Comstock (LODE) 10-Q 11 May 21 2021 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	May 04, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-35200
Entity Registrant Name	COMSTOCK MINING INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	NV
Entity Tax Identification Number	65-0955118
Entity Address, Address Line One	117 American Flat Road
Entity Address, City or Town	Virginia City
Entity Address, State or Province	NV
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	89440
City Area Code	775
Local Phone Number	847-5272
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	LODE
Security Exchange Name	NYSEAMER
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Smaller Reporting Company	true
Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		42,455,515
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0001120970
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 10,294,809	$ 2,431,944
Assets held for sale (Note 4)	6,328,338	6,328,338
Investments in equity securities (Note 15)	2,769,766	3,979,723
Notes receivable and advances, net - current portion (Note 3)	11,119,000	7,148,500
Derivative assets related to investments (Note 2)	8,989,999	265,127
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (Note 5)	875,097	681,078
Total current assets	40,377,009	20,834,710
Mineral rights and properties (Note 6)	6,638,394	6,597,644
Properties, plant and equipment, net (Note 6)	8,509,794	8,624,700
Reclamation bond deposit (Note 7)	2,695,769	2,695,704
Retirement obligation asset (Note 12)		57,963
Investments (Note 2)	9,680,480	3,272,597
Notes receivable and advances, net (Note 3)	1,511,870	860,940
Other assets (Note 8)	663,487	179,304
TOTAL ASSETS	70,076,803	43,123,562
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	221,889	313,772
Accrued expenses and other liabilities (Note 9)	539,024	534,947
Deposits (Note 4)	419,266	419,266
Long-term debt, net - current portion (Note 11)		3,557,705
Total current liabilities	1,180,179	4,825,690
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Long-term reclamation liability (Note 12)	5,206,006	6,054,919
Other liabilities (Notes 9 and 10)	48,751	463,747
Total long-term liabilities	5,254,757	6,518,666
Total liabilities	6,434,936	11,344,356
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 13)
EQUITY:
Preferred Stock, $.000666 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued	0	0
Common stock ,$.000666 par value, 158,000,000 shares authorized, 42,455,515 and 34,980,766 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively	27,916	22,937
Additional paid-in capital	276,384,788	252,715,337
Accumulated deficit	(212,770,837)	(220,959,068)
Total equity	63,641,867	31,779,206
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 70,076,803	$ 43,123,562

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANC_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.000666	$ 0.000666
Preferred Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.000666	$ 0.000666
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	158,000,000	158,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	42,455,515	34,980,766
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	42,455,515	34,980,766

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
REVENUES
Total revenues	$ 48,500	$ 48,425
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Mine claims (Note 2)	(690,430)	122,070
Environmental and reclamation (Note 12)	(756,250)	26,798
General and administrative	954,032	845,228
Total costs and expenses	(349,258)	1,270,306
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	397,758	(1,221,881)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense	(144,829)	(50,588)
Interest income	155,473	7,142
Other income (Note 17)	7,779,829	1,002,115
Total other income (expense), net	7,790,473	958,669
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$ 8,188,231	$ (263,212)
Basic income (loss) per common share:
Net income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.22	$ (0.01)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	37,740,011	27,264,555
Diluted income (loss) per common share:
Net income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.22	$ (0.01)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	37,814,652	27,264,555
Mining
REVENUES
Total revenues	$ 0	$ 0
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Costs of goods and services sold	22,514	125,893
Real Estate
REVENUES
Total revenues	48,500	48,425
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Costs of goods and services sold	49,172	13,596
Exploration and pre-development
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Costs of goods and services sold	$ 71,704	$ 136,721

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)	Total	Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Noncontrolling interest in Subsidiary
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019		0	27,236,489
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 23,492,560	$ 0	$ 18,139	$ 259,095,152	$ (235,890,272)	$ 269,541
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock (in shares)			638,511
Issuance of common stock	242,621		$ 425	242,196
Common stock issuance costs	(50,070)			(50,070)
Initial value of contingent forward	1,232,952			1,232,952
Sale of membership interests in Comstock Mining LLC	100,000			100,000
Net income (loss)	(263,212)				(263,212)
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020		0	27,875,000
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2020	24,754,851	$ 0	$ 18,564	260,620,230	(236,153,484)	269,541
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020		0	34,980,766
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2020	31,779,206	$ 0	$ 22,937	252,715,337	(220,959,068)	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Investment in LINICO Corporation (in shares)			3,000,000
Investment in LINICO Corporation	6,750,000		$ 1,998	6,748,002
Issuance of common stock (in shares)			4,423,842
Issuance of common stock	18,020,000		$ 2,946	18,017,054
Non-cash issuance of common stock (in shares)			50,907
Non-cash issuance of common stock	250,003		$ 35	249,968
Common stock issuance costs	(1,248,002)			(1,248,002)
Employee and director share-based compensation	97,010			97,010
Repurchase of employee stock options	(194,581)			(194,581)
Net income (loss)	8,188,231				8,188,231
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021		0	42,455,515
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2021	$ 63,641,867	$ 0	$ 27,916	$ 276,384,788	$ (212,770,837)	$ 0

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$ 8,188,231	$ (263,212)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization, and depletion	114,906	199,442
Accretion (reduction) of reclamation liability	(790,950)	5,178
Amortization of discount on MCU Philippines, Inc. note receivable	(20,267)	0
Gain on sale of mineral rights and properties, plant and equipment		(100,000)
Amortization of debt discounts and issuance costs	(45,791)	41,455
Employee and director share-based compensation	97,010	0
Changes in fair value (Note 15)	(8,495,249)	(1,026,515)
Unrealized loss on investments in securities	900,575	285,000
Loss from equity method investments	31,454	0
Realized gain on sale of Tonogold Resources, Inc. common shares	(193,664)	0
Gain on reimbursement of mining costs (Note 2)	(812,500)	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(194,019)	6,979
Other assets	(8,073)	0
Accounts payable	(91,883)	113,961
Accrued expenses, other liabilities and deposits	(887,078)	566,473
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES	(2,207,298)	(171,239)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from principal payment on note receivable	144	138
Proceeds from sale of mineral rights and properties, plant and equipment	0	100,000
Proceeds from Tonogold Resources, Inc. related to Comstock Mining LLC	0	100,000
Proceeds from sale of Tonogold Resources, Inc. common shares	502,951	0
Deposits received on the sale of properties to Sierra Springs Opportunity Fund	0	100,000
Purchase of mineral rights	(40,750)	0
Advance to Sierra Springs Opportunity Fund, Inc.	(2,150,000)	0
Proceeds from Mercury Clean Up, LLC derivative asset settlement (Note 2)	762,377	0
Addition to MCU Philippines, Inc. note receivable (Note 2)	(820,000)
Change in reclamation bond deposit	(65)	(6,468)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES	(3,245,343)	143,670
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments on debt	(3,511,914)	(154,760)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock	18,020,000	242,621
Cash common stock issuance costs	(997,999)	(50,070)
Repurchase of employee stock options	(194,581)	0
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES	13,315,506	37,791
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	7,862,865	10,222
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	2,431,944	1,015,857
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	10,294,809	1,026,079
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Issuance of common shares for stock issuance costs	250,003	0
Issuance of common shares for investment in LINICO Corporation	6,250,000	0
Initial value of common shares for derivative asset related to investment in LINICO Corporation	500,000	0
LINICO
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Payments to acquire investments	(1,500,000)	0
MCU
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Payments to acquire investments	$ 0	$ (150,000)

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation Comstock Mining Inc. is an emerging leader in the sustainable extraction, valorization, and production of innovation-based, clean, renewable natural resources, with a focus on high-value, cash-generating, strategic materials that are essential to meeting the rapidly increasing global demand for clean energy, carbon-neutrality, and natural products. The Company has extensive, contiguous property in the historic Comstock and Silver City mining districts (collectively, the “Comstock District”), is an emerging leader in sustainable, responsible mining and processing, and is currently commercializing environment-enhancing, material science-based technologies, products, and processes for precious and strategic mineral recovery, including mercury remediation and lithium-ion battery materials recycling. As used in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements, we refer to Comstock Mining Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiaries as "Comstock," the "Company," "we," “us,” or "our." The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") and include the accounts of Comstock Mining Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Comstock Processing LLC, Comstock Northern Exploration LLC, Comstock Exploration and Development LLC, Comstock Real Estate Inc., Comstock Industrial LLC, Downtown Silver Springs LLC ("DTSS") and, prior to its sale in September 2020, Comstock Mining LLC ("Comstock LLC"). Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures required of annual consolidated financial statements and, accordingly, should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. We have an investment in Sierra Springs Opportunity Fund, Inc. (“SSOF”), of which our CEO is an executive (Note 2). As we are not the primary beneficiary, SSOF is not consolidated. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, our investment in SSOF is presented on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as a non-current investment asset. At March 31, 2021, our maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with SSOF is limited to our investment of $0.3 million and advances of $3.8 million. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2021 may not be indicative of the results expected for the full year ending December 31, 2021. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of our financial position as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, and our results of operations, cash flows, and changes in equity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. We currently estimate our annual effective income tax rate to be 0%. Our effective tax rate differs from the federal rate of 21% primarily due to recording a full valuation allowance Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2021 financial statement presentation. Reclassifications had no effect on net income (loss), equity or cash flows as previously reported, except for the recording of a prior contingent forward asset in 2020. As described in the condensed consolidated financial statements included in the June 30, 2020 Form 10-Q, subsequent to the issuance of our condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ended March 31, 2020, we determined the initial fair value of a contingent forward (Note 15) was $1.2 million rather than zero, and should have been recorded with a corresponding increase to additional paid in capital, as the transaction is deemed to be between related parties given the common ownership in Comstock LLC at the time. Additionally, we determined there was a $1.1 million change in fair value of the contingent forward for the period ended March 31, 2020 that should have been recorded. As a result, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ended March 31, 2020 have been corrected from amounts previously reported in the March 31, 2020 Form 10-Q. Liquidity and Capital Resources The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared on the going concern basis of accounting which assumes the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. We have had recurring losses from operations and have an accumulated deficit of $212.8 million as of March 31, 2021. As of March 31, 2021, we have cash and cash equivalents of $10.3 million and $28.9 million of other net working capital. During the next 12 months, management expects cash on hand, proceeds from planned sales of Tonogold Resources, Inc. ("Tonogold") common shares, collection of a convertible note receivable due on March 31, 2022 from Tonogold, and the planned sale of our Silver Springs properties (the "Silver Springs Properties") to Sierra Springs Enterprises, Inc. ("SSE") to be sufficient to pay our obligations that are due over the next 12 months from the issuance date of these condensed consolidated financial statements. Use of Estimates In preparing financial statements in conformity with GAAP, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and related income, costs, expenses, receipts and expenditures during the reported periods. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Estimates may include those pertaining to the useful lives and valuation of properties, plant and equipment, carrying values of assets held for sale and, mineral rights, deferred tax assets, derivative assets and liabilities, the Tonogold Series D Convertible Junior Participating Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock ("CPS"), note receivable accounted for at fair value, discount rates on non-interest bearing notes receivable, reclamation liabilities, stock-based compensation, and contingent liabilities. Investments Investments in Securities: From time to time, we hold investments in the form of both debt and equity securities. Investments in debt securities are classified as trading, available for sale or held to maturity, in certain cases electing the fair value option. Upon sale of a debt security, the realized gain or loss is recognized in current earnings. At March 31, 2021, we are the holder of two investments in debt securities, a convertible note receivable from Tonogold and a secured note receivable from MCU Philippines, Inc ("MCU-P"). Both investments are classified as held to maturity. We have elected the fair value option for the Tonogold convertible note receivable with unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value recognized in current earnings at the end of each reporting period. The MCU-P note receivable, which is secured by all MCU-P equipment, is classified as held to maturity and accounted for at amortized cost minus impairment. At the end of each reporting period, we consider whether impairment indicators exist to evaluate whether a debt investment security is impaired and, if so, record an impairment loss (Note 2). Equity securities are generally measured at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses for equity securities resulting from changes in fair value are recognized in current earnings. If an equity security does not have a readily determinable fair value, we may elect to measure the security at its cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment in the same issuer. At the end of each reporting period, we reassess whether an equity investment security without a readily determinable fair value qualifies to be measured at cost minus impairment. At the end of each reporting period, we also consider whether impairment indicators exist to evaluate whether an equity investment security is impaired and, if so, record an impairment loss. At the end of each reporting period, unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value are recognized in current earnings. Upon sale of an equity security, the realized gain or loss is recognized in current earnings. At March 31, 2021, we hold three investments in equity securities, which include shares of Tonogold and Northern Vertex Mining Corp. ("Northern Vertex") common stock, that have readily determinable fair values for which unrealized gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value are recognized in current earnings, and SSOF common stock that does not have a readily determinable fair value and, accordingly, is accounted for at cost minus impairment (Note 2). Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures: Investments in companies and joint ventures for which we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but do not control, are accounted for under the equity method. Under the equity method of accounting, our share of the net earnings or losses of the investee are included in other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. At the end of each reporting period, we consider whether impairment indicators exist to evaluate whether an equity method investment is impaired and, if so, record an impairment loss. Reclamation Liabilities and Asset Retirement Obligations Minimum standards for site reclamation and closure have been established for us by various government agencies and contractual obligations with lessors. Asset retirement obligations are recognized when incurred and recorded as liabilities at fair value. The liability is accreted over time through periodic charges to earnings. In addition, the asset retirement cost is capitalized and amortized over the life of the related asset. Reclamation costs are periodically adjusted to reflect changes in the estimated present value resulting from the passage of time, and revisions to the estimates of either the timing or amount of reclamation and abandonment costs. We review, on an annual basis, unless otherwise deemed necessary, the asset retirement obligation at each mine site. Separately, we accrue costs associated with environmental remediation obligations when it is probable that such costs will be incurred and they are reasonably estimable. Stock-Based Compensation All transactions in which goods or services are received for the issuance of shares of our common stock or options to purchase shares of our common stock are accounted for based on the fair value of the equity interest issued. The fair value of shares of common stock is determined based upon the closing price per share of our common stock on the date of issuance. We estimate the fair value of certain stock-based compensation (e.g., options) using the Black-Scholes model, which requires the input of various subjective assumptions. These assumptions include estimating the length of time recipients will retain their vested stock options before exercising them (“expected life”), the estimated volatility of our common stock price over the expected term (“volatility”), the risk-free interest rate and the dividend yield. Changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimate of the fair value of stock-based compensation. The fair value of common stock grants is based on the closing price per share of our common stock at date of grant. We recognize stock-based compensation for common stock grants evenly over the related vesting period. The fair value of market condition performance share awards is determined based on path-dependent valuation techniques and inputs including the closing price per share of our common stock at date of grant, volatility and the risk-free interest rate. We recognize stock-based compensation for market condition performance share awards evenly over the derived service period resulting from the path-dependent valuation. The fair value of performance condition share awards is determined based on the closing price per share of our common stock at date of grant and the probability of achieving the performance condition during the term of the award agreement. We recognize stock-based compensation for performance condition share awards evenly over the term of the award agreement. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In August 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2020-06–Debt–Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity. The update is to address issues identified as a result of the complexity associated with applying generally accepted accounting principles for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including condensed periods within those fiscal years and with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-01–Investments–Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments–Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)–Clarifying the Interactions Between Topic 321, Topic 323 and Topic 815 (A Consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force) which makes improvements related to accounting for certain equity securities when the equity method of accounting is applied or discontinued, and scope considerations related to forward contracts and purchased options on certain securities. ASU 2020-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Our adoption of this standard on January 1 2021 did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements. COVID-19 For more than a year in Nevada, local governments, state health officials, emergency managers, local health authorities and community partners have come together in a statewide response to COVID-19. Processes are now in place to support testing, contact tracing, disease investigation and vaccine rollout in communities throughout the state. On April 13, 2021, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak announced his goal to have all Nevada counties open to 100 percent capacity by June 1. To help meet this goal, Governor Sisolak also announced that COVID-19 mitigation measures will transfer to local authority starting May 1 and each county will be able to make decisions based on what is best for their communities while considering transmission of the virus, vaccination, testing and other infrastructure needs specific to their communities. On April 5, 2021, vaccine eligibility opened to all Nevadans 16 and older. Even though the State will be transitioning authority on social distancing measures to the counties, the mask mandate will remain in effect statewide. We are operating in alignment with these guidelines for protecting the health of our employees, partners and suppliers, and limiting the spread of COVID-19.

Investments and Divestitures

Investments and Divestitures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Investments and Divestitures	Investments and Divestitures Our investments and divestitures include the sale to Tonogold of Comstock LLC, equity investments in the companies shown below, and financial instruments associated with these transactions. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, non-current equity investments include the following, which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting, except for SSOF, which is accounted for at cost minus impairment: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Investment Ownership % Investment Ownership % Investment in Mercury Clean Up, LLC $ 2,011,305 25.0% $ 2,010,113 15.0% Investment in MCU Philippines, Inc 513,107 50.0% 323,770 50.0% Investment in Pelen Limited Liability Company 571,068 25.0% 603,714 25.0% Investment in Sierra Springs Opportunity Fund, Inc. 335,000 12.0% 335,000 12.1% Investment in LINICO Corporation 6,250,000 45.5% — —% Total investments $ 9,680,480 $ 3,272,597 Tonogold Resources, Inc. Agreements There are three agreements between the Company and Tonogold: the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, the Mineral Exploration and Mining Lease, and a Lease Option Agreement for our American Flat processing facility. Tonogold Note Receivable The consideration received for Tonogold's acquisition of Comstock LLC included a convertible note receivable (the "Note"). The Note had an initial principal balance of $5,475,000 when the Note was issued on March 20, 2020. The outstanding principal balance was $4,475,000 when the purchase agreement closed on September 8, 2020. The Note included the following features: 1) conversion feature allowing us, at our sole option, to elect payment in Tonogold common shares upon an event of default or upon a partial or whole prepayment by Tonogold; 2) change of control redemption right allowing us to redeem the Note in cash at a 125% premium; 3) event of default redemption right allowing us the right to elect redemption of the Note in cash at a 118% premium; and 4) an option for us to extend the maturity date if an event of default has occurred or is expected to occur or a fundamental transaction (as defined in the Note) has been announced but not yet closed. On March 3, 2021, we made a $812,500 accelerated payment to Northern Comstock LLC (“Northern Comstock”) pursuant to the Northern Comstock operating agreement (Note 21). Primarily as a result of the Northern Comstock accelerated payment, the Note was amended in March 2021, which included: 1) adding $812,500 to the principal amount of the Note for Tonogold’s Northern Comstock accelerated payment reimbursement obligation and an accommodation fee of $262,500, increasing the new principal amount to $5,550,000; 2) extending the maturity date to March 31, 2022; 3) reducing the conversion price to the lower of $0.25 (or $0.35 in the event of a $1,550,000 prepayment of the Notes by June 30, 2021) or 85% of the 20-day volume weighted closing price of Tonogold common shares; and 4) making the conversion feature at our option, at any time, and in tranches, at our preference. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the accelerated payment reimbursement was credited to mining claims costs and expenses, and the accommodation fee was credited to other income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Note has an interest rate of 12% per annum, with interest payable monthly. The outstanding principal balance is due on March 31, 2022, unless extended by us. The fair value of the Note on December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021 was $5.5 million and $7.3 million, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we recognized other income of $0.7 million for the change in fair value of the Note in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (Note 15). Tonogold Common Shares At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we held 11.4 million and 13.1 million Tonogold common shares with fair values of $2.7 million and $3.9 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we sold 1,718,789 shares for proceeds of $502,951 and recognized a gain on sale of common shares of $193,664. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we recognized an unrealized loss on the change in fair value of the common shares of $0.9 million. Contingent Forward Upon issuance on March 20, 2020 and prior to the close of the sale of Comstock LLC, the Note contained a contingent forward. The Note contained a contingent forward representing our right to sell our remaining membership interests in Comstock LLC to Tonogold at a future date in exchange for cash consideration or common stock of Tonogold if certain options were elected (the “Contingent Forward”). We identified the Contingent Forward as a derivative which was adjusted to fair value at the end of each reporting period. On March 20, 2020, we recorded the $1.2 million initial fair value of the Contingent Forward asset in additional paid in capital on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as Tonogold, a related party at the time, owned 50% of the membership interests of Comstock LLC. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, we recognized income for the change in fair value of the Contingent Forward of $1.1 million. The fair value of the Contingent Forward asset on September 8, 2020 was $2.0 million, and was offset against consideration received for the sale of Comstock LLC recorded on that date. Upon closing of the purchase agreement, the contingencies were eliminated, and the Note was recorded as a current asset on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Reimbursements For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, total reimbursements and lease income under the three Tonogold agreements, including but not limited to all costs associated with owning the properties, lease and option payments and interest expense were $1.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively. Reimbursements for 2021 include the $812,500 reimbursement of the Northern Comstock accelerated payment, which is included in the amended principal balance of the Note. Mercury Clean Up, LLC Pilot, Investment and Joint Venture Agreements MCU Investment - Derivative Asset and Make Whole Obligation The Mercury Remediation Pilot, Investment and Joint Venture Agreement (the "MCU Agreement") contains a provision whereby we are required to issue additional shares of our common stock for a make whole difference between the value of the 900,000 previously issued shares of our common stock received by MCU and our required stock-based investment of $850,000. In May 2020, we issued to MCU 650,000 additional shares of our common stock to reduce the make whole difference. During January and February 2021, MCU sold the 625,000 common shares for net proceeds of $1,147,185, resulting in a $762,377 excess contribution, which was paid to us in February 2021. At December 31, 2020, the fair value of the derivative asset was $265,127. As of March 31, 2021, the derivative asset had been fully satisfied. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, a related gain on change in fair value of the derivative asset of $497,250 was recognized in earnings. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, a loss on change in fair value of the make whole obligation of $32,670 was recognized in earnings. MCU Philippines, Inc. Investment and Note Receivable At December 4, 2020, the fair value of the note receivable from MCU-P, based on the discounted present value of future payments, was $855,866, which was comprised of the $1,180,000 face amount less implied interest of $324,134, which was recognized as consideration for our December 4, 2020 investment in MCU-P. As of December 31, 2020, the net balance of the note receivable was $860,940. On March 5, 2021, we loaned an additional $820,000 to MCU-P, increasing the face value of the note receivable to $2,000,000. Implied interest of $189,338 for the additional loan increased the value of our investment to $513,107. The discounted present value was calculated using a rate of 7.1%, which is based on the alternative borrowing cost of MCU-P, considering market data for companies with comparable credit ratings. The additional loan amount resulted in our ownership interest in MCU increasing from 15% to 25%. As of March 31, 2021, the net balance of the note receivable is $1,511,870 is recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets in notes receivable and advances, net. The note receivable matures on December 31, 2024. Sierra Springs Opportunity Fund, Inc. Investment Investment in Sierra Springs Opportunity Fund, Inc. During 2019, Comstock invested $335,000 into a qualified opportunity zone fund, SSOF, which owns SSE, a qualified opportunity zone business. We expect to own approximately 9% of SSOF upon issuance by SSOF of all 75 million authorized shares to investors. As of March 31, 2021, we own 12% of the voting shares of SSOF and SSOF has received $12.0 million in equity from investors, including $335,000 from the Company and $525,000 (16.4% of voting shares) from our officers and directors, including our chief executive officer, who owns 16.2% of SSOF voting shares. Our chief executive officer is president and a director of SSOF and an executive and a director of SSE. At March 31, 2021, Comstock’s $335,000 investment in SSOF is recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as a non-current investment asset. The investment is accounted for at cost less impairment. Management has identified no events or changes in circumstances that have a significant adverse effect on the carrying value of the investment. Advance to Sierra Springs Opportunity Fund, Inc. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we advanced SSOF an additional $2,150,000, increasing total advances to $3.8 million, to be used by SSOF for deposits and payments on land and other facilities related to investments in qualified businesses in the opportunity zone. The advances are non-interest-bearing and are expected to be repaid during 2021, upon the sale of our Silver Springs Properties to SSE (Note 4). At March 31, 2021, the $3.8 million of advances are recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets in notes receivable and advances, net. LINICO Corporation Investment On February 15, 2021, the Company, Aqua Metals, Inc. (“AQMS”) and LINICO entered into a Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (the “LINICO Stock Purchase Agreement”). Purchase of LINICO Preferred Stock Pursuant to the LINICO Stock Purchase Agreement, we purchased 6,250 shares of LINICO Series A 8% Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred”) and issued 3,000,000 shares of our restricted common stock (the “CMI Stock”) in payment of the purchase price. The CMI stock had a fair value of $6,750,000, of which $6,250,000 was allocated to the investment in shares of LINICO and $500,000 was allocated to the derivative asset related to LINICO on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Series A Preferred has a conversion price of $1.25 per share of LINICO common stock. Following the purchase of the Series A Preferred, we own 45.45% of LINICO voting shares. Our chief executive officer is a member of the LINICO board of directors. Judd Merrill, one of our directors, is chief financial officer of AQMS. Cash Commitment Under the LINICO Stock Purchase Agreement, we also agreed to make $4.5 million in cash payments to LINICO (the “Cash Commitment”), payable in a series of installments between February 26, 2021 and September 30, 2021. At March 31, 2021, $1.5 million had been paid and was recognized as an adjustment to the derivative asset related to LINICO on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Warrants Pursuant to the LINICO Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company and LINICO entered into a warrant agreement (the “Warrant”) wherein we have the right to purchase 2,500 additional shares of Series A Preferred for a total exercise amount of $2.5 million. The Series A Preferred received by us pursuant to exercise of the Warrant may be converted into shares of LINICO common stock at a conversion price of (i) $1.25, if exercised on or before February 15, 2022, or (ii) $2.00, if exercised after February 15, 2022. LINICO Lease Agreement and Additional Lease Deposit Pursuant to the terms of an industrial lease between LINICO and AQMS entered into on February 15, 2021 (the “LINICO Lease Agreement”), if LINICO elects not to exercise its option to purchase from AQMS land, buildings and related improvements, initially leased by AQMS to LINICO, for (i) $14,250,000, if the purchase is made on or before October 1, 2022 or (ii) $15,250,000, if the purchase is made after October 1, 2022, we can assume the purchase option. The LINICO Lease Agreement requires LINICO to make an initial deposit by October 15, 2021 in an amount equal to $1,250,000, and an additional deposit (the “Additional Deposit”) by November 1, 2022, in an amount equal to $2,000,000, to be credited towards the purchase price of the facility. The LINICO Stock Purchase Agreement grants us the option to fund the Additional Deposit with shares of our common stock (in no event will we issue shares to LINICO pursuant to the LINICO Stock Purchase Agreement that exceed 19.9% of our total issued and outstanding common shares as of February 15, 2021). Derivative Asset In the event cash proceeds received by LINICO from the sale of the CMI Stock are less than $6,250,000, which sales must be completed no later than October 31, 2021, we are obligated to provide LINICO with additional shares of our common stock or cash to make up the shortfall. However, if cash proceeds from the sale of CMI Stock plus Cash Commitment payments received by LINICO (the “Consideration”) exceed $10,750,000, the excess must be returned to us by LINICO, along with any remaining shares of CMI Stock held by LINICO. The first $4.5 million of Consideration received by LINICO in excess of $6,250,000 will be applied to exercise our warrant (up to $2,500,000) and, thereafter, to fund the Additional Lease Deposit (up to $2.0 million), with additional Series A Preferred issued to us for the amount funded. The initial fair value of the derivative asset upon issuance of the CMI Stock was $500,000. At March 31, 2021, the $7,489,999 fair value of the CMI Stock in excess of $6,250,000 and $1,500,000 Cash Commitment payments are recognized as a derivative asset related to LINICO on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of CMI Stock is based on the $4.58 closing share price of our common stock on March 31, 2021. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the increase in fair value of $6,989,999 is recognized as other income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (Note 15).

Notes Receivable and Advances,

Notes Receivable and Advances, Net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Notes Receivable and Advances, Net	Notes Receivable and Advances, Net Notes receivable and advances, net at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 include: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Tonogold note receivable, face value $ 5,550,000 $ 4,475,000 Fair value adjustments 1,769,000 1,023,500 Tonogold note receivable, fair value (Notes 2 and 15) 7,319,000 5,498,500 SSOF advances receivable (Note 2) 3,800,000 1,650,000 Total notes receivable and advances, net - current portion 11,119,000 7,148,500 MCU-P note receivable, face value 2,000,000 1,180,000 Unamortized discount for implied interest (488,130) (319,060) MCU-P note receivable (Note 2) - non-current 1,511,870 860,940 Total notes receivable and advances, net $ 12,630,870 $ 8,009,440

Assets Held for Sale

Assets Held for Sale	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Assets Held for Sale	Assets Held for Sale We previously committed to a plan to sell certain land, buildings, and water rights. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had assets, with a value of $6.3 million, that met the criteria to be classified as assets held for sale. Assets held for sale at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 include: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Silver Springs properties: DTSS (Land) $ 3,589,876 $ 3,589,876 Industrial Park (Land and water rights) 2,738,462 2,738,462 Total assets held for sale $ 6,328,338 $ 6,328,338

Prepaid Expenses and Other Curr

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
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 at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Land and property deposits $ 10,100 $ 12,600 Surety bond and insurance 165,244 139,527 Stock sales proceeds receivable 200,000 200,000 Pelen option 100,000 100,000 Other 399,753 228,951 Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 875,097 $ 681,078 On December 16, 2020, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with Wingfield Tono, LP (“Wingfield”), and agreed to sell 15,666,667 Tonogold common shares at $0.33 per share in three closings. On December 23, 2020, we transferred 3,333,333 Tonogold common shares to Wingfield for total proceeds of $1.1 million. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had received $0.9 million and recorded a receivable of $0.2 million in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets in connection with the securities purchase agreement. The shares were returned to us in April 2021 (Note 22).

Mineral Rights and Properties a

Mineral Rights and Properties and Properties, Plant and Equipment, Net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Mineral Industries Disclosures [Abstract]
Mineral Rights and Properties and Properties, Plant and Equipment, Net	Mineral Rights and Properties and Properties, Plant and Equipment, Net Mineral Rights and Properties Mineral rights and properties at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Dayton resource area $ 2,971,838 $ 2,971,838 Spring Valley area 1,630,332 1,630,332 Oest area 307,522 307,522 Occidental area 1,002,172 1,002,172 Northern extension 157,205 157,205 Northern targets 161,920 121,170 Other mineral properties 317,405 317,405 Water rights 90,000 90,000 $ 6,638,394 $ 6,597,644 These mineral rights and properties are segmented based on our identified resource areas and exploration targets. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we did not recognize any depletion expense as none of the properties are in operation. On January 17, 2021, we acquired two patented lode mining claims from the Lauri Nitz Revocable Trust. The two patents, totaling approximately 34 acres, are located at the north end of the Occidental trend in Storey County, Nevada. The claims were purchased for a total of $40,750, with no royalty. On February 25, 2020 and September 17, 2020, we sold two patented mining claims and five unpatented mining claims (the "Wild Horse" properties) and eight unpatented mining claims (the "Como Comet" properties), respectively, to Hercules Gold USA LLC ("Hercules") for a total purchase price of $100,000 and 100,000 shares of common stock of Eclipse Gold Mining Corporation (the parent company of Hercules, "Eclipse"), with a fair value of $52,000. In February 2021, Eclipse merged with Northern Vertex and the 100,000 Eclipse common shares were converted to 109,000 Northern Vertex common shares, classified as investments in equity securities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. All of our mineral exploration and mining lease payments are classified as mining costs and expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Properties, Plant and Equipment, Net Properties, plant and equipment at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Land and buildings leased to others Daney Ranch $ 2,261,263 $ 2,261,263 Gold Hill Hotel 753,272 753,272 Other real estate 314,526 314,526 Less accumulated depreciation (1,237,075) (1,196,426) Total, net 2,091,986 2,132,635 Property, plant, and equipment for mineral processing American Flat land and buildings 6,500,817 6,500,817 Crushing, processing, and refining plant and equipment 21,113,178 21,113,178 Less accumulated depreciation (21,996,836) (21,943,657) Total, net 5,617,159 5,670,338 Other property and equipment Comstock corporate campus 1,549,453 1,549,453 Vehicle and equipment 2,267,916 2,267,916 Furniture and fixtures 549,860 549,860 Less accumulated depreciation (3,566,580) (3,545,502) Total, net 800,649 821,727 Total properties, plant and equipment, net $ 8,509,794 $ 8,624,700

Reclamation Bond Deposit

Reclamation Bond Deposit	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract]
Reclamation Bond Deposit	Reclamation Bond Deposit The Nevada Revised Statutes and Regulations require a surety bond to be posted for mining projects so that, after the completion of such mining projects, the sites are left safe, stable and capable of productive post-mining uses. The bond is intended to cover the estimated costs required to safely reclaim the natural environment to the regulatory standards established by the State of Nevada’s Division of Environmental Protection. Accordingly, we have a $6.8 million reclamation surety bond through the Lexon Surety Group (“Lexon”) with the State of Nevada’s Bureau of Mining Regulation and Reclamation as of March 31, 2021. In addition, we have a $0.5 million surety bond with Storey County, Nevada related to mine reclamation as of March 31, 2021. As part of the surety agreement, we agreed to pay a 2% annual bonding fee. The total cash collateral, per the surety agreement, was $2.6 million at March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020. The reclamation bond deposit at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Lexon surety bond cash collateral $ 2,588,833 $ 2,588,768 Other cash reclamation bond deposits 106,936 106,936 Total reclamation bond deposit $ 2,695,769 $ 2,695,704 The total cash collateral is a component of the reclamation bond deposit on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and, at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 includes earned income of $88,833 and $88,768, respectively, which has been left on deposit at BNY Mellon.

Other Assets

Other Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Other Assets	Other Assets Other assets at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Prepaid Northern Comstock LLC contributions, net $ 476,159 $ — Other long-term receivables and prepaid expenses 151,029 154,950 Long-term deposits 24,354 24,354 Accrued dividends receivable 11,945 — $ 663,487 $ 179,304 The Northern Comstock operating agreement between the Company and other members of Northern Comstock, a related party (Note 21), requires us to make monthly cash payments of $30,000 and an annual capital contribution in the amount of $482,500 in stock or cash through September 1, 2027. On March 4, 2021, we made an additional $812,500 payment to Northern Comstock representing, pursuant to the Northern Comstock operating agreement, a one-time acceleration of required capital contributions when we receive net cash proceeds from sources other than operations that exceed $6,250,000. The payment was applied to the last year of contracted payments, and classified as other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, net of certain other amounts accrued for Northern Comstock contribution payments, which will be amortized over the term of the agreement. In addition to the net prepaid balance, we have a short-term liability in the amount of $356,050 and $180,833 recorded in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

Accrued Expenses and Other Liab

Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities	Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities Accrued expenses and other liabilities at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Accrued Northern Comstock LLC contributions, net 356,050 180,833 Accrued payroll costs 104,609 153,615 Accrued board of directors' fees — 60,000 Accrued vendor liabilities 74,187 136,499 Other accrued expenses 4,178 4,000 Total accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 539,024 $ 534,947

Leases

Leases	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases Lease expense We have an operating lease, as lessee, with Sutro, as lessor, for a property located adjacent to the Gold Hill Hotel, which is primarily used as a room rental. The lease runs from 2018 until 2028. The monthly rent is $750 with automatic annual increases of $25 per month each November, which began in 2020. The operating lease is sub-leased to Crown Point Management LLC, the operators of the Gold Hill Hotel, and not separately valued within the Gold Hill Hotel lease. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the fixed operating lease expense was $2,524 and $1,684, respectively, with 7.5 years remaining on the lease at March 31, 2021. We have the following lease balances recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows: Lease Assets and Liabilities Classification March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Operating lease right-of-use asset Other assets $ 50,232 $ 51,294 Operating lease liability - current Accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 3,827 $ 3,650 Operating lease liability - long-term Other liabilities 48,751 49,791 Total operating lease liabilities $ 52,578 $ 53,441 Maturities of lease liabilities by fiscal year for our operating leases are as follows: Remainder of 2021 $ 7,025 2022 9,650 2023 9,950 2024 10,250 2025 10,550 Thereafter 31,500 Total operating lease payments 78,925 Less: Imputed interest (26,347) Present value of lease liabilities $ 52,578 Lease Income Real estate revenue from operating leases on our land and buildings leased to others (Note 6) recorded on the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Daney Ranch $ 27,000 $ — Gold Hill Hotel 6,575 24,000 Lab and office space — 7,500 Land 4,500 4,500 All other residential 10,425 12,425 Total real estate revenue from operating leases $ 48,500 $ 48,425 Maturities of lease payments by fiscal year for operating leases on our land and buildings leased to others are as follows: Remainder of 2021 $ 143,025 2022 180,025 2023 166,325 2024 22,725 Thereafter — Total Minimum Lease Income $ 512,100 On February 1, 2021, we signed a new lease, as lessor, with Gold Hill Management LLC to lease the Gold Hill Hotel. The new lease term begins April 1, 2021 and ends on March 31, 2024. The agreement includes the payment of $19,500 in previously deferred rent from the previous month to month tenant, Crown Point Management LLC. The rent is $4,525 per month for the

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt Long-term debt at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following: Note Description March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Georges Trust Unsecured Promissory Notes - 12% interest, due September 2021 $ — $ 1,389,014 Concorde Trust Unsecured Promissory Note - 12% interest, due 2021 — 683,263 Bean Trust Unsecured Promissory Note - 12% interest, due 2021 — 290,386 GHF Inc Unsecured Promissory Note - 12% interest, due September 2021 — 916,712 Note Payable (Caterpillar Financial Services) - 5.7% interest. — 404,373 Total debt — 3,683,748 Less: debt discounts and issuance costs — (126,043) Total debt, net of discounts and issuance costs — 3,557,705 Less: current maturities — (3,557,705) Long-term debt, net of discounts and issuance costs $ — $ — Debt Obligations Concorde Trust, Bean Trust, Georges Trust, GHF, Inc. & Scott H. Jolcover Unsecured Promissory Notes On March 4, 2021, we retired promissory notes (the "Promissory Notes") by paying the remaining principal balance of $3.1 million plus earned OID of $0.1 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, interest expense on the Promissory Notes was $139,213, which includes OID amortization of $71,289. GF Comstock 2 LP On August 11, 2020, we retired the GF Comstock 2 LP debenture (the "Debenture") by paying the remaining principal balance of $4.0 million, plus the remaining make whole obligation of $0.2 million and recognized a loss on early retirement of debt of $51,000. Interest expense on the Debenture was $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, of which Tonogold reimbursed $0.1 million. Caterpillar Equipment Facility On March 4, 2021, we retired the Caterpillar Financial Services loan by paying the remaining principal balance of $296,171.

Long-Term Reclamation Liability

Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset	Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation AssetWe are required to mitigate long-term environmental impacts by stabilizing, contouring, re-sloping, and re-vegetating various portions of our sites after mining and mineral processing operations are completed. These reclamation actions are conducted in accordance with plans reviewed and approved by appropriate regulatory agencies. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we have accrued a long-term liability of $5.2 million and $6.1 million. respectively, for our obligation to reclaim our mine facilities based on our most recent reclamation plan, as revised, submitted and approved by the Nevada State Environmental Commission and Division of Environmental Protection. Our total reclamation liability includes cost estimates for our American Flat processing facility, Dayton project and enhanced reclamation obligations in Storey County, Nevada. Under the Lease Option Agreement with Tonogold, we must preserve the property and equipment in its current state for possible resumption of processing by Tonogold through November 2022 and, if the option is exercised, Tonogold will begin processing at the American Flat facility. Tonogold has not yet announced specific plans or a definitive schedule for future processing, but has announced actions that could lead to mining operations in the vicinity of the American Flat facility. If the option is not exercised, Comstock may repurpose the plant to be used for processing another resource. Based on these facts and circumstances, management extended the timing of reclamation to five years from January 1, 2021, with an updated expected reclamation commencement date of December 31, 2025. This resulted in a reduction in the liability of $926,435. The updated liability was calculated based on a weighted average credit-adjusted risk-free rate of 6.02%, which was calculated from the discount rates used in the eight layers of asset retirement obligations recorded since 2010, and an inflation rate of 1.78% based on the average Consumer Price Index over the previous five years. The adjustment in excess of the net retirement obligation asset of $57,964 was $868,471 as of January 1, 2021 and was recorded as a credit to environmental and reclamation costs and expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. In conjunction with recording the original reclamation liability, we recorded a retirement obligation asset on the consolidated balance sheets that was amortized over the period of the anticipated land disturbance and operations. Such costs were based on management’s original estimate of then expected amounts for remediation work, assuming the work is performed in accordance with current laws and regulations. It is reasonably possible that, due to uncertainties associated with the application of laws and regulations by regulatory authorities and changes in reclamation or remediation technology, the ultimate cost and timing of reclamation and remediation could change in the future. The accretion of the reclamation liability for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 totaled $77,522 and $5,178, respectively, and was a component of environmental and reclamation costs and expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The amortization of the retirement obligation asset for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 totaled $0 and $14,491, respectively, and was a component of environmental and reclamation costs and expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Following is a reconciliation of the mining retirement liability associated with our reclamation plan for the mining projects as of at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Long-term reclamation liability — beginning of period $ 6,054,919 $ 6,034,208 Reduction of obligation due to extension of time (926,435) — Accretion of reclamation liability 77,522 20,711 Long-term reclamation liability — end of period $ 5,206,006 $ 6,054,919 Following is a reconciliation of the mining retirement obligation asset as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Retirement obligation asset — beginning of year $ 57,963 $ 115,926 Reduction of obligation liability (57,963) Amortization of retirement obligation asset — (57,963) Retirement obligation asset — end of year $ — $ 57,963

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies We lease certain mineral rights and properties under operating leases expiring at various dates through 2040. Future minimum annual lease payments, including royalty and rental payments, under these existing lease agreements are as follows as of March 31, 2021: Remainder of 2021 $ 85,500 2022 114,000 2023 114,000 2024 108,000 2025 110,000 Thereafter 1,686,250 $ 2,217,750 Expense under leases for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $37,211 and $26,150, respectively. Tonogold reimbursements of lease costs for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 were $25,150 and $12,850, respectively. Royalty Agreements We have minimum royalty obligations for certain of our mineral properties and leases. For most of the mineral properties and leases, we are subject to a range of royalty obligations once production commences. These royalties range from 0.5% to 5% of Net Smelter Returns ("NSR") from minerals produced on the properties, with the majority being under 3%. Some of the factors that influence the amount of the royalties include ounces extracted and the price of gold. Our mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing environmental protection. These laws and regulations are frequently changing and generally becoming more restrictive. We believe our operations are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, in all material respects. We continuously make expenditures to comply with such laws and regulations, but cannot predict the full amount of such future expenditures. Comstock Residents Association 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 in Lyon County, Nevada (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 a master plan amendment and zone changes that were approved by the Commissioners in 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, Nevada. In April 2015, the District Court ruled in favor of the Company and the Commissioners. 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 2, 2016, the Nevada Supreme Court entered an order affirming 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 or any other statutes. The Supreme Court reversed the District Court’s dismissal of the 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 District Court concluded that the Supreme Court's reversal of the CRA's due process claim required that the CRA be afforded the opportunity to conduct discovery and allowed the CRA the time to conduct discovery on its due process claim. On July 11, 2019, the Court issued and filed a formal judgment in favor of Lyon County and Comstock Mining. The Company and Lyon County have filed a motion to recover attorney's fees and costs from the CRA. On August 14, 2019, the CRA filed a Notice of Appeal, appealing the judgment to the Nevada Supreme Court. On January 11, 2021, the Nevada Supreme Court issued a final order affirming the District Court's judgment in favor of Lyon County and Comstock Mining. On January 29, 2021, the CRA filed a Petition for Rehearing to the Nevada Supreme Court. On February 25, 2021, the Nevada Supreme Court issued an order denying a rehearing. On March 8, 2021, the CRA filed a Petition for En Banc Reconsideration to the Nevada Supreme Court. On April 9, 2021, the Nevada Supreme Court issued an order denying en banc reconsideration, once again, in favor of Lyon County and the Company. OSHA Complaint On or about February 27, 2020, the Company received notice that three former employees had filed a complaint with OSHA regarding alleged wrongful termination of employment in 2019, seeking backpay, front pay and other compensatory damages (for mental anguish and reputational harm) as well as interest and legal fees and costs. We believe that those terminations were lawful and intend to vigorously defend the complaint. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we have accrued severance of $84,166 in connection with this complaint, which is recorded in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. From time to time, we are involved in 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.

Equity

Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Equity	Equity Equity Issuance Agreements On March 2, 2021, we entered into equity purchase agreements (the “Equity Purchase Agreements”) with certain investors to issue and sell in a registered direct offering (the “Offering”) 4.0 million shares of common stock at a price of $4.00 per share. The Equity Purchase Agreements contain customary representations, warranties and agreements of the Company, and customary conditions to closing, indemnification rights and obligations of the parties. The Offering of the shares closed on March 4, 2021. We paid Noble Capital Markets, Inc., the placement agent for the Offering, an aggregate cash fee of $960,000 (equal to 6% of the aggregate gross proceeds raised in the offering), and $30,000 for other fees and expenses, resulting in net offering proceeds of $15,010,000. On February 8, 2021, we entered into an equity purchase agreement (the “2021 Leviston Sales Agreement”) with Leviston Resources LLC (“Leviston”) to offer and sell registered shares of common stock at an aggregate offering price of up to $5.0 million from time to time, at our option, on terms we deem favorable. The term of the agreement is 24 months. We agreed to deliver to Leviston additional shares of common stock with a fair value of $250,003, for no additional consideration, on the first settlement date with respect to a put notice delivered by us. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we issued to Leviston 423,842 common shares with an aggregate sales price of $2,020,000, at an average price per share of $4.77, and an additional 50,907 common shares in commitment and due diligence fees. As of March 31, 2021, the 2021 Leviston Sales Agreement has $2,980,000 of remaining capacity. Common Stock Gross proceeds from, including the fair value of non-cash issuance of common stock, and fees related to the issuance of shares of tour common stock pursuant to registered equity issuance agreements for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020: 2021 2020 Number of shares sold 4,423,842 638,511 Gross proceeds $ 18,020,000 $ 242,621 Common stock issuance costs (1,248,002) (50,070) Net proceeds $ 16,771,998 $ 192,551 Average price per share $ 4.07 $ 0.38

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis The following table presents our assets at March 31, 2021 measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2021 Total Quoted Significant Significant Assets: Common shares of Tonogold (Note 2) $ 2,739,137 $ 2,739,137 $ — $ — Tonogold note receivable (Note 2) 7,319,000 — — 7,319,000 LINICO Corporation derivative asset (Note 2) 8,989,999 — 8,989,999 — Common shares of Northern Vertex Mining Corp. (Note 6) 30,629 30,629 — — Total Assets $ 19,078,765 $ 2,769,766 $ 8,989,999 $ 7,319,000 The following table presents our assets and liabilities at December 31, 2020 measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2020 Total Quoted Significant Significant Assets: Common shares of Tonogold (Note 2) $ 3,939,558 $ 3,939,558 $ — $ — Tonogold note receivable (Note 2) 5,498,500 — — 5,498,500 MCU derivative asset (Note 2) 265,127 265,127 — Common shares of Northern Vertex Mining Corp. (Note 6) 40,165 — 40,165 — Total Assets $ 9,743,350 $ 3,939,558 $ 305,292 $ 5,498,500 During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the common shares of Northern Vertex (previously Eclipse) were transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 as a result of the restriction period expiring on March 1, 2021. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no other transfers of assets and liabilities between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. The following tables provide reconciliation between the beginning and ending balance of investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Beginning balance $ 5,498,500 $ 9,080,000 Total income (loss) recognized in earnings Tonogold convertible preferred shares — (285,000) Tonogold contingent forward asset — 1,062,291 Tonogold note receivable (Note 2) 1,008,000 — 1,008,000 777,291 Additions Tonogold contingent forward asset — 1,232,952 Tonogold note receivable (Note 2) 812,500 — 812,500 1,232,952 Ending balance $ 7,319,000 $ 11,090,243 Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy. Tonogold Convertible Preferred Shares The consideration received for Tonogold's acquisition of Comstock LLC included shares of the Tonogold CPS. Since the CPS shares are not listed securities, and have no readily available market, we elected the fair value option for this financial instrument. The value of CPS as of March 31, 2020 was based on a Monte Carlo model with various inputs including the Tonogold common share price of $0.35, volatility of 101%, risk-free rate of 0.16%, cost of debt of 18.31%, private placement conversion price ceiling of $0.18, redemption probability of 50%, and illiquidity discount of 5% - 15%. We recorded $0.3 million for the change in fair value of the CPS in other income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The Company held no Tonogold CPS at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Common Shares of Tonogold The fair value of our investment in common shares of Tonogold is based on the closing price per share of the stock. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the fair values of the common shares are based on the $0.24 and $0.30 closing share prices (OTC: TNGL), respectively. We recorded an unrealized loss of $891,039 for the change in fair value in other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The Tonogold common shares are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Tonogold Note Receivable In connection with Tonogold's acquisition of Comstock LLC on September 8, 2020, we recorded the Note due from Tonogold on the consolidated balance sheets, with a principal amount of $4,475,000 and a 12% annual interest rate. Interest is due and payable monthly with the principal originally due and payable on September 20, 2021 and extended to March 31, 2022. Because of the embedded features, the Company made the irrevocable election to report the Tonogold Note Receivable on a fair value basis. At December 31, 2020, the fair value of the Tonogold Note was $5.5 million based on a Monte Carlo model with the following inputs: Tonogold common share price – $0.30; volatility – 89%; risk free rate – 0.09%; cost of debt – 7.62%; conversion premium – 30%; probability of prepayment – 5% at both March and June 2021; probability of change in control – 5% at June 2021; probability of default – 27% at September 2021. At March 31, 2021, the fair value of the Tonogold Note was $7.3 million based on a Monte Carlo model with the following inputs: Tonogold common share price – $0.24; volatility – 68%; risk free rate – 0.07%; cost of debt – 6.92%; conversion premium – 30%; probability of prepayment – 10% at June 2021; probability of default – 28% at March 2022. We recorded $1.0 million in other income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021, of which $0.7 million represented the change in fair value and $0.3 million represented an amendment fee. The Tonogold Note is classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. MCU Derivative Asset On December 4, 2020, we recorded a derivative asset on the consolidated balance sheets in connection with our $2.0 million purchase of 15% of MCU membership interests. At December 31, 2020, the $265,127 fair value of the derivative asset was based on 625,000 of our common shares issued as a portion of the purchase price, and the $1.04 closing price per share of our common stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, MCU sold all 625,000 shares, resulting in a final derivative asset fair value of $762,377 based on the excess of actual net proceeds and cash payments to MCU over the $2 million purchase price. We received a cash payment of $762,377 from MCU in February 2021 in full satisfaction of any excess proceeds from the sale of the stock, which was applied to the derivative asset, resulting in a fair value of $0 as of March 31, 2021. We recorded $497,250 for the change in fair value in other income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The derivative asset was classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. LINICO Derivative Asset On February 16, 2021, we recorded a derivative asset on the consolidated balance sheets in connection with the LINICO Stock Purchase Agreement. On that date, the $500,000 fair value of the derivative asset was determined based on the excess of the value of 3,000,000 shares of our common stock issued to and held by LINICO over the $6,250,000 contractual consideration required under the agreement. The value of the shares was based on the $2.25 closing price per share of our common stock on that date. At March 31, 2021, the $9.0 million fair value of the derivative asset is based on the same number of shares and the $4.58 closing price per share of our common stock plus $1.5 million of Cash Commitment payments made to LINICO. We recorded $6,989,999 for the change in fair value in other income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The derivative asset is classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. Northern Vertex Common Shares During 2020, we sold certain mining claims in exchange for 100,000 shares of common stock of Eclipse, which were restricted from sale through March 1, 2021. At December 31, 2020, the fair value of the Company’s investment is based on the $0.43 closing price per share of the stock with a discount of $3,010 calculated based on a required holding period of 0.17 years, risk-free rate of 0.08% and volatility of 74.0%. In February 2021, Eclipse merged with Northern Vertex and our 100,000 shares of Eclipse were converted to 109,000 Northern Vertex shares. On March 1, 2021, the restriction period expired and the fair value of the shares as of March 31, 2021 is based on the closing price per share of $0.28. We recorded an unrealized loss of $9,536 for the change in fair value in other income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Upon expiration of the restriction period, the Northern Vertex common shares were transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Tonogold Contingent Forward On March 20, 2020, Tonogold issued a senior secured convertible note with a principal amount of $5,475,000 to the Company, reflecting Tonogold’s intent to purchase additional membership interests in Comstock LLC in the future at a specified price (the “Contingent Forward”). The Contingent Forward included the following features: 1) conversion feature allowing Comstock, at our sole option, to elect payment in Tonogold common shares upon certain events; 2) change of control redemption right allowing Comstock, to redeem the note in cash at a 125% premium; 3) event of default redemption right allowing Comstock the right to redeem the note in cash at a 118% premium; and 4) a payment modification included in the Contingent Forward. The fair value of the Contingent Forward at inception on March 20, 2020 was based on a Monte Carlo model with various inputs. These inputs included the Tonogold common share price of $0.22, volatility of 96.0%, risk-free rate of 0.26%, cost of debt of 18.23%, required conversion premium of 30.0%, probability of prepayment of 0%, probability of change in control of 5% and probability of default of 32%. The contingent forward asset was netted against the gain on sale of Comstock LLC recorded for the year ended December 31, 2020. Accrued Make Whole for Pelen The accrued make whole for Pelen was valued based on the difference between the valuation of the outstanding shares held by the seller of the membership interests at the volume-weighted price per share for five consecutive trading days preceding the date of determination. In 2020, we made a payment to Pelen of $150,000 and recorded a change in fair value of the accrued make whole for Pelen of $3,106 in other income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The Pelen make whole liability was classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. In April 2020, we purchased the 25% membership interests in Pelen LLC, settling all amounts due. Accrued Make Whole for MCU The accrued MCU make whole was valued based on the difference between the value of the outstanding shares delivered to MCU at the closing price per share of our common stock. At March 31, 2020, the make whole was valued based on a closing price per share of our common stock of $0.41. We recorded a change in fair value of the accrued make whole for MCU of $32,670 in other expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020. On December 4, 2020, the 625,000 remaining common shares held by MCU became transferable and the parties agreed the make whole obligation had been satisfied. Other Financial Instruments The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these financial instruments. At March 31, 2021, the fair value of our debt obligations was $0, as a result of repaying all debt obligations during the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation 2020 Equity Incentive Plan In 2020, the Company adopted the Comstock Mining Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”). The maximum number of shares of our common stock that may be delivered pursuant to awards granted under the 2020 Plan is 1,800,000. The plan provides for the grant of various types of awards, including but not limited to restricted stock (including performance awards), restricted stock units, stock options, and other types of stock-based awards. In December 2020, 540,000 shares were granted to non-executive directors under the 2020 Plan, which vest in three equal increments of 180,000 shares each on January 1, 2022, January 1, 2023 and January 1, 2024. The fair value of the common shares issued was $1.06 per share, based on the closing price of our common stock on December 30, 2020. Compensation cost totaling $572,400 will be recognized on a straight line basis over the three years vesting period. Compensation cost totaling $47,700 was recorded as a general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021. In January 2021, 1,055,000 performance shares were granted to employees under the 2020 Plan. The vesting of 50% of the employee performance share awards is contingent on the achievement of performance goals over the next three years and vesting of the remaining 50% is contingent on the targeted growth in the Company's valuation over the next five years, defined on a per share basis. Vesting is dependent on the employee remaining with the Company from the grant date through the vesting date. The performance shares which vest based on the achievement of performance goals were valued using the Company's share price on the grant date of $1.10 per share, and stock-based compensation was determined based on the probability of achieving each goal. The performance shares which vest based on the market price of the Company's shares were valued using a path-dependent model with the following inputs: beginning stock price – $1.10; annual equity volatility – 77%; risk-free rate – 0.36%; number of iterations – 100,000, which resulted in an indicated fair value of $0.41 per share, which is recognized evenly over the term derived from the model of 3.2 years. Stock-based compensation cost totaling $49,310 was recorded as operating costs and expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan In 2011, the Company adopted the Comstock Mining Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”). The maximum number of shares of the Company’s common stock that could be delivered pursuant to awards granted under the 2011 Plan was 1,200,000. As of March 31, 2021, there are 26,290 shares available to be issued under the 2011 Plan. The plan provided for the grant of various types of awards, including, but not limited to, restricted stock (including performance awards), restricted stock units, stock options, and other types of stock-based awards. In May 2020, non-executive board members were granted 135,000 common shares for past services and 180,000 common shares for current services for a total of 315,000 common shares. The fair value of the common shares issued was $0.56 per share, based on the closing price per share of our common stock on May 28, 2020.

Other Income and Expense

Other Income and Expense	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income and Expense	Other Income and Expense Other income (expense) net consisted of the following for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020: Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Change in fair value of contingent forward asset $ — $ 1,062,291 Change in fair value of derivative asset related to Mercury Clean Up, LLC 497,250 — Change in fair value of derivative asset related to LINICO Corporation 6,989,999 — Gain on sale of mining claims — 100,000 Tonogold reimbursement of Pelen acquisition costs — 150,000 Change in fair value of Tonogold preferred shares — (285,000) Change in fair value MCU make whole — (32,670) Realized gain on sale of Tonogold common shares 193,664 — Change in fair value of Tonogold note receivable 745,500 — Tonogold note receivable amendment fee 262,500 — Unrealized loss on investments in securities (900,575) — Other (8,509) 7,494 Total other income (expense) $ 7,779,829 $ 1,002,115

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The tax provision or benefit from income taxes for interim periods is determined using an estimate of our annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items, if any, that are taken into account in the relevant period. Each quarter, we update the estimate of the annual effective tax rate and, if the estimated tax rate changes, we make a cumulative adjustment. In 2021, our effective tax rate is not expected to be affected by increases or decreases in pre-tax income principally due to a full valuation allowance applied against net deferred tax assets, as noted below. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we recognized no income tax benefit or expense, and paid no cash for income taxes. Income taxes are provided for using the asset and liability method under which deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. These temporary differences result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years and are measured using the tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when such differences are expected to reverse. We are required to establish a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. As of March 31, 2021, management has determined that a full valuation allowance is necessary against our net deferred tax assets based on the weight of all available evidence.

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Sh

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share	Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted income (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 income (loss) per share: Three months ended March 31, 2021 2020 Numerator: Net income (loss) $ 8,188,231 $ (263,212) Denominator: Basic weighted average shares outstanding 37,740,011 27,264,555 Incremental shares 74,641 — Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 37,814,652 27,264,555 Net income (loss) per common share: Basic EPS $ 0.22 $ (0.01) Diluted EPS $ 0.22 $ (0.01) For the three months ended March 31, 2021, common stock equivalent shares consisted of stock options and were included in the calculation of dilutive earnings per share. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company had no common stock equivalent shares that would have been dilutive.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting We are organized into three operating segments, Mining, Real Estate, and Mineral Remediation and Recycling. Our mining segment consists of mining, mine development, processing, and environmental and reclamation operations, related mineral properties, water rights, properties, plant and equipment, investments in Tonogold and Pelen, and general and administrative expenses. Our real estate segment consists of real estate rental operations, including the Daney Ranch and Gold Hill Hotel, and related properties and equipment, as well as assets held for sale to SSOF, and investments in and advances to SSOF. Our mineral remediation and recycling segment consists of investments in mineral remediation and recycling processes and services, including investments in MCU, MCU-P and LINICO, and loans to MCU-P. We evaluate the performance of our operating segments based on income (loss) from operations. All intercompany transactions are eliminated. Financial information relating to our reportable operating segments and consolidated totals follows: Three Months Ended 2021 2020 Revenue Mining $ — $ — Real estate 48,500 48,425 Mineral remediation and recycling — — Total revenue 48,500 48,425 Costs and Expenses Mining 398,430 (1,256,711) Real estate (49,172) (13,595) Mineral remediation and recycling — — Total costs and expenses 349,258 (1,270,306) Operating Income (Loss) Mining 398,430 (1,256,711) Real estate (672) 34,830 Mineral remediation and recycling — — Total loss from operations 397,758 (1,221,881) Other income (expense) (Note 17) 7,790,473 958,669 Net income (loss) $ 8,188,231 $ (263,212) Capital Expenditures Mining $ 40,750 $ — Real estate — — Mineral remediation and recycling — — Total capital expenditures $ 40,750 $ — Depreciation, Amortization, and Depletion Mining $ 70,762 $ 191,318 Real estate 44,144 8,124 Mineral remediation and recycling — — Total depreciation, amortization, and depletion $ 114,906 $ 199,442 As of March 31, As of December 31, 2021 2020 Assets Mining $ 39,416,201 $ 29,754,182 Real estate 12,896,190 10,770,370 Mineral remediation and recycling 17,764,412 2,599,010 Total assets $ 70,076,803 $ 43,123,562 The addition of the mineral remediation and recycling segment reflects our entry into new environmental, social, governance ("ESG") initiatives, which differ from our historical focus on mining and real estate.

Related Party Disclosures

Related Party Disclosures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions We identify, account for and disclose related party transactions. Parties, which can be entities or individuals, are considered to be related if either party has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operational decisions. Entities and individuals are also considered to be related if they are subject to the common control or significant influence of another party (Notes 1 and 2). The following related party transactions occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (Note 2). Northern Comstock LLC We have an operating agreement with Northern Comstock, an entity controlled by a related party. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we made cash capital contribution payments under the Northern Comstock operating agreement of $902,500 and $90,000, respectively. Cash payments for the three months ended March 31, 2021 included a one-time accelerated capital contribution payment of $812,500 as a result of the net proceeds of $15,010,000 we received on March 4, 2021 from the Equity Purchase Agreements. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, capital contribution payments of $902,500 and $90,000, respectively, were reimbursed by Tonogold pursuant to the Comstock LLC Purchase Agreement, and recorded as a reduction of mine claims costs and expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Mercury Clean Up, LLC and MCU Philippines, Inc. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, in connection with our investments in MCU and MCU-P, we have provided certain services relating to feasibility studies and permitting that are separate from those investments and not included as obligations under the MCU Agreement.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events Plain Sight Innovations Note On April 1, 2021, the Company made a loan to Plain Sight Innovations LLC ("PSI") pursuant to a secured promissory note with a face value of $750,000 (the "PSI Note"). The PSI Note principal, together with interest at the rate of 12% per annum, is due and payable on September 30, 2021, and is secured by substantially all of the assets of PSI. Comstock Residents Association On January 11, 2021, the Nevada Supreme Court issued a final order affirming the District Court's judgment in favor of Lyon County and Comstock. On January 29, 2021, the CRA filed a Petition for Rehearing to the Nevada Supreme Court. On February 25, 2021, the Nevada Supreme Court issued an order denying a rehearing. On March 8, 2021, the CRA petitioned the Nevada Supreme Court for en banc reconsideration. On April 9, 2021, the Nevada Supreme Court issued an order denying en banc reconsideration, once again, in favor of Lyon County and Comstock Mining. Wingfield Tono LP On April 13, 2021, Wingfield Tono, LP ("Wingfield") returned 606,601 Tonogold common shares that were previously transferred under the Wingfield securities purchase agreement. The return of the shares eliminated the $200,000 receivable from Wingfield, and terminated the securities purchase agreement.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation Comstock Mining Inc. is an emerging leader in the sustainable extraction, valorization, and production of innovation-based, clean, renewable natural resources, with a focus on high-value, cash-generating, strategic materials that are essential to meeting the rapidly increasing global demand for clean energy, carbon-neutrality, and natural products. The Company has extensive, contiguous property in the historic Comstock and Silver City mining districts (collectively, the “Comstock District”), is an emerging leader in sustainable, responsible mining and processing, and is currently commercializing environment-enhancing, material science-based technologies, products, and processes for precious and strategic mineral recovery, including mercury remediation and lithium-ion battery materials recycling. As used in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements, we refer to Comstock Mining Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiaries as "Comstock," the "Company," "we," “us,” or "our." The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") and include the accounts of Comstock Mining Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Comstock Processing LLC, Comstock Northern Exploration LLC, Comstock Exploration and Development LLC, Comstock Real Estate Inc., Comstock Industrial LLC, Downtown Silver Springs LLC ("DTSS") and, prior to its sale in September 2020, Comstock Mining LLC ("Comstock LLC"). Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures required of annual consolidated financial statements and, accordingly, should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. We have an investment in Sierra Springs Opportunity Fund, Inc. (“SSOF”), of which our CEO is an executive (Note 2). As we are not the primary beneficiary, SSOF is not consolidated. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, our investment in SSOF is presented on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as a non-current investment asset. At March 31, 2021, our maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with SSOF is limited to our investment of $0.3 million and advances of $3.8 million. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2021 may not be indicative of the results expected for the full year ending December 31, 2021. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of our financial position as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, and our results of operations, cash flows, and changes in equity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. We currently estimate our annual effective income tax rate to be 0%. Our effective tax rate differs from the federal rate of 21% primarily due to recording a full valuation allowance Liquidity and Capital Resources
Reclassifications	ReclassificationsCertain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2021 financial statement presentation. Reclassifications had no effect on net income (loss), equity or cash flows as previously reported, except for the recording of a prior contingent forward asset in 2020. As described in the condensed consolidated financial statements included in the June 30, 2020 Form 10-Q, subsequent to the issuance of our condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ended March 31, 2020, we determined the initial fair value of a contingent forward (Note 15) was $1.2 million rather than zero, and should have been recorded with a corresponding increase to additional paid in capital, as the transaction is deemed to be between related parties given the common ownership in Comstock LLC at the time. Additionally, we determined there was a $1.1 million change in fair value of the contingent forward for the period ended March 31, 2020 that should have been recorded. As a result, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ended March 31, 2020 have been corrected from amounts previously reported in the March 31, 2020 Form 10-Q.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates In preparing financial statements in conformity with GAAP, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and related income, costs, expenses, receipts and expenditures during the reported periods. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Estimates may include those pertaining to the useful lives and valuation of properties, plant and equipment, carrying values of assets held for sale and, mineral rights, deferred tax assets, derivative assets and liabilities, the Tonogold Series D Convertible Junior Participating Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock ("CPS"), note receivable accounted for at fair value, discount rates on non-interest bearing notes receivable, reclamation liabilities, stock-based compensation, and contingent liabilities.
Investments	Investments Investments in Securities: From time to time, we hold investments in the form of both debt and equity securities. Investments in debt securities are classified as trading, available for sale or held to maturity, in certain cases electing the fair value option. Upon sale of a debt security, the realized gain or loss is recognized in current earnings. At March 31, 2021, we are the holder of two investments in debt securities, a convertible note receivable from Tonogold and a secured note receivable from MCU Philippines, Inc ("MCU-P"). Both investments are classified as held to maturity. We have elected the fair value option for the Tonogold convertible note receivable with unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value recognized in current earnings at the end of each reporting period. The MCU-P note receivable, which is secured by all MCU-P equipment, is classified as held to maturity and accounted for at amortized cost minus impairment. At the end of each reporting period, we consider whether impairment indicators exist to evaluate whether a debt investment security is impaired and, if so, record an impairment loss (Note 2). Equity securities are generally measured at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses for equity securities resulting from changes in fair value are recognized in current earnings. If an equity security does not have a readily determinable fair value, we may elect to measure the security at its cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment in the same issuer. At the end of each reporting period, we reassess whether an equity investment security without a readily determinable fair value qualifies to be measured at cost minus impairment. At the end of each reporting period, we also consider whether impairment indicators exist to evaluate whether an equity investment security is impaired and, if so, record an impairment loss. At the end of each reporting period, unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value are recognized in current earnings. Upon sale of an equity security, the realized gain or loss is recognized in current earnings. At March 31, 2021, we hold three investments in equity securities, which include shares of Tonogold and Northern Vertex Mining Corp. ("Northern Vertex") common stock, that have readily determinable fair values for which unrealized gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value are recognized in current earnings, and SSOF common stock that does not have a readily determinable fair value and, accordingly, is accounted for at cost minus impairment (Note 2). Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures: Investments in companies and joint ventures for which we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but do not control, are accounted for under the equity method. Under the equity method of accounting, our share of the net earnings or losses of the investee are included in other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. At the end of each reporting period, we consider whether impairment indicators exist to evaluate whether an equity method investment is impaired and, if so, record an impairment loss.
Reclamation Liabilities and Asset Retirement Obligations	Reclamation Liabilities and Asset Retirement Obligations Minimum standards for site reclamation and closure have been established for us by various government agencies and contractual obligations with lessors. Asset retirement obligations are recognized when incurred and recorded as liabilities at fair value. The liability is accreted over time through periodic charges to earnings. In addition, the asset retirement cost is capitalized and amortized over the life of the related asset. Reclamation costs are periodically adjusted to reflect changes in the estimated present value resulting from the passage of time, and revisions to the estimates of either the timing or amount of reclamation and abandonment costs. We review, on an annual basis, unless otherwise deemed necessary, the asset retirement obligation at each mine site. Separately, we accrue costs associated with environmental remediation obligations when it is probable that such costs will be incurred and they are reasonably estimable.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation All transactions in which goods or services are received for the issuance of shares of our common stock or options to purchase shares of our common stock are accounted for based on the fair value of the equity interest issued. The fair value of shares of common stock is determined based upon the closing price per share of our common stock on the date of issuance. We estimate the fair value of certain stock-based compensation (e.g., options) using the Black-Scholes model, which requires the input of various subjective assumptions. These assumptions include estimating the length of time recipients will retain their vested stock options before exercising them (“expected life”), the estimated volatility of our common stock price over the expected term (“volatility”), the risk-free interest rate and the dividend yield. Changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimate of the fair value of stock-based compensation. The fair value of common stock grants is based on the closing price per share of our common stock at date of grant. We recognize stock-based compensation for common stock grants evenly over the related vesting period. The fair value of market condition performance share awards is determined based on path-dependent valuation techniques and inputs including the closing price per share of our common stock at date of grant, volatility and the risk-free interest rate. We recognize stock-based compensation for market condition performance share awards evenly over the derived service period resulting from the path-dependent valuation. The fair value of performance condition share awards is determined based on the closing price per share of our common stock at date of grant and the probability of achieving the performance condition during the term of the award agreement. We recognize stock-based compensation for performance condition share awards evenly over the term of the award agreement.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In August 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2020-06–Debt–Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity. The update is to address issues identified as a result of the complexity associated with applying generally accepted accounting principles for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including condensed periods within those fiscal years and with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-01–Investments–Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments–Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)–Clarifying the Interactions Between Topic 321, Topic 323 and Topic 815 (A Consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force) which makes improvements related to accounting for certain equity securities when the equity method of accounting is applied or discontinued, and scope considerations related to forward contracts and purchased options on certain securities. ASU 2020-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Our adoption of this standard on January 1 2021 did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Investments and Divestitures (T

Investments and Divestitures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Non-current Investments	At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, non-current equity investments include the following, which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting, except for SSOF, which is accounted for at cost minus impairment: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Investment Ownership % Investment Ownership % Investment in Mercury Clean Up, LLC $ 2,011,305 25.0% $ 2,010,113 15.0% Investment in MCU Philippines, Inc 513,107 50.0% 323,770 50.0% Investment in Pelen Limited Liability Company 571,068 25.0% 603,714 25.0% Investment in Sierra Springs Opportunity Fund, Inc. 335,000 12.0% 335,000 12.1% Investment in LINICO Corporation 6,250,000 45.5% — —% Total investments $ 9,680,480 $ 3,272,597

Receivables, Loans, Notes Recei

Receivables, Loans, Notes Receivable, and Others (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Notes Receivable and Advances, Net	Notes receivable and advances, net at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 include: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Tonogold note receivable, face value $ 5,550,000 $ 4,475,000 Fair value adjustments 1,769,000 1,023,500 Tonogold note receivable, fair value (Notes 2 and 15) 7,319,000 5,498,500 SSOF advances receivable (Note 2) 3,800,000 1,650,000 Total notes receivable and advances, net - current portion 11,119,000 7,148,500 MCU-P note receivable, face value 2,000,000 1,180,000 Unamortized discount for implied interest (488,130) (319,060) MCU-P note receivable (Note 2) - non-current 1,511,870 860,940 Total notes receivable and advances, net $ 12,630,870 $ 8,009,440

Assets Held for Sale (Tables)

Assets Held for Sale (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets Held for Sale	Assets held for sale at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 include: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Silver Springs properties: DTSS (Land) $ 3,589,876 $ 3,589,876 Industrial Park (Land and water rights) 2,738,462 2,738,462 Total assets held for sale $ 6,328,338 $ 6,328,338

Prepaid Expenses and Other Cu_2

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	Prepaid expenses and other current assets at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Land and property deposits $ 10,100 $ 12,600 Surety bond and insurance 165,244 139,527 Stock sales proceeds receivable 200,000 200,000 Pelen option 100,000 100,000 Other 399,753 228,951 Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 875,097 $ 681,078

Mineral Rights and Properties_2

Mineral Rights and Properties and Properties, Pland and Equipment, Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Mineral Industries Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Mineral Rights and Properties	Mineral rights and properties at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Dayton resource area $ 2,971,838 $ 2,971,838 Spring Valley area 1,630,332 1,630,332 Oest area 307,522 307,522 Occidental area 1,002,172 1,002,172 Northern extension 157,205 157,205 Northern targets 161,920 121,170 Other mineral properties 317,405 317,405 Water rights 90,000 90,000 $ 6,638,394 $ 6,597,644
Schedule of Properties, Plant and Equipment	Properties, plant and equipment at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Land and buildings leased to others Daney Ranch $ 2,261,263 $ 2,261,263 Gold Hill Hotel 753,272 753,272 Other real estate 314,526 314,526 Less accumulated depreciation (1,237,075) (1,196,426) Total, net 2,091,986 2,132,635 Property, plant, and equipment for mineral processing American Flat land and buildings 6,500,817 6,500,817 Crushing, processing, and refining plant and equipment 21,113,178 21,113,178 Less accumulated depreciation (21,996,836) (21,943,657) Total, net 5,617,159 5,670,338 Other property and equipment Comstock corporate campus 1,549,453 1,549,453 Vehicle and equipment 2,267,916 2,267,916 Furniture and fixtures 549,860 549,860 Less accumulated depreciation (3,566,580) (3,545,502) Total, net 800,649 821,727 Total properties, plant and equipment, net $ 8,509,794 $ 8,624,700

Reclamation Bond Deposit (Table

Reclamation Bond Deposit (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract]
Schedule of Reclamation Bond Deposits	The reclamation bond deposit at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Lexon surety bond cash collateral $ 2,588,833 $ 2,588,768 Other cash reclamation bond deposits 106,936 106,936 Total reclamation bond deposit $ 2,695,769 $ 2,695,704

Other Assets (Tables)

Other Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Assets	Other assets at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Prepaid Northern Comstock LLC contributions, net $ 476,159 $ — Other long-term receivables and prepaid expenses 151,029 154,950 Long-term deposits 24,354 24,354 Accrued dividends receivable 11,945 — $ 663,487 $ 179,304

Accrued Expenses and Other Li_2

Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities	Accrued expenses and other liabilities at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Accrued Northern Comstock LLC contributions, net 356,050 180,833 Accrued payroll costs 104,609 153,615 Accrued board of directors' fees — 60,000 Accrued vendor liabilities 74,187 136,499 Other accrued expenses 4,178 4,000 Total accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 539,024 $ 534,947

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Lease Balances Recorded in Balance Sheet	We have the following lease balances recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows: Lease Assets and Liabilities Classification March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Operating lease right-of-use asset Other assets $ 50,232 $ 51,294 Operating lease liability - current Accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 3,827 $ 3,650 Operating lease liability - long-term Other liabilities 48,751 49,791 Total operating lease liabilities $ 52,578 $ 53,441
Schedule of Maturities of Lease Liabilities	Maturities of lease liabilities by fiscal year for our operating leases are as follows: Remainder of 2021 $ 7,025 2022 9,650 2023 9,950 2024 10,250 2025 10,550 Thereafter 31,500 Total operating lease payments 78,925 Less: Imputed interest (26,347) Present value of lease liabilities $ 52,578 Remainder of 2021 $ 85,500 2022 114,000 2023 114,000 2024 108,000 2025 110,000 Thereafter 1,686,250 $ 2,217,750
Schedule of Lease Income	Real estate revenue from operating leases on our land and buildings leased to others (Note 6) recorded on the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Daney Ranch $ 27,000 $ — Gold Hill Hotel 6,575 24,000 Lab and office space — 7,500 Land 4,500 4,500 All other residential 10,425 12,425 Total real estate revenue from operating leases $ 48,500 $ 48,425 Maturities of lease payments by fiscal year for operating leases on our land and buildings leased to others are as follows: Remainder of 2021 $ 143,025 2022 180,025 2023 166,325 2024 22,725 Thereafter — Total Minimum Lease Income $ 512,100

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-Term Debt	Long-term debt at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following: Note Description March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Georges Trust Unsecured Promissory Notes - 12% interest, due September 2021 $ — $ 1,389,014 Concorde Trust Unsecured Promissory Note - 12% interest, due 2021 — 683,263 Bean Trust Unsecured Promissory Note - 12% interest, due 2021 — 290,386 GHF Inc Unsecured Promissory Note - 12% interest, due September 2021 — 916,712 Note Payable (Caterpillar Financial Services) - 5.7% interest. — 404,373 Total debt — 3,683,748 Less: debt discounts and issuance costs — (126,043) Total debt, net of discounts and issuance costs — 3,557,705 Less: current maturities — (3,557,705) Long-term debt, net of discounts and issuance costs $ — $ —

Long-Term Reclamation Liabili_2

Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Reconciliation of the Aggregate Reclamation Liability	Following is a reconciliation of the mining retirement liability associated with our reclamation plan for the mining projects as of at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Long-term reclamation liability — beginning of period $ 6,054,919 $ 6,034,208 Reduction of obligation due to extension of time (926,435) — Accretion of reclamation liability 77,522 20,711 Long-term reclamation liability — end of period $ 5,206,006 $ 6,054,919
Schedule of Reconciliation of the Aggregate Retirement Obligation Asset	Following is a reconciliation of the mining retirement obligation asset as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Retirement obligation asset — beginning of year $ 57,963 $ 115,926 Reduction of obligation liability (57,963) Amortization of retirement obligation asset — (57,963) Retirement obligation asset — end of year $ — $ 57,963

Commitment and Contingencies (T

Commitment and Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Schedule of Maturities of Lease Liabilities	Maturities of lease liabilities by fiscal year for our operating leases are as follows: Remainder of 2021 $ 7,025 2022 9,650 2023 9,950 2024 10,250 2025 10,550 Thereafter 31,500 Total operating lease payments 78,925 Less: Imputed interest (26,347) Present value of lease liabilities $ 52,578 Remainder of 2021 $ 85,500 2022 114,000 2023 114,000 2024 108,000 2025 110,000 Thereafter 1,686,250 $ 2,217,750

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock by Class	Gross proceeds from, including the fair value of non-cash issuance of common stock, and fees related to the issuance of shares of tour common stock pursuant to registered equity issuance agreements for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020: 2021 2020 Number of shares sold 4,423,842 638,511 Gross proceeds $ 18,020,000 $ 242,621 Common stock issuance costs (1,248,002) (50,070) Net proceeds $ 16,771,998 $ 192,551 Average price per share $ 4.07 $ 0.38

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The following table presents our assets at March 31, 2021 measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2021 Total Quoted Significant Significant Assets: Common shares of Tonogold (Note 2) $ 2,739,137 $ 2,739,137 $ — $ — Tonogold note receivable (Note 2) 7,319,000 — — 7,319,000 LINICO Corporation derivative asset (Note 2) 8,989,999 — 8,989,999 — Common shares of Northern Vertex Mining Corp. (Note 6) 30,629 30,629 — — Total Assets $ 19,078,765 $ 2,769,766 $ 8,989,999 $ 7,319,000 The following table presents our assets and liabilities at December 31, 2020 measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2020 Total Quoted Significant Significant Assets: Common shares of Tonogold (Note 2) $ 3,939,558 $ 3,939,558 $ — $ — Tonogold note receivable (Note 2) 5,498,500 — — 5,498,500 MCU derivative asset (Note 2) 265,127 265,127 — Common shares of Northern Vertex Mining Corp. (Note 6) 40,165 — 40,165 — Total Assets $ 9,743,350 $ 3,939,558 $ 305,292 $ 5,498,500
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	The following tables provide reconciliation between the beginning and ending balance of investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Beginning balance $ 5,498,500 $ 9,080,000 Total income (loss) recognized in earnings Tonogold convertible preferred shares — (285,000) Tonogold contingent forward asset — 1,062,291 Tonogold note receivable (Note 2) 1,008,000 — 1,008,000 777,291 Additions Tonogold contingent forward asset — 1,232,952 Tonogold note receivable (Note 2) 812,500 — 812,500 1,232,952 Ending balance $ 7,319,000 $ 11,090,243

Other Income and Expense (Table

Other Income and Expense (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	Other income (expense) net consisted of the following for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020: Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Change in fair value of contingent forward asset $ — $ 1,062,291 Change in fair value of derivative asset related to Mercury Clean Up, LLC 497,250 — Change in fair value of derivative asset related to LINICO Corporation 6,989,999 — Gain on sale of mining claims — 100,000 Tonogold reimbursement of Pelen acquisition costs — 150,000 Change in fair value of Tonogold preferred shares — (285,000) Change in fair value MCU make whole — (32,670) Realized gain on sale of Tonogold common shares 193,664 — Change in fair value of Tonogold note receivable 745,500 — Tonogold note receivable amendment fee 262,500 — Unrealized loss on investments in securities (900,575) — Other (8,509) 7,494 Total other income (expense) $ 7,779,829 $ 1,002,115

Net Income (Loss) Per Common _2

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of 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 income (loss) per share: Three months ended March 31, 2021 2020 Numerator: Net income (loss) $ 8,188,231 $ (263,212) Denominator: Basic weighted average shares outstanding 37,740,011 27,264,555 Incremental shares 74,641 — Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 37,814,652 27,264,555 Net income (loss) per common share: Basic EPS $ 0.22 $ (0.01) Diluted EPS $ 0.22 $ (0.01)

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Financial Information Relating to Reportable Operating Segments and Reconciliation to Consolidated Totals	Three Months Ended 2021 2020 Revenue Mining $ — $ — Real estate 48,500 48,425 Mineral remediation and recycling — — Total revenue 48,500 48,425 Costs and Expenses Mining 398,430 (1,256,711) Real estate (49,172) (13,595) Mineral remediation and recycling — — Total costs and expenses 349,258 (1,270,306) Operating Income (Loss) Mining 398,430 (1,256,711) Real estate (672) 34,830 Mineral remediation and recycling — — Total loss from operations 397,758 (1,221,881) Other income (expense) (Note 17) 7,790,473 958,669 Net income (loss) $ 8,188,231 $ (263,212) Capital Expenditures Mining $ 40,750 $ — Real estate — — Mineral remediation and recycling — — Total capital expenditures $ 40,750 $ — Depreciation, Amortization, and Depletion Mining $ 70,762 $ 191,318 Real estate 44,144 8,124 Mineral remediation and recycling — — Total depreciation, amortization, and depletion $ 114,906 $ 199,442 As of March 31, As of December 31, 2021 2020 Assets Mining $ 39,416,201 $ 29,754,182 Real estate 12,896,190 10,770,370 Mineral remediation and recycling 17,764,412 2,599,010 Total assets $ 70,076,803 $ 43,123,562

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)investment	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Maximum loss exposure, amount	$ 300,000
SSOF advances receivable (Note 2)	$ 100,000		$ 100,000
Effective income tax rate	0.00%
Initial fair value of a contingent forward asset		$ 1,200,000
Change in fair value of contingent forward asset	$ 0	$ 1,062,291
Accumulated deficit	212,770,837		220,959,068
Cash and cash equivalents	10,294,809		$ 2,431,944
Other net working capital	$ 28,900,000
Number of investments in debt securities | investment	2
Sierra Springs Opportunity Fund, Inc.
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
SSOF advances receivable (Note 2)	$ 3,800,000

Investments and Divestitures -

Investments and Divestitures - Schedule of Non-current Investments (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Apr. 30, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total investments	$ 9,680,480	$ 3,272,597
MCU
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$ 2,011,305	$ 2,010,113
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	25.00%	15.00%
MCU Philippines Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$ 513,107	$ 323,770
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	50.00%
Pelen LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$ 571,068	$ 603,714
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	25.00%	25.00%	25.00%
Sierra Springs Opportunity Fund, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cost method investment, net of impairment	$ 335,000	$ 335,000
Cost method investment, net of impairment, ownership percentage	12.00%	12.10%
LINICO
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$ 6,250,000	$ 0
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	45.50%	0.00%

Investments and Divestitures _2

Investments and Divestitures - Tonogold Resources, Inc. (Details)	Mar. 04, 2021USD ($)	Mar. 03, 2021USD ($)	Mar. 20, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)day$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)dayshares	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)shares	Sep. 08, 2020USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of counterparty agreements | day				3	3
Notes receivable at fair value						$ 7,300,000	$ 5,500,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) | shares				42,455,515	42,455,515		34,980,766
Issuance of common stock				$ 27,916	$ 27,916		$ 22,937
Realized gain on sale of Tonogold common shares					193,664	0
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of CPS					9,536
Initial value of contingent forward						1,232,952
Change in fair value of contingent forward asset					0	1,062,291
Tonogold Resources, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payment of accelerated capital contribution					812,500
Notes receivable at fair value				$ 7,300,000	$ 7,300,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) | shares				11,400,000	11,400,000		13,100,000
Issuance of common stock				$ 2,700,000	$ 2,700,000		$ 3,900,000
Initial value of contingent forward			$ 1,200,000
Change in fair value of contingent forward asset						1,100,000
Contingent forward asset - fair value on settlement date								$ 2,000,000
Expense reimbursement and lease income					1,200,000	$ 700,000
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Comstock Mining LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Membership interest			50.00%
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Convertible Debt
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Principal amount			$ 5,475,000	$ 5,550,000	$ 5,550,000			$ 4,475,000
Change of control redemption price, percent				125.00%	125.00%
Default, redemption price, percent				118.00%	118.00%
Note receivable, prepayment amount to trigger higher convertible preferred share conversion price					$ 1,550,000
CPS, conversion price as percent of 20-day volume weighted closing price of common stock					85.00%
Interest rate								12.00%
Income recognized on change in fair value					$ 700,000
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Common Stock
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of shares sold (in shares) | shares					1,718,789
Net proceeds from common stock					$ 502,951
Realized gain on sale of Tonogold common shares					193,664
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of CPS					(900,000)
Change in fair value of contingent forward asset					891,039
Northern Comstock LLC | Affiliated entity
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payment of accelerated capital contribution	$ 812,500	$ 812,500			$ 812,500
Note receivable, additional principal				$ 812,500
Note receivable, accommodation fee				$ 262,500
CPS, conversion price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 0.25
CPS, conversion price in event of note prepayment (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 0.35

Investments and Divestitures _3

Investments and Divestitures - Mercury Cleanup LLC Pilot and Joint Venture Agreements (Details)	Mar. 05, 2021USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2021USD ($)shares	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)shares	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)shares	Dec. 04, 2020USD ($)shares	May 31, 2020shares
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Notes receivable at fair value				$ 7,300,000	$ 5,500,000
Mercury Clean Up LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Joint venture, common stock issued (in shares) | shares					900,000	625,000	650,000
Issuable common stock value					$ 850,000
Joint venture, common stock sold (in shares) | shares		625,000	625,000
Net proceeds from common stock		$ 1,147,185
Joint venture, excess capital contribution		$ 762,377	$ 762,377
Gain (loss) on fair value of derivative asset			$ 497,250	$ (32,670)
MCU Philippines Inc
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Notes receivable at fair value						$ 855,866
Notes receivable, face amount	$ 2,000,000					1,180,000
Notes receivable, implied interest						$ 324,134
Note receivable, additional principal	820,000
Note receivable, implied interest	$ 189,338
Percent interest in joint venture	25.00%				15.00%
Investment in affiliates, subsidiaries and joint ventures	$ 513,107
Note receivable balance	$ 1,511,870				$ 860,940
MCU Philippines Inc | Discount Rate
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Measurement input	0.071

Investments and Divestitures _4

Investments and Divestitures - Sierra Springs Opportunity Fund Inc. Investment (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]
Variable interest entity shares authorized	75,000,000
SSOF advances receivable (Note 2)	$ 100,000	$ 100,000
The Company
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]
Variable interest entity, deposit toward unissued shares		335,000
SSOF
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]
Variable interest entity, ownership percentage	16.40%
Variable interest entity, deposit toward unissued shares		$ 525,000
SSOF | Chief Executive Officer
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]
Variable interest entity, ownership percentage	16.20%
Sierra Springs Opportunity Fund, Inc.
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]
Deposits for investment			$ 335,000
Variable interest entity, ownership percentage	9.00%	12.00%
Variable interest entity, deposit toward unissued shares		$ 12,000,000
SSOF advances receivable (Note 2)	$ 3,800,000
Advance to affiliate	2,150,000
Sierra Springs Opportunity Fund, Inc. | Non-current Investment
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]
Deposits for investment	$ 335,000

Investments and Divestitures _5

Investments and Divestitures - LINICO Lease Agreement and Additional Lease Deposit (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 15, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Nov. 01, 2022	Oct. 15, 2021	Feb. 16, 2021
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]
Closing stock price (in dollars per share)		$ 4.58	$ 4.58				$ 2.25
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of stock			$ 9,536
LINICO
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	45.45%
Warrants, right to purchase (in shares)	2,500
Warrants, exercise amount	$ 2,500,000
Maximum differential amount applied to exercise of warrants	2,500,000
Purchase on or before October 1, 2022
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]
Property, plant and Equipment, purchase price option, amount	14,250,000
Purchase after October 1, 2022
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]
Property, plant and Equipment, purchase price option, amount	$ 15,250,000
Exercised on or before February 15, 2022
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]
Warrants conversion prince (in dollars per share)	$ 1.25
Exercised after February 15, 2022
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]
Warrants conversion prince (in dollars per share)	$ 2
LINICO
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]
Common shares issued on conversion (in shares)	3,000,000						3,000,000
Equity method investments	$ 6,250,000						$ 6,250,000
Derivative asset	$ 500,000
Preferred shares, conversion price (in dollars per share)	$ 1.25
Cash consideration		$ 1,500,000
Share issuance limit (percent)	19.90%
Minimum cash proceeds from non-operating income that trigger return of cash from LINICO	$ 6,250,000
Maximum cash proceeds from non-operating income that trigger capital contribution	10,750,000
Differential amount applied to exercise of warrants	4,500,000
Additional lease deposit	2,000,000
Derivative asset, cash commitment payments		1,500,000	1,500,000
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of stock			6,989,999
LINICO | Derivative Assets Related to Investments
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]
Derivative asset, fair value of stock in excess of minimum proceeds on sale		7,489,999	7,489,999
Derivative asset, cash commitment payments		$ 1,500,000	$ 1,500,000
LINICO | Forecast
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]
Cash consideration				$ 4,500,000
Lease deposit					$ 2,000,000	$ 1,250,000
LINICO | Restricted Stock
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]
Equity Issued in Business Combination, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 6,750,000
LINICO | Series A Preferred Stock
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]
Convertible preferred stock, initial purchase (in shares)	6,250
Convertible preferred stock dividend (percent)	8.00%

Receivables, Loans, Notes Rec_2

Receivables, Loans, Notes Receivable, and Others (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
SSOF advances receivable (Note 2)	$ 100,000	$ 100,000
Total notes receivable and advances, net - current portion	11,119,000	7,148,500
Total notes receivable and advances, net	12,630,870	8,009,440
Tonogold Resources, Inc.
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Tonogold note receivable, face value	5,550,000	4,475,000
Fair value adjustments	1,769,000	1,023,500
Tonogold note receivable, fair value (Notes 2 and 15)	7,319,000	5,498,500
Silver springs
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
SSOF advances receivable (Note 2)		1,650,000
MCU
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
MCU-P note receivable, face value	2,000,000	1,180,000
Unamortized discount for implied interest	(488,130)	(319,060)
MCU-P note receivable (Note 2) - non-current	$ 1,511,870	$ 860,940

Assets Held for Sale - Narrativ

Assets Held for Sale - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)	Sep. 26, 2019USD ($)aproperty
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total assets held for sale	$ 6,328,338		$ 6,328,338
Deposits (Note 4)	419,266		419,266
Deposit Toward Sale of Silver Springs Properties
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Deposits (Note 4)	400,000		400,000
Silver springs
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Number of properties sold | property				2
Proceeds from assets held for sale	100,000	$ 300,000
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total assets held for sale	$ 6,328,338		$ 6,328,338
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Downtown Silver Springs, LLC Equity Purchase Agreement | Silver springs
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total assets held for sale				$ 3,600,000
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Industrial, land and senior water rights | Silver springs
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Area of land | a				98
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | 98 Acres | Downtown Silver Springs, LLC Equity Purchase Agreement | Silver springs
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total assets held for sale				$ 6,500,000
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Commercial land | Silver springs
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Area of land | a				160

Assets Held for Sale - Schedule

Assets Held for Sale - Schedule of Assets Held for Sale (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Total assets held for sale	$ 6,328,338	$ 6,328,338
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Total assets held for sale	6,328,338	6,328,338
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | DTSS (Land)
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Total assets held for sale	3,589,876	3,589,876
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

Prepaid Expenses and Other Cu_3

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets - Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Land and property deposits	$ 10,100	$ 12,600
Surety bond and insurance	165,244	139,527
Stock sales proceeds receivable	200,000	200,000
Pelen option	100,000	100,000
Other	399,753	228,951
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ 875,097	$ 681,078

Prepaid Expenses and Other Cu_4

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 23, 2020	Dec. 16, 2020	Sep. 01, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock						$ 18,020,000	$ 242,621
Stock sales proceeds receivable	$ 200,000	$ 200,000				200,000
Pelen LLC
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Membership interest					75.00%
Wingfield Tono LP
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Number of shares sold (in shares)			3,333,333	15,666,667
Sale of stock, price per share (in dollars per share)				$ 0.33
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock	900,000	900,000	$ 1,100,000
Stock sales proceeds receivable	$ 200,000	$ 200,000				$ 200,000
Pelen LLC
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Option fee					$ 100,000
Option term					1 year
Purchase price					$ 3,750,000

Mineral Rights and Properties_3

Mineral Rights and Properties and Properties, Plant and Equipment, Net - Summary (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Mineral Properties [Line Items]
Mineral rights and properties, net	$ 6,638,394	$ 6,597,644
Dayton resource area
Mineral Properties [Line Items]
Mineral rights and properties, net	2,971,838	2,971,838
Spring Valley area
Mineral Properties [Line Items]
Mineral rights and properties, net	1,630,332	1,630,332
Oest area
Mineral Properties [Line Items]
Mineral rights and properties, net	307,522	307,522
Occidental area
Mineral Properties [Line Items]
Mineral rights and properties, net	1,002,172	1,002,172
Northern extension
Mineral Properties [Line Items]
Mineral rights and properties, net	157,205	157,205
Northern targets
Mineral Properties [Line Items]
Mineral rights and properties, net	161,920	121,170
Other mineral properties
Mineral Properties [Line Items]
Mineral rights and properties, net	317,405	317,405
Water rights
Mineral Properties [Line Items]
Mineral rights and properties, net	$ 90,000	$ 90,000

Mineral Rights and Properties_4

Mineral Rights and Properties and Properties, Plant and Equipment, Net - Narrative (Details) shares in Thousands	Jan. 17, 2021USD ($)amining_claim	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 17, 2020USD ($)mining_claimshares	Feb. 28, 2021shares	Feb. 25, 2020mining_claim
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Depletion | $		$ 0	$ 0
Total consideration received (in shares) | shares				100
Total consideration value | $				$ 52,000
Total consideration after merger (in shares) | shares					109
Hercules Gold USA LLC
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Purchase price | $				$ 100,000
Total consideration received (in shares) | shares				100
Wild Horses Properties
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of patented mining claims | mining_claim						2
Unpatented mining claims, sold | mining_claim						5
Como Project Claims
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Unpatented mining claims, sold | mining_claim				8
Lauri Nitz Revocable Trust
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Unpatented mining claims, purchased | mining_claim	2
Mining claim acreage | a	34
Payments to acquire mineral rights | $	$ 40,750

Mineral Rights and Properties_5

Mineral Rights and Properties and Properties, Plant and Equipment, Net - Schedule of Properties, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Less accumulated depreciation	$ (1,237,075)		$ (1,196,426)
Total, net	2,091,986		2,132,635
Less accumulated depreciation	(21,996,836)		(21,943,657)
Total, net	5,617,159		5,670,338
Less accumulated depreciation	(3,566,580)		(3,545,502)
Total, net	800,649		821,727
Total properties, plant and equipment, net	8,509,794		8,624,700
Depreciation expense	100,000	$ 200,000
Daney Ranch
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Land and buildings gross	2,261,263		2,261,263
Gold Hill Hotel
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Land and buildings gross	753,272		753,272
Other real estate
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Land and buildings gross	314,526		314,526
American Flat land and buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment mineral processing, gross	6,500,817		6,500,817
Crushing, processing, and refining plant and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment mineral processing, gross	21,113,178		21,113,178
Comstock corporate campus
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Other property and equipment, gross	1,549,453		1,549,453
Vehicle and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Other property and equipment, gross	2,267,916		2,267,916
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Other property and equipment, gross	$ 549,860		$ 549,860

Reclamation Bond Deposit (Detai

Reclamation Bond Deposit (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Total reclamation bond deposit	$ 2,695,769	$ 2,695,704
Lexon surety bond cash collateral
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Bond fee (percent)	2.00%
Total reclamation bond deposit	$ 2,588,833	2,588,768
Earned interest	88,833	$ 88,768
Other | Lexon surety bond cash collateral
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Long-term reclamation liability	6,800,000
Other | Reclamation surety bond with Storey County
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Long-term reclamation liability	$ 500,000

Reclamation Bond Deposit - Sche

Reclamation Bond Deposit - Schedule of Reclamation Bond Deposit (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Total reclamation bond deposit	$ 2,695,769	$ 2,695,704
Lexon surety bond cash collateral
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Total reclamation bond deposit	2,588,833	2,588,768
Other cash reclamation bond deposits
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Total reclamation bond deposit	$ 106,936	$ 106,936

Other Assets - Schedule of Othe

Other Assets - Schedule of Other Assets (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Prepaid Northern Comstock LLC contributions, net	$ 476,159	$ 0
Other long-term receivables and prepaid expenses	151,029	154,950
Long-term deposits	24,354	24,354
Accrued dividends receivable	11,945	0
Other assets	$ 663,487	$ 179,304

Other Assets - Narrative (Detai

Other Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 04, 2021	Mar. 03, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accrued Northern Comstock LLC contributions, net			$ 356,050	$ 180,833
Affiliated entity | Northern Comstock LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Monthly cash capital contributions			30,000
Annual capital contributions for related party leases			482,500
Payment of accelerated capital contribution	$ 812,500	$ 812,500	$ 812,500
Non-operations cash proceeds, net, threshold for accelerated payment	$ 6,250,000

Accrued Expenses and Other Li_3

Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities - Schedule of Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Northern Comstock LLC contributions, net	$ 356,050	$ 180,833
Accrued payroll costs	104,609	153,615
Accrued board of directors' fees	0	60,000
Accrued vendor liabilities	74,187	136,499
Other accrued expenses	4,178	4,000
Total accrued expenses and other liabilities	$ 539,024	$ 534,947

Leases - Narrative (Details)

Leases - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Monthly rent expense	$ 750
Automatic annual increase in monthly rent expense	25
Operating lease expense	$ 2,524	$ 1,684
Remaining lease term	7 years 6 months

Leases - Lease Balances Recorde

Leases - Lease Balances Recorded in Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease right-of-use asset	$ 50,232	$ 51,294
Operating lease liability - current	3,827	3,650
Operating lease liability - long-term	48,751	49,791
Total operating lease liabilities	$ 52,578	$ 53,441
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:OtherAssets	us-gaap:OtherAssets
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent	us-gaap:AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Other liabilities (Notes 9 and 10)	Other liabilities (Notes 9 and 10)

Leases - Maturities of Lease Li

Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]
Remainder of 2021	$ 7,025
2022	9,650
2023	9,950
2024	10,250
2025	10,550
Thereafter	31,500
Total operating lease payments	78,925
Less: Imputed interest	(26,347)
Present value of lease liabilities	$ 52,578	$ 53,441

Leases - Lease Income (Details)

Leases - Lease Income (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Total real estate revenue from operating leases	$ 48,500	$ 48,425
Daney Ranch
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Total real estate revenue from operating leases	27,000	0
Gold Hill Hotel
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Total real estate revenue from operating leases	6,575	24,000
Lab and office space
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Total real estate revenue from operating leases	0	7,500
Land
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Total real estate revenue from operating leases	4,500	4,500
All other residential
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Total real estate revenue from operating leases	$ 10,425	$ 12,425

Leases - Schedule of Maturity o

Leases - Schedule of Maturity of Minimum Lease Income (Details)	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Remainder of 2021	$ 143,025
2022	180,025
2023	166,325
2024	22,725
Thereafter	0
Total Minimum Lease Income	$ 512,100

Leases - New Lease (Details)

Leases - New Lease (Details) - Gold Hill Hotel - Subsequent Event	Apr. 01, 2021USD ($)renewalOption
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Proceeds from collection of previously deferred rent	$ 19,500
Monthly rent, first year	4,525
Monthly rent, second year	6,050
Monthly rent, third year	$ 7,575
Lease term	3 years
Number of renewal options | renewalOption	2
Lease renewal term	5 years
Monthly rent during renewal term	$ 8,000

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Lo

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 0	$ 3,683,748
Less: debt discounts and issuance costs	0	(126,043)
Total debt, net of discounts and issuance costs		3,557,705
Less: current maturities	0	(3,557,705)
Long-term debt, net of discounts and issuance costs	0	0
Note Payable (Caterpillar Financial Services) - 5.7% interest.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 0	404,373
Interest rate	5.70%
Unsecured Debt | Georges Trust Unsecured Promissory Notes - 12% interest, due September 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 0	1,389,014
Interest rate	12.00%
Unsecured Debt | Concorde Trust Unsecured Promissory Note - 12% interest, due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 0	683,263
Interest rate	12.00%
Unsecured Debt | Bean Trust Unsecured Promissory Note - 12% interest, due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 0	290,386
Interest rate	12.00%
Unsecured Debt | GHF Inc Unsecured Promissory Note - 12% interest, due September 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 0	$ 916,712
Interest rate	12.00%

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Det

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 04, 2021	Aug. 11, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Discount on issuance of debt			$ 71,289
Interest payments			$ 139,213
Promissory Notes Retired | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal payment, debt amount	$ 3,100,000
Discount on issuance of debt	100,000
Senior Secured Debenture - GF Comstock 2 LP
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt		$ 51,000
Senior Secured Debenture - GF Comstock 2 LP | Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal payment, debt amount		4,000,000
Interest payments				$ 200,000
Remaining balance of make whole obligation		$ 200,000
Interest expense reimbursed				$ 100,000
Caterpillar Equipment Facility and Capital Lease
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of long-term debt	$ 296,171

Long-Term Reclamation Liabili_3

Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset - Additional Information (Details)	Jan. 01, 2021USD ($)layer	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Long-term reclamation liability		$ 5,206,006		$ 6,054,919	$ 6,034,208
Regulatory liability reclamation period	5 years
Reduction of obligation due to extension of time	$ 926,435	926,435		0
Reclamation liability calculation, weighted average, credit-adjusted, risk-free rate (percent)	6.02%
Reclamation liability calculation, number of layers of asset retirement obligations | layer	8
Reclamation liability calculation, inflation rate (percent)	1.78%
Reclamation liabiity calculation rate, period of inflation rate	5 years
Retirement obligation asset	$ 57,964	0		57,963	$ 115,926
Accretion of reclamation liability		77,522	$ 5,178	20,711
Amortization of retirement obligation asset		$ 0	$ 14,491	$ 57,963
Other Income
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Downward adjustment in retirement asset obligation	$ 868,471

Long-Term Reclamation Liabili_4

Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset - Reconciliation of Aggregate Retirement Liability (Details) - USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Mine Reclamation and Closing Liability [Roll Forward]
Long-term reclamation liability — beginning of period	$ 6,054,919	$ 6,054,919	$ 6,034,208	$ 6,034,208
Reduction of obligation due to extension of time	$ (926,435)	(926,435)		0
Accretion of reclamation liability		77,522	$ 5,178	20,711
Long-term reclamation liability — end of period		$ 5,206,006		$ 6,054,919

Long-Term Reclamation Liabili_5

Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset - Reconciliation of Aggregate Retirement Asset (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]
Retirement obligation asset — beginning of year	$ 57,963	$ 115,926	$ 115,926
Reduction of obligation liability	(57,963)
Amortization of retirement obligation asset	0	$ (14,491)	(57,963)
Retirement obligation asset — end of year	$ 0		$ 57,963

Commitment and Contingencies -

Commitment and Contingencies - Minimum Annual Lease Payments (Details)	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Remainder of 2021	$ 7,025
2022	9,650
2023	9,950
2024	10,250
2025	10,550
Thereafter	31,500
Total operating lease payments	78,925
Third Party
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Remainder of 2021	85,500
2022	114,000
2023	114,000
2024	108,000
2025	110,000
Thereafter	1,686,250
Total operating lease payments	$ 2,217,750

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative (Details)	Feb. 27, 2020plaintiff	Jan. 31, 2014plaintiff	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Operating lease expense			$ 37,211	$ 26,150
Reimbursement of lease costs			$ 25,150	$ 12,850
Percentage of royalty obligations, majority are less than			3.00%
Comstock Residents Association
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of plaintiffs | plaintiff		2
OSHA Complaint
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of plaintiffs | plaintiff	3
Accrued severance			$ 84,166		$ 84,166
Minimum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Percentage of royalty obligations			0.50%
Maximum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Percentage of royalty obligations			5.00%

Equity - Equity Issuance Agreem

Equity - Equity Issuance Agreements (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 04, 2021	Feb. 08, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Feb. 28, 2021
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Payments of issuance fees			$ 997,999	$ 50,070
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock			18,020,000	$ 242,621
Equity Purchase Agreements
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares sold (in shares)	4,000,000
Sale of stock, price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 4
Payments of issuance fees	$ 960,000
Issuance fee as percent of gross offering proceeds	6.00%
Payment of other fees and expenses	$ 30,000
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock	$ 15,010,000
Leviston Resources LLC | 2021 Sales Agreement
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock			$ 2,020,000
Aggregate offering price					$ 5,000,000
Equity purchase agreement, period in force		24 months
Common stock issued for fees, value					$ 250,003
Number of shares sold (in shares)			423,842
Average price per share (in dollars per share)			$ 4.77
Common stock, shares issued as commitment fee (in shares)			50,907
Remaining capacity			$ 2,980,000

Equity - Reconciliation of Tran

Equity - Reconciliation of Transactions Under ATM Agreement (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Net proceeds	$ 18,020,000	$ 242,621
ATM Agreement
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares sold (in shares)	4,423,842	638,511
Gross proceeds	$ 18,020,000	$ 242,621
Common stock issuance costs	(1,248,002)	(50,070)
Net proceeds	$ 16,771,998	$ 192,551
Average price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 4.07	$ 0.38

Fair Value Measurements - Sched

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Feb. 16, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020
Assets:
Equity securities	$ 2,769,766		$ 3,979,723
Notes receivable at fair value			5,500,000	$ 7,300,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets:
Derivative asset	0		265,127
Total Assets	19,078,765		9,743,350
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Assets:
Total Assets	2,769,766		3,939,558
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Assets:
Total Assets	8,989,999		305,292
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Total Assets	7,319,000		5,498,500
Tonogold Resources, Inc.
Assets:
Notes receivable at fair value	7,300,000
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets:
Notes receivable at fair value	7,319,000		5,498,500
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Common Stock
Assets:
Equity securities	2,739,137		3,939,558
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Assets:
Notes receivable at fair value	0		0
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Common Stock
Assets:
Equity securities	2,739,137		3,939,558
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Assets:
Notes receivable at fair value	0		0
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Common Stock
Assets:
Equity securities	0		0
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Notes receivable at fair value	7,319,000		5,498,500
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Common Stock
Assets:
Equity securities	0		0
LINICO
Assets:
Derivative asset	9,000,000	$ 500,000
LINICO | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets:
Derivative asset	8,989,999
LINICO | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Assets:
Derivative asset	0
LINICO | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Assets:
Derivative asset	8,989,999
LINICO | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Derivative asset	0
MCU | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets:
Derivative asset			265,127
MCU | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Assets:
Derivative asset
MCU | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Assets:
Derivative asset			265,127
MCU | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Derivative asset			0
Northern Vertex Mining Corp. | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Common Stock
Assets:
Equity securities	30,629		40,165
Northern Vertex Mining Corp. | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Common Stock
Assets:
Equity securities	30,629		0
Northern Vertex Mining Corp. | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Common Stock
Assets:
Equity securities	0		40,165
Northern Vertex Mining Corp. | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Common Stock
Assets:
Equity securities	$ 0		$ 0

Fair Value Measurements - Sch_2

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Total income (loss) recognized in earnings	$ 1,008,000	$ 777,291
Additions	812,500	1,232,952
Equity Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	5,498,500	9,080,000
Total income (loss) recognized in earnings	0	(285,000)
Ending balance	7,319,000	11,090,243
Tonogold contingent forward asset
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Total income (loss) recognized in earnings	0	1,062,291
Additions	0	1,232,952
Tonogold note receivable (Note 2)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Total income (loss) recognized in earnings	1,008,000	0
Additions	$ 812,500	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements - Narra

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 04, 2020USD ($)shares	Mar. 20, 2020USD ($)$ / shares	Feb. 28, 2021USD ($)shares	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)$ / sharesdayshares	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Feb. 16, 2021USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Feb. 15, 2021USD ($)shares	Sep. 17, 2020shares	Sep. 08, 2020USD ($)	May 31, 2020shares	Apr. 30, 2020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Realized gain on sale of Tonogold Resources, Inc. common shares					$ (900,575)	$ (285,000)
Issuance of convertible preferred stock	$ 0				$ 0		$ 0
Closing stock price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares					$ 4.58			$ 2.25
Change in fair value of contingent forward asset					$ 0	1,062,291
Notes receivable at fair value	5,500,000					7,300,000	5,500,000
Change in fair value of Tonogold note receivable					745,500	0
Amendment fee					262,500	$ 0
Equity method, fully diluted equity ownership		15.00%
Lease income					497,250
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of stock					9,536
Total consideration received (in shares) | shares										100,000
Long-term debt at fair value					0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset	265,127				0		265,127
Pelen LLC
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Stock based investment	$ 603,714				$ 571,068		$ 603,714
Ownership interest percentage	25.00%				25.00%		25.00%						25.00%
Convertible Debt | Tonogold Resources, Inc.
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Principal amount			$ 5,475,000
Private Placement Conversion Price | Convertible Preferred Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Measurement input | $ / shares						0.18
Tonogold Resources, Inc.
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Issuance of convertible preferred stock					$ 0
Change in fair value of contingent forward asset						$ 1,100,000
Notes receivable at fair value					7,300,000
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes receivable at fair value	$ 5,498,500				7,319,000		$ 5,498,500
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Convertible Debt
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Principal amount			$ 5,475,000		5,550,000						$ 4,475,000
Interest rate											12.00%
Income recognized on change in fair value					700,000
Amendment fee					$ 300,000
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Convertible Debt | Change Of Control, Redemption Right
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Redemption price percentage			125.00%
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Convertible Debt | Default Redemption Right
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Redemption price percentage			118.00%
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Convertible Preferred Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Issuance of convertible preferred stock	$ 0						$ 0
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of stock						$ 300,000
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Common Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Closing stock price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.30				$ 0.24		$ 0.30
Change in fair value of contingent forward asset					$ 891,039
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of stock					$ (900,000)
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Common Share Price
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Measurement input | $ / shares	0.30		0.22		0.24		0.30
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Common Share Price | Convertible Preferred Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Measurement input | $ / shares						0.35
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Volatility
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Measurement input	0.89		0.960		0.68		0.89
Change in fair value of Tonogold note receivable					$ 1,000,000
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Volatility | Convertible Preferred Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Measurement input						1.01
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Risk-Free Rate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Measurement input	0.0009		0.0026		0.0007		0.0009
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Risk-Free Rate | Convertible Preferred Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Measurement input						0.0016
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Cost of Debt
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Measurement input	0.0762		0.1823		0.0692		0.0762
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Cost of Debt | Convertible Preferred Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Measurement input						0.1831
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Private Placement Conversion Price
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Measurement input	0.30		0.300		0.30		0.30
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Redemption Probability Rate | Convertible Preferred Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Measurement input						0.50
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Discount Rate | Convertible Preferred Stock | Minimum
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Measurement input						0.05
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Discount Rate | Convertible Preferred Stock | Maximum
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Measurement input						0.15
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Probability of Prepayment
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Measurement input	0.05		0		0.10		0.05
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Probability of Change in Control
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Measurement input	0.05		0.05				0.05
Tonogold Resources, Inc. | Probability of Default
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Measurement input	0.27		0.32		0.28		0.27
Mercury Clean Up LLC
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Capital contribution, total		$ 2,000,000			$ 2,000,000
Joint venture, common stock issued (in shares) | shares	900,000	625,000					900,000					650,000
Joint venture, common stock sold (in shares) | shares				625,000	625,000
Joint venture, excess capital contribution				$ 762,377	$ 762,377
Joint venture, proceeds from return of excess capital contribution				$ 762,377
MCU
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Closing stock price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.04					$ 0.41	$ 1.04
Joint venture, common stock issued (in shares) | shares		625,000
Change in fair value of accrued make-whole payment						$ 32,670
MCU | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset	$ 265,127						$ 265,127
LINICO
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset					9,000,000			$ 500,000
Common shares issued on conversion (in shares) | shares								3,000,000	3,000,000
Stock based investment								$ 6,250,000	$ 6,250,000
Derivative asset, cash commitment payments					1,500,000
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of stock					6,989,999
LINICO | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset					$ 8,989,999
Eclipse
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Closing stock price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.43						$ 0.43
Total consideration received (in shares) | shares	100,000						100,000
Common stock, discount on shares	$ 3,010						$ 3,010
Eclipse | Volatility
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Measurement input | $ / shares	0.740						0.740
Eclipse | Risk-Free Rate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Measurement input | $ / shares	0.0008						0.0008
Eclipse | Expected Term
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities holding period	2 months 1 day
Northern Vertex Mining Corp.
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Closing stock price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares					$ 0.28
Total consideration received (in shares) | shares				109,000
Pelen LLC
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Number of Consecutive Trading Days | day					5
Payment to Pellen							$ 150,000
Change in fair value of accrued make-whole payment						$ 3,106

Compensation Related Costs, Sha

Compensation Related Costs, Share Based Payments (Details)	Dec. 30, 2020USD ($)$ / shares	May 28, 2020$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Jan. 31, 2021iteration$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2020trancheshares	May 31, 2020$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)shares	Feb. 16, 2021$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2011shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Closing stock price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 4.58				$ 4.58		$ 2.25
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonemployee | Vesting Period One
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vested (in shares)					180,000
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonemployee | Vesting Period Two
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vested (in shares)					180,000
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonemployee | Vesting Period Three
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vested (in shares)					180,000
2020 Equity Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares of common stock that may be delivered (in shares)					1,800,000			1,800,000
2020 Equity Incentive Plan | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonemployee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Director restricted stock grants (in shares)					540,000
Number of vesting tranches | tranche					3
Fair value of common shares issued (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.06
Compensation cost | $	$ 572,400
Award vesting period	3 years
2020 Equity Incentive Plan | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonemployee | General and Administrative Expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost | $							$ 47,700
2020 Equity Incentive Plan | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Employee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of awards granted (in shares)				1,055,000
2020 Equity Incentive Plan | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Employee | Achievement of Performance Objectives
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period				3 years 2 months 12 days
Award target period				3 years
Vesting percentage				50.00%
Closing stock price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 1.10
Expected volatility rate				77.00%
Risk free interest rate				0.36%
Number of iterations | iteration				100,000
Indicated fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 0.41
2020 Equity Incentive Plan | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Employee | Achievement of Performance Objectives | Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost | $							$ 49,310
2020 Equity Incentive Plan | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Employee | Achievement of Targeted Growth
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award target period				5 years
Vesting percentage				50.00%
2011 Equity Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares of common stock that may be delivered (in shares)										1,200,000
Remaining shares available for grant under the plan (in shares)			26,290				26,290
2011 Equity Incentive Plan | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonemployee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of common shares issued (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 0.56
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)		315,000
2011 Equity Incentive Plan | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Employee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost | $								$ 27,849
Closing stock price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 0.56
Expected volatility rate						92.91%
Risk free interest rate						0.17%
Options granted in period (in shares)						138,800
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 0.56
Expected term						1 year
Exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 0.20
Options repurchased and cancelled in the period (in shares)			48,650
Cash paid for repurchased and cancelled in period | $			$ 194,581
Options outstanding (in shares)			90,150				90,150
Intrinsic value | $			$ 358,797				$ 358,797
2011 Equity Compensation Plan, Past Services | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonemployee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)						135,000
2011 Equity Compensation Plan, Current Services | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonemployee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)						180,000

Other Income and Expense (Detai

Other Income and Expense (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Other Non Operating, Income And Expense [Line Items]
Change in fair value of contingent forward asset	$ 0	$ 1,062,291
Gain on sale of mining claims	0	100,000
Tonogold reimbursement of Pelen acquisition costs	0	150,000
Realized gain on sale of Tonogold common shares	193,664	0
Change in fair value of Tonogold note receivable	745,500	0
Tonogold note receivable amendment fee	262,500	0
Unrealized loss on investments in securities	(900,575)	(285,000)
Other	(8,509)	7,494
Other income (Note 17)	7,779,829	1,002,115
MCU
Other Non Operating, Income And Expense [Line Items]
Change in fair value of derivative asset related to Mercury Clean Up, LLC	497,250	0
Change in fair value MCU make whole	0	(32,670)
LINICO
Other Non Operating, Income And Expense [Line Items]
Change in fair value of derivative asset related to Mercury Clean Up, LLC	$ 6,989,999	$ 0

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 0
Income taxes paid	$ 0

Net Income (Loss) Per Common _3

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share - Reconciliation of Net Loss Per Share (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$ 8,188,231	$ (263,212)
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	37,740,011	27,264,555
Incremental shares (in shares)	74,641	0
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	37,814,652	27,264,555
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic EPS (in dollars per share)	$ 0.22	$ (0.01)
Diluted EPS (in dollars per share)	$ 0.22	$ (0.01)

Segment Reporting - Schedule of

Segment Reporting - Schedule of Reportable Operating Segments (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)segment	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments | segment	3
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 48,500	$ 48,425
Costs and Expenses	349,258	(1,270,306)
Operating Income (Loss)	397,758	(1,221,881)
Other income (expense) (Note 17)	7,790,473	958,669
Net income (loss)	8,188,231	(263,212)
Capital Expenditures	40,750	0
Depreciation, Amortization, and Depletion	114,906	199,442
Assets	70,076,803		$ 43,123,562
Mining
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0
Costs and Expenses	398,430	(1,256,711)
Operating Income (Loss)	398,430	(1,256,711)
Capital Expenditures	40,750	0
Depreciation, Amortization, and Depletion	70,762	191,318
Assets	39,416,201		29,754,182
Real estate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	48,500	48,425
Costs and Expenses	(49,172)	(13,595)
Operating Income (Loss)	(672)	34,830
Capital Expenditures	0	0
Depreciation, Amortization, and Depletion	44,144	8,124
Assets	12,896,190		10,770,370
Metal Remediation and Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0
Costs and Expenses	0	0
Capital Expenditures	0	0
Depreciation, Amortization, and Depletion	0	$ 0
Assets	$ 17,764,412		$ 2,599,010

Related Party Disclosures (Deta

Related Party Disclosures (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 04, 2021	Mar. 03, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Proceeds from equity purchase agreements	$ 15,010,000
Affiliated entity | Northern Comstock LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cash payments under joint venture agreement			$ 902,500	$ 90,000
Payment of accelerated capital contribution	$ 812,500	$ 812,500	812,500
Reimbursed capital contribution payments			$ 902,500	$ 90,000

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - Subsequent Event - USD ($)	Apr. 13, 2021	Apr. 01, 2021
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Shares returned to eliminate receivable (shares)	606,601
Decrease in consideration receivable under securities purchase agreement	$ 200,000
Plain Sight Innovations LLC
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Note receivable, face value		$ 750,000
Stated interest rate (percent)		12.00%