Ireland (IRLD) 10-Q 13 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 06, 2013
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Trading Symbol	'irld	'
Entity Registrant Name	'IRELAND INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001166338	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	146,359,542
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets	'	'
Cash	$1,671,070	$5,636,638
Other receivables	7,552	10,523
Prepaid expenses	432,798	335,485
Total current assets	2,111,420	5,982,646
Property and equipment, net	2,428,122	2,963,625
Mineral properties	32,128,133	32,128,133
Restricted investments held for reclamation bonds	1,187,030	1,186,681
Reclamation bonds	39,719	40,000
Deposits	12,462	2,200
Total non-current assets	35,795,466	36,320,639
Total assets	37,906,886	42,303,285
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	45,233	97,568
Accounts payable - related party	23,353	48,651
Accrued payroll and related taxes	64,667	67,166
Due to related party	23,290	23,290
Total current liabilities	156,543	236,675
Long-term liabilities	'	'
Asset retirement obligation	672,338	672,338
Deferred income taxes	0	616,695
Total long-term liabilities	672,338	1,289,033
Total liabilities	828,881	1,525,708
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
Stockholders' equity	'	'
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 400,000,000 shares authorized, 146,359,542 and 146,059,542 shares, respectively, issued and outstanding	146,358	146,058
Additional paid-in capital	63,971,905	63,269,641
Accumulated other comprehensive income	20,177	20,356
Accumulated deficit during exploration stage	-27,060,435	-22,658,478
Total stockholders' equity	37,078,005	40,777,577
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$37,906,886	$42,303,285

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Common Stock, Par Value Per Share	$0.00	$0.00
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	146,359,542	146,059,542
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	146,359,542	146,059,542

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		151 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenue	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'
Mineral exploration and evaluation expenses - related party	115,732	134,618	338,494	417,455	'
Depreciation	233,753	231,331	700,780	668,703	3,042,994
Loss on asset disposal	450	0	450	0	12,615
Write-off of mineral rights	0	0	0	0	14,000
Total operating expenses	1,631,539	1,843,702	5,040,899	4,720,305	37,725,469
Loss from operations	-1,631,539	-1,843,702	-5,040,899	-4,720,305	-37,725,469
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'	'
Interest income	6,313	6,740	21,832	20,143	400,780
Rental income	2,819	0	2,819	0	2,819
Interest expense	-126	-329	-2,308	-992	-10,624
Total other income (expense)	9,006	6,411	22,343	19,151	392,975
Loss before income taxes	-1,622,533	-1,837,291	-5,018,556	-4,701,154	-37,332,494
Income tax benefit	2,451	645,983	616,599	1,630,414	10,272,059
Net loss	-1,620,082	-1,191,308	-4,401,957	-3,070,740	-27,060,435
Loss per common share - basic and diluted	($0.01)	($0.01)	($0.03)	($0.02)	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted	146,170,412	137,063,740	146,096,905	134,939,612	'
Net loss	-1,620,082	-1,191,308	-4,401,957	-3,070,740	-27,060,435
Other comprehensive loss	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized income (loss) on investments, net of deferred tax	4,550	-515	-179	-2,542	20,177
Total comprehensive loss	-1,615,532	-1,191,823	-4,402,136	-3,073,282	-27,040,258
Related Party [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'
Mineral exploration and evaluation expenses - related party	115,732	134,618	338,494	417,455	3,925,453
General and administrative - related party	20,569	34,875	58,819	55,137	156,238
Mineral and property holding costs - reimbursed to related party	0	0	0	0	295,000
General [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'
Mineral exploration and evaluation expenses - related party	638,948	753,419	2,022,100	1,881,384	16,647,856
General and administrative - related party	598,087	665,459	1,848,256	1,626,126	12,915,813
Mineral and property holding costs - reimbursed to related party	$24,000	$24,000	$72,000	$71,500	$715,500

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended		151 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	'	'	'
Net loss	($4,401,957)	($3,070,740)	($27,060,435)
Adjustments to reconcile loss from operations to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation	700,780	668,703	3,042,994
Loss on asset disposal	450	0	12,615
Write-off of mineral rights	0	0	14,000
Stock-based compensation	603,639	598,097	5,563,848
Stock-based expenses	83,925	0	83,925
Deferred income taxes	-616,599	-1,630,414	-10,272,059
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Other receivables	2,971	-3,547	-7,552
Prepaid expenses and deposits	-97,313	-269,242	-827,871
Reclamation bonds and other deposits	-9,982	0	-20,922
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-80,132	15,840	29,651
Asset retirement obligation	0	50,000	672,338
Net cash used in operating activities	-3,814,218	-3,641,303	-28,769,468
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'	'
Purchase of property and equipment, net of refunds	-165,727	-245,615	-5,112,885
Purchase of mineral claims	0	0	-180,080
Purchase of restricted investments held for reclamation bonds	-623	-393	-1,155,988
Net cash used in investing activities	-166,350	-246,008	-6,448,953
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'	'
Proceeds from stock issuance	15,000	4,822,500	37,881,205
Stock issuance costs	0	-42,266	-1,000,004
Proceeds from borrowings - related party	0	0	8,290
Net cash provided by financing activities	15,000	4,780,234	36,889,491
NET CHANGE IN CASH	-3,965,568	892,923	1,671,070
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	5,636,638	521,660	0
CASH AT END OF PERIOD	1,671,070	1,414,583	1,671,070
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION	'	'	'
Interest paid	2,308	329	10,624
Income taxes paid	0	0	0
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'	'
Assets acquired for common stock and warrants issued for mineral properties	0	0	21,584,351
Net deferred tax liability assumed	$0	$0	$10,261,194

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Deficit During Exploration Stage [Member]	Total
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$127,452	$52,233,054	$25,173	($18,485,711)	$33,899,968
Beginning Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	127,452,641	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	'	598,097	'	'	598,097
Issuance of shares for cash, net	9,710	4,770,524	'	'	4,780,234
Issuance of shares for cash, net (Shares)	9,710,000	'	'	'	'
Unrealized loss (gain) on investments, net of deferred tax	'	'	-2,542	'	-2,542
Net loss	'	'	'	-3,070,740	-3,070,740
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	137,162	57,601,675	22,631	-21,556,451	36,205,017
Ending Balance (Shares) at Sep. 30, 2012	137,162,641	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	146,058	63,269,641	20,356	-22,658,478	40,777,577
Beginning Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	146,059,542	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	'	603,639	'	'	603,639
Stock-based expenses	'	83,925	'	'	83,925
Issuance of shares for cash, net	300	14,700	'	'	15,000
Issuance of shares for cash, net (Shares)	300,000	'	'	'	'
Unrealized loss (gain) on investments, net of deferred tax	'	'	-179	'	-179
Net loss	'	'	'	-4,401,957	-4,401,957
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$146,358	$63,971,905	$20,177	($27,060,435)	$37,078,005
Ending Balance (Shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	146,359,542	'	'	'	'

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_HISTOR

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES [Text Block]	'
	1	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES
		Description of business - Ireland Inc. (the “Company”) is considered an exploration stage company since its formation and the Company has not yet realized any revenues from its planned operations. The Company is primarily focused on the acquisition and exploration of mining properties. Upon identification of commercially minable reserves, the Company expects to actively prepare the site for its extraction and enter the development stage.
		History - The Company was incorporated on February 20, 2001 under the laws of the State of Nevada under the name Merritt Ventures Corp. On December 19, 2005, the Company changed its name to Ireland Inc.
		Basis of presentation - The financial statements present the consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows of the Company. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared without audit in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments and disclosures necessary for the fair presentation of these interim statements have been included. All such adjustments are, in the opinion of management, of a normal recurring nature. The results reported in these interim consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be reported for the entire year. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the SEC on April 15, 2013.
		Going concern - The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern.
		Since its formation, the Company has incurred comprehensive cumulative net losses of $27,040,258 as of September 30, 2013. This amount is comprised of net loss from operations of $27,060,435 and other comprehensive income of $20,177. The Company has not commenced its commercial mining and mineral processing operations; rather, it is still in the exploration stage, raising substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company will seek additional sources of capital through the issuance of debt or equity financing, but there can be no assurance the Company will be successful in accomplishing its objectives.
		The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent on additional sources of capital and the success of the Company’s plan. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.
		Principles of consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Columbus Minerals Inc. (“CMI”) (including its wholly- owned single-member LLC subsidiary Columbus Salt Marsh LLC (“CSM”)) and Rand Metals LLC (“Rand”). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
		Use of estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. By their nature, these estimates are subject to measurement uncertainty and the effect on the financial statements of changes in such estimates in future periods could be significant. Significant areas requiring management’s estimates and assumptions include the valuation of stock-based compensation, impairment analysis of long-lived assets, asset retirement obligations and the realizability of deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
		Fair value of financial instruments - Fair value accounting establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
		Level 1	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
		Level 2	Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and
		Level 3	Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity).
	The Company’s financial instruments consist of restricted investments in U.S. Treasury Notes and certificates of deposit. These investments are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as their fair value is determined using quoted prices in active markets. There have been no changes in valuation techniques for these instruments for the nine month period ended September 30, 2013 or the year ended December 31, 2012. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, there were no transfers of assets between levels.
	Restricted investments held for reclamation bonds - Restricted investments serve as collateral for reclamation bonding. The investments are classified as available for sale and are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices with the unrealized gains and losses reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until realized. Realized gains and losses are determined on a specific identification method and are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.
	The Company evaluates unrealized losses, if any, in its investment securities for other-than temporary impairment using both qualitative and quantitative criteria. In the event that an investment is determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the Company recognizes the loss in the consolidated statement of operations.
	Mineral properties - Costs of acquiring mineral properties are capitalized upon acquisition. Exploration costs and costs to maintain mineral properties are expensed as incurred while the project is in the exploration stage. Development costs and costs to maintain mineral properties are capitalized as incurred while the property is in the development stage. When a property reaches the production stage, the related capitalized costs are amortized using the units-of-production basis over the proven and probable reserves.
		Mineral exploration and development costs - Exploration expenditures incurred prior to entering the development stage are expensed and included in mineral exploration and evaluation expenses.
		Property and equipment - Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 3 to 39 years. The cost of repairs and maintenance is charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for property betterments and renewals are capitalized. Upon sale or other disposition of a depreciable asset, cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations.
		Impairment of long-lived assets - The Company reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment at each balance sheet date due to its planned exploration stage losses and documents such impairment testing. Mineral properties in the exploration stage are monitored for impairment based on factors such as the Company’s continued right to explore the property, exploration reports, drill results, technical reports and continued plans to fund exploration programs on the property. To date, no such impairments have been identified.
		The tests for long-lived assets in the exploration, development or producing stage that have a value beyond proven and probable reserves will be monitored for impairment based on factors such as current market value of the mineral property and results of exploration, future asset utilization, business climate, mineral prices and future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the related assets. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset, including evaluating its reserves beyond proven and probable amounts.
		The Company's policy is to record an impairment loss in the period when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable either by impairment or by abandonment of the property. The impairment loss is calculated as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds its fair value. While the Company incurred losses from operations, these losses have not been in excess of planned expenditures on the specific mineral properties in order to ultimately realize their value.
		Asset Retirement Obligation – Future obligations to retire an asset, including site closure, are recorded as a liability at fair value in the period incurred. The fair value determination is based on estimated future cash flows, the current credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate and an estimated inflation factor. The value of the liability is evaluated at least annually or as new information becomes available. Until such time that a project life is established, the Company records the corresponding cost as an exploration stage expense. As reclamation work is performed or liabilities are otherwise settled, the recorded amount of the liability will be reduced.
		Future reclamation expenditures are difficult to estimate in many circumstances due to the early stage nature of the exploration project, the uncertainties associated with defining the nature and extent of environmental disturbance, the application of laws and regulations by regulatory authorities and changes in reclamation technology. Changes in estimates are reflected in the consolidated statement of operations in the period an estimate is revised.
		Per share amounts - Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. In computing diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of shares outstanding is adjusted to reflect the effect of potentially dilutive securities, such as stock options and warrants. Potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the calculation when their inclusion would be anti-dilutive, such as periods when a net loss is reported or when the exercise price of the instrument exceeds its fair market value. At September 30, 2013 and 2012, 59,079,025 and 54,156,154 stock options and warrants were outstanding, respectively, but were not considered in the computation of diluted earnings per share as their inclusion would be anti- dilutive.
		Stock-based compensation - Stock-based compensation awards are recognized in the financial statements based on the grant date fair value of the award which is estimated using the Binomial Lattice option pricing model. The Company believes that this model provides the best estimate of fair value due to its ability to incorporate inputs that change over time, such as volatility and interest rates, and to allow for the actual exercise behavior of option holders. The compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period which is generally equal to the vesting period. Upon exercise, shares issued will be newly issued shares from authorized common stock.
		The fair value of performance-based stock option grants is determined on their grant date through use of the Binomial Lattice option pricing model. The total value of the award is recognized over the requisite service period only if management has determined that achievement of the performance condition is probable. The requisite service period is based on management’s estimate of when the performance condition will be met. Changes in the requisite service period or the estimated probability of achievement can materially affect the amount of stock-based compensation recognized in the financial statements.
		The fair value of market-based stock option grants is determined on their grant date through use of an option pricing model which uses a combination of Monte Carlo simulation and a Trinomial Lattice function. The requisite service period for market-based awards is derived from the model. Achievement of the market condition earlier than estimated can materially affect the amount of stock- based compensation recognized in the financial statements.
		Income taxes - The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes. This method recognizes certain temporary differences between the financial reporting basis of liabilities and assets and the related income tax basis for such liabilities and assets. This method generates either a net deferred income tax liability or asset as measured by the statutory tax rates in effect. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records a valuation allowance against any portion of those deferred income tax assets when it believes, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax asset will not be realized.
		For acquired properties that do not constitute a business, a deferred income tax liability is recorded on GAAP basis over income tax basis using statutory federal and state rates. The resulting estimated future income tax liability associated with the temporary difference between the acquisition consideration and the tax basis is reflected as an increase in the total purchase price which is then applied to the underlying acquired assets in the absence of there being a goodwill component associated with the acquisition transactions.
		Recent accounting standards - From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. The Company has evaluated all the recent accounting pronouncements and unless otherwise discussed, believes they will not have a material effect on the financial statements.
		In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” to improve the transparency of reporting these reclassifications. This update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. Other comprehensive income includes gains and losses that are initially excluded from net income for an accounting period. Those gains and losses are later reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. The amendments in this ASU do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. All of the information that this ASU requires already is required to be disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements GAAP. The new amendments will require an organization to present (either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes) the effects on the line items of net income of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. Additionally, the new amendments require cross-referencing to other disclosures currently required under GAAP for other reclassification items (that are not required under GAAP) to be reclassified directly to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period. The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2013. Adoption had no impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows.
		In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”), which provides guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards exist. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. The Company does not expect ASU 2013-11 to have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows.

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT [Text Block]	'
	2	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
		Property and equipment consisted of the following:
				30-Sep-13							31-Dec-12
						Accumulated			Net book				Accumulated			Net book
				Cost		depreciation			value		Cost		depreciation			value
		Furniture and fixtures	$	47,652	$	(13,033	)	$	34,619	$	20,854	$	(10,334	)	$	10,520
		Computers and equipment		50,662		(13,961	)		36,701		15,171		(10,129	)		5,042
		Land		30,000		-			30,000		30,000		-			30,000
		Site improvements		2,925,731		(1,869,545	)		1,056,186		2,925,731		(1,459,137	)		1,466,594
		Site equipment		1,838,239		(896,790	)		941,449		1,736,202		(653,759	)		1,082,443
		Vehicles		23,595		(23,595	)		-		23,595		(21,236	)		2,359
		Building		500,000		(170,833	)		329,167		500,000		(133,333	)		366,667
			$	5,415,879	$	(2,987,757	)	$	2,428,122	$	5,251,553	$	(2,287,928	)	$	2,963,625
		Depreciation expense was $233,753 and $231,331 for quarters ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively and $700,780 and $668,703 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 respectively.

MINERAL_PROPERTIES

MINERAL PROPERTIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
MINERAL PROPERTIES [Text Block]	'
	3	MINERAL PROPERTIES
		Columbus Project - On February 20, 2008, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary CMI, acquired a 100% interest in the Columbus Project, including an option for additional mining claims, by way of merger with the owner of the Columbus Project, Columbus Brine Inc. (“CBI”). Prior to the merger, the Company held a 15% interest in the Columbus Project by satisfying its option agreement requirements. The Company believes that the acquisition of the Columbus Project was beneficial because it provides for 100% ownership of the properties and fosters greater opportunity to finance and further develop the project. This merger was treated as a statutory merger for tax purposes whereby CMI was the surviving merger entity.
		Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Company issued an aggregate of 10,440,087 shares of its common stock and 5,220,059 share purchase warrants to the former shareholders of CBI. All of the purchase warrants expired on February 20, 2013.
		The Company determined that the acquisition of the Columbus Project did not constitute an acquisition of a business and therefore the Company recorded the acquisition as a purchase of assets.
		The purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. The purchase price allocated to the real properties was based on fair market values determined using an independent real estate appraisal firm (Arden Salvage Company), and the fair value of the remaining assets acquired and liabilities assumed were based on management’s best estimates taking into account all available information at the time. The fair value of warrants was calculated using the Binomial Lattice pricing model.
		Pursuant to the original option assignment agreement, as amended August 8, 2007, the Company granted and continues to have a 5% net smelter return royalty to NMC, one of the principal stockholders of the Company.
		The following table reflects the recorded purchase consideration for the Columbus Project:
		Purchase price:
		Common stock issued	$	20,000,000
		Fair value of warrants issued		1,359,351
		Acquisition costs		600,000
		Total purchase price		21,959,351
		Net deferred income tax liability assumed		10,261,194
		Total	$	32,220,545
	The following table reflects the components of the Columbus Project:
		Allocation of acquisition cost:
		Mineral properties (including deferred tax liability assumed of $10,261,194)	$	31,948,053
		Property, plant and equipment		202,430
		Deposits		44,720
		Cash		6,570
		Prepaid expenses		24,925
		Accounts payable		(6,153	)
		Total	$	32,220,545
	Red Mountain Project – On July 20, 2011, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Option Agreement (the “Amendment”) on the Red Mountain Project. The Amendment acknowledged that the Company had earned an undivided 30.6% interest in the original Red Mountain Claims and amended the terms of the original Letter Agreement as follows:
		a)	To maintain the buyout option, the Company is required to pay $8,000 per month effective July 1, 2011 until December 31, 2016 and spend an aggregate of $600,000 in additional qualifying expenditures by December 31, 2016. For each $2,000 in qualifying expenditures, the Company will earn a 0.1% interest in in the Red Mountain Claims, up to a maximum of an additional 29.4% interest.
		b)	The Company may at any time during the life of the Red Mountain Project earn a 100% interest by paying $200,000 and by issuing shares with an aggregate value of $3,800,000. The share price will be equal to the volume weighted average trading price during the 20 trading days immediately prior to the date of the notice of exercise.
	Pursuant to the option assignment agreement the Company granted a 5% net smelter return royalty to NMC.
		DDB Claims - The Company, through its subsidiary CMI, had a lease agreement for mining claims with the DDB Syndicate. Douglas D.G. Birnie, the Company’s CEO, is the indirect owner of a 1/8 interest in the DDB Syndicate, as is Lawrence E. Chizmar, a former member of our Board of Directors and a former director of CBI. The remaining members of the DDB Syndicate are made up of former officers and directors, and relatives of former officers and directors, of CBI, and affiliates of NMC. The DDB Claims were located in 2007, prior to Mr. Birnie’s, NMC’s, or Mr. Chizmar’s involvement with our Company.
		The mining lease agreement provided the Company with an option to purchase the DDB Claims. On November 20, 2012, the Company exercised their option to purchase the DDB Claims. The total purchase price of $180,080 is included in mineral properties.
		Reclamation bonds - The Company maintains required reclamation bonding with the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”). Reclamation bonding consists of cash bonding held with the BLM and restricted investments held by the Company. Restricted investments consist of U.S. Treasury Notes and certificates of deposit. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, obligations under cash bonding amounted to $39,719 and $40,000, respectively. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, restricted investments amounted to $1,187,030 and $1,186,681 respectively, and exceeded bonding requirements by $37,030 and $36,681, respectively. The Company anticipates using the excess amount for future collateral requirements.
		The following is a summary of restricted investments held for reclamation bonds:
											Aggregate
				Amortized			Unrealized		Unrealized		Estimated
				Cost			Gains		Losses		Fair Value
		30-Sep-13
		US Treasury Notes	$	879,553		$	31,042	$	-	$	910,595
		Certificates of deposit		276,435			-		-		276,435
		Total available-for-sale securities	$	1,155,988		$	31,042	$	-	$	1,187,030
		31-Dec-12
		US Treasury Notes	$	879,553		$	31,317	$	-	$	910,870
		Certificates of deposit		275,811			-		-		275,811
		Total available-for-sale securities	$	1,155,364		$	31,317	$	-	$	1,186,681
		Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included as a component of other comprehensive income. Unrealized gains and losses were $7,001 and $(793) for the quarters ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively unrealized losses were $(275) and $(3,912) for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
		The US Treasury Notes mature in July 2015. The Company has two certificates of deposit maturing in April 2016 and June 2014, respectively. Each certificate is set up for automatic renewal for one year periods until the Company or the financial institution elect not to renew.
		Asset Retirement Obligation – The asset requirement obligation relates to the Columbus Project and amounted to $672,338 as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The estimated costs were discounted using a credit adjusted risk-free rate of 4.27% and an inflation rate of 3.78%.

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY [Text Block]	'
	4	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
		During the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, stockholders’ equity activity consisted of the following:
		1	On September 9, 2013, the Company issued 200,000 shares of common stock from the exercise of stock options for gross proceeds of $10,000. The options had an exercise price of $0.05 and an expiration date of March 30, 2017.
		2	On August 1, 2013, the Company issued 100,000 shares of common stock from the exercise of stock options for gross proceeds of $5,000. The options had an exercise price of $0.05 per share and an expiration date of March 30, 2017.
		3	On May 30, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors unilaterally determined, without any negotiations with the warrant holders, to amend 22,572,827 private placement warrants granted in connection with the 2007, 2009 and 2010 private placement offerings, and 4,000,000 additional warrants issued to consultants in 2009 and 2010 (collectively, the “Expiring Warrants”). The expiration date of the warrants was extended from June 30, 2013 to November 30, 2013. In all other respects, the terms and conditions of the Expiring Warrants remain the same. The Company calculated the fair value of the warrants at $83,925 using the Binomial Lattice model with the following assumptions:
	Risk-free interest rate	0.07%
	Expected volatility	70.33%
	The expected life of the warrants, which is an output of the model, was 0.40 years.
		During the nine month period ended September 30, 2012, stockholders’ equity activity consisted of the following:
		1	On September 24, 2012, the Company issued 100,000 shares of common stock from the exercise of stock options for gross proceeds of $5,000. The options had an exercise price of $0.05 and an expiration date of March 30, 2017.
		2	On July 11, 2012, the Company issued 50,000 shares of common stock from the exercise of stock warrants for gross proceeds of $37,500. The warrants had an exercise price of $0.75 per share and an expiration date of June 30, 2013.
		3	On March 15, 2012, the Company issued an aggregate of 4,030,000 units at a price of $0.50 per unit in private placement offerings for aggregate proceeds of $2,015,000. All units were issued to US persons pursuant to the provisions of Rule 506 of Regulation D of the Securities Act. Each unit is comprised of one share of common stock and one share purchase warrant with each warrant entitling the holder to purchase an additional share of common stock at an exercise price of $0.80 per share for a period expiring March 31, 2015. After September 30, 2012, the Company may accelerate the expiration date of the warrants if the volume weighted average price for our common stock exceeds $2.40 per share for 20 consecutive trading days.
			The Company paid a finder’s fee of $8,000 in cash and 16,000 share purchase warrants related to the private placement. The finder is a registered broker dealer pursuant to Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
		4	On February 23, 2012, the Company issued an aggregate of 5,530,000 units at a price of $0.50 per unit in separate concurrent private placement offerings for aggregate proceeds of $2,765,000, as described below. Each unit is comprised of one share of common stock and one share purchase warrant, with each warrant entitling the holder to purchase an additional share of common stock at an exercise price of $0.80 per share for a period expiring March 31, 2015. After September 30, 2012, the Company may accelerate the expiration date of the warrants if the volume weighted average price for our common stock exceeds $2.40 per share for 20 consecutive trading days.
			US Private Placement - The Company issued 5,230,000 Units to U.S. persons for gross proceeds of $2,615,000 pursuant to the provisions of Rule 506 of Regulation D of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Each U.S. subscriber represented that they were an accredited investor as defined under Regulation D of the Securities Act.
			Offshore Private Placement - The Company issued 300,000 Units to non-U.S. persons for gross proceeds of $150,000 pursuant to the provisions of Regulation S of the Securities Act. Each of the subscribers represented that they were not “US persons” as defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act and that they were not acquiring the shares for the account or benefit of a US person.
		The Company paid a finder’s fee of $6,000 in cash and 12,000 share purchase warrants related to the Offshore Private Placement. In addition, the Company will pay the finder an additional cash fee of 4% of the exercise price of any warrants exercised by subscribers introduced by the finder. The finder is a registered broker dealer pursuant to Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. There were no finder’s fees paid in respect of the U.S. Private Placement.
		Filing and legal fees related to these issuances were $28,266. Total fees, including finder’s fees, filing and legal fees amounted to $42,266.
		Private Placement Warrants - A summary of investor warrant activity for the nine month period ended September 30, 2013 was as follows:
								Weighted
								Average
								Remaining
								Contractual
				Number of			Exercise	Life
				Shares			Price	(Years)
		Outstanding and exercisable, December 31, 2012		49,065,768		$	0.75 - 2.39	1.47
		Granted		-			-	-
		Forfeited/expired		(5,498,940	)		0.75 - 2.39	-
		Outstanding and exercisable, September 30, 2013		43,566,828		$	0.75 – 0.95	1.11
	The table above does not include warrants issued to employees, non-employee directors and consultants as they are included under “Stock-Based Compensation” in Note 5.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION [Text Block]	'
	5	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
		Stock-based compensation includes grants of stock options and purchase warrants to eligible directors, employees and consultants as determined by the Board of Directors.
		Stock option plans - On March 27, 2007, the Board of Directors adopted the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). Under the terms of the Plan, options to purchase up to 6,000,000 shares of the common stock, subject to an increase each quarter equal to 15% of the increase in the total number of outstanding shares during the previous quarter, may be granted to officers, directors, employees and eligible consultants. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had granted 11,966,916 options under the Plan with a weighted average exercise price of $0.52 per option. As of September 30, 2013, 10,712,197 options were outstanding.
		Stock warrants - Upon approval of the Board of Directors, the Company grants stock warrants to consultants for services performed.
		Valuation of awards - At September 30, 2013, the Company had options outstanding that vest on three different types of vesting schedules:
		1	Service-based;
		2	Performance-based; and
		3	Market-based.
	For service-based and performance-based stock option grants the Company utilizes the Binomial Lattice pricing model to estimate the fair values of options and warrants granted in exchange for services. For market-based stock option grants the Company utilizes a combination of a Monte Carlo simulation and a Trinomial Lattice function to estimate the fair values of options in exchange for services. The Company used the following assumptions to estimate the fair values of the options granted for the nine month period ended September 30, 2013.
	Dividend yield	-
	Expected volatility	71.20% - 78.77%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.71% - 2.01%
	Expected life (years)	4.25 – 6.84
	Inputs used in these models are determined as follows:
		1	The expected life represents the weighted-average period the awards are expected to remain outstanding and is a derived output of the option pricing models. The expected life is impacted by all of the underlying assumptions and calibration of the Company’s models.
		2	The requisite service period for market-based stock option awards is a derived output of the hybrid Monte Carlo-Trinomial Lattice model.
		3	Volatility is based on the average historical volatility levels of a representative peer group.
		4	The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield available on U.S. Treasury zero- coupon issues over the equivalent contractual lives of the options.
	During the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, the Company stock based awards as follows:
		a)	On April 16, 2013, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to an independent director upon his appointment to the Board of Directors. The options were granted under the Plan for 225,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.41 per option. The options vest 75,000 each on June 30, 2013, September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2013. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest.
		b)	On February 15, 2013, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to certain executive officers under the Plan for an aggregate of 325,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.57 per option. The options vest upon completion of defined events and milestones. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest, but in no event later than the tenth anniversary of the agreement. Each of the options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control.
		c)	On February 15, 2013, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to certain executive officers under the Plan for an aggregate of 325,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.57 per option. The options vest upon the Company’s stock price achieving defined targets. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest, but in no event later than the tenth anniversary of the agreement. Each of the options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control.
		d)	On February 15, 2013, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to the Company’s independent director and certain executive officers under the Plan for an aggregate of 950,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.57 per option. The options vest 25% each on March 31, 2013, June 30, 2013, September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2013. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest. The options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control.
		During the nine month period ended September 30, 2012, the Company granted stock options as follows:
		a)	On April 23, 2012, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to certain executive officers under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for an aggregate of 800,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per option. The options vest upon completion of defined events and milestones. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest, but in no event later than the tenth anniversary of the agreement. Each of the options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control.
		b)	On April 23, 2012, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to certain executive officers under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for an aggregate of 800,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per option. The options vest upon the Company’s stock price achieving defined targets. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest, but in no event later than the tenth anniversary of the agreement. Each of the options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control.
		c)	On April 23, 2012, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to Company’s independent director under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for an aggregate of 200,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per option. The options vest upon completion of defined events and milestones. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest, but in no event later than the tenth anniversary of the agreement. The options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control.
		d)	On April 23, 2012, the Company granted 200,000 options exercisable at $0.90 per share to the Company’s independent director. 25% of the options were immediately vested and the remaining options vest at a rate of 25% per fiscal quarter, beginning June 30, 2012 and ending December 31, 2012. The options expire five years after the date that they vest.
		e)	On April 23, 2012, the Company granted 37,500 options exercisable at $0.90 per share to an employee. 25% of the options were immediately vested and the remaining options vest at a rate of 25% per fiscal quarter, beginning June 30, 2012 and ending December 31, 2012. The options expire five years after the date that they vest.
		f)	On April 23, 2012, the Company granted 400,000 options and 100,000 options exercisable at $0.90 per share to consultants. 25% of the options were immediately vested and the remaining options vest at a rate of 25% per fiscal quarter, beginning June 30, 2012 and ending December 31, 2012. The options expire five years after the date that they vest.
		The total expense for the quarters ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 related to the granting, vesting and modification of all stock-based compensation awards was $225,744 and $286,218, respectively and $603,639 and $598,097 for the nine month periods ended, respectively. Such expenses are included in general and administrative expense and mineral exploration and evaluation expense.
		The following table summarizes the Company’s stock-based compensation activity for the nine month period ended September 30, 2013:
										Weighted
										Average
							Weighted			Remaining
							Average Grant		Weighted	Contractual		Aggregate
				Number of			Date Fair		Average	Life		Intrinsic
				Shares			Value		Exercise Price	(Years)		Value
		Outstanding, December 31, 2012		13,987,197		$	0.37	$	0.6	3.58
		Options/warrants granted		1,825,000			0.22		0.55	6.5
		Options/warrants exercised		(300,000	)		0.38		0.05	-
		Options/warrants expired		-			-		-	-
		Options/warrants cancelled		-			-		-	-
		Outstanding, September 30, 2013		15,512,197		$	0.35	$	0.61	3.35	$	504,000
		Exercisable, September 30, 2013		12,049,697		$	0.36	$	0.56	2.28	$	504,000
	Aggregate intrinsic value represents the value of the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the quarter ended in excess of the weighted-average exercise price multiplied by the number of options outstanding or exercisable.
	The following table summarizes the changes of the Company’s stock-based compensation awards subject to vesting for the nine month period ended September 30, 2013:
							Weighted Average
				Number of			Grant Date
				Shares			Fair Value
		Unvested, December 31, 2012		2,600,000		$	0.39
		Granted		1,825,000			0.22
		Vested		(962,500	)		0.3
		Forfeited		-			-
		Unvested, September 30, 2013		3,462,500		$	0.32
	For the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the total fair value of shares vested was $286,059 and $298,194, respectively. As of September 30, 2013, there was $302,406 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock-based compensation awards. The weighted average period over which this cost will be recognized was 0.76 years as of September 30, 2013.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
INCOME TAXES [Text Block]	'
	6	INCOME TAXES
		The Company is a Nevada corporation and is subject to federal income taxes. Nevada does not impose a corporate income tax.
		Significant components of the Company’s net deferred income tax assets and liabilities at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:
				September 30,			December 31,
				2013			2012
		Deferred income tax assets:
		Net operating loss carryforward	$	9,747,650		$	8,327,426
		Option compensation		1,841,414			1,630,140
		Property, plant & equipment		582,243			423,904
		Exploration costs		507,952			570,719
		Asset retirement obligation		235,318			235,318
		Gross deferred income tax assets		12,914,577			11,187,507
		Less: valuation allowance		(1,836,521	)		(726,050	)
		Net deferred income tax assets		11,078,056			10,461,457
		Deferred income tax liabilities:
		Unrealized gain on investments		(10,865	)		(10,961	)
		Acquisition related liabilities		(11,067,191	)		(11,067,191	)
		Net deferred income tax liabilities	$	-		$	(616,695	)
	A valuation allowance was established for deferred tax assets related to certain option compensation, asset retirement obligations and net operating loss carryforwards due to the uncertainty of realizing these deferred tax assets based on conditions existing at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	The realizability of deferred tax assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date. The majority of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities are depletable. Such depletion will begin with the processing of mineralized material once production has commenced. Therefore, the deferred tax liabilities will reverse in similar time periods as the deferred tax assets. The Company assesses both positive and negative evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that such reversal will occur to realize the deferred tax assets prior to their exploration. The reversal of the deferred tax liabilities is sufficient to support the net deferred tax assets.
	The acquisition related liabilities are a result of the estimated future federal income tax liability associated with the temporary difference between the acquisition consideration and the tax basis. The deferred tax liabilities were reflected as an increase to the total purchase price which has been applied to the underlying mineral and Columbus project assets in the absence of there being a goodwill component associated with the acquisition transactions.
		A reconciliation of the tax benefit for the quarters ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 at US federal tax rates to the actual tax provision recorded in the financial statements consisted of the following components:
				September 30,			September 30,
				2013			2012
		Income tax benefit based on statutory tax rate	$	567,887		$	643,052
		Reconciling items:
		Non-deductible items		-			(44	)
		Change in valuation allowance		(565,436	)		2,975
		Income tax benefit	$	2,451		$	645,983
	A reconciliation of the tax benefit for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 at US federal tax rates to the actual tax provision recorded in the financial statements consisted of the following components:
				September 30,			September 30,
				2013			2012
		Income tax benefit based on statutory tax rate	$	1,756,495		$	1,645,404
		Reconciling items:
		Non-deductible items		(29,425	)		2,510
		Change in valuation allowance		(1,110,471	)		(17,500	)
		Income tax benefit	$	616,599			1,630,414
	The Company had cumulative net operating losses of approximately $27,850,431 as of September 30, 2013 for federal income tax purposes. Cumulative net operating losses from December 31, 2006 and previous years are effectively nil due to the annual limitation imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as a result of the ownership percentage change limitations. The net operating loss carryforwards will expire between 2027 and 2033.
	The Company and its subsidiary file income tax returns in the United States. These tax returns are subject to examination by taxation authorities provided the years remain open under the relevant statutes of limitations, which may result in the payment of income taxes and/or a decrease in the net operating losses available for carryforwards. The Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations by US federal tax authorities for years prior to 2009. While the Company believes that its tax filings do not include uncertain tax positions, the results of potential examinations or the effect of changes in tax law cannot be ascertained at this time. The Company currently has no tax years under examination.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Text Block]	'
	7	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
		Lease obligations – The Company rents office space under an operating lease agreement. The lease expires in August 2017 and provides for an option to renew the lease for an additional four years. In the normal course of business, it is expected that this lease will be renewed or replaced by a lease of a similar property.
		The lease provides for increases in future annual rental payments of 4% per year. Under the lease agreement, the Company is also required to pay monthly operating expenses of approximately $748.
		The Company has a sublease agreement with a related party as further discussed in Note 10. The following table represents future base rent payments, sublease income and the net lease commitment for each of the years ending September 30,
				Minimum
				Lease		Sublease		Net Lease
				Commitment		Income		Commitment
		2014	$	48,308	$	32,676	$	15,632
		2015		50,240		18,337		31,903
		2016		52,250		-		52,250
		2017		44,983		-		44,983
			$	195,781	$	51,013	$	144,768
	Rental expense for office space was $21,444 and $26,175 for the quarters ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $58,119 and $53,775 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As further discussed in Note 10, rent expense reimbursements were paid to DOSA Consulting, LLC (“DOSA”) which is a consulting firm owned by the Company’s CEO.
	Columbus Project – Pursuant to the option assignment agreement dated March 30, 2007, as amended August 8, 2007, the Company granted a 5% net smelter return royalty to NMC, one of the principal stockholders of the Company. The Columbus Project is further discussed in Note 3.
	Red Mountain Project – Pursuant to the option assignment agreement the Company granted a 5% net smelter return royalty to NMC, one of the principal stockholders of the Company. The Red Mountain Project is further discussed in Note 3.
	Stand-by letter of credit – In June 2011, a financial institution issued a stand-by letter of credit to the BLM for up to $175,000 on behalf of the Company. The stand-by letter of credit was issued to guarantee the Company’s compliance with reclamation bonding requirements. The letter of credit expires on June 24, 2014 and will be automatically renewed for one year periods unless either party elects not to renew. The Company is required to maintain a $175,000 certificate of deposit with the financial institution which is included in “restricted investments held for reclamation bonds” on the balance sheet. The Company is also required to pay an annual fee of 2% of the total value of the letter of credit. As of September 30, 2013, no draws have been made on the letter of credit.
		Consultant bonus – In April 2012, the Company entered into an Agreement for Services (the “Agreement”) with a consulting firm. The Company agreed to pay the firm at their standard rates in exchange for services provided. In addition, the Company agreed to pay bonuses to the firm upon completion of milestones as defined in the Agreement. The bonuses consist of cash payments up to $400,000 and issuance of up to 3,000,000 warrants at a price of $0.90 per share and expiring March 31, 2017. The Agreement does not contain any performance commitments; therefore, the fair value of the warrants will be measured and recognized on the dates that the milestones are reached. As of September 30, 2013, no milestones have been reached for which a bonus was due or paid.
		Registration Rights Agreement - In connection with the November 30, 2012 private placement, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (“RRA”) with the purchasers. Pursuant to the RRA, the Company agreed to certain demand registration rights. These rights include the requirement that the Company file certain registration statements within a specified time period and to have these registration statements declared effective within a specified time period. If the registration statement is not effective six months after the closing date, the warrants may be exercised by means of a cashless exercise. If the Company is not able to comply with these registration requirements, the Company will be required to pay cash penalties equal to 1.0% of the subscription proceeds on the date of such failure, and each month thereafter, up to a maximum of 6% of the subscription proceeds. The maximum penalty amounts to $346,979. As of September 30, 2013, the Company has incurred cumulative penalties of $5,757.

CONCENTRATIONS

CONCENTRATIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
CONCENTRATIONS [Text Block]	'
	8	CONCENTRATIONS
		Concentration of credit risk - The Company maintains its cash accounts in financial institutions. Cash accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) for up to $250,000 per financial institution. The Company has never experienced a material loss or lack of access to its cash accounts; however, no assurance can be provided that access to the Company’s cash accounts will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets. At September 30, 2013, the Company had $918,245 in excess of FDIC insured limits.
		Concentration of activity - The Company currently utilizes a metallurgical consulting firm to perform significant portions of its exploration work programs. A change in the lead metallurgical consulting firm could cause a delay in the progress of the Company’s exploration programs and would cause the Company to incur significant transition expense and may affect operating results adversely.

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_LOS

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) [Text Block]	'
	9	OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
		The tax effects of each component of comprehensive income (loss) for the quarters ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
				September 30,			September 30,
				2013			2012
		Unrealized holding gains (losses)	$	7,001		$	(793	)
		Income tax (expense) benefit		(2,451	)		278
		Total unrealized gain (loss), net of tax	$	4,550		$	(515	)
	The tax effects of each component of comprehensive loss for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
				September 30,			September 30,
				2013			2012
		Unrealized holding losses	$	(275	)	$	(3,912	)
		Income tax benefit		96			1,370
		Total unrealized loss, net of tax	$	(179	)	$	(2,542	)

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS [Text Block]	'
	10	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
		DOSA – DOSA is a consulting firm owned by the Company’s CEO. DOSA provides the Company with use of its employees and office space. Services provided by NMC are also at times coordinated for the Company by DOSA. No management fees are billed to the Company for these services. Details of these transactions are provided below. The CEO’s salary and reimbursable expenses are also paid to DOSA.
		The following table provides details of transactions between the Company and DOSA for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
				Three Months		Three Months		Nine Months		Nine Months
				Ended		Ended		Ended		Ended
				September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
				2013		2012		2013		2012
		Wage and rent reimbursements	$	2,750	$	4,105	$	11,000	$	4,105
	No amounts were due to DOSA at September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012 for wage or rent reimbursements.
		NMC - Pursuant to option assignment agreements related to both the Columbus and Red Mountain projects, the Company granted a 5% net smelter return royalty to NMC. NMC is the Company’s largest shareholder. NMC and its affiliates own approximately 29% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. The Columbus Project and the Red Mountain Project are further discussed in Note 3.
		The Company utilizes the services of NMC to provide technical assistance and financing related activities. These services related primarily to the Columbus Project and the Red Mountain Project. In addition to the above services, NMC provided dedicated use of its laboratory, instrumentation, milling equipment and research facilities. NMC provided invoices for these fees plus expenses.
		The following table provides details of transactions between the Company and NMC for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
				Three Months		Three Months		Nine Months		Nine Months
				Ended		Ended		Ended		Ended
				September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
				2013		2012		2013		2012
		Reimbursement of expenses	$	10,732	$	29,618	$	23,494	$	102,455
		Consulting services provided		105,000		105,000		315,000		315,000
		Mineral and exploration expense – related party	$	115,732	$	134,618	$	338,494	$	417,455
		Equipment purchases		-		-		25,000		50,000
	For the nine month period ended September 30 2013, all NMC transactions were invoiced by DOSA. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2012, $134,618 of the NMC fees and reimbursements were invoiced by DOSA. At September 30, 2013, the Company owed DOSA $10,853 for NMC fees and reimbursements. At December 31, 2012, the Company owed DOSA $36,151 for NMC fees and reimbursements.
	McNeil Consulting Group, LLC (“MCG”) – MCG is a consulting firm owned by an affiliate of NMC. MGC provides the Company with management advisory services. The Company incurred total fees to MCG of $15,000 and $45,000 during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and of $15,000 and $22,500 during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012, respectively. At September 30, 2013, the Company owed MCG $12,500. At December 31, 2012, the Company owed MCG $12,500.
	Searchlight Minerals Corp (“SMC”). – The Company leases corporate office space under a sublease agreement to SMC. NMC is a shareholder in both the Company and SMC. Additionally, the Company’s CFO, Treasurer and director is also a director of SMC and one of the Company’s consultants is an officer of SMC. The sublease agreement is for a 2 year period and requires monthly payments of $2,819 for the first year and $1,667 thereafter. Total rent income earned under this sublease agreement was $2,819 for both the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013. No amounts were due from SMC as of September 30, 2013.
	Former Officers - Due to related parties includes amounts due to former officers of the Company. At September 30, 2013 and 2012, the remaining amount of due to related parties was $23,290, respectively.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Description of business [Policy Text Block]	'
		Description of business - Ireland Inc. (the “Company”) is considered an exploration stage company since its formation and the Company has not yet realized any revenues from its planned operations. The Company is primarily focused on the acquisition and exploration of mining properties. Upon identification of commercially minable reserves, the Company expects to actively prepare the site for its extraction and enter the development stage.
History [Policy Text Block]	'
		History - The Company was incorporated on February 20, 2001 under the laws of the State of Nevada under the name Merritt Ventures Corp. On December 19, 2005, the Company changed its name to Ireland Inc.
Basis of presentation [Policy Text Block]	'
		Basis of presentation - The financial statements present the consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows of the Company. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared without audit in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments and disclosures necessary for the fair presentation of these interim statements have been included. All such adjustments are, in the opinion of management, of a normal recurring nature. The results reported in these interim consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be reported for the entire year. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the SEC on April 15, 2013.
Going concern [Policy Text Block]	'
		Going concern - The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern.
		Since its formation, the Company has incurred comprehensive cumulative net losses of $27,040,258 as of September 30, 2013. This amount is comprised of net loss from operations of $27,060,435 and other comprehensive income of $20,177. The Company has not commenced its commercial mining and mineral processing operations; rather, it is still in the exploration stage, raising substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company will seek additional sources of capital through the issuance of debt or equity financing, but there can be no assurance the Company will be successful in accomplishing its objectives.
		The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent on additional sources of capital and the success of the Company’s plan. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.
Principles of consolidation [Policy Text Block]	'
		Principles of consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Columbus Minerals Inc. (“CMI”) (including its wholly- owned single-member LLC subsidiary Columbus Salt Marsh LLC (“CSM”)) and Rand Metals LLC (“Rand”). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of estimates [Policy Text Block]	'
		Use of estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. By their nature, these estimates are subject to measurement uncertainty and the effect on the financial statements of changes in such estimates in future periods could be significant. Significant areas requiring management’s estimates and assumptions include the valuation of stock-based compensation, impairment analysis of long-lived assets, asset retirement obligations and the realizability of deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair value of financial instruments [Policy Text Block]	'
		Fair value of financial instruments - Fair value accounting establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
		Level 1	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
		Level 2	Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and
		Level 3	Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity).
	The Company’s financial instruments consist of restricted investments in U.S. Treasury Notes and certificates of deposit. These investments are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as their fair value is determined using quoted prices in active markets. There have been no changes in valuation techniques for these instruments for the nine month period ended September 30, 2013 or the year ended December 31, 2012. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, there were no transfers of assets between levels.
Restricted investments held for reclamation bonds [Policy Text Block]	'
	Restricted investments held for reclamation bonds - Restricted investments serve as collateral for reclamation bonding. The investments are classified as available for sale and are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices with the unrealized gains and losses reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until realized. Realized gains and losses are determined on a specific identification method and are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.
	The Company evaluates unrealized losses, if any, in its investment securities for other-than temporary impairment using both qualitative and quantitative criteria. In the event that an investment is determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the Company recognizes the loss in the consolidated statement of operations.
Mineral properties [Policy Text Block]	'
	Mineral properties - Costs of acquiring mineral properties are capitalized upon acquisition. Exploration costs and costs to maintain mineral properties are expensed as incurred while the project is in the exploration stage. Development costs and costs to maintain mineral properties are capitalized as incurred while the property is in the development stage. When a property reaches the production stage, the related capitalized costs are amortized using the units-of-production basis over the proven and probable reserves.
Mineral exploration and development costs [Policy Text Block]	'
		Mineral exploration and development costs - Exploration expenditures incurred prior to entering the development stage are expensed and included in mineral exploration and evaluation expenses.
Property and equipment [Policy Text Block]	'
		Property and equipment - Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 3 to 39 years. The cost of repairs and maintenance is charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for property betterments and renewals are capitalized. Upon sale or other disposition of a depreciable asset, cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations.
Impairment of long-lived assets [Policy Text Block]	'
		Impairment of long-lived assets - The Company reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment at each balance sheet date due to its planned exploration stage losses and documents such impairment testing. Mineral properties in the exploration stage are monitored for impairment based on factors such as the Company’s continued right to explore the property, exploration reports, drill results, technical reports and continued plans to fund exploration programs on the property. To date, no such impairments have been identified.
		The tests for long-lived assets in the exploration, development or producing stage that have a value beyond proven and probable reserves will be monitored for impairment based on factors such as current market value of the mineral property and results of exploration, future asset utilization, business climate, mineral prices and future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the related assets. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset, including evaluating its reserves beyond proven and probable amounts.
		The Company's policy is to record an impairment loss in the period when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable either by impairment or by abandonment of the property. The impairment loss is calculated as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds its fair value. While the Company incurred losses from operations, these losses have not been in excess of planned expenditures on the specific mineral properties in order to ultimately realize their value.
Asset Retirement Obligation [Policy Text Block]	'
		Asset Retirement Obligation – Future obligations to retire an asset, including site closure, are recorded as a liability at fair value in the period incurred. The fair value determination is based on estimated future cash flows, the current credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate and an estimated inflation factor. The value of the liability is evaluated at least annually or as new information becomes available. Until such time that a project life is established, the Company records the corresponding cost as an exploration stage expense. As reclamation work is performed or liabilities are otherwise settled, the recorded amount of the liability will be reduced.
		Future reclamation expenditures are difficult to estimate in many circumstances due to the early stage nature of the exploration project, the uncertainties associated with defining the nature and extent of environmental disturbance, the application of laws and regulations by regulatory authorities and changes in reclamation technology. Changes in estimates are reflected in the consolidated statement of operations in the period an estimate is revised.
Per share amounts [Policy Text Block]	'
		Per share amounts - Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. In computing diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of shares outstanding is adjusted to reflect the effect of potentially dilutive securities, such as stock options and warrants. Potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the calculation when their inclusion would be anti-dilutive, such as periods when a net loss is reported or when the exercise price of the instrument exceeds its fair market value. At September 30, 2013 and 2012, 59,079,025 and 54,156,154 stock options and warrants were outstanding, respectively, but were not considered in the computation of diluted earnings per share as their inclusion would be anti- dilutive.
Stock-based compensation [Policy Text Block]	'
		Stock-based compensation - Stock-based compensation awards are recognized in the financial statements based on the grant date fair value of the award which is estimated using the Binomial Lattice option pricing model. The Company believes that this model provides the best estimate of fair value due to its ability to incorporate inputs that change over time, such as volatility and interest rates, and to allow for the actual exercise behavior of option holders. The compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period which is generally equal to the vesting period. Upon exercise, shares issued will be newly issued shares from authorized common stock.
		The fair value of performance-based stock option grants is determined on their grant date through use of the Binomial Lattice option pricing model. The total value of the award is recognized over the requisite service period only if management has determined that achievement of the performance condition is probable. The requisite service period is based on management’s estimate of when the performance condition will be met. Changes in the requisite service period or the estimated probability of achievement can materially affect the amount of stock-based compensation recognized in the financial statements.
		The fair value of market-based stock option grants is determined on their grant date through use of an option pricing model which uses a combination of Monte Carlo simulation and a Trinomial Lattice function. The requisite service period for market-based awards is derived from the model. Achievement of the market condition earlier than estimated can materially affect the amount of stock- based compensation recognized in the financial statements.
Income taxes [Policy Text Block]	'
		Income taxes - The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes. This method recognizes certain temporary differences between the financial reporting basis of liabilities and assets and the related income tax basis for such liabilities and assets. This method generates either a net deferred income tax liability or asset as measured by the statutory tax rates in effect. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records a valuation allowance against any portion of those deferred income tax assets when it believes, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax asset will not be realized.
		For acquired properties that do not constitute a business, a deferred income tax liability is recorded on GAAP basis over income tax basis using statutory federal and state rates. The resulting estimated future income tax liability associated with the temporary difference between the acquisition consideration and the tax basis is reflected as an increase in the total purchase price which is then applied to the underlying acquired assets in the absence of there being a goodwill component associated with the acquisition transactions.
Recent accounting standards [Policy Text Block]	'
		Recent accounting standards - From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. The Company has evaluated all the recent accounting pronouncements and unless otherwise discussed, believes they will not have a material effect on the financial statements.
		In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” to improve the transparency of reporting these reclassifications. This update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. Other comprehensive income includes gains and losses that are initially excluded from net income for an accounting period. Those gains and losses are later reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. The amendments in this ASU do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. All of the information that this ASU requires already is required to be disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements GAAP. The new amendments will require an organization to present (either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes) the effects on the line items of net income of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. Additionally, the new amendments require cross-referencing to other disclosures currently required under GAAP for other reclassification items (that are not required under GAAP) to be reclassified directly to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period. The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2013. Adoption had no impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows.
		In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”), which provides guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards exist. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. The Company does not expect ASU 2013-11 to have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows.

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_Tables

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	'
				30-Sep-13							31-Dec-12
						Accumulated			Net book				Accumulated			Net book
				Cost		depreciation			value		Cost		depreciation			value
		Furniture and fixtures	$	47,652	$	(13,033	)	$	34,619	$	20,854	$	(10,334	)	$	10,520
		Computers and equipment		50,662		(13,961	)		36,701		15,171		(10,129	)		5,042
		Land		30,000		-			30,000		30,000		-			30,000
		Site improvements		2,925,731		(1,869,545	)		1,056,186		2,925,731		(1,459,137	)		1,466,594
		Site equipment		1,838,239		(896,790	)		941,449		1,736,202		(653,759	)		1,082,443
		Vehicles		23,595		(23,595	)		-		23,595		(21,236	)		2,359
		Building		500,000		(170,833	)		329,167		500,000		(133,333	)		366,667
			$	5,415,879	$	(2,987,757	)	$	2,428,122	$	5,251,553	$	(2,287,928	)	$	2,963,625

MINERAL_PROPERTIES_Tables

MINERAL PROPERTIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Purchase Price Components [Table Text Block]	'
		Purchase price:
		Common stock issued	$	20,000,000
		Fair value of warrants issued		1,359,351
		Acquisition costs		600,000
		Total purchase price		21,959,351
		Net deferred income tax liability assumed		10,261,194
		Total	$	32,220,545
Schedule of Allocation of Acquisition Cost [Table Text Block]	'
		Allocation of acquisition cost:
		Mineral properties (including deferred tax liability assumed of $10,261,194)	$	31,948,053
		Property, plant and equipment		202,430
		Deposits		44,720
		Cash		6,570
		Prepaid expenses		24,925
		Accounts payable		(6,153	)
		Total	$	32,220,545
Schedule of Restricted Investments [Table Text Block]	'
											Aggregate
				Amortized			Unrealized		Unrealized		Estimated
				Cost			Gains		Losses		Fair Value
		30-Sep-13
		US Treasury Notes	$	879,553		$	31,042	$	-	$	910,595
		Certificates of deposit		276,435			-		-		276,435
		Total available-for-sale securities	$	1,155,988		$	31,042	$	-	$	1,187,030
		31-Dec-12
		US Treasury Notes	$	879,553		$	31,317	$	-	$	910,870
		Certificates of deposit		275,811			-		-		275,811
		Total available-for-sale securities	$	1,155,364		$	31,317	$	-	$	1,186,681

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Tables

STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Warrants, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	'
	Risk-free interest rate	0.07%
	Expected volatility	70.33%
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, and Warrants or Rights Activity [Table Text Block]	'
							Weighted
							Average
							Remaining
							Contractual
			Number of			Exercise	Life
			Shares			Price	(Years)
		Outstanding and exercisable, December 31, 2012	49,065,768		$	0.75 - 2.39	1.47
		Granted	-			-	-
		Forfeited/expired	(5,498,940	)		0.75 - 2.39	-
		Outstanding and exercisable, September 30, 2013	43,566,828		$	0.75 – 0.95	1.11

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	'
	Dividend yield	-
	Expected volatility	71.20% - 78.77%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.71% - 2.01%
	Expected life (years)	4.25 – 6.84
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	'
									Weighted
									Average
						Weighted			Remaining
						Average Grant		Weighted	Contractual		Aggregate
			Number of			Date Fair		Average	Life		Intrinsic
			Shares			Value		Exercise Price	(Years)		Value
		Outstanding, December 31, 2012	13,987,197		$	0.37	$	0.6	3.58
		Options/warrants granted	1,825,000			0.22		0.55	6.5
		Options/warrants exercised	(300,000	)		0.38		0.05	-
		Options/warrants expired	-			-		-	-
		Options/warrants cancelled	-			-		-	-
		Outstanding, September 30, 2013	15,512,197		$	0.35	$	0.61	3.35	$	504,000
		Exercisable, September 30, 2013	12,049,697		$	0.36	$	0.56	2.28	$	504,000
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]	'
						Weighted Average
			Number of			Grant Date
			Shares			Fair Value
		Unvested, December 31, 2012	2,600,000		$	0.39
		Granted	1,825,000			0.22
		Vested	(962,500	)		0.3
		Forfeited	-			-
		Unvested, September 30, 2013	3,462,500		$	0.32

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	3 Months Ended								9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013								Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'								'
												September 30,			December 31,
												2013			2012
										Deferred income tax assets:
										Net operating loss carryforward	$	9,747,650		$	8,327,426
										Option compensation		1,841,414			1,630,140
										Property, plant & equipment		582,243			423,904
										Exploration costs		507,952			570,719
										Asset retirement obligation		235,318			235,318
										Gross deferred income tax assets		12,914,577			11,187,507
										Less: valuation allowance		(1,836,521	)		(726,050	)
										Net deferred income tax assets		11,078,056			10,461,457
										Deferred income tax liabilities:
										Unrealized gain on investments		(10,865	)		(10,961	)
										Acquisition related liabilities		(11,067,191	)		(11,067,191	)
										Net deferred income tax liabilities	$	-		$	(616,695	)
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	'								'
				September 30,			September 30,					September 30,			September 30,
				2013			2012					2013			2012
		Income tax benefit based on statutory tax rate	$	567,887		$	643,052			Income tax benefit based on statutory tax rate	$	1,756,495		$	1,645,404
		Reconciling items:								Reconciling items:
		Non-deductible items		-			(44	)		Non-deductible items		(29,425	)		2,510
		Change in valuation allowance		(565,436	)		2,975			Change in valuation allowance		(1,110,471	)		(17,500	)
		Income tax benefit	$	2,451		$	645,983			Income tax benefit	$	616,599			1,630,414

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	'
				Minimum
				Lease		Sublease		Net Lease
				Commitment		Income		Commitment
		2014	$	48,308	$	32,676	$	15,632
		2015		50,240		18,337		31,903
		2016		52,250		-		52,250
		2017		44,983		-		44,983
			$	195,781	$	51,013	$	144,768

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_LOS1

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)	3 Months Ended								9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013								Sep. 30, 2013
Tax Effects of Comprehensive Loss [Table Text Block]	'								'
				September 30,			September 30,					September 30,			September 30,
				2013			2012					2013			2012
		Unrealized holding gains (losses)	$	7,001		$	(793	)		Unrealized holding losses	$	(275	)	$	(3,912	)
		Income tax (expense) benefit		(2,451	)		278			Income tax benefit		96			1,370
		Total unrealized gain (loss), net of tax	$	4,550		$	(515	)		Total unrealized loss, net of tax	$	(179	)	$	(2,542	)

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Tab

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Transactions Between the Company and DOSA [Table Text Block]	'
				Three Months		Three Months		Nine Months		Nine Months
				Ended		Ended		Ended		Ended
				September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
				2013		2012		2013		2012
		Wage and rent reimbursements	$	2,750	$	4,105	$	11,000	$	4,105
Schedule of Transactions Between the Company and NMC [Table Text Block]	'
				Three Months		Three Months		Nine Months		Nine Months
				Ended		Ended		Ended		Ended
				September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
				2013		2012		2013		2012
		Reimbursement of expenses	$	10,732	$	29,618	$	23,494	$	102,455
		Consulting services provided		105,000		105,000		315,000		315,000
		Mineral and exploration expense – related party	$	115,732	$	134,618	$	338,494	$	417,455
		Equipment purchases		-		-		25,000		50,000

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_HISTOR1

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		151 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	$1,615,532	$1,191,823	$4,402,136	$3,073,282	$27,040,258	'
Development Stage Enterprise, Deficit Accumulated During Development Stage	27,060,435	'	27,060,435	'	27,060,435	22,658,478
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	'	'	$20,177	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	'	'	59,079,025	54,156,154	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'	'	'39 years	'	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'	'	'3 years	'	'	'

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_Narrati

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		151 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Depreciation	$233,753	$231,331	$700,780	$668,703	$3,042,994

MINERAL_PROPERTIES_Narrative_D

MINERAL PROPERTIES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

151 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 29, 2008

Feb. 20, 2008

Feb. 19, 2008

Jul. 31, 2011

Jul. 20, 2011

Jul. 31, 2011

Jul. 31, 2011

Jul. 20, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 20, 2011

Jul. 20, 2011

Columbus Project [Member]

Columbus Project [Member]

Columbus Project [Member]

Red Mountain Project [Member]

Red Mountain Project [Member]

Red Mountain Project [Member]

Red Mountain Project [Member]

Red Mountain Project [Member]

Reclamation bonds [Member]

Reclamation bonds [Member]

Reclamation bonds [Member]

Reclamation bonds [Member]

Reclamation bonds [Member]

Reclamation bonds [Member]

Asset Retirement Obligation [Member]

DDB Claims [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Qualifying Expenditures [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Red Mountain Project [Member]

Red Mountain Project [Member]

Mineral Property, Interest Held

'

'

'

'

100.00%

15.00%

'

30.60%

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29.40%

0.10%

Net Smelter Return Royalty Percentage

'

'

'

5.00%

'

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions

'

'

'

10,440,087

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Noncash Financial or Equity Instrument Consideration, Warrants Issued

'

'

'

5,220,059

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment

$165,727

$245,615

$5,112,885

'

'

'

$600,000

'

$2,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$180,080

'

'

Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Mineral Property, Shares Issued, Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Trading Days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash bonding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

39,719

40,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted Investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,187,030

1,186,681

1,187,030

'

1,187,030

'

'

'

'

'

Exceeded bonding requirements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

37,030

36,681

37,030

'

37,030

'

'

'

'

'

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,001

-793

-275

-3,912

'

'

'

'

Asset Retirement Obligation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

672,338

'

'

'

Payment to Maintain Buyout

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$8,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Adjusted risk free rate of assets retirement obligation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.27%

'

'

'

Adjusted inflation rate of assets retirement obligation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.78%

'

'

'

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Narrative_

STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

151 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

31-May-13

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Mar. 15, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Feb. 23, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Feb. 23, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Private Placement Offering [Member]

Private Placement Offering [Member]

Concurrent Private Placement [Member]

Concurrent Private Placement [Member]

Private Placement to US Accredited Investors [Member]

Private Placement to Non-US Persons [Member]

Private Placement to Non-US Persons [Member]

Private Placement to Non-US Persons [Member]

Issuance of 50,000 shares of common stock [Member]

Issuance of 200,000 Shares of Common Stock [Member]

Issuance of 100,000 shares of common stock [Member]

Issuance of 100,000 shares of common stock [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Concurrent Private Placement [Member]

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Cash

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

Stock Issued During Period, Value, Issued for Cash

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$10,000

'

'

'

Warrant modification

83,925

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value Assumptions Warrants, Expected Term

'0 years 4 months 24 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period

'

-300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000

'

100,000

100,000

'

Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

37,500

'

5,000

5,000

'

Investment Options, Exercise Price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.75

'

$0.05

$0.05

'

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues

'

'

'

'

'

4,030,000

'

5,530,000

'

5,230,000

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues

'

15,000

4,780,234

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity Issuance, Per Share Amount

'

'

'

'

'

$0.50

'

$0.50

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.05

'

'

$2.40

Consecutive Trading Days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement

'

'

'

'

'

2,015,000

'

2,765,000

'

2,615,000

150,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.8

'

0.8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accelerate the expiration date of the warrants if the volume weighted average price for our common stock

'

'

'

'

'

$2.40

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accelerate expiration date warrants for consecutive trading

'

'

'

'

'

20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrants and Rights Outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,000

'

'

'

'

'

12,000

'

'

'

'

'

Additional cash fee of the exercise price of warrants exercised

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments of Stock Issuance Costs

'

0

42,266

1,000,004

'

8,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price

'

$0.61

'

$0.61

$0.60

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finders fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Filing and legal fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

28,266

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment of Financing and Stock Issuance Costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$42,266

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common Stock, Shares Authorized

'

400,000,000

'

400,000,000

400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share

'

$0.00

'

$0.00

$0.00

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amended warrants

'

22,572,827

'

22,572,827

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Class of warrants or rights, issued

'

4,000,000

'

4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Narrat

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

151 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2007

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 27, 2007

Apr. 30, 2012

Apr. 23, 2012

Apr. 30, 2012

Apr. 23, 2012

Apr. 30, 2012

Apr. 23, 2012

Apr. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 23, 2012

Apr. 23, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 16, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 15, 2013

Feb. 15, 2013

Feb. 15, 2013

Stock option plans [Member]

Stock option plans [Member]

Stock option plans [Member]

Grant of 800,000 shares of common stock [Member]

Grant of 800,000 shares of common stock [Member]

Grant of additional 800,000 shares of common stock [Member]

Grant of additional 800,000 shares of common stock [Member]

Grant of 200,000 shares of common stock [Member]

Grant of 200,000 shares of common stock [Member]

Grant of additional 200,000 options exercisable [Member]

Grant of additional 200,000 options exercisable [Member]

Grant of additional 200,000 options exercisable [Member]

Grant of 37,500 options exercisable [Member]

Grant of 400,000 options [Member]

100,000 shares of common stock granted [Member]

Grant of 225,000 shares of common stock [Member]

Grant of 225,000 shares of common stock [Member]

Grant of 325,000 shares of common stock [Member]

Grant of 325,000 shares of common stock2 [Member]

Grant of 950,000 common stock [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures

'

'

1,825,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

800,000

'

800,000

'

200,000

'

200,000

'

'

37,500

400,000

100,000

225,000

'

325,000

325,000

950,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase equal to total number of outstanding shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

15.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number

15,512,197

'

15,512,197

'

15,512,197

13,987,197

'

10,712,197

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Issued, Number

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,966,916

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number

12,049,697

'

12,049,697

'

12,049,697

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock option granted, weighted average exercise price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.52

'

'

$0.90

'

$0.90

'

$0.90

'

'

$0.90

$0.90

$0.90

'

$0.41

'

$0.57

$0.57

$0.57

Options immediately vested rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

25.00%

25.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options immediately vested

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

75,000

'

'

'

Remaining options vesting rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

25.00%

25.00%

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

Share-based Compensation

$225,744

$286,218

$603,639

$598,097

$5,563,848

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized

302,406

'

302,406

'

302,406

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

-2,451

-645,983

-616,599

-1,630,414

-10,272,059

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value

'

'

$286,059

$298,194

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share Based Compensation Arrangement Weighted Average Period Cost Recognized

'0 years 9 months 4 days

'

'0 years 9 months 4 days

'

'0 years 9 months 4 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

INCOME_TAXES_Narrative_Details

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	81 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Federal net operating loss carryforward	$27,850,431	$0

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2007	Mar. 31, 2007	Jun. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012
	Lease obligations [Member]	Lease obligations [Member]	Lease obligations [Member]	Lease obligations [Member]	Columbus Project [Member]	Red Mountain Project [Member]	Standby Letters of Credit [Member]	Consultant Bonus [Member]	Registration Payment Arrangement, Arrangement [Domain] [Member]	Registration Payment Arrangement, Arrangement [Domain] [Member]	Registration Payment Arrangement, Arrangement [Domain] [Member]
											Maximum [Member]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$21,444	$26,175	$58,119	$53,775	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Payments For Rent Increase	'	'	4.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Payment For Operating Expenses	'	'	748	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Smelter Return Royalty Percentage	'	'	'	'	5.00%	5.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Stand By Letter Of Credit Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	175,000	'	'	'	'
Certificates of Deposit, at Carrying Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	175,000	'	'	'	'
Required to pay of the total value of the letter of credit	'	'	'	'	'	'	2.00%	'	'	'	'
Contingent Consultant Bonus Cash Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	400,000	'	'	'
Contingent Consultant Bonus Number of Warrants	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,000,000	'	'	'
Contingent Consultant Bonus Exercise Price Of Warrants	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.9	'	'	'
Registration Payment Arrangement Cash Penalties of Subscription Proceeds	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.00%	6.00%
Registration Payment Arrangement, Maximum potential penalty	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$5,757	'	$346,979

CONCENTRATIONS_Narrative_Detai

CONCENTRATIONS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash, FDIC Insured Amount	$250,000
Cash, Uninsured Amount	$918,245

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Nar

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

151 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

NMC [Member]

NMC [Member]

NMC [Member]

McNeil Consulting Group, LLC [Member]

McNeil Consulting Group, LLC [Member]

McNeil Consulting Group, LLC [Member]

McNeil Consulting Group, LLC [Member]

McNeil Consulting Group, LLC [Member]

Former officers [Member]

Searchlight Minerals Corp [Member]

Searchlight Minerals Corp [Member]

Y

Net smelter return royalty to NMC

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Majority Stockholder Ownership Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

29.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sublease agreement period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

Rental Income, Nonoperating

$2,819

$0

$2,819

$0

$2,819

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,819

$1,667

Due to Related Parties, Current

23,290

'

23,290

'

23,290

23,290

10,853

'

36,151

12,500

'

12,500

'

12,500

23,290

'

'

Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$134,618

'

$15,000

$15,000

$45,000

$22,500

'

'

'

'

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cost	$5,415,879	$5,251,553
Accumulated depreciation	-2,987,757	-2,287,928
Net book value	2,428,122	2,963,625
Furniture and fixtures [Member]	'	'
Cost	47,652	20,854
Accumulated depreciation	-13,033	-10,334
Net book value	34,619	10,520
Computers and equipment [Member]	'	'
Cost	50,662	15,171
Accumulated depreciation	-13,961	-10,129
Net book value	36,701	5,042
Land [Member]	'	'
Cost	30,000	30,000
Accumulated depreciation	0	0
Net book value	30,000	30,000
Site improvements [Member]	'	'
Cost	2,925,731	2,925,731
Accumulated depreciation	-1,869,545	-1,459,137
Net book value	1,056,186	1,466,594
Site equipment [Member]	'	'
Cost	1,838,239	1,736,202
Accumulated depreciation	-896,790	-653,759
Net book value	941,449	1,082,443
Vehicles [Member]	'	'
Cost	23,595	23,595
Accumulated depreciation	-23,595	-21,236
Net book value	0	2,359
Building [Member]	'	'
Cost	500,000	500,000
Accumulated depreciation	-170,833	-133,333
Net book value	$329,167	$366,667

Schedule_of_Purchase_Price_Com

Schedule of Purchase Price Components (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Feb. 20, 2008
Common stock issued	$20,000,000
Fair value of warrants issued	1,359,351
Acquisition costs	600,000
Total purchase price	21,959,351
Net deferred income tax liability assumed	10,261,194
Total	$32,220,545

Schedule_of_Allocation_of_Acqu

Schedule of Allocation of Acquisition Cost (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Feb. 20, 2008
Mineral properties	$31,948,053
Deferred tax liability assumed	10,261,194
Property, plant and equipment	202,430
Deposits	44,720
Cash	6,570
Prepaid expenses	24,925
Accounts payable	-6,153
Total	$32,220,545

Schedule_of_Restricted_Investm

Schedule of Restricted Investments (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Amortized Cost	$1,155,988	$1,155,364
Gross Unrealized Gains	31,042	31,317
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Aggregate Estimated Fair Value	1,187,030	1,186,681
US Treasury Notes [Member]	'	'
Amortized Cost	879,553	879,553
Gross Unrealized Gains	31,042	31,317
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Aggregate Estimated Fair Value	910,595	910,870
Certificates of deposit [Member]	'	'
Amortized Cost	276,435	275,811
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Aggregate Estimated Fair Value	$276,435	$275,811

Schedule_of_Warrants_Valuation

Schedule of Warrants, Valuation Assumptions (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Risk-free interest rate	0.07%
Expected volatility	70.33%

Schedule_of_Sharebased_Compens

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, and Warrants or Rights Activity (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Class of Warrants or Right Outstanding and Exercisable, Number, Beginning of Period	49,065,768
Class of Warrants or Right Outstanding and Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Beginning of Period	'1 year 5 months 19 days
Class of Warrants or Right Outstanding, Number of Shares Granted in Period	0
Class of Warrants or Right Outstanding, Grants in Period, Exercise Price	$0
Class of Warrants or Right Outstanding, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	'0 years
Class of Warrants or Right Outstanding, Number of Shares Forfeited/Expired	-5,498,940
Class of Warrants or Right Outstanding, Forfeited/Expired, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	'0 years
Class of Warrants or Right Outstanding and Exercisable, Number, End of Period	43,566,828
Class of Warrants or Right Outstanding and Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), End of Period	'1 year 1 month 10 days
Maximum [Member]	'
Class of Warrants or Right Outstanding and Exercisable, Exercise Price, Beginning of Period	$2.39
Class of Warrants or Right Outstanding, Forfeited/Expired, Exercise Price	$2.39
Class of Warrants or Right Outstanding and Exercisable, Exercise Price, End of Period	$0.95
Minimum [Member]	'
Class of Warrants or Right Outstanding and Exercisable, Exercise Price, Beginning of Period	$0.75
Class of Warrants or Right Outstanding, Forfeited/Expired, Exercise Price	$0.75
Class of Warrants or Right Outstanding and Exercisable, Exercise Price, End of Period	$0.75

Schedule_of_Sharebased_Payment

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Minimum	71.20%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Maximum	78.77%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum	0.71%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum	2.01%
Maximum [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	'6 years 10 months 2 days
Minimum [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	'4 years 3 months

Schedule_of_Sharebased_Compens1

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Beginning of Period	13,987,197	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning of Period	0.35	'	0.37
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning of Period	$0.60	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Beginning of Period	'3 years 6 months 29 days	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures	1,825,000	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$0.22	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0.55	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Options, Granted Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'6 years 6 months	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	-300,000	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	0.38	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	0.05	'	'
Share-based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Options Exercised Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'0 years	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period	0	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	0	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0	'	'
Share-based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Options Expired, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'0 years	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period	0	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	0	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0	'	'
Share-based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Options Cancelled, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'0 years	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, End of Period	15,512,197	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, End of Period	0.35	'	0.37
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, End of Period	$0.61	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, End of Period	'3 years 4 months 6 days	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value, End of Period	$504,000	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number, End of Period	'	12,049,697	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, End of Period	$0.36	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price, End of Period	'	$0.56	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, End of Period	'2 years 3 months 11 days	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value, End of Period	$504,000	'	'

Schedule_of_Nonvested_Share_Ac

Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Unvested Options Outstanding Number	2,600,000
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Unvested Options Outstanding Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	0.39
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Net of Forfeitures	1,825,000
Share-based Compensation, Options Subject to Vesting, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	0.22
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Vested Options Outstanding Number	-962,500
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Vested Options Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	0.3
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period	0
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Forfeited Options Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	0
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Unvested Options Outstanding Number	3,462,500
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Unvested Options Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	0.32

Schedule_of_Deferred_Tax_Asset

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net operating loss carryforward	$9,747,650	$8,327,426
Option compensation	1,841,414	1,630,140
Property, plant and equipment	582,243	423,904
Exploration costs	507,952	570,719
Reclamation and remediation costs	235,318	235,318
Gross deferred income tax assets	12,914,577	11,187,507
Less: valuation allowance	-1,836,521	-726,050
Net deferred income tax assets	11,078,056	10,461,457
Unrealized gains on investments	-10,865	-10,961
Acquisition related liabilities	-11,067,191	-11,067,191
Net deferred income tax liabilities	$0	($616,695)

Schedule_of_Components_of_Inco

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income tax benefit based on statutory tax rate	$567,887	$643,052	$1,756,495	$1,645,404
Non-deductible items	0	-44	-29,425	2,510
Change in valuation allowance	-565,436	2,975	-1,110,471	-17,500
Income tax benefit	$2,451	$645,983	$616,599	$1,630,414

Schedule_of_Future_Minimum_Ren

Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
Minimum Lease Commitment [Member]	'
2014	$48,308
2015	50,240
2016	52,250
2017	44,983
Future Minimum Payments Due Total	195,781
Sublease Income [Member]	'
2014	32,676
2015	18,337
2016	0
2017	0
Future Minimum Payments Due Total	51,013
Net Lease Commitment [Member]	'
2014	15,632
2015	31,903
2016	52,250
2017	44,983
Future Minimum Payments Due Total	$144,768

Tax_Effects_of_Comprehensive_L

Tax Effects of Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		151 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Unrealized holding gains/losses	$7,001	($793)	($275)	($3,912)	'
Income tax (expense) benefit	-2,451	278	96	1,370	'
Total unrealized gain (loss), net of tax	$4,550	($515)	($179)	($2,542)	$20,177

Schedule_of_Transactions_Betwe

Schedule of Transactions Between the Company and DOSA (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Wage and rent reimbursements	$2,750	$4,105	$11,000	$4,105

Schedule_of_Transactions_Betwe1

Schedule of Transactions Between the Company and NMC (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		151 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Reimbursement of expenses	$10,732	$29,618	$23,494	$102,455	'
Consulting services provided	105,000	105,000	315,000	315,000	'
Mineral and exploration expense related party	115,732	134,618	338,494	417,455	'
Equipment purchases	0	0	25,000	50,000	'
Related Party Transactions [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Mineral and exploration expense related party	115,732	134,618	338,494	417,455	3,925,453
General [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Mineral and exploration expense related party	$638,948	$753,419	$2,022,100	$1,881,384	$16,647,856