2
Reclamation bond deposit included in accrued expenses and other liabilities	700,000	1,700,000
Settlement of long-term debt obligations from gold transfers	'	1,965,726
Settlement of long-term debt obligations through transfer of properties, plant and equipment	'	1,028,180
Dividends paid in common stock (par value)	767	639
Issuance of long-term debt obligations for purchase of mineral rights and properties, plant and equipment	1,314,644	'
Vested restricted common stock (par value)	67	72
Properties, plant and equipment purchases in current liabilities	420,676	73,824
Debt Obligation Payment [Member]	'	'
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Issuance of common stock for settlement of long-term debt obligations	'	$25,000

Interim_Financial_Statements

Interim Financial Statements	3 Months Ended
Interim Financial Statements	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Interim Financial Statements	'
	Interim Financial Statements

	The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Comstock Mining Inc. ("Comstock", "Company", "we" or "us") have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2014, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.

	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America which contemplate continuation of the Company as a going concern.

	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company shipped 4,546 ounces of gold, resulting in recognized revenue of approximately $5.6 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company shipped 49,292 ounces of silver, resulting in sales of approximately $1.0 million. Silver is accounted for as a by-product credit in costs applicable to mining revenue for financial reporting purposes.

	The Company has recurring net losses from operations and an accumulated deficit of $182.8 million as of March 31, 2014.

	Liquidity and Management Plans

	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company was an exploration company for most of its existence and transitioned into production in the Lucerne Mine late in 2012, and accordingly, has incurred net operating losses and negative cash flows from operations every year since inception. During 2013, the Company's first full year of production, it was limited, by permit, to up to 1 million tons of stacked and processed mineralized material. In late November 2013, the Company modified the permit, increasing the limit to up to 4 million tons per annum, and accordingly, the Company's current business plans reflect increased production, reduced costs and improved efficiencies, and generating prospective, positive cash flows.

	The Company has recurring net losses from operations and an accumulated deficit of $182.8 million as of March 31, 2014. At March 31, 2014, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $2.6 million. The Company incurred an operating loss of $3.8 million and used cash flows in operations of $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The Company’s current capital resources include cash and cash equivalents and other working capital resources, cash generated through operations, and existing financing arrangements. The Company has financed its exploration and start up activities principally from the sale of equity securities and from debt financing. While the Company has been successful in the past in obtaining the necessary capital to support its operations, including registered equity financings from its existing shelf registration, borrowings, or other means, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain additional equity capital or other financing, if needed. The Company received a commitment from a significant investor in March 2014 that it would provide the necessary level of financial support to enable the Company to pay its debts as they become due through March 31, 2015. Accordingly, the Company believes it will have sufficient funds to sustain its operations during the next 12 months as a result of the sources of funding detailed above.
	Future production rates and gold prices below management’s expectations would adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. If the Company was unable to obtain any necessary additional funds, this could have an immediate material adverse effect on liquidity. In such case, the Company could be required to limit or discontinue certain business plans, activities or operations, reduce or delay certain capital expenditures or sell certain assets or businesses. There can be no assurance that the Company would be able to take any such actions on favorable terms, in a timely manner or at all.
	The Company’s recurring losses and negative cash flow from operations require an ongoing assessment of its ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements included in this report do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
	Use of Estimates

	In preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenditures during the reported periods. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Estimates may include those pertaining to valuation of inventories, stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads, the estimated useful lives and valuation of plant and equipment, mineral rights, deferred tax assets, convertible preferred stock, derivative assets and liabilities, reclamation liabilities, stock-based compensation and payments, and contingent liabilities.

	Derivative Liabilities

	Derivative liabilities are recorded at fair value when issued and the subsequent change in fair value each period is recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. We do not hold or issue any derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.

	The Company manages its exposure to changes in gold market prices by entering into various derivative contracts including gold forward contracts, gold call option contracts, and gold collar option contracts currently with open written calls and purchased puts. Depending on the specific nature of each of the derivative contracts, the changes in the fair value are recognized as either a component of revenue or other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

	The Company has contingent debt obligation payment derivatives whereby it may be required to make additional future cash payments for some of its debt obligations. The changes in the fair value of these contingent debt obligation liabilities are recognized as a component of other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

	Comprehensive Income

	The only component of comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, was the net loss.

	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

	There have been no recently issued accounting pronouncements through the date of this report that we believe will have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Inventories_Stockpiles_and_Min

Inventories, Stockpiles and Mineralized Material on Leach Pads	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories, Stockpiles and Mineralized Material on Leach Pads	'
	Inventories, Stockpiles and Mineralized Material on Leach Pads

	Inventories, stockpiles and mineralized materials on leach pads consisted of the following:



		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	In-process	$	1,174,660	$	591,961

	Finished goods	196,334		—

	Total inventories	$	1,370,994	$	591,961


	Stockpiles	$	88,579	$	45,455

	Mineralized material on leach pads	529,791		502,025

	Total stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads	$	618,370	$	547,480

	Total	$	1,989,364	$	1,139,441

Properties_Plant_and_Equipment

Properties, Plant and Equipment	3 Months Ended
Properties, Plant and Equipment	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Properties, Plant and Equipment	'
	Properties, Plant and Equipment

	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company made capital expenditures totaling approximately $0.6 million, primarily for the design and construction of the heap leach expansion and related infrastructure upgrades. The Company also incurred debt obligations to acquire mining vehicles and equipment with a cost of $1.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014.

	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company sold vehicles previously used in mining operations with a gross book value of $405,699 for a net loss of $45,499. The loss is included in general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments

	Derivative financial instruments consisted of the following:



		March 31,		December 31,
	Derivative Type	2014		2013
	Derivative liabilities
	Gold collar options (written calls and purchased puts)	$	116,155	$	—

	Contingent debt obligation payment	369,052		250,000

	Gold call options and forwards	168,431		—

	Total derivative liabilities	$	653,638	$	250,000


	Gold Collar Options - On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into written call and purchased put gold collar options contracts in connection with the Auramet Revolving Credit Facility transaction (see footnote 6). The premiums received for the written gold calls equaled the premiums paid to purchase the gold puts resulting in no net cash consideration from the Company on the transaction date. The gold calls and puts have various expiration dates through December 2014. The average strike price of the written gold call contracts is approximately $1,375 per ounce and covers a total of 4,600 ounces. The average strike price of the purchased gold put contracts is approximately $1,120 per ounce and covers a total of 4,600 ounces. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recognized a net loss on the change in fair value of the gold collar options of $116,155 included as components of change in fair value of derivatives in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

	Contingent Debt Obligation Payment Derivative - On February 11, 2014, the Company agreed to pay certain debt issuance costs in connection with the Auramet Revolving Credit Facility transaction (see footnote 6) via the issuance of 137,105 shares of common stock with an estimated grant date fair value of $274,210. With respect to 63,505 of such shares issued to Auramet, the Company agreed to make an additional payment to Auramet equal to the difference between $123,835 and sales proceeds received from the sale of such shares of common stock. As of March 31, 2014 the liability associated with the terms of this agreement was $19,052. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recognized a loss on the change in the fair value of this obligation of $19,052 included as a component of change in fair value of derivatives in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

	Gold Call Option and Forward Derivatives - During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the Company entered into separate gold forward and call option derivative contracts related to future gold sales with its primary customer. Premiums received at the inception of written gold call options are recorded as a liability and totaled $168,431 at March 31, 2014. The Company recognized a gain of $29,625 and a loss of $198,056 on the change in fair value of the gold forward and call option derivatives, respectively, during the quarter ended March 31, 2014. The recognized gains and losses were included as a component of mining revenues as the contracts relate to gold sales. The gold forward and call option derivative contracts outstanding at March 31, 2014 covered a total of 3,800 and 4,600 gold ounces with an average price of $1,299 and $1,284 per ounce, respectively, and are expected to settle or expire within six months.

	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company entered into an agreement to issue 1,000,000 shares of our common stock for a $2,000,000 principal payment on its Golden Goose debt obligation. As part of the agreement, the Company agreed to make an additional payment to the noteholder on December 31, 2014 equal to the difference between $2,000,000 and the cash proceeds received from the noteholder’s subsequent sale of the common stock shares issued plus the value of any remaining unsold shares held by the noteholder on December 15, 2014. The value of the remaining unsold shares held by the noteholder will be determined based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on December 15, 2014 multiplied by the number of remaining unsold shares as of December 15, 2014. We determined the contingent obligation to make an additional payment to ultimately satisfy the debt obligation was a derivative liability. The derivative's fair value was $350,000 at March 31, 2014 and $250,000 at December 31, 2013. The recognized loss on the change in fair value of the derivative liability for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $100,000 and was included as a component of change in fair value of derivatives in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

LongTerm_Reclamation_Liability

Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset	'
	Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset

	Following is a reconciliation of the aggregate reclamation liability associated with our reclamation plan for our mining projects:



		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Long-term reclamation liability — beginning of period	$	5,424,410		$	4,597,156

	Additional obligations incurred	—			531,770

	Accretion of reclamation liability	85,972			295,484

	Long-term reclamation liability — end of period	$	5,510,382		$	5,424,410


	Following is a reconciliation of the aggregate retirement obligation asset associated with our reclamation plan for our mining projects:



		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Retirement obligation asset — beginning of period	$	2,491,956		$	2,803,318

	Additional obligations incurred	—			531,770

	Amortization of retirement obligation asset	(251,405		)	(843,132		)
	Retirement obligation asset — end of period	$	2,240,551		$	2,491,956

LongTerm_Debt_and_Capital_Leas

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	'
	Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

	Long-term debt and capital lease obligations consisted of the following:



	Note Description	March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Note Payable (Auramet Facility)	$	5,000,000		$	—

	Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment)	1,426,398			1,863,193

	Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment)	420,342			448,402

	Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment)	1,280,144			—

	Note Payable (Dayton Resource Area)	62,500			125,000

	Note Payable (Donovan Property)	602,649			611,870

	Note Payable (Gold Hill Hotel)	292,012			296,496

	Note Payable (White House)	290,529			291,811

	Note Payable (Railroad & Gold Property)	217,584			220,618

	Notes Payable - Other	398,663			403,278

	Capital Lease Obligations	3,467,333			3,646,806

	Subtotal	13,458,154			7,907,474

	Less current portion	(7,825,106		)	(2,675,800		)
	Long-term portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$	5,633,048		$	5,231,674


	Long-Term Debt Obligations

	On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into a new $5 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with Auramet International, LLC ("Auramet"), pursuant to which the Company may have borrowings up to $5 million outstanding at any given time. The proceeds of the Revolving Credit Facility have been or will be used for working capital, including production ramp up and preparations for expansion of the Lucerne Mine, including targeted drilling on the east side of the Lucerne Resource area. Interest is payable at 9.5% per annum, and was paid in advance on the closing date of the Revolving Credit Facility. The indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a security interest in certain real estate owned by the Company within the Company’s starter mine and a first priority security interest in all personal property of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary Comstock Mining LLC, subject to any existing or future Permitted Liens (as defined under the Revolving Credit Facility). Provided that no default has occurred and is continuing, and the Company has already repaid the principal amount of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility in an amount of not less than $1,000,000, the Company has the option until October 6, 2014 to re-borrow funds under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility contains a covenant that requires the Company to maintain a minimum liquidity balance of $1 million (including cash and cash equivalents, plus 90% of the value of any doré that has been picked up by a secured carrier but not yet paid for, as of any date of determination). The Revolving Credit Facility additionally contains customary representations, warranties, affirmative covenants, negative covenants, and events of default, as well as conditions to borrowings. On February 12, 2014, the Company drew the entire line representing cash proceeds of approximately $4.6 million, net of prepaid interest and fees of approximately $0.4 million recognized as a component of prepaid assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and amortized over the life of the payment terms using the effective interest rate method. In addition, the Company paid Auramet additional loan fees of approximately $0.3 million via the issuance of 137,105 shares of common stock included as a component of prepaid assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company further agreed to make additional loan fee payments if the value of 63,505 of such shares of common stock issued to Auramet is less than $123,835 on August 8, 2014. This resulted in the recognition of a contingent debt obligation payment derivative (see footnote 4). The Revolving Credit Facility will be repaid through 14 semi-monthly cash payments of $357,143 beginning August 8, 2014 and ending February 6, 2015. As of March 31, 2014 there were no additional funds available to the Company under the Revolving Credit Facility.

	On March 26, 2014, the Company entered into two notes payable agreements with Caterpillar in the amount of $1,280,144 for the purchase of mining vehicles and equipment, the recourse with respect to which is limited solely to such vehicles and equipment. The notes bear interest rate at 4.7% and are payable in monthly installments of $15,553 and $13,754, respectively, with final remaining principal payments due on March 26, 2018. In addition we financed a mining vehicle with a costs of $34,500 included in other notes payable.

	In addition to the above, the Company made timely payments on all of its other outstanding obligations within the normal course of business.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity	Mar. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Stockholders’ Equity

	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company issued 715,140 shares of common stock from the conversion of 1,180 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. There were no conversion of A-1 or A-2 Preferred Shares during the three months ended March 31, 2014.

	On January 1, 2014 the Company declared and issued 1,151,142 shares of common stock at par value as dividends on outstanding shares of convertible preferred stock.

	The Company issued 100,000 shares of restricted stock vested under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company entered into agreements to purchase two additional properties for a total purchase price of $2.0 million. Total consideration transferred by the Company included cash payments of $30,000 and 980,000 common stock shares. The Company has guaranteed that the sellers will receive total consideration for shares issued of $1.96 million by June 30, 2015. Titles to the properties will not transfer until full consideration is received; therefore, as of March 31, 2014, the seller has not performed under the agreement. Accordingly, the related properties and equity issued were not given accounting consideration in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements

	The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that could be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements do not include transaction costs. A fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy is defined into the following three categories:

	Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs corroborated by market data.
	Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

	The following table presents our liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:



				Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2014
		Total		Quoted		Significant		Significant
				Prices		Other		Unobservable
				in Active		Observable		Inputs
				Markets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Liabilities:
	Gold collar options (written calls and purchased puts)	$	116,155	$	—	$	116,155	$	—

	Contingent debt obligation payment	369,052		—		369,052		—

	Gold Call options and forwards	168,431		—		168,431		—

	Total Liabilities	$	653,638	$	—	$	653,638	$	—



	The following table presents our liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:



				Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
		Total		Quoted		Significant		Significant
				Prices		Other		Unobservable
				in Active		Observable		Inputs
				Markets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Liabilities:

	Contingent debt obligation payment	$	250,000	$	—	$	250,000	$	—

	Total Liabilities	$	250,000	$	—	$	250,000	$	—



	We had no assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and twelve months ended December 31, 2013, there were no transfers of assets or liabilities between Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3.

	Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

	Contingent debt obligation payment derivative - The Company’s contingent debt obligation payment derivative is valued based on a Black-Scholes model with various observable inputs. These inputs include contractual terms, stock price, volatility, dividend yield, and risk free interest rates. This derivative is classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

	Gold call option, forward, and collar options - The Company’s gold forward, call options, and gold collar derivatives are valued based on a Black-Scholes model with various observable inputs. These inputs include contractual terms, gold market prices, volatility of gold prices, and risk free interest rates. These derivatives are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

Net_Loss_Per_Common_Share

Net Loss Per Common Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Loss Per Common Share	'
	Net Loss Per Common Share

	Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock options, warrants, and convertible securities were exercised or converted into common stock. Diluted loss per share equals basic loss per share as the effect of including dilutive securities in the calculation would be antidilutive.

	The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the basic and diluted computation of net loss per share:



		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014				2013
	Numerator:
	Net loss	$	(3,824,979	)		$	(5,763,032	)
	Preferred stock dividends	(1,061,609		)		(1,034,307		)
	Loss available to common shareholders	$	(4,886,588	)		$	(6,797,339	)

	Denominator:
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	71,808,908				51,666,399

	Effect of dilutive securities	—				—

	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	71,808,908				51,666,399


	Net loss per common share:
	Basic	$	(0.07	)		$	(0.13	)
	Diluted	$	(0.07	)		$	(0.13	)

	The following table includes the number of common stock equivalent shares that are not included in the computation of diluted loss per share, because the Company has a net loss and the inclusion of such shares would be antidilutive or certain performance conditions have not been achieved.



		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Convertible preferred stock	53,947,036			58,804,748

	Stock Options and Warrants	783,500			1,758,500

	Restricted stock	3,485,600			4,691,200

		58,216,136			65,254,448

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies

	The Company has minimum third party lease obligations with certain of its mineral properties and related party leases. Minimum annual third party lease payments payable are $52,400 and related party lease payments payable are $880,500. For most of the mineral properties and leases, the Company is subject to a range of royalty obligations from 0.5% to 6% of net smelter revenues from minerals produced on the properties. Certain factors that will influence the amount of the royalties include ounces extracted and prices of gold.

	Included in the related party leases is an operating agreement with Northern Comstock, LLC; a related party and an entity controlled by a member of the Board of Directors. The terms of this agreement provide that the Company will make a total of $34.5 million in annual payments of $862,500, in the form of either cash or Series A-1 preferred stock. The operating agreement requires these payments, at least annually, through October 2049. At March 31, 2014, $31.05 million remained due and may be prepaid without penalty.

	The Company’s mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. These laws and regulations are continually changing and are generally becoming more restrictive. The Company conducts its operations so as to protect the public health and environment and believes its operations are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations in all material respects. The Company has made, and expects to make in the future, expenditures to comply with such laws and regulations, but cannot predict the full amount of such future expenditures.

	From time to time, we are involved in lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. There are no matters pending that we expect to have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
	Segment Reporting

	Our management organizes the Company into two operating segments, mining and hospitality. Our mining segment consists of all activities and expenditures associated with mining. Our hospitality segment consists of hotel rooms, cottages, restaurant, bar and other services provided by Gold Hill Hotel. We evaluate the performance of our operating segments based on operating income (loss). All intercompany transactions have been eliminated, and intersegment revenues are not significant. Financial information relating to our reportable operating segments and reconciliation to the consolidated totals is as follows:



		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenue
	Mining	$	5,606,064		$	3,667,922

	Hospitality	157,397			121,844

	Total revenue	5,763,461			3,789,766


	Cost and Expenses
	Mining	(8,880,826		)	(9,321,585		)
	Hospitality	(286,299		)	(206,341		)
	Total cost and expenses	(9,167,125		)	(9,527,926		)

	Operating Income (Loss)
	Mining	(3,274,762		)	(5,653,663		)
	Hospitality	(128,902		)	(84,497		)
	Total loss from operations	(3,403,664		)	(5,738,160		)

	Other income (expense), net	(421,315		)	(24,872		)
	Net loss	$	(3,824,979	)	$	(5,763,032	)

	Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
	Mining	$	1,604,648		$	1,050,751

	Hospitality	35,661			32,418

	Total depreciation, amortization and depletion	$	1,640,309		$	1,083,169


	Capital Expenditures
	Mining	$	1,859,842		$	128,562

	Hospitality	83,477			—

	Total capital expenditures	$	1,943,319		$	128,562




		As of March 31,			As of December 31,
		2014			2013
	Assets
	Mining	$	44,406,196		$	42,841,452

	Hospitality	1,184,176			1,158,544

		$	45,590,372		$	43,999,996

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Mar. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events

	From April 1, 2014 through April 25, 2014, no preferred shareholders converted shares of convertible preferred stock into common shares.

	On April 11, 2014 the Company increased the surety bond by $1.15 million as required by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Mining and Reclamation.

Interim_Financial_Statements_P

Interim Financial Statements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
Interim Financial Statements (Policies)	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates

	In preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenditures during the reported periods. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Estimates may include those pertaining to valuation of inventories, stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads, the estimated useful lives and valuation of plant and equipment, mineral rights, deferred tax assets, convertible preferred stock, derivative assets and liabilities, reclamation liabilities, stock-based compensation and payments, and contingent liabilities.
Derivative Liabilities	'
	Derivative Liabilities

	Derivative liabilities are recorded at fair value when issued and the subsequent change in fair value each period is recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. We do not hold or issue any derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.

	The Company manages its exposure to changes in gold market prices by entering into various derivative contracts including gold forward contracts, gold call option contracts, and gold collar option contracts currently with open written calls and purchased puts. Depending on the specific nature of each of the derivative contracts, the changes in the fair value are recognized as either a component of revenue or other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

	The Company has contingent debt obligation payment derivatives whereby it may be required to make additional future cash payments for some of its debt obligations. The changes in the fair value of these contingent debt obligation liabilities are recognized as a component of other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Inventories_Stockpiles_and_Min1

Inventories, Stockpiles and Mineralized Material on Leach Pads (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory	'
	Inventories, stockpiles and mineralized materials on leach pads consisted of the following:



		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	In-process	$	1,174,660	$	591,961

	Finished goods	196,334		—

	Total inventories	$	1,370,994	$	591,961


	Stockpiles	$	88,579	$	45,455

	Mineralized material on leach pads	529,791		502,025

	Total stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads	$	618,370	$	547,480

	Total	$	1,989,364	$	1,139,441

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivatives	'
	Derivative financial instruments consisted of the following:



		March 31,		December 31,
	Derivative Type	2014		2013
	Derivative liabilities
	Gold collar options (written calls and purchased puts)	$	116,155	$	—

	Contingent debt obligation payment	369,052		250,000

	Gold call options and forwards	168,431		—

	Total derivative liabilities	$	653,638	$	250,000

LongTerm_Reclamation_Liability1

Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Other Noncurrent Liabilities	'
	Following is a reconciliation of the aggregate reclamation liability associated with our reclamation plan for our mining projects:



		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Long-term reclamation liability — beginning of period	$	5,424,410		$	4,597,156

	Additional obligations incurred	—			531,770

	Accretion of reclamation liability	85,972			295,484

	Long-term reclamation liability — end of period	$	5,510,382		$	5,424,410

Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations	'
	Following is a reconciliation of the aggregate retirement obligation asset associated with our reclamation plan for our mining projects:



		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Retirement obligation asset — beginning of period	$	2,491,956		$	2,803,318

	Additional obligations incurred	—			531,770

	Amortization of retirement obligation asset	(251,405		)	(843,132		)
	Retirement obligation asset — end of period	$	2,240,551		$	2,491,956

LongTerm_Debt_and_Capital_Leas1

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	'
	Long-term debt and capital lease obligations consisted of the following:



	Note Description	March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Note Payable (Auramet Facility)	$	5,000,000		$	—

	Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment)	1,426,398			1,863,193

	Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment)	420,342			448,402

	Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment)	1,280,144			—

	Note Payable (Dayton Resource Area)	62,500			125,000

	Note Payable (Donovan Property)	602,649			611,870

	Note Payable (Gold Hill Hotel)	292,012			296,496

	Note Payable (White House)	290,529			291,811

	Note Payable (Railroad & Gold Property)	217,584			220,618

	Notes Payable - Other	398,663			403,278

	Capital Lease Obligations	3,467,333			3,646,806

	Subtotal	13,458,154			7,907,474

	Less current portion	(7,825,106		)	(2,675,800		)
	Long-term portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$	5,633,048		$	5,231,674

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table presents our liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:



				Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2014
		Total		Quoted		Significant		Significant
				Prices		Other		Unobservable
				in Active		Observable		Inputs
				Markets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Liabilities:
	Gold collar options (written calls and purchased puts)	$	116,155	$	—	$	116,155	$	—

	Contingent debt obligation payment	369,052		—		369,052		—

	Gold Call options and forwards	168,431		—		168,431		—

	Total Liabilities	$	653,638	$	—	$	653,638	$	—



	The following table presents our liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:



				Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
		Total		Quoted		Significant		Significant
				Prices		Other		Unobservable
				in Active		Observable		Inputs
				Markets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Liabilities:

	Contingent debt obligation payment	$	250,000	$	—	$	250,000	$	—

	Total Liabilities	$	250,000	$	—	$	250,000	$	—

Net_Loss_Per_Common_Share_Tabl

Net Loss Per Common Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Numerator and Denominator used in Basic and Diluted Computation of New Loss Per Share	'
	The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the basic and diluted computation of net loss per share:



		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014				2013
	Numerator:
	Net loss	$	(3,824,979	)		$	(5,763,032	)
	Preferred stock dividends	(1,061,609		)		(1,034,307		)
	Loss available to common shareholders	$	(4,886,588	)		$	(6,797,339	)

	Denominator:
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	71,808,908				51,666,399

	Effect of dilutive securities	—				—

	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	71,808,908				51,666,399


	Net loss per common share:
	Basic	$	(0.07	)		$	(0.13	)
	Diluted	$	(0.07	)		$	(0.13	)
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	'
	The following table includes the number of common stock equivalent shares that are not included in the computation of diluted loss per share, because the Company has a net loss and the inclusion of such shares would be antidilutive or certain performance conditions have not been achieved.



		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Convertible preferred stock	53,947,036			58,804,748

	Stock Options and Warrants	783,500			1,758,500

	Restricted stock	3,485,600			4,691,200

		58,216,136			65,254,448

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Financial Information Relating to Reportable Operating Segments and Reconciliation to Condensed Consolidated Totals	'
	Financial information relating to our reportable operating segments and reconciliation to the consolidated totals is as follows:



		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenue
	Mining	$	5,606,064		$	3,667,922

	Hospitality	157,397			121,844

	Total revenue	5,763,461			3,789,766


	Cost and Expenses
	Mining	(8,880,826		)	(9,321,585		)
	Hospitality	(286,299		)	(206,341		)
	Total cost and expenses	(9,167,125		)	(9,527,926		)

	Operating Income (Loss)
	Mining	(3,274,762		)	(5,653,663		)
	Hospitality	(128,902		)	(84,497		)
	Total loss from operations	(3,403,664		)	(5,738,160		)

	Other income (expense), net	(421,315		)	(24,872		)
	Net loss	$	(3,824,979	)	$	(5,763,032	)

	Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
	Mining	$	1,604,648		$	1,050,751

	Hospitality	35,661			32,418

	Total depreciation, amortization and depletion	$	1,640,309		$	1,083,169


	Capital Expenditures
	Mining	$	1,859,842		$	128,562

	Hospitality	83,477			—

	Total capital expenditures	$	1,943,319		$	128,562




		As of March 31,			As of December 31,
		2014			2013
	Assets
	Mining	$	44,406,196		$	42,841,452

	Hospitality	1,184,176			1,158,544

		$	45,590,372		$	43,999,996

Interim_Financial_Statements_D

Interim Financial Statements (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	T	oz	Mar. 31, 2013	T	Dec. 31, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Ounces of gold sold during the period	'	4,546	'	'	'
Gold revenue	'	$5,606,064	$3,667,922	'	'
Ounces of silver sold during the period	'	49,292	'	'	'
Silver sales	'	1,000,000	'	'	'
Accumulated deficit	'	-182,795,314	'	-178,970,335	'
Permitted annual mineral production (in tons)	4,000,000	'	'	1,000,000	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	2,602,944	9,593,058	2,409,446	5,973,079
Net loss	'	-3,824,979	-5,763,032	'	'
Net cash used in operating activities	'	($2,385,074)	($5,609,556)	'	'

Inventories_Stockpiles_and_Min2

Inventories, Stockpiles and Mineralized Material on Leach Pads (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
In-process	$1,174,660	$591,961
Finished goods	196,334	'
Total inventories	1,370,994	591,961
Stockpiles	88,579	45,455
Mineralized material on leach pads	529,791	502,025
Total stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads	618,370	547,480
Total	$1,989,364	$1,139,441

Properties_Plant_and_Equipment1

Properties, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Properties, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Capital expenditures for design and construction	$600,000	'
Book value of asset sold	405,699	'
Loss on sale of properties, plant and equipment, net	45,499	1,015,496
Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Mining vehicles and equipment, acquisition cost	$1,300,000	'

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule of Derivatives) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	$653,638	$250,000
Gold Contract [Member] \| Collar Option [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	116,155	0
Gold Contract [Member] \| Call Options and Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	168,431	0
Contingent Debt Obligation [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	$369,052	$250,000

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 12, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Feb. 11, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 11, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 11, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Contingent Debt Obligation [Member]

Note Payable (Auramet Facility) [Member]

Note Payable (Dayton Property - Golden Goose) [Member]

Call Option [Member]

Put Option [Member]

Collar Option [Member]

Call Options and Forward Contracts [Member]

Forward Contracts [Member]

Contingent Debt Obligation [Member]

Gold Contract [Member]

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Average strike price (in dollars per oz)

1,375

1,120

Number of gold ounces covered by contract

4,600

3,800

Gain (loss) on derivatives

($19,052)

($100,000)

($198,056)

($116,155)

$29,625

Derivative liabilities

653,638

250,000

369,052

250,000

116,155

168,431

Shares issued in satisfaction of loan fees

137,105

Grant date fair value of shares issued for extinguishment of debt

274,210

Additional shares of common stock to be issued for loan fees

63,505

Guaranteed value of stock issued for loan fees

123,835

Average forward price (in dollars per oz)

1,284

1,299

Shares issued in satisfaction of debt

1,000,000

Value of shares issued in satisfaction of debt

2,000,000

Derivative liability fair value

$19,052

$350,000

$250,000

LongTerm_Reclamation_Liability2

Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset (Reconciliation of Aggregate Retirement Liability) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Long-term reclamation liability - beginning of period	$5,424,410	$4,597,156
Additional obligations incurred	0	531,770
Accretion of reclamation liability	85,972	295,484
Long-term reclamation liability - end of period	$5,510,382	$5,424,410

LongTerm_Reclamation_Liability3

Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset (Reconciliation of Aggregate Retirement Asset) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Retirement obligation asset - beginning of period	$2,491,956	$2,803,318
Additional obligations incurred	0	531,770
Amortization of retirement obligation asset	-251,405	-843,132
Retirement obligation asset - end of period	$2,240,551	$2,491,956

LongTerm_Debt_and_Capital_Leas2

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Schedule of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	$13,458,154	$7,907,474
Less current portion	-7,825,106	-2,675,800
Long-term portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	5,633,048	5,231,674
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	3,467,333	3,646,806
Note Payable (Auramet Facility) [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	5,000,000	0
Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment Facility) [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	1,426,398	1,863,193
Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment Facility) [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	420,342	448,402
Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment Facility) [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	1,280,144	0
Note Payable (Dayton Property - Golden Goose) [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	62,500	125,000
Note Payable (Donovan Property) [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	602,649	611,870
Note Payable (Gold Hill Hotel) [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	292,012	296,496
Note Payable (White House) [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	290,529	291,811
Note Payable (Railroad and Gold Property) [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	217,584	220,618
Notes Payable - Other [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	$398,663	$403,278

LongTerm_Debt_and_Capital_Leas3

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Long-Term Debt Obligations) (Details) (USD $)

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 12, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Feb. 11, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 26, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 26, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 26, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 12, 2014

Note Payable (Auramet Facility) [Member]

Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment Facility) [Member]

Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment Facility 3), Agreement 1 [Member]

Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment Facility 3), Agreement 2 [Member]

Notes Payable - Other [Member]

Prepaid Expenses [Member]

payment

agreement

Note Payable (Auramet Facility) [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Revolving credit facility, borrowing capacity

$5,000,000

Note payable, interest rate

9.50%

4.70%

Repayments of debt

1,000,000

Covenant compliance, required liquidity amount

1,000,000

Covenant compliance, percentage of dore included in liquidity amount

90.00%

Amounts borrowed on facility

4,600,000

Amount of line of credit drawn in prepaid assets

400,000

Loan fees paid

300,000

Shares issued in satisfaction of loan fees

137,105

Additional shares of common stock to be issued for loan fees

63,505

Guaranteed value of stock issued for loan fees

123,835

Number of cash payments

Periodic installments amount

357,143

15,553

13,754

Number of notes payable agreements entered into

Long term debt and capital lease obligations

13,458,154

7,907,474

5,000,000

1,280,144

398,663

403,278

Notes payable for financing of of mining vehicle

$34,500

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 02, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted stock awards vested in period	'	100,000
Payments to acquire land	'	30,000
Stock issued during period, shares, purchase of assets	'	1,960,000
Land [Member]	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Number of properties purchased	'	2
Purchase of properties, plant and equipment	'	2,000,000
Stock issued during period, shares, purchase of assets	'	980,000
Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Shares issued upon conversion of convertible preferred stock	'	715,140
Common stock declared and issued	1,151,142	'
7.5% Series B Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock, shares	'	1,180

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Liabilities:	'	'
Total Liabilities	$653,638	$250,000
Gold Collar Option (Written Calls and Purchase Puts) [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liability	116,155	'
Contingent Debt Obligation [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liability	369,052	250,000
Call Options and Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liability	168,431	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Total Liabilities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] \| Gold Collar Option (Written Calls and Purchase Puts) [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liability	0	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] \| Contingent Debt Obligation [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liability	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] \| Call Options and Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liability	0	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Total Liabilities	653,638	250,000
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Gold Collar Option (Written Calls and Purchase Puts) [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liability	116,155	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Contingent Debt Obligation [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liability	369,052	250,000
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Call Options and Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liability	168,431	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Total Liabilities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Gold Collar Option (Written Calls and Purchase Puts) [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liability	0	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Contingent Debt Obligation [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liability	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Call Options and Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liability	$0	'

Net_Loss_Per_Common_Share_Reco

Net Loss Per Common Share (Reconciliation of Net Loss Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Numerator:	'	'
Net loss	($3,824,979)	($5,763,032)
Preferred stock dividends	-1,061,609	-1,034,307
NET LOSS AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS	($4,886,588)	($6,797,339)
Denominator:	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	71,808,908	51,666,399
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	0	0
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	71,808,908	51,666,399
Net loss per common share:	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.07)	($0.13)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.07)	($0.13)

Net_Loss_Per_Common_Share_Sche

Net Loss Per Common Share (Schedule of Excluded Common Stock Equivalent Shares) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	58,216,136	65,254,448
Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	53,947,036	58,804,748
Stock Options and Warrants [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	783,500	1,758,500
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	3,485,600	4,691,200

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
Third Party [Member]	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Minimum annual lease payments	$52,400
Affiliated Entity [Member]	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Minimum annual lease payments	880,500
Annual lease payment	862,500
Amount of commitment	34,500,000
Operating lease, future minimum payments	$31,050,000
Minimum [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Percentage of royalty obligations	0.50%
Maximum [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Percentage of royalty obligations	6.00%

Segment_Reporting_Details

Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	segments	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	2	'	'
Revenue	$5,763,461	$3,789,766	'
Cost and Expenses	-9,167,125	-9,527,926	'
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS	-3,403,664	-5,738,160	'
Other income (expense), net	-421,315	-24,872	'
NET LOSS	-3,824,979	-5,763,032	'
Depreciation, amortization and depletion	1,640,309	1,083,169	'
Capital Expenditures	1,943,319	128,562	'
Assets	45,590,372	'	43,999,996
Mining [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue	5,606,064	3,667,922	'
Cost and Expenses	-8,880,826	-9,321,585	'
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS	-3,274,762	-5,653,663	'
Depreciation, amortization and depletion	1,604,648	1,050,751	'
Capital Expenditures	1,859,842	128,562	'
Assets	44,406,196	'	42,841,452
Hospitality [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue	157,397	121,844	'
Cost and Expenses	-286,299	-206,341	'
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS	-128,902	-84,497	'
Depreciation, amortization and depletion	35,661	32,418	'
Capital Expenditures	83,477	0	'
Assets	$1,184,176	'	$1,158,544

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Surety Bond [Member], Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	Apr. 11, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 11, 2014
Surety Bond [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Surety bond amount	$1.15