Comstock (LODE) 10-Q 31 Jul 18 2018 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jul. 25, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2018
Entity Registrant Name	Comstock Mining Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,120,970
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		57,286,428

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,469,429	$ 2,066,718
Assets held for sale, Net (Note 2)	5,363,403	5,363,403
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (Note 3)	709,248	301,387
Total current assets	7,542,080	7,731,508
MINERAL RIGHTS AND PROPERTIES, Net	7,205,081	7,205,081
PROPERTIES, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, Net (Note 4)	11,163,991	12,781,733
RECLAMATION BOND DEPOSIT	2,622,544	2,622,544
RETIREMENT OBLIGATION ASSET (Note 5)	246,310	282,745
OTHER ASSETS	340,063	340,302
TOTAL ASSETS	29,120,069	30,963,913
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	503,760	321,302
Accrued expenses (Note 6)	779,591	496,651
Long-term debt– current portion (Note 7)	299,940	291,532
Total current liabilities	1,583,291	1,109,485
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Long-term debt (Note 7)	8,830,979	9,971,421
Long-term reclamation liability (Note 8)	7,428,734	7,417,680
Other liabilities	569,184	600,228
Total long-term liabilities	16,828,897	17,989,329
Total liabilities	18,412,188	19,098,814
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Preferred Stock; 50,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $.000666 par value, 790,000,000 shares authorized, 55,756,428 and 47,236,103 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively	37,134	31,459
Additional paid-in capital	238,175,400	234,438,057
Accumulated deficit	(227,504,653)	(222,604,417)
Total stockholders’ equity	10,707,881	11,865,099
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$ 29,120,069	$ 30,963,913

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.000666	$ 0.000666
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	790,000,000	790,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	55,756,428	47,236,103
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	55,756,428	47,236,103

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
REVENUES
Total revenues	$ 28,815	$ 27,370	$ 51,665	$ 46,664
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Mine claims and costs	91,025	244,458	271,256	508,993
Environmental and reclamation	62,186	169,264	120,254	517,315
General and administrative	827,542	957,034	1,554,163	1,617,897
Total costs and expenses	1,967,840	2,579,047	3,878,293	5,043,000
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS	(1,939,025)	(2,551,677)	(3,826,628)	(4,996,336)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense	(330,887)	(398,854)	(714,227)	(854,936)
Other income (expense)	(145,420)	17,809	(359,381)	144,369
Total other expense, net	(476,307)	(381,045)	(1,073,608)	(710,567)
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	(2,415,332)	(2,932,722)	(4,900,236)	(5,706,903)
INCOME TAXES	0	0	0	0
NET LOSS	$ (2,415,332)	$ (2,932,722)	$ (4,900,236)	$ (5,706,903)
Net loss per common share – basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.08)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.15)
Net loss per common share – diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.08)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.15)
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic (in shares)	53,834,285	38,614,940	51,859,818	37,942,856
Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted (in shares)	53,834,285	38,614,940	51,859,818	37,942,856
Mining
REVENUES
Total revenues	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Costs of goods and services sold	728,559	914,341	1,457,463	1,816,745
Real Estate
REVENUES
Total revenues	28,815	27,370	51,665	46,664
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Costs of goods and services sold	9,880	22,813	16,971	39,946
Exploration and mine development
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Costs of goods and services sold	$ 248,648	$ 271,137	$ 458,186	$ 542,104

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$ (4,900,236)	$ (5,706,903)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization, and depletion	1,659,808	2,255,730
Accretion of reclamation liability	11,054	32,167
Gain on sale of properties, plant, and equipment	(26,000)	(17,809)
Amortization of debt discounts and issuance costs	192,600	208,148
Net loss on early retirement of long-term debt	164,751	126,997
Payment-in-kind interest expense	437,852	0
Loss on make-whole liability with Pelen, LLC	201,393	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(157,861)	24,624
Accounts payable	182,458	(143,807)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	50,504	(393,080)
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES	(2,183,677)	(3,613,933)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from principal payment on note receivable	239	0
Proceeds from sale of properties, plant, and equipment	26,000	17,809
Purchase of mineral rights and properties, plant and equipment	(255,631)	(117,000)
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	(229,392)	(99,191)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments on long-term debt	(1,927,238)	(7,691,454)
Proceeds from long-term debt obligations (net of issuance costs)	0	9,405,996
Proceeds from earn-in option with Tonogold	2,000,000	0
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock	1,795,860	2,920,253
Common stock issuance costs	(52,842)	(74,821)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES	1,815,780	4,559,974
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(597,289)	846,850
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	2,066,718	184,359
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	1,469,429	1,031,209
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest	83,775	646,789
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Issuance of common stock to pay for common stock issuance costs	200,000	200,000
Issuance of common stock (in advance of close) to purchase membership interests	585,000	0
Payment for purchase of property, plant, and equipment with prepaid deposits	0	1,158,785
Issuance of debt to purchase property, plant, and equipment	0	247,494
Settlement of long-term debt obligations with prepaid deposits	0	231,000
Issuance of common stock for settlement of long-term debt obligations	0	124,920
Issuance of common stock to purchase properties, plant, and equipment	0	274,400
Debt issuance costs in accounts payable	$ 0	$ 26,550

Interim Financial Statements

Interim Financial Statements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
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 six -month periods ended June 30, 2018 , are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018 . 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, 2017 . Liquidity and Management Plans The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and contemplates the Company's continuation as a going concern. On April 3, 2018, the Company received a $2 million cash payment relating to an option agreement (the “Option Agreement.”) with Tonogold Resources Inc. (“Tonogold”). The Company used $1.5 million of the proceeds to reduce its indebtedness under the Debenture. In addition, the Option Agreement requires Tonogold to reimburse the Company for certain expenditures associated with the Lucerne Mine Project. The Company has received approximately $0.3 million in expense reimbursements during the six months ended June 30, 2018. The Company commenced production with the Lucerne Mine in 2012, which 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 the Option Agreement with Tonogold, the second phase of development and ultimately, a plan for resuming production from the Lucerne Mine. The Company has recurring net losses from operations and an accumulated deficit of $227.5 million at June 30, 2018 . For the six -month period ended June 30, 2018 , the Company incurred a net loss of $4.9 million and used $2.2 million of cash in operations. As of June 30, 2018 , the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $1.5 million , current assets of $7.5 million and current liabilities of $1.6 million , resulting in current working capital of $5.9 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 $7.0 million in unused capacity after consideration of fees due at the time of borrowing. The Company has an existing equity purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with Leviston Resources, LLC ("Leviston") with unused capacity of $2.6 million . These capital resources are in addition to certain planned non-mining asset sales. 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 funding sources 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 Purchase Agreement, 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 estimated useful lives and valuation of properties, 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. Reverse Stock Split Effective November 9, 2017, the Company completed a 1-for-5 reverse stock split of its authorized and outstanding common stock, as approved by its Board of Directors. All 2017 common shares and per share amounts set forth herein give effect to this reverse stock split. Comprehensive Loss The only component of comprehensive loss for the three and six -month periods ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 , 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , for its net deferred tax assets because we cannot conclude it is more likely than not that they will be realized. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Updated (“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. We used the modified retrospective method to adopt the provisions of this standard effective January 1, 2018, which required 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 accumulated deficit. In accordance with this approach, our consolidated revenues for the periods prior to January 1, 2018, were not revised. The Company did not record a cumulative effect adjustment to its beginning accumulated deficit as a result of adoption of Topic 606 as there were no revenue contracts within the scope of Topic 606 as of January 1, 2018. 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 adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018, with no material impact 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.

Assets Held for Sale

Assets Held for Sale	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Assets Held For Sale	Assets Held For Sale The Company committed to a plan to sell certain land, buildings, and water rights. As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company has assets with a net book value of $5.4 million , which met the criteria to be classified as assets held for sale. Those criteria specify that the asset must be available for immediate sale in its present condition (subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets), the sale of the asset must be probable, and its transfer expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale generally within one year. Proceeds from the sale of these assets are required to be used to satisfy obligations due under the terms of the debenture with GF Comstock 2 LP as described in Note 7. Assets held for sale include: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Industrial Park (Land and water rights) $ 2,738,462 $ 2,738,462 Daney Ranch (Land and buildings) 2,146,575 2,146,575 Gold Hill Hotel (Land and buildings) 478,366 478,366 Total assets held for sale $ 5,363,403 $ 5,363,403

Prepaid Expenses and Other Curr

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
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: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Land and property deposits $ 250,000 $ — Surety bond and insurance 198,485 188,485 Reimbursements due from Tonogold 54,815 — Other 205,948 112,902 Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 709,248 $ 301,387

Properties, Plant and Equipment

Properties, Plant and Equipment	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Properties, Plant and Equipment	Properties, Plant and Equipment Properties, plant and equipment consisted of the following: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Land and building $ 9,169,605 $ 9,169,605 Vehicle and equipment 2,357,367 2,414,216 Processing and laboratory 21,166,497 21,166,497 Furniture and fixtures 755,665 755,665 33,449,134 33,505,983 Less accumulated depreciation (22,285,143 ) (20,724,250 ) Total properties, plant and equipment $ 11,163,991 $ 12,781,733 During the three and six -month periods ended June 30, 2018 , the Company recognized depreciation expense of $0.8 million and $1.6 million , respectively. During the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2017 , the Company recognized depreciation expense of $1.0 million and $2.1 million , respectively.

Retirement Obligation Asset

Retirement Obligation Asset	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement Obligation Asset	Retirement Obligation Asset Following is a reconciliation of the aggregate retirement obligation asset associated with our reclamation plan for our mining projects: Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Retirement obligation asset — beginning of period $ 282,745 $ 617,126 Additional obligations incurred — — Amortization of retirement obligation asset (36,435 ) (334,381 ) Retirement obligation asset — end of period $ 246,310 $ 282,745 Long-Term Reclamation Liability Following is a reconciliation of the aggregate reclamation liability associated with our reclamation plan for our mining projects: Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Long-term reclamation liability — beginning of period $ 7,417,680 $ 7,353,346 Additional obligations incurred — — Accretion of reclamation liability 11,054 64,334 Long-term reclamation liability — end of period $ 7,428,734 $ 7,417,680

Accrued Expenses

Accrued Expenses	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	Accrued Expenses Accrued expenses consisted of the following: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Accrued Northern Comstock Joint Venture $ 407,083 $ 180,833 Accrued make-whole for 25% acquisition (Note 13) 201,393 — Accrued payroll costs 121,652 57,402 Accrued personal property tax — 84,264 Accrued Board of Directors fees 20,000 84,000 Accrued vendor liabilities — 75,415 Other accrued expenses 29,463 14,737 Total accrued expenses $ 779,591 $ 496,651 The accrued expense for the Northern Comstock Joint Venture represents the difference in timing of expense recognition and required monthly and annual payments to Northern Comstock LLC.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consisted of the following: Note Description June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Note Payable (GF Comstock 2) - Payable in semi-annual installments of interest only at 11% with principal and make whole payment due January 2021. $ 8,872,661 $ 10,218,352 Caterpillar Equipment Consolidated - Principal and interest at 5.7% payable in monthly installments of $29,570 due on or before November 1, 2021. 1,099,266 1,242,960 Total debt 9,971,927 11,461,312 Less: long-term debt discounts and issuance costs (841,008 ) (1,198,359 ) Total debt, net of discounts and issuance costs 9,130,919 10,262,953 Less: current maturities (299,940 ) (291,532 ) Long-term debt, net of discounts and issuance costs $ 8,830,979 $ 9,971,421 Debt Obligations GF Comstock 2 LP On January 13, 2017, the Company issued an 11% Senior Secured Debenture (the "Debenture") to GF Comstock 2 LP due 2021 in an aggregate principal amount of $10,723,000 . The Debenture is collateralized by (1) substantially all of the assets of the Company, and (2) a pledge of 100% of the equity of the subsidiaries of Comstock Mining Inc. The use of proceeds included refinancing substantially all of the Company’s current obligations, except the amount due to Caterpillar Finance. The Debenture was issued at a discount of approximately $568,000 and the Company incurred issuance costs of approximately $528,000 . The Debenture required an additional "Make Whole" obligation totaling approximately $688,000 , if paid any time prior to or at maturity. At June 30, 2018, the remaining balance on the Make Whole obligation was $508,599 . Total principal on the Debenture is due on January 13, 2021. The Debenture requires acceleration of payment of accrued interest, principal, and the related Make Whole obligation from all net proceeds received upon the sale of any of the 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 elected to pay the first two semi-annual interest payments in cash in June 2017, and December of 2017. In June 2018, the Company elected to make the third payment of $437,852 , in the form of additional Debentures (Payment in Kind). 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 would not be 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 June 30, 2018 .

Long-Term Reclamation Liability

Long-Term Reclamation Liability	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Reclamation Liability	Retirement Obligation Asset Following is a reconciliation of the aggregate retirement obligation asset associated with our reclamation plan for our mining projects: Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Retirement obligation asset — beginning of period $ 282,745 $ 617,126 Additional obligations incurred — — Amortization of retirement obligation asset (36,435 ) (334,381 ) Retirement obligation asset — end of period $ 246,310 $ 282,745 Long-Term Reclamation Liability Following is a reconciliation of the aggregate reclamation liability associated with our reclamation plan for our mining projects: Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Long-term reclamation liability — beginning of period $ 7,417,680 $ 7,353,346 Additional obligations incurred — — Accretion of reclamation liability 11,054 64,334 Long-term reclamation liability — end of period $ 7,428,734 $ 7,417,680

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
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 District 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”). Prior to the approval of the Application, the master plan designation and zoning precluded mining on certain property of the Company in the area of Silver City, Lyon County. In April 2015, the District Court ruled in favor of the Company and the Commissioners. The written Order Denying Petition for Judicial Review was filed and mailed to all parties on June 15, 2015. On July 14, 2015, the CRA and one individual (together “Appellants”) filed a Notice of Appeal of the Court Order, appealing the decision to the Nevada Supreme Court. On December 9, 2015, Appellants filed their Opening Brief in the Nevada Supreme Court, generally repeating the arguments that were made at the District Court. On January 15, 2016, the Company and the Commissioners jointly filed an Answering Brief. Briefing in the Nevada Supreme Court was completed with the Appellants’ filing of a Reply Brief on March 3, 2016. An oral argument before a three-judge panel of the Nevada Supreme Court took place on September 14, 2016. On December 2, 2016, the Nevada Supreme Court entered an order 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 abuse its discretion and that it acted with substantial evidence in support of their decision, that the 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 dismissed and that further proceedings are necessary in the District Court on this single claim. The Company and the Commissioners filed a motion for summary judgment with the District Court bases on the evidence in the record and the District Court held a hearing on December 11, 2017. The District Court concluded that the Supreme Court's reversal of CRA's due process claim required that CRA be afforded the opportunity to conduct discovery. Therefore, the District Court has allowed a limited time for CRA to conduct discovery on its due process claim, The Company responded to the CRA discovery request on February 20, 2018 and the District Court held a hearing on April 23, 2018. Additional discovery was allowed by the District Court, which was subsequently extended and including response periods by both parties, anticipated to be complete by late August 2018, followed by a final ruling from the Court. The Company and the Lyon County District Attorney look forward to positive resolution of CRA's lone remaining claim. On July 12, 2018, Precious Royalties LLC (“Precious”) filed a complaint in the First Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada, in Storey County, against the Company, alleging that the Company failed to properly pay Precious a net smelter return royalty in accordance with a settlement agreement dated September 24, 2012 and is seeking $510,000 in damages. The Company believes that the claims made in this complaint are without merit and the Company intends to vigorously defend this litigation. From time to time, we are involved in lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. There are no other matters pending that we expect to have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Net Loss Per Common Share

Net Loss Per Common Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
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 were exercised. 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 Six Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Numerator: Net loss $ (2,415,332 ) $ (2,932,722 ) $ (4,900,236 ) $ (5,706,903 ) Denominator: Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding 53,834,285 38,614,940 51,859,818 37,942,856 Net loss per common share: Basic $ (0.04 ) $ (0.08 ) $ (0.09 ) $ (0.15 ) Diluted $ (0.04 ) $ (0.08 ) $ (0.09 ) $ (0.15 ) There are 10,000 common stock equivalent shares associated with stock options 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.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity At-the-Market Offering Program Effective June 2016, the Company entered into a sales agreement with respect to an at-the-market offering program (“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 . The Company pays the sales agent a commission of 2.5% of the gross proceeds from the sale of such shares. Final proceeds from this ATM agreement were received in January 2018, and the ATM Agreement was terminated. Effective 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. The Company is not obligated to make any sales of shares under the 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 Agreement and Purchase Agreement for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2018 , and 2017, respectively: Six Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 Number of shares sold 6,429,299 3,292,161 Gross proceeds $ 1,795,860 $ 2,670,253 Fees 52,842 74,821 Net proceeds $ 1,743,018 $ 2,595,432 Average price per share $ 0.28 $ 0.81 In February 2018, the Company issued 615,605 shares of Common Stock to Leviston in the amount of $0.2 million as payment for issuance fees due under the terms of the Purchase Agreement. In April 2017, the Company issued 777,936 shares of Common Stock to Leviston in the amount of $0.2 million as payment for issuance fees due under the terms of the Purchase Agreement. Excluded from gross proceeds for the six months ended June 30, 2017 above is $0.25 million of cash proceeds received on June 29, 2017, for which the corresponding 298,525 shares were not issued to the buyer until after June 30, 2017. The $0.25 million of cash proceeds are included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2017 as proceeds from the issuance of common stock.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
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 Six Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenue Mining $ — $ — $ — $ — Real estate 28,815 27,370 51,665 46,664 Total revenue 28,815 27,370 51,665 46,664 Costs and Expenses Mining (1,957,960 ) (2,556,234 ) (3,861,322 ) (5,003,054 ) Real estate (9,880 ) (22,813 ) (16,971 ) (39,946 ) Total costs and expenses (1,967,840 ) (2,579,047 ) (3,878,293 ) (5,043,000 ) Operating Income (Loss) Mining (1,957,960 ) (2,556,234 ) (3,861,322 ) (5,003,054 ) Real estate 18,935 4,557 34,694 6,718 Total loss from operations (1,939,025 ) (2,551,677 ) (3,826,628 ) (4,996,336 ) Other income (expense), net (476,307 ) (381,045 ) (1,073,608 ) (710,567 ) Net loss $ (2,415,332 ) $ (2,932,722 ) $ (4,900,236 ) $ (5,706,903 ) Depreciation, Amortization, and Depletion Mining $ 830,416 $ 1,097,963 $ 1,654,878 $ 2,249,092 Real estate 2,465 2,465 4,930 6,638 Total depreciation, amortization, and depletion $ 832,881 $ 1,100,428 $ 1,659,808 $ 2,255,730 Capital Expenditures Mining $ 255,631 $ 117,000 $ 255,631 $ 1,797,679 Real estate — — — — Total capital expenditures $ 255,631 $ 117,000 $ 255,631 $ 1,797,679 As of June 30, As of December 31, 2018 2017 Assets Mining $ 23,545,372 $ 25,530,508 Real estate 5,574,697 5,433,405 Total assets $ 29,120,069 $ 30,963,913

Tonogold Option Agreement

Tonogold Option Agreement	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Tonogold Option Agreement	Tonogold Option Agreement On October 3, 2017, the Company entered into the Option Agreement with 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”). 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 meeting certain requirements and financial milestones. These requirements and milestones include: (1) making capital expenditures on the Lucerne Property and related expense reimbursements to the Company of $20 million no later than 42 -months following the Commencement Date of April 3, 2018, and (2) making option payments totaling $2.2 million to the Company. Tonogold made a $0.2 million option payment on October 3, 2017, and a second and final option payment of $2.0 million , on April 3, 2018. The option payments were both recorded within stockholder's equity as they relate to Tonogold’s right to earn-in to a 51% interest in Comstock Mining, LLC. The Company used $1.5 million of the proceeds received from the option payments to reduce its indebtedness under the Debenture. In addition, the Company has received approximately $0.3 million in expense reimbursements for the six-months ended June 30, 2018.

Equity Purchase Agreements

Equity Purchase Agreements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Equity Purchase Agreements	Equity Purchase Agreements Equity purchase agreement with Pelen, LLC In January of 2018, the Company issued 1,475,410 shares of restricted common stock as initial payment to acquire 25% of the total membership interests of Pelen, LLC. The purchase of the membership interests will close once the seller of the membership interests has received total cash proceeds of at least $585,000 either through sale of the restricted common stock received or through additional cash payments made by the Company. If all of the shares of restricted common stock have been sold by the seller of the membership interests and the aggregate proceeds received are less than $585,000 , then the Company is required to pay the shortfall in either additional shares of the Company’s common stock or cash, at the Company’s election. As of June 30, 2018, the purchase has not closed and the Company has not received legal ownership of the membership interests. The Company has recorded a make-whole liability of $201,393 at June 30, 2018 representing the value of the shortfall based on the share price as of June 30, 2018. This amount is recorded within accrued expenses in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June30, 2018. Equity purchase agreement with Downtown Silver Springs, LLC On May 30, 2018, and amended on June 22, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement for the purchase of 100% of the membership interests of Downtown Silver Springs, LLC (“DTSS”). DTSS holds an option for the purchase of approximately 160 acres of centrally located land in Silver Springs, Nevada, and separately, holds an option to purchase 350 units of water rights (equaling 392 acre-feet) and 200 units of sewer rights. DTSS has no other assets, no operations, or employees. The option to purchase the 160 acres of land allows the holder to purchase the land for approximately $3.2 million , plus accrued interest of approximately $345,000 and expires on October 15, 2018. The option to purchase the water and sewer rights allows the holder to purchase the water rights for $5,800 per acre foot and the sewer rights for $7 per sewer unit and expires on October 15, 2018. The water rights and sewer unit usages are not restricted to the 160 -acre parcel. The agreement with DTSS requires the Company make (1) two separate, non-refundable deposits of $250,000 each into escrow towards the purchase of the land in Silver Springs, Nevada, (2) $250,000 of payments to the sellers of the membership interests with $30,000 due on or before July 2, 2018 and the balance of $220,000 due at closing on or before August 3, 2018, and (3) a contingent payment of $250,000 to the sellers of the membership interests on or before December 31, 2018. As of June 30, 2018, the purchase of DTSS has not closed and the Company has not received legal ownership of the membership interests. On May 30, 2018, the Company made the first required, non-refundable deposit of $250,000 which is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2018. During July 2018, the Company paid the second required, non-refundable deposit of $250,000 , an additional $300,000 non-refundable deposit towards the purchase of the land, and the $30,000 required payment to the sellers of the membership interests described previously. As of the date of this filing, the Company has made a total of $800,000 of non-refundable deposits towards the purchase of the 160 acres of land.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events In July, the Company entered into the Purchase Agreement with Leviston for the purchase of up to $2.25 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 the Purchase agreement, and if it elects to make any sales, the Company can set a minimum sales price for the shares.

Interim Financial Statements (P

Interim Financial Statements (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
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 estimated useful lives and valuation of properties, 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , for its net deferred tax assets because we cannot conclude it is more likely than not that they will be realized.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Updated (“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. We used the modified retrospective method to adopt the provisions of this standard effective January 1, 2018, which required 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 accumulated deficit. In accordance with this approach, our consolidated revenues for the periods prior to January 1, 2018, were not revised. The Company did not record a cumulative effect adjustment to its beginning accumulated deficit as a result of adoption of Topic 606 as there were no revenue contracts within the scope of Topic 606 as of January 1, 2018. 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 adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018, with no material impact 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.

Assets Held for Sale (Tables)

Assets Held for Sale (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets Held for Sale	Assets held for sale include: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Industrial Park (Land and water rights) $ 2,738,462 $ 2,738,462 Daney Ranch (Land and buildings) 2,146,575 2,146,575 Gold Hill Hotel (Land and buildings) 478,366 478,366 Total assets held for sale $ 5,363,403 $ 5,363,403

Prepaid Expenses and Other Cu23

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Land and property deposits $ 250,000 $ — Surety bond and insurance 198,485 188,485 Reimbursements due from Tonogold 54,815 — Other 205,948 112,902 Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 709,248 $ 301,387

Properties, Plant and Equipme24

Properties, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Properties, Plant and Equipment	Properties, plant and equipment consisted of the following: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Land and building $ 9,169,605 $ 9,169,605 Vehicle and equipment 2,357,367 2,414,216 Processing and laboratory 21,166,497 21,166,497 Furniture and fixtures 755,665 755,665 33,449,134 33,505,983 Less accumulated depreciation (22,285,143 ) (20,724,250 ) Total properties, plant and equipment $ 11,163,991 $ 12,781,733

Retirement Obligation Asset (Ta

Retirement Obligation Asset (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Reconciliation of the Aggregate Retirement Obligation Asset	Following is a reconciliation of the aggregate retirement obligation asset associated with our reclamation plan for our mining projects: Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Retirement obligation asset — beginning of period $ 282,745 $ 617,126 Additional obligations incurred — — Amortization of retirement obligation asset (36,435 ) (334,381 ) Retirement obligation asset — end of period $ 246,310 $ 282,745

Accrued Expenses (Tables)

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Expenses	Accrued expenses consisted of the following: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Accrued Northern Comstock Joint Venture $ 407,083 $ 180,833 Accrued make-whole for 25% acquisition (Note 13) 201,393 — Accrued payroll costs 121,652 57,402 Accrued personal property tax — 84,264 Accrued Board of Directors fees 20,000 84,000 Accrued vendor liabilities — 75,415 Other accrued expenses 29,463 14,737 Total accrued expenses $ 779,591 $ 496,651

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-Term Debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following: Note Description June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Note Payable (GF Comstock 2) - Payable in semi-annual installments of interest only at 11% with principal and make whole payment due January 2021. $ 8,872,661 $ 10,218,352 Caterpillar Equipment Consolidated - Principal and interest at 5.7% payable in monthly installments of $29,570 due on or before November 1, 2021. 1,099,266 1,242,960 Total debt 9,971,927 11,461,312 Less: long-term debt discounts and issuance costs (841,008 ) (1,198,359 ) Total debt, net of discounts and issuance costs 9,130,919 10,262,953 Less: current maturities (299,940 ) (291,532 ) Long-term debt, net of discounts and issuance costs $ 8,830,979 $ 9,971,421

Long-Term Reclamation Liabili28

Long-Term Reclamation Liability (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Reconciliation of the Aggregate Reclamation Liability	Following is a reconciliation of the aggregate reclamation liability associated with our reclamation plan for our mining projects: Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Long-term reclamation liability — beginning of period $ 7,417,680 $ 7,353,346 Additional obligations incurred — — Accretion of reclamation liability 11,054 64,334 Long-term reclamation liability — end of period $ 7,428,734 $ 7,417,680

Net Loss Per Common Share (Tabl

Net Loss Per Common Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Numerator and Denominator Used in Basic and Diluted Computation of Net 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 Six Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Numerator: Net loss $ (2,415,332 ) $ (2,932,722 ) $ (4,900,236 ) $ (5,706,903 ) Denominator: Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding 53,834,285 38,614,940 51,859,818 37,942,856 Net loss per common share: Basic $ (0.04 ) $ (0.08 ) $ (0.09 ) $ (0.15 ) Diluted $ (0.04 ) $ (0.08 ) $ (0.09 ) $ (0.15 )

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Transactions Under the ATM and Purchase Agreement	Following is a reconciliation of the transactions under the ATM Agreement and Purchase Agreement for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2018 , and 2017, respectively: Six Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 Number of shares sold 6,429,299 3,292,161 Gross proceeds $ 1,795,860 $ 2,670,253 Fees 52,842 74,821 Net proceeds $ 1,743,018 $ 2,595,432 Average price per share $ 0.28 $ 0.81

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Financial Information Relating to Reportable Operating Segments and Reconciliation to Consolidated Totals	Financial information relating to our reportable operating segments and reconciliation to the consolidated totals is as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenue Mining $ — $ — $ — $ — Real estate 28,815 27,370 51,665 46,664 Total revenue 28,815 27,370 51,665 46,664 Costs and Expenses Mining (1,957,960 ) (2,556,234 ) (3,861,322 ) (5,003,054 ) Real estate (9,880 ) (22,813 ) (16,971 ) (39,946 ) Total costs and expenses (1,967,840 ) (2,579,047 ) (3,878,293 ) (5,043,000 ) Operating Income (Loss) Mining (1,957,960 ) (2,556,234 ) (3,861,322 ) (5,003,054 ) Real estate 18,935 4,557 34,694 6,718 Total loss from operations (1,939,025 ) (2,551,677 ) (3,826,628 ) (4,996,336 ) Other income (expense), net (476,307 ) (381,045 ) (1,073,608 ) (710,567 ) Net loss $ (2,415,332 ) $ (2,932,722 ) $ (4,900,236 ) $ (5,706,903 ) Depreciation, Amortization, and Depletion Mining $ 830,416 $ 1,097,963 $ 1,654,878 $ 2,249,092 Real estate 2,465 2,465 4,930 6,638 Total depreciation, amortization, and depletion $ 832,881 $ 1,100,428 $ 1,659,808 $ 2,255,730 Capital Expenditures Mining $ 255,631 $ 117,000 $ 255,631 $ 1,797,679 Real estate — — — — Total capital expenditures $ 255,631 $ 117,000 $ 255,631 $ 1,797,679 As of June 30, As of December 31, 2018 2017 Assets Mining $ 23,545,372 $ 25,530,508 Real estate 5,574,697 5,433,405 Total assets $ 29,120,069 $ 30,963,913

Interim Financial Statements -

Interim Financial Statements - Additional Information (Details) oz in Thousands	Apr. 03, 2018USD ($)	Nov. 09, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)oz	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Expense reimbursements					$ 300,000
Annual gold-equivalent production (in ounces) | oz					20
Accumulated deficit			$ 227,504,653		$ 227,504,653		$ 222,604,417
Net loss			2,415,332	$ 2,932,722	4,900,236	$ 5,706,903
Net cash used in operating activities					2,183,677	3,613,933
Cash and cash equivalents			1,469,429	$ 1,031,209	1,469,429	$ 1,031,209	2,066,718	$ 184,359
Current assets			7,542,080		7,542,080		7,731,508
Current liabilities			1,583,291		1,583,291		$ 1,109,485
Current assets in excess of current liabilities			5,900,000		5,900,000
Unused borrowing capacity			7,000,000		7,000,000
Reverse stock split conversion ratio		0.2
Purchase Agreement | Leviston Resources LLC
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Remaining amount available for issuance under agreement			$ 2,600,000		$ 2,600,000
Tonogold Resources, Inc.
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Payments made to the company	$ 2,000,000
Secured Debt | Senior Secured Debenture due 2021
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Proceeds used to reduce indebtedness	$ 1,500,000

Assets Held for Sale (Details)

Assets Held for Sale (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Total assets held for sale	$ 5,363,403	$ 5,363,403
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Total assets held for sale	5,363,403	5,363,403
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Industrial Park (Land and water rights)
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Total assets held for sale	2,738,462	2,738,462
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Daney Ranch (Land and buildings)
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Total assets held for sale	2,146,575	2,146,575
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Gold Hill Hotel (Land and buildings)
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Total assets held for sale	$ 478,366	$ 478,366

Prepaid Expenses and Other Cu34

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets - Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Land and property deposits	$ 250,000	$ 0
Surety bond and insurance	198,485	188,485
Reimbursements due from Tonogold	54,815	0
Other	205,948	112,902
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ 709,248	$ 301,387

Properties, Plant and Equipme35

Properties, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Properties, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Land and building	$ 9,169,605	$ 9,169,605
Vehicle and equipment	2,357,367	2,414,216
Processing and laboratory	21,166,497	21,166,497
Furniture and fixtures	755,665	755,665
Properties, plant and equipment	33,449,134	33,505,983
Less accumulated depreciation	(22,285,143)	(20,724,250)
Total properties, plant and equipment	$ 11,163,991	$ 12,781,733

Properties, Plant and Equipme36

Properties, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ 0.8	$ 1	$ 1.6	$ 2.1

Retirement Obligation Asset (De

Retirement Obligation Asset (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]
Retirement obligation asset — beginning of period	$ 282,745	$ 617,126
Additional obligations incurred	0	0
Amortization of retirement obligation asset	(36,435)	(334,381)
Retirement obligation asset — end of period	$ 246,310	$ 282,745

Accrued Expenses - Schedule of

Accrued Expenses - Schedule of Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Northern Comstock Joint Venture		$ 407,083	$ 180,833
Accrued make-whole for 25% acquisition (Note 13)		201,393	0
Accrued payroll costs		121,652	57,402
Accrued personal property tax		0	84,264
Accrued Board of Directors fees		20,000	84,000
Accrued vendor liabilities		0	75,415
Other accrued expenses		29,463	14,737
Total accrued expenses		$ 779,591	$ 496,651
Pelen LLC
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Membership interest subsequent to sale of shares	25.00%

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Lo

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 9,971,927	$ 11,461,312
Less: long-term debt discounts and issuance costs	(841,008)	(1,198,359)
Total debt, net of discounts and issuance costs	9,130,919	10,262,953
Less: current maturities	(299,940)	(291,532)
Long-term debt, net of discounts and issuance costs	8,830,979	9,971,421
Caterpillar Equipment Consolidated
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 1,099,266	1,242,960
Interest rate	5.70%
Monthly installments	$ 29,570
Secured Debt | Note Payable (GF Comstock 2)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 8,872,661	$ 10,218,352
Interest rate	11.00%

Long-Term Debt - Additional Inf

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Details)	Jan. 13, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)payment	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest paid with additional debentures		$ 11,461,312	$ 9,971,927
Unused borrowing capacity			7,000,000
Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate				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	11.00%
Principal amount	$ 10,723,000
Note Payable - GF Comstock 2 LP | Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate			11.00%
Equity interest in subsidiaries pledged as collateral (as a percent)	100.00%
Discount on issuance of debt	$ 568,000
Debt issuance costs	528,000
Early repayment, make whole payment	$ 688,000
Remaining balance of make whole obligation			$ 508,599
Initial periodic payment period	2 years
Number of semi-annual interest payments | payment		2
Interest paid with additional debentures		$ 10,218,352	8,872,661
Note Payable - GF Comstock 2 LP | Payment in Kind (PIK) Note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest paid with additional debentures			$ 437,852

Long-Term Reclamation Liabili41

Long-Term Reclamation Liability - Reconciliation of Aggregate Retirement Liability (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Mine Reclamation and Closing Liability [Roll Forward]
Long-term reclamation liability — beginning of period	$ 7,417,680	$ 7,353,346
Additional obligations incurred	0	0
Accretion of reclamation liability	11,054	64,334
Long-term reclamation liability — end of period	$ 7,428,734	$ 7,417,680

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jul. 12, 2018
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%
Subsequent Event | Threatened Litigation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimate of potential loss from litigation		$ 510

Net Loss Per Common Share - Rec

Net Loss Per Common Share - Reconciliation of Net Loss Per Share (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Numerator:
Net loss	$ (2,415,332)	$ (2,932,722)	$ (4,900,236)	$ (5,706,903)
Denominator:
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	53,834,285	38,614,940	51,859,818	37,942,856
Net loss per common share:
Net loss per common share – basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.08)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.15)
Net loss per common share – diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.08)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.15)

Stockholders' Equity - Addition

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 29, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Feb. 28, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares issued (in shares)				298,525
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock						$ 1,795,860	$ 2,920,253
Leviston
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares issued (in shares)			615,605		777,936
Value of shares issued			$ 200,000		$ 200,000
ATM Agreement
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares issued (in shares)						6,429,299		3,292,161.4
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock	$ 250,000					$ 1,743,018		$ 2,595,432
ATM Agreement | International Assets Advisory LLC
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Aggregate offering price, up to		$ 5,000,000
Commission paid (as a percent)		2.50%
ATM Agreement | Leviston
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Aggregate offering price, up to					$ 7,250,000

Net Loss Per Common Share - Com

Net Loss Per Common Share - Common Stock Equivalent Shares Excluded from Computation of Diluted Loss Per Share (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	10,000	10,000	10,000	10,000

Stockholders' Equity - Reconcil

Stockholders' Equity - Reconciliation of Transactions Under ATM Agreement (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 29, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares sold (in shares)		298,525
Net proceeds			$ 1,795,860	$ 2,920,253
ATM Agreement
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares sold (in shares)			6,429,299		3,292,161.4
Gross proceeds			$ 1,795,860		$ 2,670,253
Fees			52,842		74,821
Net proceeds	$ 250,000		$ 1,743,018		$ 2,595,432
Average price per share (in dollars per share)			$ 0.28		$ 0.81

Segment Reporting - Schedule of

Segment Reporting - Schedule of Reportable Operating Segments (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)segment	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments | segment			2
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 28,815	$ 27,370	$ 51,665	$ 46,664
Costs and Expenses	(1,967,840)	(2,579,047)	(3,878,293)	(5,043,000)
Operating Income (Loss)	(1,939,025)	(2,551,677)	(3,826,628)	(4,996,336)
Other income (expense), net	(476,307)	(381,045)	(1,073,608)	(710,567)
NET LOSS	(2,415,332)	(2,932,722)	(4,900,236)	(5,706,903)
Depreciation, Amortization, and Depletion	832,881	1,100,428	1,659,808	2,255,730
Capital Expenditures	255,631	117,000	255,631	1,797,679
Assets	29,120,069		29,120,069		$ 30,963,913
Mining
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0	0	0
Costs and Expenses	(1,957,960)	(2,556,234)	(3,861,322)	(5,003,054)
Operating Income (Loss)	(1,957,960)	(2,556,234)	(3,861,322)	(5,003,054)
Depreciation, Amortization, and Depletion	830,416	1,097,963	1,654,878	2,249,092
Capital Expenditures	255,631	117,000	255,631	1,797,679
Assets	23,545,372		23,545,372		25,530,508
Real estate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	28,815	27,370	51,665	46,664
Costs and Expenses	(9,880)	(22,813)	(16,971)	(39,946)
Operating Income (Loss)	18,935	4,557	34,694	6,718
Depreciation, Amortization, and Depletion	2,465	2,465	4,930	6,638
Capital Expenditures	0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Assets	$ 5,574,697		$ 5,574,697		$ 5,433,405

Tonogold Option Agreement (Deta

Tonogold Option Agreement (Details) - USD ($)	Apr. 03, 2018	Oct. 03, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Apr. 03, 2021
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Expense reimbursements			$ 300,000
Tonogold Resources, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Payments made to the company	$ 2,000,000
Comstock Mining LLC | Scenario, Forecast | Tonogold Resources, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage interest in subsidiary				51.00%
Lucerne Property | Tonogold Resources, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Required Payments To Acquire Equity Method Investments		$ 2,200,000
Payments made to the company	2,000,000	200,000
Lucerne Property | Land Improvements | Tonogold Resources, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Required capital expenditures		$ 20,000,000
Required capital expenditure, maximum period		42 months
Senior Secured Debenture due 2021 | Secured Debt
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds used to reduce indebtedness	$ 1,500,000

Equity Purchase Agreements (Det

Equity Purchase Agreements (Details)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Aug. 03, 2018USD ($)	Jul. 02, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 22, 2018USD ($)awater_unitnon-refundable_depositsacre_footsewer_unit$ / sewer_unit$ / acre_foot	May 30, 2018USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2018USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2018USD ($)shares	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Make-whole liability								$ 201,393	$ 0
Downtown Silver Springs, LLC Equity Purchase Agreement
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interests acquired				100.00%
Option to purchase water units (in water units) | water_unit				350
Options to purchase water units (in acres per foot) | acre_foot				392
Option to purchase units of sewer rights (in sewer units) | sewer_unit				200
Option to purchase land, value				$ 3,200,000
Accrued interest				$ 345,000
Price of water rights (in dollars per acre foot) | $ / acre_foot				5,800
Price of sewer rights (in dollars per sewer unit) | $ / sewer_unit				7
Number of non-refundable deposits required to be made | non-refundable_deposits				2
Required non-refundable deposits				$ 250,000
Required payments to sellers of membership interests				$ 250,000
Payments to purchase land					$ 250,000
Downtown Silver Springs, LLC Equity Purchase Agreement | Land
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acres of land, water and sewer rights | a				160
Downtown Silver Springs, LLC Equity Purchase Agreement | Subsequent Event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to purchase land			$ 30,000			$ 30,000
Total payments for non-refundable deposits						800,000
Payment for non-refundable deposit						250,000
Payments for additional non-refundable deposits						$ 300,000
Downtown Silver Springs, LLC Equity Purchase Agreement | Subsequent Event | Scenario, Forecast
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to purchase land	$ 250,000	$ 220,000
Pelen LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Membership interest subsequent to sale of shares							25.00%
Member of Pelen, LLC | Restricted Stock
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) | shares							1,475,410
Share-based compensation, grant date fair value							$ 585,000
Required proceeds to be received by member to acquire membership interest							$ 585,000

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - ATM Agreement - Leviston - USD ($)	Jul. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Aggregate offering price, up to		$ 7,250,000
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Aggregate offering price, up to	$ 2,250,000