McEwen Mining (MUX) 10-Q 7 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	2-May-14
Document and Entity Information	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'McEwen Mining Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000314203	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	265,879,944
Exchangeable Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	31,279,415
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
REVENUE:	'	'
Gold and silver sales	$11,130	$13,498
Total Revenue	11,130	13,498
COSTS AND EXPENSES:	'	'
Production costs applicable to sales	8,527	10,593
Mine construction costs	939	'
Mine development costs	1,568	471
Exploration costs	2,680	14,600
Property holding costs	1,454	1,377
General and administrative	3,227	4,192
Depreciation	225	282
Accretion of asset retirement obligation (note 3)	101	113
(Income) loss on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A., net of amortization (note 4)	-7,029	237
Total costs and expenses	11,692	31,865
Operating loss	-562	-18,367
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):	'	'
Interest income	75	71
Gain on litigation settlement	'	560
Foreign currency (loss) gain	-583	291
Total other income (expense)	-508	922
Loss before income taxes	-1,070	-17,445
Recovery of income taxes (note 8)	18,957	6,463
Net income (loss)	17,887	-10,982
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):	'	'
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes	1	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	$17,888	($10,982)
Net income (loss) per share (note 9):	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.06	($0.04)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.06	($0.04)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (thousands) (note 9):	'	'
Basic (in shares)	297,159	296,778
Diluted (in shares)	298,410	296,778

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$19,471	$24,321
IVA taxes receivable	13,081	11,591
Inventories (note 2)	9,323	8,800
Other current assets	1,817	2,059
Total current assets	43,692	46,771
Mineral property interests	642,646	642,968
Restrictive time deposits for reclamation bonding (note 3)	5,183	5,183
Investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (note 4)	216,031	212,947
Property and equipment, net (note 5)	16,917	15,143
Other assets	142	54
TOTAL ASSETS	924,611	923,066
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	11,930	9,797
Current portion of asset retirement obligation (note 3)	1,454	1,392
Total current liabilities	13,384	11,189
Asset retirement obligation, less current portion (note 3)	5,894	5,855
Deferred income tax liability (note 8)	139,898	158,855
Other liabilities	400	400
Total liabilities	159,576	176,299
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, no par value, 500,000 shares authorized; Common: 265,317 as of March 31, 2014 and 264,913 shares as of December 31, 2013 issued and outstanding Exchangeable: 31,842 shares as of March 31, 2014 and 32,246 shares as of December 31, 2013 issued and outstanding	1,355,076	1,354,696
Accumulated deficit	-589,747	-607,634
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-294	-295
Total shareholders' equity	765,035	746,767
TOTAL LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$924,611	$923,066

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS	'	'
Common stock, par value	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000	500,000
Common, shares issued	265,317	264,913
Common, shares outstanding	265,317	264,913
Exchangeable, shares issued	31,842	32,246
Exchangeable, shares outstanding	31,842	32,246

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	Accumulated Deficit
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$889,591	$1,349,777	($294)	($459,892)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	296,025	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	378	378	'	'
Exercise of stock options	34	34	'	'
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	'	20	'	'
Shares issued for litigation settlement	3,270	3,270	'	'
Shares issued for litigation settlement (in shares)	'	1,000	'	'
Shares issued for Mexico mining concessions	96	96	'	'
Shares issued for Mexico mining concessions (in shares)	'	41	'	'
Net income (loss)	-10,982	'	'	-10,982
Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	882,387	1,353,555	-294	-470,874
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2013	'	297,086	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	746,767	1,354,696	-295	-607,634
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	297,159	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	380	380	'	'
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes	1	'	1	'
Net income (loss)	17,887	'	'	17,887
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$765,035	$1,355,076	($294)	($589,747)
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2014	'	297,159	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Cash paid to suppliers and employees	($19,034)	($38,193)
Cash received from gold and silver sales	11,130	13,128
Dividends received from Minera Santa Cruz S.A.	3,945	'
Interest received	75	71
Cash used in operating activities	-3,884	-24,994
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Acquisition of mineral property interests	'	-150
Additions to property and equipment	-371	-175
Cash used in investing activities	-371	-325
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Exercise of stock options	'	34
Cash provided by financing activities	'	34
Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents	-595	-514
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-4,850	-25,799
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	24,321	70,921
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	19,471	45,122
Reconciliation of net loss to cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	17,887	-10,982
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from operating activities:	'	'
(Income) loss on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A., net of amortization	7,029	-237
Recovery of income taxes	-18,957	-6,463
Gain on litigation settlement	'	-560
Stock-based compensation	380	378
Depreciation	225	282
Accretion of asset retirement obligation	101	113
Amortization of mineral property interests and asset retirement obligations	322	669
Foreign exchange loss	595	514
Change in non-cash working capital items:	'	'
Increase in other assets related to operations	-1,857	-561
Increase (decrease) in liabilities related to operations	504	-8,621
Dividend receivable from Minera Santa Cruz S.A	3,945	'
Cash used in operating activities	($3,884)	($24,994)

NATURE_OF_OPERATIONS_AND_SUMMA

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
	NOTE 1  NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation
	McEwen Mining Inc. (the “Company” or “McEwen Mining”) was organized under the laws of the State of Colorado on July 24, 1979.  Since inception, the Company has been engaged in the exploration for, development of, production and sale of gold and silver. On January 24, 2012, the Company changed its name from US Gold Corporation to McEwen Mining Inc. after the completion of the acquisition of Minera Andes Inc. (“Minera Andes”) by way of a statutory plan of arrangement under the laws of the Province of Alberta, Canada.
	The Company operates in Argentina, Mexico, and the United States.  It owns a 49% interest in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (“MSC”), owner and operator of the producing San José mine in Santa Cruz, Argentina, which is controlled by the majority owner of the joint venture, Hochschild Mining plc (‘‘Hochschild’’). It also owns the El Gallo 1 mine in Sinaloa, Mexico, where production resumed in September 2012. In addition to its operating properties, the Company also holds interests in numerous exploration stage properties and projects in Argentina, Mexico and the United States.
	The interim consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) has been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures included are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
	In management’s opinion, the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Consolidated Balance Sheets as at March 31, 2014 (unaudited) and December 31, 2013, the unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2014  and 2013, and the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, contained herein, reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring items, which are necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows on a basis consistent with that of the Company’s prior audited consolidated financial statements.  However, the results of operations for the interim periods may not be indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year.  Therefore these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto and summary of significant accounting policies included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.  Except as noted below, there have been no material changes in the footnotes from those accompanying the audited consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.  All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit:  In July 2013, ASC guidance was issued 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 is 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, ASC guidance was issued 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 is 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 (ASC 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (ASC 360) — Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Components of an Entity:  In April 2014, ASC 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; (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 position, results of operations or cash flows.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
INVENTORIES	'
INVENTORIES	'
	NOTE 2   INVENTORIES
	Inventories at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consist of the following:
		March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Ore on leach pads	$	2,451	$	2,749
	In-process inventory	3,203		2,681
	Stockpiles	255		778
	Precious metals	2,015		1,300
	Materials and supplies	1,399		1,292
	Inventories	$	9,323	$	8,800

ASSET_RETIREMENT_OBLIGATIONS

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	'
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	'
	NOTE 3   ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
	The Company is responsible for reclamation of certain past and future disturbances at its properties.  The two most significant properties subject to these obligations are the historic Tonkin property in Nevada and the El Gallo 1 mine in Mexico.
	The current undiscounted estimate of the reclamation costs for existing disturbances on the Tonkin property to the degree required by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) and the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection (“NDEP”) was $2.8 million as of March 31, 2014. Expenses are expected to be incurred between the years 2014 and 2040. The Company submitted a mine closure plan to the NDEP and BLM for the Tonkin property during the fourth quarter of 2010.  As at March 31, 2014, the closure plan has already been approved by the NDEP but is still under review by the BLM pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act. A request for additional information was received from the BLM in the last quarter of 2013. A response to the request for additional information is being prepared for submittal. It is possible that reclamation plan cost estimates and bonding requirements may increase as a result of this review.  The Company, however, is unable to meaningfully estimate possible increases at this time. For mineral properties in the United States, the Company maintains required reclamation bonding with various governmental agencies, and at March 31, 2014, had cash bonding in place of $5.2 million (December 31, 2013 - $5.2 million).
	The current undiscounted estimate of the reclamation costs for existing disturbances at the El Gallo 1 mine was $4.6 million as of March 31, 2014. Expenses are expected to be incurred between the years 2014 and 2018. Under Mexican regulations, surety bonding of projected reclamation costs is not required.
	A reconciliation of the Company’s asset retirement obligations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and for the year ended December 31, 2013 are as follows:
		Three Months Ended		Year Ended
		March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Asset retirement obligation liability, beginning balance	$	7,247	$	6,359
	Settlements	—		(60		)
	Accretion of liability	101		461
	Adjustment reflecting updated estimates	—		487
	Asset retirement obligation liability, ending balance	$	7,348	$	7,247
	As at March 31, 2014, the current portion of the asset retirement obligation was $1.5 million (December 31, 2013 - $1.4 million).
	The definition of proven and probable reserves is set forth in the SEC Industry Guide 7. If proven and probable reserves exist at the Company’s properties, the relevant capitalized mineral property interests and asset retirement costs are to be charged to expense based on the units of production method and upon commencement of production. Since the Company has not completed feasibility or other studies sufficient to characterize the mineralized material at El Gallo 1 as proven or probable reserves, the amortization of the capitalized mineral property interests and asset retirement costs are charged to expense based on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the mine. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recorded $0.3 million of amortization expense related to El Gallo 1, which is included in Production Costs Applicable to Sales in the Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2014, of which $0.1 million related to the amortization of capitalized asset retirement costs.

INVESTMENT_IN_MINERA_SANTA_CRU

INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. ("MSC") - SAN JOSE MINE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. ("MSC") - SAN JOSE MINE	'
INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. ("MSC") - SAN JOSE MINE	'
	NOTE 4   INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. (“MSC”) — SAN JOSÉ MINE
	The Company’s share of earnings from its investment in MSC is included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), and amounted to $3.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, or 49% of MSC’s reported net income of $6.2 million. The amortization of the fair value increments arising from the purchase price allocation of $1.8 million, net of a recovery of income taxes of $5.8 million due to the impact of the devaluation of the Argentine peso relative to the U.S. dollar on the deferred tax liability associated with MSC as part of the Minera Andes acquisition, increased the Company’s share of the reported net income from MSC by $4.0 million, resulting in net income of $7.0 million. This compares to $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013, or 49% of MSC’s reported net income of $2.4 million, which was reduced by the amortization of the fair value increments of $1.4 million, net of tax, for a net loss of $0.2 million.
	During the first quarter of 2013, it was determined that the cost of sales reported by MSC under U.S. GAAP for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2012 was understated, resulting in an overstatement of MSC’s after-tax net income of $3.9 million. As the error was not material to previously-reported consolidated financial statements, the correction was recorded in the quarter ended March 31, 2013. As a result, the income from the Company’s equity investment of 49% in MSC for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was understated by $1.9 million.
	Changes in the Company’s investment in MSC for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and year ended December 31, 2013 are as follows:
		Three months ended			Year ended
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Investment in MSC, beginning balance	$	212,947		$	273,948
	Income from equity investment	3,029			2,126
	Amortization of fair value increments, net of tax	4,000			(1,280		)
	Dividend distribution	(3,945		)	(1,826		)
	Impairment of investment in MSC	—			(95,878		)
	Contribution of Santa Cruz exploration properties, net of tax	—			35,857
	Investment in MSC, ending balance	$	216,031		$	212,947
	A summary of the operating results from MSC for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (100%)
	Net sales	$	56,889		$	43,813
	Production costs applicable to sales	(39,637		)	(36,803		)
	Income from operations before extraordinary items	6,182			2,440
	Net income	6,182			2,440
	Portion attributable to McEwen Mining Inc. (49%)
	Net income on investment in MSC	$	3,029		$	1,196
	Amortization of fair value increments, net of tax	4,000			(1,433		)
	Income (loss) on investment in MSC, net of amortization	$	7,029		$	(237	)
	As at March 31, 2014, MSC had current assets of $106.2 million, total assets of $544.4 million, current liabilities of $42.6 million and total liabilities of $138.7 million on an unaudited basis. These balances include the increase in fair value and amortization of the fair value increments arising from the purchase price allocation and are net of the impairment charge of $95.9 million recorded in the second quarter of 2013.
	During the the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company received $3.9 million in dividends from MSC, compared to $nil during the same period in 2013.

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'
	NOTE 5   PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
	As at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, property and equipment consisted of the following:
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Trucks and trailers	$	1,041		$	1,041
	Office furniture and equipment	1,163			1,163
	Drill rigs	998			998
	Building	1,469			1,469
	Land	8,699			8,672
	Mining equipment	1,363			1,206
	Construction-in-progress	5,709			3,894
	Subtotal	$	20,442		$	18,443
	Less: accumulated depreciation	(3,525		)	(3,300		)
	Total	$	16,917		$	15,143
	The increase in property and equipment from December 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014 was mainly in relation to construction-in-progress assets, which include advances the Company made to a supplier for long-lead items for its El Gallo 2 project.
	Depreciation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
	NOTE 6   SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, 0.4 million exchangeable shares were converted into common stock.  At March 31, 2014, total outstanding exchangeable shares not exchanged and not owned by the Company or its subsidiaries totaled 31.8 million.
	In 2013, the Company entered into an agreement with one of its mining contractors to settle parts of its account payables 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 common stock quoted on active markets at the end of every month. As at March 31, 2014, the Company was required to issue a cumulative total of approximately 156,500 common shares under this agreement. The fair value of this liability of $0.4 million is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as at March 31, 2014.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	'
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	'
	NOTE 7   STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded stock option expense of $0.4 million. During those periods, no stock options were granted to employees or directors.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
INCOME TAXES	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	NOTE 8   INCOME TAXES
	The Company’s income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal and state statutory corporate income tax rate of 35% primarily due to changes in the deferred tax liability associated with mineral property interests acquired with the Minera Andes acquisition. This deferred tax liability, which is denominated in Argentine peso, is impacted by fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate between the Argentine peso and U.S. dollar. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recorded an income tax recovery of $18.9 million as a result of the Argentine peso devaluation, compared to $6.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

INCOME_LOSS_PER_SHARE

INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE	'
INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE	'
	NOTE 9   INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
	Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed similarly except that the weighted average number of common shares is increased to reflect all dilutive instruments. Below is a reconciliation of the basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares and the computations for basic income (loss) per share for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended March 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands, except per share)
	Net income (loss)	$	17,887	$	(10,982	)
	Weighted average common shares (thousands):
	Basic	297,159		296,778
	Effect of employee stock-based awards	1,251		—
	Diluted	298,410		296,778
	Net income (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.06	$	(0.04	)
	Diluted	$	0.06	$	(0.04	)
	Options to purchase 1.5 million shares of common stock (March 31, 2013 — 1.8 million) at March 31, 2014 at an average exercise price of $5.95 per share (March 31, 2013 — $5.98) were not included in the computation of diluted weighted average shares because their exercise price exceeded the average price of the Company’s common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Other outstanding options to purchase 1.2 million shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted weighted average shares in the three months ended March 31, 2013 because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	'
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	'
	NOTE 10   RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company incurred and paid $20,480 to an entity affiliated with the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for the use of an aircraft, compared to $70,525 for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

SEGMENTED_INFORMATION

SEGMENTED INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
SEGMENTED INFORMATION	'
SEGMENTED INFORMATION	'
	NOTE 11   SEGMENTED INFORMATION
	McEwen Mining is a mining and minerals exploration, development and production company focused on precious metals in Argentina, Mexico and the United States.  The Company identifies its reportable segments as those consolidated operations that are currently engaged in the exploration for and production of precious metals.  Operations not actively engaged in the exploration for, or production of precious metals, are aggregated at the corporate level for segment reporting purposes.
	The financial information relating to the Company’s segments as of, and for the three months ended, March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		For the three months ended March 31, 2014
											Corporate
		Argentina			Mexico			U.S.			& Other			Total
		(in thousands)
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014
	Gold and silver sales	$	—		$	11,130		$	—		$	—		$	11,130
	Production costs applicable to sales	—			(8,527		)	—			—			(8,527		)
	Mine construction costs	—			(939		)	—			—			(939		)
	Mine development costs	—			(1,568		)	—			—			(1,568		)
	Exploration costs	(501		)	(1,388		)	(686		)	(105		)	(2,680		)
	Income on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (net of amortization)	7,029			—			—			—			7,029
	Operating income (loss)	6,258			(3,048		)	(1,429		)	(2,343		)	(562		)
	As at March 31, 2014
	Investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A.	216,031			—			—			—			216,031
	Mineral property interests	458,203			11,662			172,781			—			642,646
	Total assets	677,246			57,433			176,862			13,070			924,611
		For the three months ended March 31, 2013
											Corporate
		Argentina			Mexico			U.S.			& Other			Total
		(in thousands)
	For the three months ended March 31, 2013
	Gold and silver sales	$	—		$	13,498		$	—		$	—		$	13,498
	Production costs applicable to sales	—			(10,593		)	—			—			(10,593		)
	Mine development costs	—			(471		)	—			—			(471		)
	Exploration costs	(11,462		)	(2,485		)	(580		)	(73		)	(14,600		)
	Loss on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (net of amortization)	(237		)	—			—			—			(237		)
	Operating loss	(11,912		)	(2,050		)	(945		)	(3,460		)	(18,367		)
	As at December 31, 2013
	Investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A.	212,947			—			—			—			212,947
	Mineral property interests	458,203			11,984			172,781			—			642,968
	Total assets	674,269			54,131			177,248			17,418			923,066

FAIR_VALUE_ACCOUNTING

FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING	'
FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING	'
	NOTE 12   FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING
	Fair value accounting establishes 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:
	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 following table identifies the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 by level within the fair value hierarchy.  As required by accounting guidance, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
		Fair Value as at March 31, 2014
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	19,471	$	19,471	$	—	$	—
		$	19,471	$	19,471	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	371	$	371	$	—	$	—
		$	371	$	371	$	—	$	—
		Fair Value as at December 31, 2013
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	24,321	$	24,321	$	—	$	—
		$	24,321	$	24,321	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	177		177		—		—
		$	177	$	177	$	—	$	—
	The Company’s cash and cash equivalents is classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because it is valued using quoted market prices.  The cash equivalent instruments that are valued based on quoted market prices in active markets are primarily money market securities.
	As at March 31, 2014, accounts payable included an accrual of $0.4 million for the fair value of approximately 156,500 shares of common stock that are required to be issued as part of the settlement of certain amounts due by the Company to one of its vendors, as discussed in Note 6, Shareholders’ Equity. As the Company’s stock is quoted on an active market, this liability is classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
	The fair value of other financial assets and liabilities approximate their carrying values due to their short-term nature and historically negligible credit losses.

INVENTORIES_Tables

INVENTORIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
INVENTORIES	'
Schedule of inventories	'
		March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Ore on leach pads	$	2,451	$	2,749
	In-process inventory	3,203		2,681
	Stockpiles	255		778
	Precious metals	2,015		1,300
	Materials and supplies	1,399		1,292
	Inventories	$	9,323	$	8,800

ASSET_RETIREMENT_OBLIGATIONS_T

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	'
Schedule of reconciliation of asset retirement obligations	'
		Three Months Ended		Year Ended
		March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Asset retirement obligation liability, beginning balance	$	7,247	$	6,359
	Settlements	—		(60		)
	Accretion of liability	101		461
	Adjustment reflecting updated estimates	—		487
	Asset retirement obligation liability, ending balance	$	7,348	$	7,247

INVESTMENT_IN_MINERA_SANTA_CRU1

INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. ("MSC") - SAN JOSE MINE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. ("MSC") - SAN JOSE MINE	'
Schedule of change in the entity's investment in MSC	'
		Three months ended			Year ended
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Investment in MSC, beginning balance	$	212,947		$	273,948
	Income from equity investment	3,029			2,126
	Amortization of fair value increments, net of tax	4,000			(1,280		)
	Dividend distribution	(3,945		)	(1,826		)
	Impairment of investment in MSC	—			(95,878		)
	Contribution of Santa Cruz exploration properties, net of tax	—			35,857
	Investment in MSC, ending balance	$	216,031		$	212,947
Summary of MSC's financial information from operations	'
		Three months ended March 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (100%)
	Net sales	$	56,889		$	43,813
	Production costs applicable to sales	(39,637		)	(36,803		)
	Income from operations before extraordinary items	6,182			2,440
	Net income	6,182			2,440
	Portion attributable to McEwen Mining Inc. (49%)
	Net income on investment in MSC	$	3,029		$	1,196
	Amortization of fair value increments, net of tax	4,000			(1,433		)
	Income (loss) on investment in MSC, net of amortization	$	7,029		$	(237	)

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_Tables

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'
Schedule of property and equipment	'
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Trucks and trailers	$	1,041		$	1,041
	Office furniture and equipment	1,163			1,163
	Drill rigs	998			998
	Building	1,469			1,469
	Land	8,699			8,672
	Mining equipment	1,363			1,206
	Construction-in-progress	5,709			3,894
	Subtotal	$	20,442		$	18,443
	Less: accumulated depreciation	(3,525		)	(3,300		)
	Total	$	16,917		$	15,143

INCOME_LOSS_PER_SHARE_Tables

INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE	'
Schedule of reconciliation of the basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares and the computations for basic income (loss) per share	'
		Three months ended March 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands, except per share)
	Net income (loss)	$	17,887	$	(10,982	)
	Weighted average common shares (thousands):
	Basic	297,159		296,778
	Effect of employee stock-based awards	1,251		—
	Diluted	298,410		296,778
	Net income (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.06	$	(0.04	)
	Diluted	$	0.06	$	(0.04	)

SEGMENTED_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENTED INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
SEGMENTED INFORMATION	'
Schedule of the financial information relating to the Company's segments	'
		For the three months ended March 31, 2014
											Corporate
		Argentina			Mexico			U.S.			& Other			Total
		(in thousands)
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014
	Gold and silver sales	$	—		$	11,130		$	—		$	—		$	11,130
	Production costs applicable to sales	—			(8,527		)	—			—			(8,527		)
	Mine construction costs	—			(939		)	—			—			(939		)
	Mine development costs	—			(1,568		)	—			—			(1,568		)
	Exploration costs	(501		)	(1,388		)	(686		)	(105		)	(2,680		)
	Income on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (net of amortization)	7,029			—			—			—			7,029
	Operating income (loss)	6,258			(3,048		)	(1,429		)	(2,343		)	(562		)
	As at March 31, 2014
	Investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A.	216,031			—			—			—			216,031
	Mineral property interests	458,203			11,662			172,781			—			642,646
	Total assets	677,246			57,433			176,862			13,070			924,611
		For the three months ended March 31, 2013
											Corporate
		Argentina			Mexico			U.S.			& Other			Total
		(in thousands)
	For the three months ended March 31, 2013
	Gold and silver sales	$	—		$	13,498		$	—		$	—		$	13,498
	Production costs applicable to sales	—			(10,593		)	—			—			(10,593		)
	Mine development costs	—			(471		)	—			—			(471		)
	Exploration costs	(11,462		)	(2,485		)	(580		)	(73		)	(14,600		)
	Loss on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (net of amortization)	(237		)	—			—			—			(237		)
	Operating loss	(11,912		)	(2,050		)	(945		)	(3,460		)	(18,367		)
	As at December 31, 2013
	Investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A.	212,947			—			—			—			212,947
	Mineral property interests	458,203			11,984			172,781			—			642,968
	Total assets	674,269			54,131			177,248			17,418			923,066

FAIR_VALUE_ACCOUNTING_Tables

FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING	'
Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy	'
		Fair Value as at March 31, 2014
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	19,471	$	19,471	$	—	$	—
		$	19,471	$	19,471	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	371	$	371	$	—	$	—
		$	371	$	371	$	—	$	—
		Fair Value as at December 31, 2013
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	24,321	$	24,321	$	—	$	—
		$	24,321	$	24,321	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	177		177		—		—
		$	177	$	177	$	—	$	—

NATURE_OF_OPERATIONS_AND_SUMMA1

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (MSC)	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
MSC	'	'
THE COMPANY	'	'
Ownership interest (as a percent)	49.00%	49.00%

INVENTORIES_Details

INVENTORIES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
INVENTORIES	'	'
Ore on leach pads	$2,451	$2,749
In-process inventory	3,203	2,681
Stockpiles	255	778
Precious metals	2,015	1,300
Materials and supplies	1,399	1,292
Inventories	$9,323	$8,800

ASSET_RETIREMENT_OBLIGATIONS_D

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset retirement obligations	'	'	'
Cash bonding for mineral properties in the United States	$5,183,000	'	$5,183,000
Amortization of mineral property interests and asset retirement obligations	322,000	669,000	'
Changes in the asset retirement obligations	'	'	'
Asset retirement obligation liability, beginning balance	7,247,000	6,359,000	6,359,000
Settlements	'	'	-60,000
Accretion of liability	101,000	113,000	461,000
Adjustment reflecting updated estimates	'	'	487,000
Asset retirement obligation liability, ending balance	7,348,000	'	7,247,000
Current portion of the asset retirement obligation	1,454,000	'	1,392,000
Tonkin property and El Gallo 1 mine portion of the El Gallo Complex	'	'	'
Asset retirement obligations	'	'	'
Number of most significant properties subject to reclamation obligations	2	'	'
Tonkin Complex	'	'	'
Asset retirement obligations	'	'	'
Undiscounted estimated reclamation costs	2,800,000	'	'
El Gallo 1 mine	'	'	'
Asset retirement obligations	'	'	'
Undiscounted estimated reclamation costs	4,600,000	'	'
Amortization of mineral property interests and asset retirement obligations	300,000	1,200,000	'
Amortization of capitalized asset retirement costs	$100,000	'	'

INVESTMENT_IN_MINERA_SANTA_CRU2

INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. ("MSC") - SAN JOSE MINE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. ("MSC") - SAN JOSE MINE	'	'	'
Recovery of income taxes	$18,957,000	$6,463,000	'
Income on investment in MSC, net of amortization	7,029,000	-237,000	'
MSC	'	'	'
INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. ("MSC") - SAN JOSE MINE	'	'	'
Net income on investment in MSC	3,029,000	1,196,000	2,126,000
Ownership interest (as a percent)	49.00%	49.00%	'
Net income	6,182,000	2,440,000	'
Amortization of fair value increments, before tax	1,800,000	'	'
Recovery of income taxes	5,800,000	'	'
Amortization of fair value increments, net of tax	4,000,000	-1,433,000	-1,280,000
Income on investment in MSC, net of amortization	7,029,000	-237,000	'
Equity method investment, overstatement of income from prior year recorded in current period	'	3,900,000	'
Entity's share of income in investee, understatement of income from prior year recorded in current period	'	$1,900,000	'

INVESTMENT_IN_MINERA_SANTA_CRU3

INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. ("MSC") - SAN JOSE MINE (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Change in the investment in MSC	'	'	'	'
Investment in MSC, ending balance	$216,031	'	$212,947	$212,947
MSC	'	'	'	'
Change in the investment in MSC	'	'	'	'
Investment in MSC, beginning balance	212,947	'	273,948	273,948
Income from equity investment	3,029	'	1,196	2,126
Amortization of fair value increments, net of tax	4,000	'	-1,433	-1,280
Dividend distribution	-3,945	'	'	-1,826
Impairment of investment in MSC	'	-95,900	'	-95,878
Contribution of Santa Cruz exploration properties, net of tax	'	'	'	35,857
Investment in MSC, ending balance	$216,031	'	'	$212,947

INVESTMENT_IN_MINERA_SANTA_CRU4

INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. (''MSC'') - SAN JOSE MINE (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. ("MSC") - SAN JOSE MINE	'	'	'
Income on investment in MSC, net of amortization	$7,029	($237)	'
MSC	'	'	'
INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. ("MSC") - SAN JOSE MINE	'	'	'
Net sales percentage	100.00%	100.00%	'
Net sales	56,889	43,813	'
Production costs applicable to sales	-39,637	-36,803	'
Income from operations before extraordinary items	6,182	2,440	'
Net income	6,182	2,440	'
Ownership interest (as a percent)	49.00%	49.00%	'
Net income on investment in MSC	3,029	1,196	2,126
Amortization of fair value increments, net of tax	4,000	-1,433	-1,280
Income on investment in MSC, net of amortization	$7,029	($237)	'

INVESTMENT_IN_MINERA_SANTA_CRU5

INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. (''MSC'') - SAN JOSE MINE (Details 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. ("MSC") - SAN JOSE MINE	'	'	'	'
Current assets	$43,692	'	'	$46,771
Total assets	924,611	'	923,066	923,066
Current liabilities	13,384	'	'	11,189
Total liabilities	159,576	'	'	176,299
Dividends received	3,945	'	'	'
MSC	'	'	'	'
INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. ("MSC") - SAN JOSE MINE	'	'	'	'
Current assets	106,200	'	'	'
Total assets	544,400	'	'	'
Current liabilities	42,600	'	'	'
Total liabilities	138,700	'	'	'
Impairment of investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A.	'	95,900	'	95,878
Dividends received	$3,900	'	'	'

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_Details

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'
Subtotal	$20,442	'	$18,443
Less: accumulated depreciation	-3,525	'	-3,300
Total	16,917	'	15,143
Depreciation expense	225	282	'
Trucks and trailers	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'
Subtotal	1,041	'	1,041
Office furniture and equipment	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'
Subtotal	1,163	'	1,163
Drill rigs	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'
Subtotal	998	'	998
Building	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'
Subtotal	1,469	'	1,469
Land	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'
Subtotal	8,699	'	8,672
Mining equipment	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'
Subtotal	1,363	'	1,206
Construction-in-progress	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'
Subtotal	$5,709	'	$3,894

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	item	item
Exchangeable shares converted into common stock	400,000	'
Outstanding Exchangeable Shares not exchanged	31,800,000	'
Number of mining contractors with which the entity has entered into an agreement	1	1
Number of shares required to be issued under the agreement	156,500	'
Litigation settlement liabilities	$0.40	'
Maximum	'	'
Number of shares to be issued to settle parts of expected future account payables	'	2,500,000

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION	'	'
Stock option expense	$0.40	$0.40
Employees and directors	'	'
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION	'	'
Stock options granted (in shares)	0	0

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
INCOME TAXES	'	'
U.S. federal and state statutory corporate income tax rate (as a percent)	35.00%	'
Recovery of income taxes related to Argentine peso devaluation	$18.90	$6.20

INCOME_LOSS_PER_SHARE_Details

INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE	'	'
Net income (loss)	$17,887	($10,982)
Weighted average common shares:	'	'
Basic (in shares)	297,159,000	296,778,000
Effect of employee stock-based awards (in shares)	1,251,000	'
Diluted (in shares)	298,410,000	296,778,000
Net income (loss) per share:	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.06	($0.04)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.06	($0.04)
Options	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	'	'
Options outstanding not included in the computation of diluted weighted average shares because their effect would have been anti-dilutive (in shares)	1,500,000	1,800,000
Average exercise price of options outstanding (in dollars per share)	$5.95	$5.98
Other options	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	'	'
Options outstanding not included in the computation of diluted weighted average shares because their effect would have been anti-dilutive (in shares)	'	1,200,000

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Det

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details) (Entity affiliated with related party, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Entity affiliated with related party | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer	'	'
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	'	'
Amount of expenses incurred and paid	$20,480	$70,525

SEGMENTED_INFORMATION_Details

SEGMENTED INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Segment Reporting	'	'	'
Gold and silver sales	$11,130	$13,498	'
Production costs applicable to sales	-8,527	-10,593	'
Mine construction costs	-939	'	'
Mine development costs	-1,568	-471	'
Exploration costs	-2,680	-14,600	'
Income on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (net of amortization)	7,029	-237	'
Operating income (loss)	-562	-18,367	'
Investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A.	216,031	212,947	212,947
Mineral property interests	642,646	642,968	642,968
Total assets	924,611	923,066	923,066
Argentina	'	'	'
Operating Segment Reporting	'	'	'
Exploration costs	-501	-11,462	'
Income on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (net of amortization)	7,029	-237	'
Operating income (loss)	6,258	-11,912	'
Investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A.	216,031	212,947	'
Mineral property interests	458,203	458,203	'
Total assets	677,246	674,269	'
Mexico	'	'	'
Operating Segment Reporting	'	'	'
Gold and silver sales	11,130	13,498	'
Production costs applicable to sales	-8,527	-10,593	'
Mine construction costs	-939	'	'
Mine development costs	-1,568	-471	'
Exploration costs	-1,388	-2,485	'
Operating income (loss)	-3,048	-2,050	'
Mineral property interests	11,662	11,984	'
Total assets	57,433	54,131	'
United States	'	'	'
Operating Segment Reporting	'	'	'
Exploration costs	-686	-580	'
Operating income (loss)	-1,429	-945	'
Mineral property interests	172,781	172,781	'
Total assets	176,862	177,248	'
Corporate & Other	'	'	'
Operating Segment Reporting	'	'	'
Exploration costs	-105	-73	'
Operating income (loss)	-2,343	-3,460	'
Total assets	$13,070	$17,418	'

FAIR_VALUE_ACCOUNTING_Details

FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	item	item
Liabilities:	'	'
Litigation settlement liabilities	$400,000	'
Number of shares of common stock required to be issued as a part of settlement	156,500	'
Number of vendors to which shares of common stock are required to be issued as a part of settlement	1	1
Recurring | Total	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	19,471,000	24,321,000
Assets	19,471,000	24,321,000
Liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	371,000	177,000
Liabilities	371,000	177,000
Recurring | Level 1	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	19,471,000	24,321,000
Assets	19,471,000	24,321,000
Liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	371,000	177,000
Liabilities	$371,000	177,000