| SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2014 |
| SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | |
| SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | |
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| Use of Estimates: The Company's consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions relate to environmental, reclamation and closure obligations; estimates of fair value for asset impairments; estimates regarding the collectability of value added taxes receivable; valuation allowances for deferred tax assets; reserves for contingencies and litigation; and estimates with respect to assumptions regarding stock-based compensation expense. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates. |
| Basis of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Investments over which the Company exerts significant influence but does not control through majority ownership are accounted for using the equity method, as described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Investments, below. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents: The Company considers cash in banks, deposits in transit, and highly liquid term deposits with original maturities of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents. Because of the short maturity of these instruments, the carrying amounts approximate their fair value. Restricted cash is excluded from cash and cash equivalents and is included in long-term assets. |
| Business Combinations: The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 805, Business Combinations. The acquisition method requires the Company to determine the fair value of all acquired assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and all assumed liabilities. The fair value of the consideration paid is allocated to the underlying identifiable net assets, based on their respective estimated fair values and any excess is recorded as goodwill. |
| Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management's judgment and the utilization of independent valuation experts, and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, and asset lives, among other items. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred and are reported on the acquisition costs line within the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. |
| Investments: The Company accounts for investments over which the Company exerts significant influence but does not control through majority ownership using the equity method of accounting pursuant to ASC Topic 323, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures. Under this method, the Company's share of earnings and losses is included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss and the balance of the investment is adjusted by the same amount. Under the equity method, dividends received from an investee are recorded as decreases in the investment account, not as income. If and when there has been a loss in value that is other than a temporary decline, the carrying value is reduced to its fair value. |
| The Company accounts for its investment in marketable equity securities as available for sale securities in accordance with ASC guidance on accounting for certain investments in debt and equity securities. The Company periodically evaluates whether declines in fair values of its investments below the Company's carrying value are other-than-temporary in accordance with ASC guidance. Declines in fair value below the Company's carrying value deemed to be other-than-temporary are charged to operations. |
| The Company accounts for its gold and silver bullion investments in accordance with ASC Topic 815. Since ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, does not consider gold and silver to be readily convertible to cash, the Company carries these assets at the lower of cost or market. |
| Value Added Taxes Receivable: In Mexico, value added taxes ("VAT") are assessed on purchases of materials and services and sales of products. Businesses are generally entitled to recover the taxes they have paid related to purchases of materials and services, either as a refund or as a credit against future taxes payable. In Argentina, except at the San José mine, the Company expenses all VAT as their recoverability is uncertain. |
| Stockpiles, Material on Leach Pads, In-process Inventory, Precious Metals Inventory and Materials and Supplies: Stockpiles, material on leach pads, in-process inventory, precious metals inventory and materials and supplies are carried at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value represents the estimated future sales price of the product based on current and long-term metals prices, less the estimated costs to complete production and bring the product to sale. Write-downs of stockpiles, material on leach pads, in-process inventory, precious metals inventory and materials and supplies, resulting from net realizable value impairments, are reported as a component of production costs applicable to sales. The current portion of stockpiles, material on leach pad, in-process inventory and materials and supplies is determined based on the expected amounts to be processed within the next 12 months. Stockpiles, material on leach pads, in-process inventory and materials and supplies not expected to be processed within the next 12 months, if any, are classified as long-term. |
| Stockpiles represent mineralized material that has been extracted from the mine and is available for further processing. Stockpiles are measured by estimating the number of tonnes added and removed from the stockpile, an estimate of the contained metals (based on assay data) and the estimated metallurgical recovery rates. Costs are allocated to stockpiles based on relative values of material stockpiled and processed using current mining costs incurred up to the point of stockpiling the mineralized material. Material is removed from the stockpile at an average cost per tonne. Since the Company only achieved production for accounting purposes in September 2012, no value was allocated to stockpiles prior to then. |
| Mineralized material on leach pads is the ore that is placed on pads where it is treated with a chemical solution that dissolves the gold contained in the ore over a period of months. Costs are attributed to the ore on leach pads based on current mining costs incurred up to the point of placing the ore on the pad. Costs are removed from the leach pad based on the average cost per estimated recoverable ounce of gold on the leach pad as the gold is recovered. The estimates of recoverable gold on the leach pads are calculated from the quantities of ore placed on the leach pads (measured tons added to the leach pads), the grade of ore placed on the leach pads (based on assay data) and a recovery percentage. In general, leach pads recover between 50% and 95% of the recoverable ounces in the first year of leaching, declining each year thereafter until the leaching is complete. The cumulative metallurgical recovery rate for gold production at the El Gallo 1 mine from September 2012 (start of production) to December 31, 2014 was approximately 56% (2013—61%). Although the quantities of recoverable gold placed on the leach pads are reconciled by comparing the grades of ore placed on the pads to the quantities of gold actually recovered (metallurgical balancing), the nature of the leaching process inherently limits the ability to precisely monitor inventory levels. As a result, the metallurgical balancing process is constantly monitored and the engineering estimates are refined based on actual results over time. |
| In-process inventories represent materials that are currently in the process of being converted to a saleable product. The El Gallo 1 conversion process uses an Adsorption-Desorption-Recovery ("ADR") processing plant utilizing carbon columns for recovery. In-process material is measured based on assays of the material fed into the process and the projected recoveries of the respective plants. Costs are allocated to in-process inventories based on the costs of the material fed into the process attributable to the source material coming from the mines, stockpiles and/or leach pads plus the in-process conversion costs incurred to that point in the process. |
| Precious metal inventories include gold and silver bullion that is unsold and held at the Company's or the refinery's facilities. Costs are allocated to precious metal inventories based on costs of the respective in-process inventories incurred prior to the refining process plus applicable refining costs. |
| Materials and supplies inventories are comprised of chemicals, reagents and consumable parts used in drilling and other operating activities. They are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. Cost includes applicable taxes and freight. |
| Proven and Probable Reserves: The definition of proven and probable reserves is set forth in Industry Guide 7. Proven reserves are reserves for which (a) quantity is computed from dimensions revealed in outcrops, trenches, workings or drill holes, grade and/or quality are computed from the results of detailed sampling and (b) the sites for inspection, sampling and measurement are spaced so closely and the geological character is so well defined that size, shape, depth and mineral content of the reserves are well-established. Probable reserves are reserves for which quantity and grade and/or quality are computed from information similar to that used for proven (measured) reserves, but the sites for inspection, sampling, and measurement are farther apart or are otherwise less adequately spaced. The degree of assurance, although lower than that for proven (measured) reserves, is high enough to assume continuity between points of observations. |
| As of December 31, 2014, except for the Company's 49% interest in the San José mine, none of the Company's properties contain resources that satisfy the definition of proven and probable reserves. The Company classifies the development of its properties, including the El Gallo 1 mine, as exploration stage projects since no proven or probable reserves have been established. |
| Property and Equipment: As described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Design, Construction and Development Costs below, substantially all costs, including design, engineering, construction, and installation of equipment are expensed as incurred as the Company has not established proven and probable reserves on any of its properties except for the Company's 49% interest in the San José mine. Only certain types of equipment which has alternative uses or significant salvage value, may be capitalized without proven and probable reserves. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method with the exception of mining equipment. Mining equipment is depreciated using the units-of-production method based on tonnes processed over the estimated total mine life. Office furniture, equipment and light vehicles are being depreciated over estimated economic lives ranging from 3 to 5 years. Leasehold improvements, which relate to the Company's corporate office, are being amortized over the term of the lease of 10 years. Trailers, heavy vehicles and other site equipment are being depreciated over estimated economic lives from 5 to 15 years. Buildings are being depreciated over an estimated economic life of 20 years. |
| Design, Construction, and Development Costs: Mine development costs include engineering and metallurgical studies, drilling and other related costs to delineate an ore body, the removal of overburden to initially expose an ore body at open pit surface mines and the building of access ways, shafts, lateral access, drifts, ramps and other infrastructure at underground mines. |
| When proven and probable reserves as defined by Industry Guide 7 exist, development costs are capitalized and the property is a commercially minable property. Mine development costs incurred either to develop new ore deposits, expand the capacity of operating mines, or to develop mine areas substantially in advance of current production would be capitalized. Costs of start-up activities and costs incurred to maintain current production or to maintain assets on a standby basis are charged to operations as incurred. Costs of abandoned projects are charged to operations upon abandonment. All capitalized costs would be amortized using the units of production method over the estimated life of the ore body based on recoverable ounces to be mined from proven and probable reserves. |
| Certain costs to design and construct mining and processing facilities may be incurred prior to establishing proven and probable reserves. As no proven and probable reserves have been established on any of the Company's properties except for the Company's 49% interest in the San José mine, design, construction and development costs are not capitalized at any of the Company's properties, and accordingly, substantially all costs are expensed as incurred, resulting in the Company reporting larger losses than if such expenditures had been capitalized. Additionally, the Company does not have a corresponding depreciation or amortization of these costs going forward since these expenditures were expensed as incurred as opposed to being capitalized. As a result of these and other differences, the Company's financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of mining companies that have established reserves. |
| Mineral Property Interests: Mineral property interests include acquired interests in development and exploration stage properties, which are considered tangible assets. The amount capitalized relating to a mineral property interest represents its fair value at the time of acquisition, either as an individual asset purchase or as a part of a business combination. The value of mineral property interests is primarily driven by the nature and amount of mineralized material believed to be contained in the properties. When proven and probable reserves exist, the relevant capitalized costs and mineral property interests are to be charged to expense based on the units of production method and upon commencement of production. However, when a property does not contain mineralized material that satisfies the definition of proven and probable reserves, such as with the El Gallo 1 mine, the amortization of the capitalized costs and mineral property interests are charged to expense based on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the mine, which based on the Company's El Gallo 1 mine plan as of December 31, 2014 is estimated to end in late 2017. As a result of these and other differences, the Company's financial statements will not be comparable to the financial statements of mining companies that have established reserves as defined by Industry Guide 7. |
| Impairment of Assets: The Company reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Mineral properties are monitored for impairment based on factors such as mineral prices, government regulation and taxation, the Company's continued right to explore the area, exploration reports, assays, technical reports, drill results and its continued plans to fund exploration programs on the property. |
| For operating mines, recoverability is measured by comparing the undiscounted future net cash flows to the net book value. When the net book value exceeds future net undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is measured and recorded based on the excess of the net book value over fair value. Fair value for operating mines is determined using a combined approach, which uses a discounted cash flow model for the existing operations and a market approach for the fair value assessment of exploration land claims. Future cash flows are estimated based on quantities of recoverable mineralized material, expected gold and silver prices (considering current and historical prices, trends and related factors), production levels, operating costs, capital requirements and reclamation costs, all based on life-of-mine plans. The term "recoverable mineralized material" refers to the estimated amount of gold or other commodities that will be obtained after taking into account losses during processing and treatment of mineralized material. In estimating future cash flows, assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of future cash flows from other asset groups. The Company's estimates of future cash flows are based on numerous assumptions and it is possible that actual future cash flows will be significantly different than the estimates, as actual future quantities of recoverable minerals, gold, silver and other commodity prices, production levels and costs and capital are each subject to significant risks and uncertainties. |
| For exploration properties, the Company is unable to estimate undiscounted future net cash flows from its operations due to the absence of proven and probable reserves. As a result, the Company uses the market approach to estimate the fair value of the Nevada and Argentina exploration properties by using a combination of the observed market value per square mile and an observed market value per ounce or pound of mineralized material based on comparable transactions, and uses this measure to assess recoverability and impairment. For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, the Company groups its properties by geological mineral complex, as this represents the lowest level at which the Company allocates its exploration spending independent of other assets and liabilities. |
| Asset Retirement Obligation: The Company records the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation ("ARO") in the period that it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset when proven or probable reserves exist, or if they relate to an acquired mineral property interest. Since no proven or probable reserves have been established for any of the Company's properties, other than at the San José mine, incremental asset retirement costs associated with the re-measurement of the fair value of the ARO at the El Gallo 1 mine or Tonkin property are charged to expense. Ongoing environmental and reclamation expenditures are debited against the ARO as incurred to the extent they relate to the ARO and to expense to the extent they do not. The fair value of AROs is measured by discounting the expected cash flows using a discount factor that reflects the credit-adjusted risk free rate of interest, while taking into account an inflation rate. The Company prepares estimates of the timing and amounts of expected cash flows when an ARO is incurred, which are updated to reflect changes in facts and circumstances. Changes in regulations or laws, any instances of non-compliance with laws or regulations that result in fines, or any unforeseen environmental contamination could result in a material impact to the amounts charged to operations for reclamation and remediation. Significant judgments and estimates are made when estimating the fair value of AROs. Expected cash flows relating to AROs could occur over long periods of time and the assessment of the extent of environmental remediation work is highly subjective. Considering all of these factors that go into the determination of an ARO, the fair value of the AROs can materially change over time. |
| Revenue Recognition: Revenue includes sales value received for the Company's principal products, gold and silver. The Company currently does not earn revenue from any products other than gold and silver. Revenue is recognized when title to gold and silver passes to the buyer and when collectability is reasonably assured. Title passes to the buyer based on terms of the sales contract. Product pricing is determined at the point revenue is recognized by reference to active and freely traded commodity markets, for example, the London Bullion Market for both gold and silver, in an identical form to the product sold. |
| The Company entered into a doré sales agreement with a Canadian financial institution in July 2012. Under that agreement, the Company has the option to sell to the institution approximately 90% of the gold and silver contained in doré bars produced at the El Gallo 1 mine prior to the completion of refining by the third party refiner, which normally takes approximately 15 business days. Revenue is recognized when the Company has provided irrevocable instructions to the refiner to transfer to the purchaser the refined ounces sold upon final outturn, and when payment of the purchase price for the purchased doré has been made in full by the purchaser. |
| Royalty Expense: The Company has a net smelter return ("NSR") royalty agreement with a third party on all metal production from the El Gallo 1 mine and a portion of expected future metal production from the El Gallo 2 project. The terms of the royalty agreement stipulate that production up to 30,000 of gold and gold equivalent ounces are subject to a 1% NSR, production between 30,001 to 380,000 of gold and gold equivalent ounces are subject to a 3.5% NSR, and 1% thereafter. Currently the Company is subject to the 3.5% NSR. Under the terms of the royalty agreement, the royalty holder has the option to settle the NSR payment in cash or gold and gold equivalent ounces. The royalty holder has indicated a preference to settle the NSR payment in gold and gold equivalent ounces which would be calculated on the day the refiner credits the Company's metals account. Cumulatively, on a life-of-mine basis through to December 31, 2014, approximately 148,000 gold and gold equivalent ounces have been produced from mineralized material within the scope of the NSR agreement. Royalty expenses are included in Production Costs Applicable to Sales in the Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. |
| Property Holding Costs: Holding costs to maintain a property on a care and maintenance basis are expensed in the period they are incurred. These costs include security and maintenance expenses, lease and claim fees and payments, and environmental monitoring and reporting costs. |
| Exploration Costs: Exploration costs include costs incurred to identify new mineral resources, evaluate potential resources, and convert mineral resources into proven and probable reserves. Exploration costs are expensed as incurred. |
| Foreign Currency: The functional currency for the Company's operations is the U.S. dollar. All monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency which is not the U.S. dollar are translated at current exchange rates at each balance sheet date and the resulting adjustments are included in a separate line item under other income (expense). Revenue and expense in foreign currencies are translated at the average exchange rates for the period. |
| Stock-Based Compensation: The Company accounts for stock options at fair value as prescribed in ASC 718. The Company estimates the fair value of each stock option at the grant date by using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and provides for expense recognition over the service period, if any, of the stock option. |
| In 2013, the Company entered into an agreement with one of its mining contractors to pay for a portion of mining services with shares of common stock of the Company, up to a maximum of 2,500,000 shares. The number of shares to be issued is determined monthly, based on the amount payable by the Company for services rendered above a defined tonnage threshold, using the closing price of the Company's common stock quoted on active markets at the end of every month. The cost of the shares required to be issued are included in Production Costs Applicable to Sales. At every period-end, any outstanding shares owed are marked to market based on the price of the Company's stock quoted on active markets. The agreement was terminated on February 1, 2015. |
| Income Taxes: The Company accounts for income taxes under ASC 740 using the liability method, recognizing 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 for the Company, as measured by the statutory tax rates in effect. The Company derives the deferred income tax charge or benefit by recording the change in either the net deferred income tax liability or asset balance for the year. 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. |
| Comprehensive Loss: In addition to net loss, comprehensive loss includes all changes in equity during a period, such as cumulative unrecognized changes in fair value of marketable equity securities classified as available-for-sale or other investments. |
| Per Share Amounts: Basic earnings or loss per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing income or loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common and exchangeable shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings or loss per share reflect the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of the Company and are computed in accordance with the treasury stock method based on the average number of common shares and dilutive common share equivalents outstanding. In these financial statements, warrants and stock options are not considered in the computation of diluted earnings or loss per share as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive for the periods presented. |
| Fair Value of Financial Instruments: Fair value accounting, as prescribed in ASC Section 825, utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and 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: |
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| Level 1 | | Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities; |
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| 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 |
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| 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). |
| Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements |
| Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit: In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2013-11 related to the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists. The updated guidance requires an entity to net its unrecognized tax benefits against the deferred tax assets for the same jurisdiction's net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or tax credit carryforwards. A gross presentation will be required only if such carryforwards are not available or would not be used by the entity to settle any additional income taxes resulting from disallowance of the uncertain tax position. The update was effective prospectively for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2014. The new guidance affects disclosures only and the adoption had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. |
| Foreign Currency Matters: In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05 related to Foreign Currency Matters to clarify the treatment of cumulative translation adjustments when a parent sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business within a foreign entity. The updated guidance also resolves the diversity in practice for the treatment of business combinations achieved in stages in a foreign entity. The update was effective prospectively for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2014. The updated guidance had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. |
| Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements |
| Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern—Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern: In August 2014, ASC 205-40 guidance was amended to provide guidance about management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The amendments require management to assess an entity's ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards. Specifically, the amendments (1) provide a definition of the term substantial doubt, (2) require an evaluation every reporting period including interim periods, (3) provide principles for considering the mitigating effect of management's plans, (4) require certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management's plans, (5) require an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated, and (6) require an assessment for a period of one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). The amendments in this update are effective for the Company's fiscal year ending December 31, 2016 and interim periods in the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017, with early application permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. |
| Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant and Equipment—Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Components of an Entity: In April 2014, ASC 205 and ASC 360 guidance was amended to change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations in ASC 205-20. A disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations only if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results when any of the following occurs: (1) the component of an entity or group of components of an entity meets the criteria in ASC 205-20-45-1E to be classified as held for sale; (2) the component of an entity or group of components of an entity is disposed of by sale; or (3) the component of an entity or group of components of an entity is disposed of other than by sale. The update is effective prospectively for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2015. The new guidance is not expected to have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. |
| Revenue from Contracts with Customers: In May 2014, ASC 606 was issued related to revenue from contracts with customers. Under this guidance, revenue is recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. The updated standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Early adoption is not permitted. The standard will be effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that year. The Company is evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. |
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