Comstock (LODE) 10-Q 31 Oct 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 26, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Entity Registrant Name	Comstock Mining Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,120,970
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		226,485,585

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,296,078	$ 184,359
Assets held for sale, Net (Note 3)	5,444,228	5,894,220
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (Note 2)	372,638	1,885,792
Total current assets	8,112,944	7,964,371
MINERAL RIGHTS AND PROPERTIES, Net	7,205,081	7,205,081
PROPERTIES, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, Net (Note 3)	13,618,346	15,148,567
RECLAMATION BOND DEPOSIT	2,622,544	2,622,544
RETIREMENT OBLIGATION ASSET (Note 4)	366,341	617,126
OTHER ASSETS	285,342	285,342
TOTAL ASSETS	32,210,598	33,843,031
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	302,731	804,551
Accrued expenses (Note 5)	710,615	1,135,934
Long-term debt– current portion (Note 6)	287,417	483,669
Total current liabilities	1,300,763	2,424,154
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Long-term debt (Note 6)	10,277,826	8,986,626
Long-term reclamation liability (Note 4)	7,401,596	7,353,346
Other liabilities	615,750	662,316
Total long-term liabilities	18,295,172	17,002,288
Total liabilities	19,595,935	19,426,442
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock, $.000666 par value, 3,950,000,000 shares authorized, 224,063,435 and 185,363,676 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	149,227	123,453
Additional paid-in capital	232,697,588	226,321,375
Accumulated deficit	(220,232,152)	(212,028,239)
Total stockholders’ equity	12,614,663	14,416,589
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$ 32,210,598	$ 33,843,031

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.000666	$ 0.000666
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	3,950,000,000	3,950,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	224,063,435	185,363,676
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	224,063,435	185,363,676

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
REVENUES
Revenue - mining	$ 0	$ 1,106,196	$ 0	$ 4,544,951
Revenue - real estate	26,960	28,599	73,624	101,641
Total revenues	26,960	1,134,795	73,624	4,646,592
COST AND EXPENSES
Costs applicable to mining revenue	846,443	829,558	2,663,188	3,507,795
Real estate operating costs	19,396	31,367	59,342	176,120
Exploration and mine development	240,020	589,351	782,124	4,027,859
Mine claims and costs	235,535	358,886	744,528	929,196
Environmental and reclamation	152,075	296,493	669,390	1,026,427
General and administrative	571,931	696,586	2,189,828	2,744,626
Total cost and expenses	2,065,400	2,802,241	7,108,400	12,412,023
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS	(2,038,440)	(1,667,446)	(7,034,776)	(7,765,431)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense	(442,610)	(165,212)	(1,297,546)	(603,307)
Other income (expense), net	(15,961)	(360,543)	128,409	(730,642)
Total other expense, net	(458,571)	(525,755)	(1,169,137)	(1,333,949)
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	(2,497,011)	(2,193,201)	(8,203,913)	(9,099,380)
INCOME TAXES	0	0	0	0
NET LOSS	$ (2,497,011)	$ (2,193,201)	$ (8,203,913)	$ (9,099,380)
Net loss per common share – basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.05)
Net loss per common share – diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.05)
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic (in shares)	217,990,163	182,134,873	193,902,517	174,173,436
Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted (in shares)	217,990,163	182,134,873	196,902,517	174,173,436

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$ (8,203,913)	$ (9,099,380)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and depletion	3,263,948	4,643,513
Stock payments and stock-based compensation	0	18,900
Accretion of reclamation liability	48,250	139,334
Gain on sale of properties, plant, and equipment	(137,229)	(357,037)
Amortization of debt discounts and issuance costs	317,559	182,471
Payment of interest expense and sales tax with common stock	0	299,379
Loss on payment of debt obligation with common stock	0	150,166
Net loss on early retirement of long-term debt	126,997	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	0	1,677
Inventories	0	361,978
Stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads	0	981,937
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(1,551)	(271,687)
Accounts payable	(483,112)	(48,301)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	10,614	(238,144)
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES	(5,058,437)	(3,235,194)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of properties, plant and equipment	911,597	3,277,011
Purchase of mineral rights and properties, plant and equipment	(126,639)	(150,325)
Decrease in reclamation bond deposit	0	20,260
NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES	784,958	3,146,946
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	(8,639,335)	(5,648,610)
Proceeds from long-term debt obligations (net of issuance costs)	9,379,446	925,000
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock	5,861,203	4,180,944
Common stock issuance costs	(216,116)	(585,703)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES	6,385,198	(1,128,369)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	2,111,719	(1,216,617)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	184,359	1,663,170
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	2,296,078	446,553
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest	776,846	321,405
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Payment for purchase of property, plant and equipment with prepaid deposits	1,158,785	0
Issuance of debt to purchase of property, plant and equipment	247,494	3,200,000
Settlement of long-term debt obligations with prepaid deposits	231,000	0
Issuance of common stock for settlement of long-term debt obligations	124,920	4,140,029
Property transferred in satisfaction of accounts payable	0	1,100,000
Issuance of common stock to purchase properties, plant and equipment	274,400	0
Issuance of common stock for mineral lease	$ 482,500	$ 0

Interim Financial Statements

Interim Financial Statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Interim Financial Statements	Interim Financial Statements Basis of Presentation The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Comstock Mining Inc. and subsidiaries (“Comstock”, the “Company”, “we”, “our” 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 adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine -month periods ended September 30, 2017 , are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017 . For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 . Liquidity and Management Plans The accompanying unaudited 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. The Company commenced production with the Lucerne Mine in 2012, and ramped up to approximately 20,000 gold-equivalent-ounces of annual production. The Company completed leaching from its existing leach pads in December 2016 and is currently planning the exploration and development of its next two mines, first with its second surface mine in the Dayton Resource area and then further developing, in collaboration through an agreement with a potential joint venture partner, the second phase of development and production from the Lucerne Mine. The Company has recurring net losses from operations and an accumulated deficit of $220.2 million at September 30, 2017 . For the nine -month period ended September 30, 2017 , the Company incurred a net loss of $8.2 million and used $5.1 million of cash in operations. As of September 30, 2017 , the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $2.3 million , current assets of $8.1 million and current liabilities of $1.3 million , resulting in current working capital of $6.8 million . The Company’s current capital resources include cash and cash equivalents and other net working capital resources, along with a loan commitment agreement with $7.5 million in unused capacity. The Company also has an at-the-market ("ATM") equity offering program with International Assets Advisory LLC ("IAA"), and an equity purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with Leviston Resources, LLC ("Leviston"), with aggregate unused capacity of $5.8 million . These capital resources are in addition to certain planned non-mining asset sales. In March 2017 (and amended in June and September 2017) the Company entered into a loan commitment agreement that provides up to $7.5 million in total borrowing capacity and expires in 2021 with an 11% interest rate. Principal amounts borrowed under this agreement are not due until 2021. Until January 1, 2019, interest on any borrowings will be payable in cash and/or in the form of additional indebtedness under the agreement, at the Company’s option. No amounts have been borrowed under this agreement and the Company has $7.0 million (after consideration of fees due at the time of borrowing) of available borrowing capacity as of September 30, 2017 . As of September 30, 2017 , the Company has issued shares under the ATM offering program with IAA and received cash proceeds of $3.7 million . The Company had $1.3 million available to be used under the ATM Agreement with IAA as of September 30, 2017 . In April 2017, the Company entered into the “Purchase Agreement” with Leviston for the purchase of up to $7.25 million of shares of the Company's common stock from time to time, at the Company’s option, limited to $750,000 per month, subject to certain volume and pricing restrictions. As of September 30, 2017 , the Company has issued shares to Leviston and received cash proceeds of $2.8 million . The Company had $4.5 million available to be used under the Purchase Agreement as of September 30, 2017 . 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 statement, borrowings, or other means, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain additional equity capital or other financing, if needed. However, the Company believes it will have sufficient funds to sustain its operations during the next 12 months from the date the financial statements were issued as a result of the sources of funding detailed above. Future operating expenditures above management’s expectations, including exploration and mine development expenditures in excess of amounts to be raised from the issuance of equity under the ATM Agreement and Purchase Agreement or in excess of the $5.0 million of services in exchange for stock under the agreement with American Mining and Tunneling, declines in the market value of properties held for sale, or declines in the share price of the Company's common stock 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 and could raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. 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. 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 plant and equipment, assets held for sale, mineral rights, deferred tax assets, derivative assets and liabilities, reclamation liabilities, stock-based compensation and payments, and contingent liabilities. Comprehensive Loss The only component of comprehensive loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , was our net loss. Income Taxes We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts and tax basis of certain recorded assets and liabilities and for tax loss carryforwards. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon our ability to generate sufficient future taxable earnings. Where it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized, we have provided a full valuation allowance. The Company has provided a full valuation allowance at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , for its net deferred tax assets as it cannot conclude it is more likely than not that they will be realized. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2017-01 - Business Combinations (Topic 805), which clarifies the definition of a business. For accounting and financial reporting purposes, businesses are generally comprised of three elements; inputs, processes, and outputs. Integrated sets of assets and activities capable of providing these three elements may not always be considered a business, and the lack of one of the three elements does not always disqualify the set from being a business. The issuance of ASU No. 2017-01 provides a clarifying screen to determine when a set of assets and activities is not a business. Primarily, the screen requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. The amendments contained in ASU No. 2017-01 are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and may be early adopted for certain transactions that have occurred before the effective date, but only when the underlying transaction has not been reported in the financial statements that have been issued or made available for issuance. The Company does not believe the implementation of ASU 2017-01 will have a material effect on its financial position, operational results, or cash flows. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”), which amends ASC 230, Statement of Cash Flows, and the FASB’s standards for reporting cash flows in general-purpose financial statements. The amendments address the diversity in practice related to the classification of certain cash receipts and payments including debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. Topic 842 affects any entity that enters into a lease, with some specified scope exceptions. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early application is permitted for all entities. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its consolidated financial statements, which will require right of use assets and lease liabilities be recorded in the consolidated balance sheet for operating leases. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 (Topic 606) that introduces a new five-step revenue recognition model that an entity should use to recognize revenue when depicting the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU also requires disclosures sufficient to enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. On July 9, 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. We anticipate utilizing the modified retrospective method to adopt the provisions of this standard effective January 1, 2018, which requires us to apply the new revenue standard to (i) all new revenue contracts entered into after January 1, 2018 and (ii) all existing revenue contracts as of January 1, 2018 through a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings. In accordance with this approach, our consolidated revenues for the periods prior to January 1, 2018 will not be revised. The Company does not expect to record a cumulative effect adjustment to its beginning retained earnings as a result of adoption of Topic 606 as there will be no revenue contracts as of January 1, 2018.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Curr

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Land and property deposits $ — $ 1,208,785 Lease obligation deposits — 355,920 Other 372,638 321,087 Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 372,638 $ 1,885,792

Properties, Plant and Equipment

Properties, Plant and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Properties, Plant and Equipment	Properties, Plant and Equipment and Assets Held for Sale The Company closed on the purchase of a property at a price of approximately $1.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . The property includes land and buildings next to the Company's current processing facility. The purchase of the property was funded through use of deposits made in prior years, issuance of shares of the Company's common stock, and issuance of debt. During the three and nine -month periods ended September 30, 2017 , the Company recognized depreciation expense of $0.9 million and $3.0 million , respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recognized depreciation expense of $1.1 million and $4.0 million , respectively. Assets Held For Sale The Company committed to a plan to sell certain land, buildings, and water rights. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company has assets with a net book value of $5.4 million and $5.9 million , respectively, that met the criteria to be classified as assets held for sale. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, the Company sold properties with carrying values of $0.77 million at net gains of $0.14 million . Cash proceeds, net of transaction fees, from these sales totaled $0.91 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017.

Long-Term Reclamation Liability

Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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: Nine Months Ended Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Long-term reclamation liability — beginning of period $ 7,353,346 $ 6,827,568 Additional obligations incurred — 340,000 Accretion of reclamation liability 48,250 185,778 Long-term reclamation liability — end of period $ 7,401,596 $ 7,353,346 Following is a reconciliation of the aggregate retirement obligation asset associated with our reclamation plan for our mining projects: Nine Months Ended Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Retirement obligation asset — beginning of period $ 617,126 $ 1,107,120 Additional obligations incurred — 340,000 Amortization of retirement obligation asset (250,785 ) (829,994 ) Retirement obligation asset — end of period $ 366,341 $ 617,126

Accrued Expenses

Accrued Expenses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	Accrued Expenses Accrued expenses consisted of the following: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Accrued interest expense $ 283,569 $ — Accrued personal property tax 146,505 56,895 Accrued Northern Comstock Joint Venture 67,708 480,833 Accrued Board of Directors fees 84,000 290,600 Accrued payroll costs 67,738 60,735 Accrued vendor liabilities 40,000 121,081 Accrued production royalties — 7,940 Other accrued expenses 21,095 117,850 Total accrued expenses $ 710,615 $ 1,135,934

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consisted of the following: Note Description September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Debenture - (net of discount and deferred issuance costs of $778,505) $ 9,251,954 $ — Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment) 1,313,289 1,540,629 Note Payable - (Lynch House) — 186,000 Note Payable (Silver Springs Property) — 3,310,851 Finance Obligation (Varilease) — 1,964,882 Note Payable (Daney) — 868,398 Note Payable (Donovan Property) — 300,733 Note Payable (V&T) — 298,955 Note Payable (White House) — 275,433 Note Payable (Gold Hill Hotel) — 239,216 Note Payable (Dayton Property "Golden Goose") — 207,562 Notes Payable - Other — 277,636 Subtotal 10,565,243 9,470,295 Less current portion (287,417 ) (483,669 ) Long-term portion of long-term debt $ 10,277,826 $ 8,986,626 Long-Term Debt Obligations GF Comstock 2 LP On January 13, 2017, the Company issued an 11% Senior Secured Debenture (the "Debenture") due 2021 in an aggregate principal amount of $10,723,000 . The use of proceeds included refinancing substantially all of the Company’s current obligations, except the amount due to Caterpillar Finance and the Lynch House note. This included paying off the Silver Springs property, Varilease and others. The Debenture was issued at a discount of approximately $568,000 and the Company incurred issuance costs of approximately $528,000 . The Debenture requires a Make Whole Payment totaling approximately $688,000 if paid any time prior to or at maturity. Total principal is due on January 13, 2021. The Debenture requires acceleration of payment of accrued interest, principal, and the Make Whole Amount from all net proceeds received upon sale of any assets of the Company. Interest is payable semi-annually. For the first two years , interest will be payable, at the option of the Company, either in cash or in the form of additional Debentures (or a combination thereof). For the third and fourth years, interest will be payable only in cash. The Company paid the interest payment for the first six months, in cash, on June 23, 2017, and elected to pay the next interest payment in cash that is due on January 1, 2018. The Debenture is collateralized by (1) substantially all of the assets of the Company, and (2) a pledge to 100% of the equity of the subsidiaries of Comstock Mining Inc. Hard Rock Nevada Inc., an employee owned entity, and another related party who is a significant shareholder of the Company, participated in this financing. Loan Commitment In March 2017 (and amended in June and September 2017), the Company entered into a loan commitment agreement that provides up to $7.5 million in borrowing capacity and expires in 2021 with an 11% interest rate. Principal amounts borrowed under this agreement are not due until 2021. Until January 1, 2019, interest on any borrowings will be payable in cash and/or in the form of additional indebtedness under the agreement, at the Company’s option. No amounts have been borrowed under this agreement and the Company has $7.0 million (after consideration of fees due at the time of borrowing) of available borrowing capacity as of September 30, 2017 .

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity At-the-Market Offering Program Effective June 28, 2016, the Company entered into a sales agreement with IAA with respect to an ATM agreement pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time at its sole discretion, shares of its common stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $5 million . Effective April 2017, the Company also entered into the Purchase agreement with Leviston for the purchase of up to $7.25 million of shares of the Company's common stock from time to time, at the Company's option. The Company is not obligated to make any sales of shares under either the ATM or Purchase agreement, and if it elects to make any sales, the Company can set a minimum sales price for the shares. Following is a reconciliation of the transactions under the ATM and Purchase agreement for the nine and twelve month periods ended September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 respectively: Nine Months Ended Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Number of shares sold 35,206,738 1,835,300 Gross proceeds $ 5,861,203 $ 522,889 Fees $ 216,116 $ 14,090 Net proceeds $ 5,645,087 $ 508,799 Average price per share $ 0.166 $ 0.280 In January 2017, the Company closed escrow on the purchases of land and property. The purchases included the issuance of 980,000 shares of common stock with a fair value of $274,400 . In August 2017, the Company issued 2,513,021 shares of common stock with fair value of $482,500 as payment of the annual contribution to Northern Comstock, LLC.

Net Loss Per Common Share

Net Loss Per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Loss Per Common Share	Net Loss Per Common Share Basic earnings per share are 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 and convertible securities were exercised or converted into common stock. 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 Nine Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Numerator: Net loss $ (2,497,011 ) $ (2,193,201 ) $ (8,203,913 ) $ (9,099,380 ) Denominator: Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding 217,990,163 182,134,873 196,902,517 174,173,436 Net loss per common share: Basic $ (0.01 ) $ (0.01 ) $ (0.04 ) $ (0.05 ) Diluted $ (0.01 ) $ (0.01 ) $ (0.04 ) $ (0.05 ) The following table includes the number of common stock equivalent shares that are not included in the computation of diluted loss per share, because certain performance conditions have not been achieved and the inclusion would be antidilutive. September 30, 2017 2016 Stock options and warrants 50,000 50,000 Restricted stock — 1,420,000 50,000 1,470,000

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies The Company has minimum royalty obligations with certain of its mineral properties and leases. For most of the mineral properties and leases, the Company is subject to a range of royalty obligations once production commences. These royalties range from 0.5% to 5% of net smelter revenues (NSR) from minerals produced on the properties, with the majority being under 3% . Some of the factors that will influence the amount of the royalties include ounces extracted and the price of gold. 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 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. On January 31, 2014, the Comstock Residents Association (the “CRA”) and two of its members filed a civil action in the Third Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada in and for Lyon County (the “District Court”) against the Lyon County Board of Commissioners (the “Commissioners”) and the Company, asking the Court to reverse the Commissioners’ decision to grant an application for master plan amendment and zone change submitted and approved by the Commissioners on January 2, 2014 (the “Application”). In April 2015, the District Court ruled in favor the Company and the Commissioners and on December 2, 2016, the Nevada Supreme Court entered an order positively affirming all three of the District Court's decisions associated with 1) the Commissioners' discretion and authority for changing master plans and zoning, 2) their compliance with Nevada's Open Meeting Law and 3) their compliance with Nevada statutory provisions. Specifically, the Supreme Court affirmed the District Court's conclusions that Lyon County did not violate Nevada’s Open Meeting Law and that the County did not violate statutory provisions regarding master plans. The Supreme Court did reverse the District Court’s dismissal of CRA’s claim of a due process violation, concluding that this claim should not have been summarily dismissed and that further proceedings are necessary in the District Court on this single claim. We are encouraged by the Supreme Court’s decision and together with the Lyon County District Attorney, on March 31, 2017, we filed a motion in the District Court seeking summary judgment on the sole remaining issue. This remaining issue has now been fully briefed and submitted to the District Court in Lyon County for decision. 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting Our management organizes the Company into two operating segments: mining and real estate. Our mining segment consists of all activities and expenditures associated with mining. Our real estate segment consists of land, real estate rental properties and the Gold Hill Hotel. We evaluate the performance of our operating segments based on operating income (loss). All intercompany transactions have been eliminated, and inter-segment revenues are not significant. Financial information relating to our reportable operating segments and reconciliation to the consolidated totals is as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenue Mining $ — $ 1,106,196 $ — $ 4,544,951 Real estate 26,960 28,599 73,624 101,641 Total revenue 26,960 1,134,795 73,624 4,646,592 Cost and Expenses Mining (2,046,004 ) (2,770,874 ) (7,049,058 ) (12,235,903 ) Real estate (19,396 ) (31,367 ) (59,342 ) (176,120 ) Total cost and expenses (2,065,400 ) (2,802,241 ) (7,108,400 ) (12,412,023 ) Operating Income (Loss) Mining (2,046,004 ) (1,664,678 ) (7,049,058 ) (7,690,952 ) Real estate 7,564 (2,768 ) 14,282 (74,479 ) Total loss from operations (2,038,440 ) (1,667,446 ) (7,034,776 ) (7,765,431 ) Other income (expense), net (458,571 ) (525,755 ) (1,169,137 ) (1,333,949 ) Net loss $ (2,497,011 ) $ (2,193,201 ) $ (8,203,913 ) $ (9,099,380 ) Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Mining $ 1,005,754 $ 1,268,352 $ 3,254,845 $ 4,509,065 Real estate 2,465 19,984 9,103 134,448 Total depreciation, amortization and depletion $ 1,008,219 $ 1,288,336 $ 3,263,948 $ 4,643,513 Capital Expenditures Mining $ 9,639 $ — $ 1,807,318 $ 334,840 Real estate — 3,200,000 — 5,461,263 Total capital expenditures $ 9,639 $ 3,200,000 $ 1,807,318 $ 5,796,103 As of September 30, As of December 31, 2017 2016 Assets Mining $ 26,203,885 $ 27,829,802 Real estate 6,006,713 6,013,229 Total assets $ 32,210,598 $ 33,843,031

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events On October 3, 2017, the Company entered into an Option Agreement (the “Option Agreement”) with Tonogold Resources, Inc. (“Tonogold”). Under the terms of the Option Agreement, Tonogold will have the right to participate in certain activities, including but not limited to, engineering, development, drilling and test-work, towards completing a technical and economic feasibility assessment on certain properties within the Company’s Lucerne resource area (the “Lucerne Property”), and if all obligations and prerequisites are satisfied and subject to compliance with the Option Agreement, Comstock and Tonogold may effect a joint venture for the future development and mining of mineral resources on the Lucerne Property. Under the terms of the Option Agreement, Tonogold can earn a 51% interest in the Company’s presently wholly-owned subsidiary, Comstock Mining LLC, which owns the Lucerne Property, by making capital expenditures on the Lucerne Property of $20 million no later than 42 -months following signing of the Option Agreement and payments of $2.2 million to the Company. The initial payment of $0.2 million was paid by Tonogold to the Company at the time that the Option Agreement went into effect. If Tonogold elects to proceed with the project, Tonogold would have to make another payment of $2 million within the six-month period following the date that the Option Agreement was signed. If Tonogold does not elect to extend the option beyond the initial six months, it will be required to make a further payment to the Company equal to $1 million less actual costs incurred on the Lucerne Property during such initial six-month period. In addition, Tonogold is granted the option to purchase 51% of certain equipment and property located at the Company’s American Flat property for a purchase price of $25 million . Tonogold is also granted a right of first refusal if the Company elects, in its sole discretion, to sell certain other mining properties.

Interim Financial Statements (P

Interim Financial Statements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 plant and equipment, assets held for sale, mineral rights, deferred tax assets, derivative assets and liabilities, reclamation liabilities, stock-based compensation and payments, and contingent liabilities.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts and tax basis of certain recorded assets and liabilities and for tax loss carryforwards. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon our ability to generate sufficient future taxable earnings. Where it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized, we have provided a full valuation allowance. The Company has provided a full valuation allowance at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , for its net deferred tax assets as it cannot conclude it is more likely than not that they will be realized.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2017-01 - Business Combinations (Topic 805), which clarifies the definition of a business. For accounting and financial reporting purposes, businesses are generally comprised of three elements; inputs, processes, and outputs. Integrated sets of assets and activities capable of providing these three elements may not always be considered a business, and the lack of one of the three elements does not always disqualify the set from being a business. The issuance of ASU No. 2017-01 provides a clarifying screen to determine when a set of assets and activities is not a business. Primarily, the screen requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. The amendments contained in ASU No. 2017-01 are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and may be early adopted for certain transactions that have occurred before the effective date, but only when the underlying transaction has not been reported in the financial statements that have been issued or made available for issuance. The Company does not believe the implementation of ASU 2017-01 will have a material effect on its financial position, operational results, or cash flows. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”), which amends ASC 230, Statement of Cash Flows, and the FASB’s standards for reporting cash flows in general-purpose financial statements. The amendments address the diversity in practice related to the classification of certain cash receipts and payments including debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. Topic 842 affects any entity that enters into a lease, with some specified scope exceptions. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early application is permitted for all entities. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its consolidated financial statements, which will require right of use assets and lease liabilities be recorded in the consolidated balance sheet for operating leases. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 (Topic 606) that introduces a new five-step revenue recognition model that an entity should use to recognize revenue when depicting the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU also requires disclosures sufficient to enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. On July 9, 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. We anticipate utilizing the modified retrospective method to adopt the provisions of this standard effective January 1, 2018, which requires us to apply the new revenue standard to (i) all new revenue contracts entered into after January 1, 2018 and (ii) all existing revenue contracts as of January 1, 2018 through a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings. In accordance with this approach, our consolidated revenues for the periods prior to January 1, 2018 will not be revised. The Company does not expect to record a cumulative effect adjustment to its beginning retained earnings as a result of adoption of Topic 606 as there will be no revenue contracts as of January 1, 2018.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Cu18

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Land and property deposits $ — $ 1,208,785 Lease obligation deposits — 355,920 Other 372,638 321,087 Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 372,638 $ 1,885,792

Long-Term Reclamation Liabili19

Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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: Nine Months Ended Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Long-term reclamation liability — beginning of period $ 7,353,346 $ 6,827,568 Additional obligations incurred — 340,000 Accretion of reclamation liability 48,250 185,778 Long-term reclamation liability — end of period $ 7,401,596 $ 7,353,346
Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations	Following is a reconciliation of the aggregate retirement obligation asset associated with our reclamation plan for our mining projects: Nine Months Ended Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Retirement obligation asset — beginning of period $ 617,126 $ 1,107,120 Additional obligations incurred — 340,000 Amortization of retirement obligation asset (250,785 ) (829,994 ) Retirement obligation asset — end of period $ 366,341 $ 617,126

Accrued Expenses (Tables)

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities	Accrued expenses consisted of the following: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Accrued interest expense $ 283,569 $ — Accrued personal property tax 146,505 56,895 Accrued Northern Comstock Joint Venture 67,708 480,833 Accrued Board of Directors fees 84,000 290,600 Accrued payroll costs 67,738 60,735 Accrued vendor liabilities 40,000 121,081 Accrued production royalties — 7,940 Other accrued expenses 21,095 117,850 Total accrued expenses $ 710,615 $ 1,135,934

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	Long-term debt consisted of the following: Note Description September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Debenture - (net of discount and deferred issuance costs of $778,505) $ 9,251,954 $ — Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment) 1,313,289 1,540,629 Note Payable - (Lynch House) — 186,000 Note Payable (Silver Springs Property) — 3,310,851 Finance Obligation (Varilease) — 1,964,882 Note Payable (Daney) — 868,398 Note Payable (Donovan Property) — 300,733 Note Payable (V&T) — 298,955 Note Payable (White House) — 275,433 Note Payable (Gold Hill Hotel) — 239,216 Note Payable (Dayton Property "Golden Goose") — 207,562 Notes Payable - Other — 277,636 Subtotal 10,565,243 9,470,295 Less current portion (287,417 ) (483,669 ) Long-term portion of long-term debt $ 10,277,826 $ 8,986,626

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock by Class	Following is a reconciliation of the transactions under the ATM and Purchase agreement for the nine and twelve month periods ended September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 respectively: Nine Months Ended Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Number of shares sold 35,206,738 1,835,300 Gross proceeds $ 5,861,203 $ 522,889 Fees $ 216,116 $ 14,090 Net proceeds $ 5,645,087 $ 508,799 Average price per share $ 0.166 $ 0.280

Net Loss Per Common Share (Tabl

Net Loss Per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 Nine Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Numerator: Net loss $ (2,497,011 ) $ (2,193,201 ) $ (8,203,913 ) $ (9,099,380 ) Denominator: Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding 217,990,163 182,134,873 196,902,517 174,173,436 Net loss per common share: Basic $ (0.01 ) $ (0.01 ) $ (0.04 ) $ (0.05 ) Diluted $ (0.01 ) $ (0.01 ) $ (0.04 ) $ (0.05 )
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 certain performance conditions have not been achieved and the inclusion would be antidilutive. September 30, 2017 2016 Stock options and warrants 50,000 50,000 Restricted stock — 1,420,000 50,000 1,470,000

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 Nine Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenue Mining $ — $ 1,106,196 $ — $ 4,544,951 Real estate 26,960 28,599 73,624 101,641 Total revenue 26,960 1,134,795 73,624 4,646,592 Cost and Expenses Mining (2,046,004 ) (2,770,874 ) (7,049,058 ) (12,235,903 ) Real estate (19,396 ) (31,367 ) (59,342 ) (176,120 ) Total cost and expenses (2,065,400 ) (2,802,241 ) (7,108,400 ) (12,412,023 ) Operating Income (Loss) Mining (2,046,004 ) (1,664,678 ) (7,049,058 ) (7,690,952 ) Real estate 7,564 (2,768 ) 14,282 (74,479 ) Total loss from operations (2,038,440 ) (1,667,446 ) (7,034,776 ) (7,765,431 ) Other income (expense), net (458,571 ) (525,755 ) (1,169,137 ) (1,333,949 ) Net loss $ (2,497,011 ) $ (2,193,201 ) $ (8,203,913 ) $ (9,099,380 ) Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Mining $ 1,005,754 $ 1,268,352 $ 3,254,845 $ 4,509,065 Real estate 2,465 19,984 9,103 134,448 Total depreciation, amortization and depletion $ 1,008,219 $ 1,288,336 $ 3,263,948 $ 4,643,513 Capital Expenditures Mining $ 9,639 $ — $ 1,807,318 $ 334,840 Real estate — 3,200,000 — 5,461,263 Total capital expenditures $ 9,639 $ 3,200,000 $ 1,807,318 $ 5,796,103 As of September 30, As of December 31, 2017 2016 Assets Mining $ 26,203,885 $ 27,829,802 Real estate 6,006,713 6,013,229 Total assets $ 32,210,598 $ 33,843,031

Interim Financial Statements (A

Interim Financial Statements (Additional Information) (Details) oz in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)oz	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 28, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Annual gold-equivalent production (in ounces) | oz				20
Accumulated deficit		$ 220,232,152		$ 220,232,152		$ 212,028,239
Net loss		2,497,011	$ 2,193,201	8,203,913	$ 9,099,380
Net cash used in operating activities				5,058,437	3,235,194
Cash and cash equivalents		2,296,078	$ 446,553	2,296,078	446,553	184,359			$ 1,663,170
Current assets		8,112,944		8,112,944		7,964,371
Current liabilities		1,300,763		1,300,763		2,424,154
Current assets in excess of current liabilities		6,800,000		6,800,000
Unused borrowing capacity		7,500,000		7,500,000
Equity offering, unused capacity		5,800,000		5,800,000
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock				5,861,203	$ 4,180,944
ATM Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock				5,645,087		$ 508,799
ATM Agreement | International Assets Advisory LLC
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock				3,700,000
Remaining amount available for issuance under agreement		1,300,000		1,300,000
Aggregate offering price, up to		5,000,000		5,000,000				$ 5,000,000
Purchase Agreement | Leviston Resources LLC
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock				2,800,000
Remaining amount available for issuance under agreement		4,500,000		4,500,000
Common stock, sale agreement, up to	$ 7,250,000
Common stock sale limit per month	$ 750,000
Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unused borrowing capacity		7,000,000		7,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity							$ 7,500,000
Interest rate (as a percent)							11.00%
Long-term line of credit borrowing outstanding		$ 0		$ 0

Prepaid Expenses and Other Cu26

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Land and property deposits	$ 0	$ 1,208,785
Lease obligation deposits	0	355,920
Other	372,638	321,087
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ 372,638	$ 1,885,792

Properties, Plant and Equipme27

Properties, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 900,000	$ 1,100,000	$ 3,000,000	$ 4,000,000
Assets held-for-sale	$ 5,444,228		5,444,228		$ 5,894,220
Net gains on sale of property			140,000
Cash proceeds net of transaction fees			910,000
Land And Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property sold, carrying value			1,700,000
Land And Building
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Disposals carrying value			$ 770,000

Long-Term Reclamation Liabili28

Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset (Reconciliation of Aggregate Retirement Liability) (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Mine Reclamation and Closing Liability [Roll Forward]
Long-term reclamation liability — beginning of period	$ 7,353,346	$ 6,827,568
Additional obligations incurred	0	340,000
Accretion of reclamation liability	48,250	185,778
Long-term reclamation liability — end of period	$ 7,401,596	$ 7,353,346

Long-Term Reclamation Liabili29

Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset (Reconciliation of Aggregate Retirement Asset) (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]
Retirement obligation asset — beginning of period	$ 617,126	$ 1,107,120
Additional obligations incurred	0	340,000
Amortization of retirement obligation asset	(250,785)	(829,994)
Retirement obligation asset — end of period	$ 366,341	$ 617,126

Accrued Expenses (Details)

Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued interest expense	$ 283,569	$ 0
Accrued personal property tax	146,505	56,895
Accrued Northern Comstock Joint Venture	67,708	480,833
Accrued Board of Directors fees	84,000	290,600
Accrued payroll costs	67,738	60,735
Accrued vendor liabilities	40,000	121,081
Accrued production royalties	0	7,940
Other accrued expenses	21,095	117,850
Total accrued expenses	$ 710,615	$ 1,135,934

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Lon

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subtotal	$ 10,565,243	$ 9,470,295
Less current portion	(287,417)	(483,669)
Long-term portion of long-term debt	10,277,826	8,986,626
Debenture - (net of discount and deferred issuance costs of $778,505)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subtotal	9,251,954	0
Debt discount and deferred issuance costs	778,505
Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subtotal	1,313,289	1,540,629
Note Payable - (Lynch House)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subtotal	0	186,000
Note Payable (Silver Springs Property)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subtotal	0	3,310,851
Finance Obligation (Varilease) | Capital Lease Obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subtotal	0	1,964,882
Note Payable (Daney)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subtotal	0	868,398
Note Payable (Donovan Property)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subtotal	0	300,733
Note Payable (V&T)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subtotal	0	298,955
Note Payable (White House)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subtotal	0	275,433
Note Payable (Gold Hill Hotel)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subtotal	0	239,216
Note Payable (Dayton Property Golden Goose)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subtotal	0	207,562
Notes Payable - Other
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subtotal	$ 0	$ 277,636

Long-Term Debt (Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt (Long-Term Debt Obligations) (Details) - USD ($)	Jan. 13, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused borrowing capacity		$ 7,500,000
Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)			11.00%
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 7,500,000
Long-term line of credit borrowing outstanding		0
Unused borrowing capacity		$ 7,000,000
Senior Secured Debenture due 2021 | Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	11.00%
Long term note	$ 10,723,000
Note Payable - GF Comstock 2 LP | Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Discount on issuance of debt	568,000
Debt issuance costs	528,000
Early repayment, make whole payment	$ 688,000
Initial periodic payment period	2 years
Equity interest in subsidiaries pledged as collateral (as a percent)	100.00%

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017	Jun. 28, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares issued	2,513,021
Value of shares issued	$ 482,500
ATM Agreement
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares issued			35,206,738	1,835,300
ATM Agreement | International Assets Advisory LLC
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Aggregate offering price, up to			$ 5,000,000			$ 5,000,000
ATM Agreement | Leviston
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Aggregate offering price, up to					$ 7,250,000
Land and Property
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock issued during period for purchase of assets (in shares)		980,000
Stock issued during period for purchase of assets at fair value		$ 274,400

Stockholders' Equity (Reconcili

Stockholders' Equity (Reconciliation of Transactions Under ATM Agreement) (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares sold (in shares)	2,513,021
Net proceeds		$ 5,861,203	$ 4,180,944
ATM Agreement
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares sold (in shares)		35,206,738		1,835,300
Gross proceeds		$ 5,861,203		$ 522,889
Fees		216,116		14,090
Net proceeds		$ 5,645,087		$ 508,799
Average price per share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.17		$ 0.28

Net Loss Per Common Share (Reco

Net Loss Per Common Share (Reconciliation of Net Loss Per Share) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Numerator:
Net loss	$ (2,497,011)	$ (2,193,201)	$ (8,203,913)	$ (9,099,380)
Denominator:
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding	217,990,163	182,134,873	196,902,517	174,173,436
Net loss per common share:
Net loss per common share – basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.05)
Net loss per common share – diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.05)

Net Loss Per Common Share (Sche

Net Loss Per Common Share (Schedule of Excluded Common Stock Equivalent Shares) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	50	1,470
Stock options and warrants
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	50	50
Restricted stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	0	1,420

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Percentage of royalty obligations, majority are less than	3.00%
Minimum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Percentage of royalty obligations	0.50%
Maximum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Percentage of royalty obligations	5.00%

Segment Reporting (Details)

Segment Reporting (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)segment	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments | segment			2
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 26,960	$ 1,134,795	$ 73,624	$ 4,646,592
Cost and Expenses	(2,065,400)	(2,802,241)	(7,108,400)	(12,412,023)
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS	(2,038,440)	(1,667,446)	(7,034,776)	(7,765,431)
Other income (expense), net	(458,571)	(525,755)	(1,169,137)	(1,333,949)
NET LOSS	(2,497,011)	(2,193,201)	(8,203,913)	(9,099,380)
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	1,008,219	1,288,336	3,263,948	4,643,513
Capital Expenditures	9,639	3,200,000	1,807,318	5,796,103
Assets	32,210,598		32,210,598		$ 33,843,031
Mining
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	0	1,106,196	0	4,544,951
Cost and Expenses	(2,046,004)	(2,770,874)	(7,049,058)	(12,235,903)
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS	(2,046,004)	(1,664,678)	(7,049,058)	(7,690,952)
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	1,005,754	1,268,352	3,254,845	4,509,065
Capital Expenditures	9,639	0	1,807,318	334,840
Assets	26,203,885		26,203,885		27,829,802
Real Estate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	26,960	28,599	73,624	101,641
Cost and Expenses	(19,396)	(31,367)	(59,342)	(176,120)
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS	7,564	(2,768)	14,282	(74,479)
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	2,465	19,984	9,103	134,448
Capital Expenditures	0	$ 3,200,000	0	$ 5,461,263
Assets	$ 6,006,713		$ 6,006,713		$ 6,013,229

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - Tonogold Resources, Inc. - Subsequent Event - USD ($)	Oct. 03, 2017	Oct. 31, 2017	Apr. 03, 2018
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Payments made to the company	$ 200,000
Scenario, Forecast
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Payments made to the company		$ 2,200,000	$ 2,000,000
Payments if extension is not elected	$ 1,000,000
Comstock Mining LLC | Scenario, Forecast
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Percentage interest in subsidiary	51.00%
American Flat Property | Scenario, Forecast
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Percentage interest in subsidiary	51.00%
Payments made to the company	$ 25,000,000
Land Improvements | Lucerne Property
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Required capital expenditure, maximum period	42 months
Land Improvements | Lucerne Property | Scenario, Forecast
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Required capital expenditures	$ 20,000,000