McEwen Mining (MUX) 10-Q7 Nov 142014 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 05, 2014
Document and Entity Information	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'McEwen Mining Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000314203	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-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	'	270,220,384
Exchangeable Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	28,879,495
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
REVENUE:	'	'	'	'
Gold and silver sales	$8,853	$11,778	$31,620	$35,735
Total Revenue	8,853	11,778	31,620	35,735
COSTS AND EXPENSES:	'	'	'	'
Production costs applicable to sales	10,997	7,907	30,424	26,778
Mine construction costs	567	662	1,723	662
Mine development costs	31	85	1,754	654
Exploration costs	2,306	2,575	7,623	22,064
Property holding costs	2,380	2,384	4,568	4,077
General and administrative expenses	2,549	2,496	8,989	10,905
Depreciation	239	204	693	731
Accretion of asset retirement obligation (note 3)	100	113	309	347
Loss (Income) on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A., net of amortization (note 4)	4,441	-2,040	-150	-252
Impairment of investment in MSC(note 4)	'	'	'	95,878
Impairment of mineral property interests and property and equipment (note 3)	'	6,287	120,398	34,016
(Gain) loss on sale of assets	-8	-50	-26	6,741
Total costs and expenses	23,602	20,623	176,305	202,601
Operating loss	-14,749	-8,845	-144,685	-166,866
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):	'	'	'	'
Interest income	347	60	456	199
Registration Taxes	-6,712	'	-6,712	'
Gain on litigation settlement	'	'	'	560
Gain (loss) on sales of gold and silver	'	51	'	-223
Foreign currency loss	-633	-159	-932	-1,094
Total other income (expense)	-6,998	-48	-7,188	-558
Loss before income taxes	-21,747	-8,893	-151,873	-167,424
Income tax recovery (note 8)	8,714	12,157	52,705	31,025
Net (loss) income	-13,033	3,264	-99,168	-136,399
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):	'	'	'	'
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes	-2	'	1	3
Comprehensive (loss) income	($13,035)	$3,264	($99,167)	($136,396)
Net (loss) income per share (note 9):	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.04)	$0.01	($0.33)	($0.46)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.04)	$0.01	($0.33)	($0.46)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (thousands) (note 9):	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	297,164	297,125	297,162	297,001
Diluted (in shares)	297,164	297,899	297,162	297,001

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$17,622	$24,321
IVA taxes receivable	10,873	11,591
Inventories (note 2)	9,202	8,800
Other current assets	2,005	2,059
Total current assets	39,702	46,771
Mineral property interests (note 3)	521,526	642,968
Restricted time deposits for reclamation bonding (note 3)	2	5,183
Investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (note 4)	203,614	212,947
Property and equipment, net (note 5)	18,085	15,143
Other assets (note 13)	531	54
TOTAL ASSETS	783,460	923,066
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	18,310	9,797
Current portion of asset retirement obligation (note 3)	1,458	1,392
Total current liabilities	19,768	11,189
Asset retirement obligation, less current portion (note 3)	5,976	5,855
Deferred income tax liability (note 8)	106,150	158,855
Deferred rent expense	328	'
Other liabilities	400	400
Total liabilities	132,622	176,299
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, no par value, 500,000 shares authorized; Common: 268,643 as of September 30, 2014 and 264,913 shares as of December 31, 2013 issued and outstanding Exchangeable: 29,607 shares as of September 30, 2014 and 32,246 shares as of December 31, 2013 issued and outstanding	1,357,934	1,354,696
Accumulated deficit	-706,802	-607,634
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-294	-295
Total shareholders' equity	650,838	746,767
TOTAL LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$783,460	$923,066

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0	$0
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000	500,000
Common, shares issued	268,643	264,913
Common, shares outstanding	268,643	264,913
Exchangeable, shares issued	29,607	32,246
Exchangeable, shares outstanding	29,607	32,246

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Common Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Deficit	Total
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Common Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Deficit	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$1,349,777	($294)	($459,892)	$889,591
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	296,025,000	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	965	'	'	965
Exercise of stock options	171	'	'	171
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	93,000	'	'	'
Shares issued for litigation settlement	3,270	'	'	3,270
Shares issued for litigation settlement (in shares)	1,000,000	'	'	'
Shares issued for Mexico mining concessions	96	'	'	96
Shares issued for Mexico mining concessions (in shares)	41,000	'	'	'
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes	'	3	'	3
Net loss	'	'	-136,399	-136,399
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	1,354,279	-291	-596,291	757,697
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	297,159,000	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	1,354,696	-295	-607,634	746,767
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	297,159,000	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	852	'	'	852
Exercise of stock options	1,382	'	'	1,382
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	697,000	'	'	697,300
Shares issued for settlement of accounts payable	1,004	'	'	1,004
Number of shares issued to settle part of account payables (in shares)	393,190,000	'	'	393,190
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes	'	1	'	1
Net loss	'	'	-99,168	-99,168
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$1,357,934	($294)	($706,802)	$650,838
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2014	298,249,000	'	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Cash paid to suppliers and employees	($51,300)	($74,359)
Cash received from gold and silver sales	31,620	34,711
Dividends received from Minera Santa Cruz S.A.	9,483	1,242
Proceeds from sale of gold and silver bullion	'	1,467
Lease incentive	328	'
Interest received	456	139
Cash used in operating activities	-9,413	-36,800
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Acquisition of mineral property interests	'	-150
Additions to property and equipment	-2,691	-3,710
Decrease in restricted time deposits for reclamation bonding	5,181	'
Deposit for surety bonds for reclamation bonding	-481	'
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment	39	1,449
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities	2,048	-2,411
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Exercise of stock options	1,382	171
Cash provided by financing activities	1,382	171
Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents	-716	-819
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-6,699	-39,859
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	24,321	70,921
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	17,622	31,062
Reconciliation of net loss to cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Net loss	-99,168	-136,399
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from operating activities:	'	'
(Income) loss on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A., net of amortization	-150	-252
Impairment of investment in MSC	'	95,878
Impairment of mineral property interests and property and equipment	120,398	34,016
(Gain) loss on sale of assets	-26	6,741
Lease incentive	328	'
Income tax recovery	-52,705	-31,025
Gain on litigation settlement	'	-560
Unrealized loss on gold and silver bullion	'	223
Proceeds from sale of gold and silver bullion	'	1,467
Stock-based compensation	852	965
Shares issued to supplier for settlement of accounts payable	1,004	'
Depreciation	693	731
Accretion of asset retirement obligation	309	347
Amortization of mineral property interests and asset retirement obligations	923	1,244
Foreign exchange loss	716	819
Change in non-cash working capital items:	'	'
Decrease in IVA taxes receivable, net of collection of $50419 (2013 - $nil)	717	979
(Increase) in other assets related to operations	-342	-1,078
Increase (decrease) in liabilities related to operations	7,555	-12,138
Dividend receivable from Minera Santa Cruz S.A	9,483	1,242
Cash used in operating activities	($9,413)	($36,800)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS	'	'
Collection Of Value Added Taxes Receivable	$5,049	$0

NATURE_OF_OPERATIONS_AND_SUMMA

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
The Company	'
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. 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 annual 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Consolidated Balance Sheets as at September 30, 2014 (unaudited) and December 31, 2013, the unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 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 annual 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, 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, Accounting Standards Codification (“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 beginning January 1, 2015, with early application permitted. The updated guidance is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s 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 position, results of operations or cash flows.

	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 position, results of operations or cash flows.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
INVENTORIES	'
INVENTORIES	'
	NOTE 2 INVENTORIES

	Inventories at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consist of the following:

		September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Ore on leach pads	$	1,730	$	2,749
	In-process inventory	4,417		2,681
	Stockpiles	382		778
	Precious metals	1,467		1,300
	Materials and supplies	1,206		1,292
	Inventories	$	9,202	$	8,800

	The Company recorded write-downs of $0.6 million, $0.9 million and $0.2 million on its ore on leach pads inventory, in-process inventory, and precious metals inventory, respectively, during the three months ended September 30, 2014, for a total of $1.7 million, to reduce the carrying value of its metal inventories to net realizable value. The write-down was due to a high volume of waste material being extracted, higher operating costs and lower metal prices during the third quarter of 2014. The inventory write-downs of $1.7 million are included as a component of Production Costs Applicable to Sales.

MINERAL_PROPERTY_INTERESTS_AND

MINERAL PROPERTY INTERESTS AND ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	9 Months Ended
MINERAL PROPERTY INTERESTS AND ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	Sep. 30, 2014
MINERAL PROPERTY INTERESTS AND ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	'
MINERAL PROPERTY INTERESTS AND ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	'
	NOTE 3 MINERAL PROPERTY INTERESTS AND ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

	Mineral Property Interests

	During the second quarter of 2014, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $120.4 million relating to its Los Azules copper exploration project (“Los Azules Project”). The Company conducts a review of potential triggering events for all its mineral projects on a quarterly basis. When events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable, the Company carries out a review and evaluation of its long-lived assets for impairment, in accordance with its accounting policy. Such a triggering event was identified in the second quarter of 2014 with respect to the Company’s Los Azules Project. The triggering event identified was a contemporaneous acquisition of a copper project located in Argentina, which shared similarities with the Los Azules Project due to its scale, location, and stage of development. Based on the announcement day value of the similar project, the estimated market value per pound of copper equivalent mineralized material from this transaction was below the carrying value per pound of estimated copper equivalent mineralized material of the Los Azules Project, indicating a potential significant decrease in the market price of the Los Azules Project, in accordance with ASC 360-35-21-a, and therefore a requirement to test the Los Azules Project for recoverability. To assist in performing a recoverability test, the Company engaged a third-party valuation firm who used the observed market value per pound of copper equivalent mineralized material based on this contemporaneous and other comparable transactions to estimate the fair value of the Los Azules Project. The carrying value of the property exceeded its estimated fair value, resulting in an impairment charge of $120.4 million, along with a resulting deferred income tax recovery of $22.5 million, being recorded in the Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

	Impairments recorded in the second and third quarters of 2013 related to the Company’s exploration properties in Santa Cruz, Argentina, and Nevada, respectively. The impairments related to the Santa Cruz properties were primarily due to an unexpected significant decline in gold and silver market prices, continued inflationary pressures and a new tax on mining reserves in the Province, resulting in a depressed market for exploration properties in Argentina. The impairment related to the Nevada properties were a result of the Company allowing certain claims in the West Battle Mountain Complex to lapse, in an effort to rationalize the Company’s mineral property interests and focus its exploration program on more prospective areas. The impairment charges for the Santa Cruz and Nevada properties were of $27.7 million and $6.3 million, respectively, along with a resulting reduction in deferred tax liability and recovery of deferred income taxes of $2.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively.

	Impairment charges were recorded on the following mineral property interests for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

				Three months ended September 30,					Nine months ended September 30,
	Name of Property/Complex	Segment		2014			2013		2014		2013
				(in thousands)
	Telken Tenements	Argentina		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	13,792
	Este Tenements	Argentina		—			—		—		2,784
	Piramides Tenements	Argentina		—			—		—		5,079
	Tobias Tenements	Argentina		—			—		—		6,074
	Los Azules Project	Argentina		—			—		120,398		—
	West Battle Mountain Complex	Nevada		—			6,287		—		6,287
	Total impairments			$	—		$	6,287	$	120,398	$	34,016

	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 $2.7 million as of September 30, 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 September 30, 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. 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. During the third quarter of 2014, the Company replaced its cash bonding of $4.8 million with surety bonds of the same amounts, as discussed in Note 13, Contingencies.

	The current undiscounted estimate of the reclamation costs for existing disturbances at the El Gallo 1 mine was $4.6 million as of September 30, 2014. Expenses are expected to be incurred between the years 2015 and 2018. Under Mexican regulations, bonding of projected reclamation costs is not required.

	A reconciliation of the Company’s asset retirement obligations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and for the year ended December 31, 2013 are as follows:

		Nine months ended			Year Ended
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Asset retirement obligation liability, beginning balance	$	7,247		$	6,359
	Settlements	(43		)	(60		)
	Accretion of liability	309			461
	Adjustment reflecting updated estimates	(79		)	487
	Asset retirement obligation liability, ending balance	$	7,434		$	7,247

	As at September 30, 2014, the current portion of the asset retirement obligation was $1.5 million (December 31, 2013 - $1.4 million).

	Amortization of Mineral Property Interests and Asset Retirement Costs

	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 under the SEC definition, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded $0.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014, of which $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 49% attributable share of operations from its investment in MSC was a loss of $4.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014, and income of $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This compares to income of $2.0 million and $0.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. These amounts are net of the amortization of the fair value increments arising from the purchase price allocation and related income tax recovery. Included in the income tax recovery is the impact of fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Argentine peso and the U.S. dollar on the peso-denominated deferred tax liability associated with the investment in MSC recorded as part of the acquisition of Minera Andes. As a devaluation of the Argentine peso relative to the U.S. dollar results in a recovery of deferred income taxes, the impact has been an increase to the Company’s income from its investment in MSC for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

	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 three months 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 three months ended March 31, 2013. As a result, the income from the Company’s equity investment of 49% in MSC includes an adjustment of $1.9 million, resulting in a reduction of the Company’s Income from Investment in MSC for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

	During the second quarter of 2013, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $95.9 million on its investment in MSC, primarily as a result of an unexpected and significant decline in gold and silver market prices, continued inflationary pressures during the year, and amendments to the Santa Cruz Provincial Tax Code and Provincial Tax Law, which imposed a new tax on mining reserves in the Province of Santa Cruz. As the loss in value of the investment was considered other than temporary, an impairment of $95.9 million was recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

	During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company entered into a vend-in agreement with MSC and subsidiaries of Hochschild pursuant to which both parties agreed to contribute to MSC the mining rights of certain Santa Cruz exploration properties. The carrying value of the Company’s properties of $35.9 million, net of the related deferred tax liability of $17.3 million, was transferred to the Company’s investment in MSC, with no gain or loss recognized upon transfer, and is reflected in the Investment in MSC balance as at December 31, 2013.

	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company received $2.4 million and $9.5 million in dividends from MSC, respectively, compared to $1.2 million during the same period in 2013.

	Changes in the Company’s investment in MSC for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and year ended December 31, 2013 are as follows:

		Nine months ended			Year ended
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Investment in MSC, beginning balance	$	212,947		$	273,948
	Attributable net income from equity investment	149			2,126
	Amortization of fair value increments	(9,652		)	(18,425		)
	Income tax recovery	9,653			17,145
	Dividend distribution	(9,483		)	(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	$	203,614		$	212,947

	A summary of the operating results from MSC for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:

		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands)						(in thousands)
	Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (100%)
	Net sales	$	38,263		$	69,663		$	148,386		$	182,031
	Production costs applicable to sales	(36,136		)	(44,964		)	(117,620		)	(139,373		)
	(Loss) income from operations before extraordinary items	(5,488		)	5,424			304			7,988
	Net (loss) income	(5,488		)	5,424			304			7,988

	Portion attributable to McEwen Mining Inc. (49%)
	Net (loss) income	$	(2,689	)	$	2,658		$	149		$	3,914
	Amortization of fair value increments	(3,522		)	(3,579		)	(9,652		)	(15,582		)
	Income tax recovery	1,770			2,961			9,653			11,920
	(Loss) income on investment in MSC, net of amortization	$	(4,441	)	$	2,040		$	150		$	252

	As at September 30, 2014, MSC had current assets of $98.3 million, total assets of $518.5 million, current liabilities of $56.9 million and total liabilities of $141.6 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. Excluding the fair value increments from the purchase price allocation and the impairment charge recorded in the second quarter of 2013, MSC had current assets of $101.2 million, total assets of $308.9 million, current liabilities of $56.9 million, and total liabilities of $94.5 million as at September 30, 2014.

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'
	NOTE 5 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

	As at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, property and equipment consisted of the following:

		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Trucks and trailers	$	1,012		$	1,041
	Office furniture and equipment	2,057			1,163
	Drill rigs	998			998
	Building	1,514			1,469
	Land	8,699			8,672
	Mining equipment	1,452			1,206
	Construction-in-progress	6,292			3,894
	Subtotal	$	22,024		$	18,443
	Less: accumulated depreciation	(3,939		)	(3,300		)
	Total	$	18,085		$	15,143

	The increase in property and equipment from December 31, 2013 to September 30, 2014 was mainly in relation to leasehold improvements to the Company’s corporate office, as well as 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $0.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively (2013 - $0.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively).

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	9 Months Ended
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	Sep. 30, 2014
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
	NOTE 6 SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, 2.6 million exchangeable shares were converted into common stock. At September 30, 2014, total outstanding exchangeable shares not exchanged and not owned by the Company or its subsidiaries totaled 29.6 million.

	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company issued approximately 697,300 shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options under the Equity Incentive Plan at a weighted average exercise price of $1.98 per share for proceeds of $1.4 million.

	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company issued approximately 393,190 shares of common stock under an agreement with one of its mining contractors to settle parts of its accounts payable for services rendered above a defined tonnage threshold. As at September 30, 2014, the Company was required to issue a cumulative total of approximately 446,950 common shares. The fair value of the remaining 53,760 outstanding shares of $0.1 million is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as at September 30, 2014.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	9 Months Ended
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	Sep. 30, 2014
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION	'
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	'
	NOTE 7 STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company granted stock options to certain employees and directors for an aggregate of 1.7 million shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $2.90 per share. The options vest equally over a three-year period if the individual remains affiliated with the Company (subject to acceleration of vesting in certain events) and are exercisable for a period of 5 years from the date of issue. During the comparable periods in 2013, stock options granted to employees and directors amounted to 1.7 million shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.25 per share. The principal assumptions used in applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model for these awards were as follows:

		Three months ended September 30,		Nine months ended September 30,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Risk-free interest rate	1.01%	0.5% to 0.86%	1.01%	0.50%
	Dividend yield	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
	Volatility factor of the expected market price of common stock	70%	66% to 69%	70%	66%
	Weighted-average expected life of option	3.5 years	3.5 years	3.5 years	3.5 years
	Weighted-average grant date fair value	$1.45	$1.02	$1.45	$1.01

	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded stock option expense of $0.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively. This compares to $0.3 million and $1.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES	Sep. 30, 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% to losses before taxes primarily as a result of valuation allowances being applied to losses and due to changes in the deferred tax liability associated with mineral property interests acquired in the Minera Andes acquisition. This deferred tax liability is impacted by fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate between the Argentine peso and U.S. dollar. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded an income tax recovery of $2.3 million and $23.7 million, respectively, as a result of the Argentine peso devaluation, compared to $9.9 million and $23.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. Further, the income tax recovery for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes $22.5 million associated with the impairment of the Los Azules Project, discussed in Note 3, Mineral Property Interests and Asset Retirement Obligations. This compares to an income tax recovery of $2.2 million and $7.0 million related to mineral property interests sold or impaired in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

	Also in the third quarter of 2014, the Company recorded an adjustment to decrease deferred tax liabilities by $5.8 million to record the tax effect of timing differences related to exploration expenditures incurred in Argentina in prior years and deductible for tax purposes in future years. The adjustment is included in deferred tax recovery in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

NET_LOSS_INCOME_PER_SHARE

NET (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
NET (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE	'
NET (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE	'
	NOTE 9 NET (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE

	Basic net (loss) income per share is computed by dividing the net (loss) income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net (loss) income 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 (loss) income per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

		Three months ended September 30,					Nine months ended September 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
		(in thousands, except per share)
	Net (loss) income	$	(13,033	)	$	3,264	$	(99,168	)	$	(136,399	)
	Weighted average common shares (thousands):
	Basic	297,164			297,125		297,162			297,001
	Effect of employee stock-based awards	—			774		—			—
	Diluted	297,164			297,899		297,162			297,001
	Net (loss) income per share:
	Basic	$	(0.04	)	$	0.01	$	(0.33	)	$	(0.46	)
	Diluted	$	(0.04	)	$	0.01	$	(0.33	)	$	(0.46	)

	For the three months ended September 30, 2014, options to purchase 3.2 million shares of common stock outstanding at September 30, 2014 (September 30, 2013 — 2.1 million) at an average exercise price of $4.28 per share (September 30, 2013 — $5.01) 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 September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Other outstanding options to purchase 3.2 million shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted weighted average shares in the three months ended September 30, 2014 because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, options to purchase 3.2 million shares of common stock outstanding at September 30, 2014 (September 30, 2013 — 2.0 million options) at an average exercise price of $4.28 per share (September 30, 2013 — $5.16) 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 September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Other outstanding options to purchase 3.2 million shares of common stock (September 30, 2013 — 3.6 million options) were not included in the computation of diluted weighted average shares in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	9 Months Ended
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	Sep. 30, 2014
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	'
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	'
	NOTE 10 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company incurred and paid $25,237 and $63,755, respectively, to an entity affiliated with the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for the use of an aircraft, compared to $9,100 and $79,625 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

SEGMENTED_INFORMATION

SEGMENTED INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 operating segments as of, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:

												Corporate
			Argentina			Mexico			U.S.			& Other			Total
			(in thousands)
	For the three months ended September 30, 2014
	Gold and silver sales		$	—		$	8,853		$	—		$	—		$	8,853
	Production costs applicable to sales		—			(10,997		)	—			—			(10,997		)
	Mine construction costs		—			(567		)	—			—			(567		)
	Mine development costs		—			(31		)	—			—			(31		)
	Exploration costs		(190		)	(1,201		)	(851		)	(64		)	(2,306		)
	General and administrative expenses		(210		)	(910		)	(50		)	(1,379		)	(2,549		)
	Impairment of mineral property interests and property and equipment		—			—			—			—			—
	Loss on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (net of amortization)		(4,441		)	—			—			—			(4,441		)
	Operating loss		(4,915		)	(5,936		)	(2,392		)	(1,506		)	(14,749		)

	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014
	Gold and silver sales		$	—		$	31,620		$	—		$	—		$	31,620
	Production costs applicable to sales		—			(30,424		)	—			—			(30,424		)
	Mine construction costs		—			(1,723		)	—			—			(1,723		)
	Mine development costs		—			(1,754		)	—			—			(1,754		)
	Exploration costs		(940		)	(4,077		)	(2,368		)	(238		)	(7,623		)
	General and administrative expenses		(563		)	(2,418		)	(163		)	(5,845		)	(8,989		)
	Impairment of mineral property interests and property and equipment		(120,398		)	—			—			—			(120,398		)
	Income on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (net of amortization)		150			—			—			—			150
	Operating loss		(122,474		)	(11,134		)	(4,846		)	(6,231		)	(144,685		)

	As at September 30, 2014
	Investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A.		203,614			—			—			—			203,614
	Mineral property interests		337,806			11,018			172,702			—			521,526
	Total assets		544,628			58,865			173,259			6,708			783,460

												Corporate
			Argentina			Mexico			U.S.			& Other			Total
			(in thousands)
	For the three months ended September 30, 2013
	Gold and silver sales		$	—		$	11,778		$	—		$	—		$	11,778
	Production costs applicable to sales		—			(7,907		)	—			—			(7,907		)
	Mine construction costs		—			(662		)	—			—			(662		)
	Mine development costs		—			(85		)	—			—			(85		)
	Exploration costs		(631		)	(1,148		)	(634		)	(162		)	(2,575		)
	Income on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (net of amortization)		2,040			—			—			—			2,040
	Impairment of mineral property interests and property and equipment		—			—			(6,287		)	—			(6,287		)
	Gain on sale of assets		10			—			40			—			50
	Operating income (loss)		1,131			393			(8,499		)	(1,870		)	(8,845		)

	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013
	Gold and silver sales		$	—		$	35,735		$	—		$	—		$	35,735
	Production costs applicable to sales		—			(26,778		)	—			—			(26,778		)
	Mine construction costs		—			(662		)	—			—			(662		)
	Mine development costs		—			(654		)	—			—			(654		)
	Exploration costs		(14,110		)	(5,582		)	(2,086		)	(288		)	(22,066		)
	Income on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (net of amortization)		252			—			—			—			252
	Impairment of investment in MSC		(95,878		)	—			—			—			(95,878		)
	Impairment of mineral property interests and property and equipment		(27,729		)	—			(6,287		)	—			(34,016		)
	Gain (loss) on sale of assets		(316		)	—			(6,428		)	3			(6,741		)
	Operating loss		(139,297		)	(2,627		)	(17,102		)	(7,840		)	(166,866		)

	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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 1Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

	Level 2Quoted 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 3Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity).

	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

	The following table identifies the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities which are recorded at fair value as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 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 September 30, 2014
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	Liabilities:
	Portion of accounts payable and accrued liabilities recorded at fair value	$	105	$	—	$	105	$	—
		$	105	$	—	$	105	$	—

		Fair Value as at December 31, 2013
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	Liabilities:
	Portion of accounts payable and accrued liabilities recorded at fair value	177		—		177		—
		$	177	$	—	$	177	$	—

	As at September 30, 2014, accounts payable included an accrual of $0.1 million for the fair value of approximately 53,760 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.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	NOTE 13 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

	Surety Bonds

	As part of its ongoing business and operations, the Company is required to provide bonding for its environmental reclamation obligations in the United States, as discussed in Note 4, Mineral Properties and Asset Retirement Obligations. These surety bonds are available for draw down in the event the Company does not perform its reclamation obligations. When the specific reclamation requirements are met, the beneficiary of the surety bonds will cancel and/or return the instrument to the issuing entity. The Company believes it is in compliance with all applicable bonding obligations and will be able to satisfy future bonding requirements, through existing or alternative means, as they arise. As at September 30, 2014, there were $4.8 million of outstanding surety bonds (December 31, 2013 - nil). The annual financing fees are 1.5% of the value of the surety bonds, with an upfront 10% deposit of $0.5 million which is included in Other Assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

SUBSEQUENT_EVENT

SUBSEQUENT EVENT	9 Months Ended
SUBSEQUENT EVENT	Sep. 30, 2014
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	'
SUBSEQUENT EVENT	'
	NOTE 14 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

	In October 2014, the Company entered into a transaction with TNR Gold Corp. (“TNR”) (and certain of its subsidiaries) whereby TNR’s back-in right to acquire up to 25% of the equity in certain portions of the Los Azules Project, has been terminated. In exchange for the termination of the back-in right, TNR will receive a 0.4% net smelter royalty on the Los Azules Project, 850,000 shares of the Company’s common stock and, if Company sells all of its interest in the project within thirty six months of closing the transaction, a bonus payment equal to 1% of the gross proceeds.

	In October 2014, the Company also subscribed, by way of a private placement, 8,333,333 common share units (the “Units”) of Visible Gold Mines Inc. (“Visible Gold”) at a price of C$0.06 per Unit for an aggregate amount of approximately $0.4 million (C$0.5 million). Each Unit consists of one common share and one warrant (the “Transaction”). Each warrant entitles the Company to purchase one additional common share in Visible Gold at a price of $0.10 until April 27, 2016. The common shares and warrants purchased pursuant to the Transaction represent ownership of approximately 10.4% of the issued and outstanding shares of Visible Gold post closing (or approximately 18.9% on a partially diluted basis).

INVENTORIES_Tables

INVENTORIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
INVENTORIES	'
Schedule of inventories	'
		September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Ore on leach pads	$	1,730	$	2,749
	In-process inventory	4,417		2,681
	Stockpiles	382		778
	Precious metals	1,467		1,300
	Materials and supplies	1,206		1,292
	Inventories	$	9,202	$	8,800

MINERAL_PROPERTY_INTERESTS_AND1

MINERAL PROPERTY INTERESTS AND ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
MINERAL PROPERTY INTERESTS AND ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	'
Schedule of impairment charges on mineral property	'
				Three months ended September 30,					Nine months ended September 30,
	Name of Property/Complex	Segment		2014			2013		2014		2013
				(in thousands)
	Telken Tenements	Argentina		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	13,792
	Este Tenements	Argentina		—			—		—		2,784
	Piramides Tenements	Argentina		—			—		—		5,079
	Tobias Tenements	Argentina		—			—		—		6,074
	Los Azules Project	Argentina		—			—		120,398		—
	West Battle Mountain Complex	Nevada		—			6,287		—		6,287
	Total impairments			$	—		$	6,287	$	120,398	$	34,016


Schedule of reconciliation of asset retirement obligations	'
		Nine months ended			Year Ended
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Asset retirement obligation liability, beginning balance	$	7,247		$	6,359
	Settlements	(43		)	(60		)
	Accretion of liability	309			461
	Adjustment reflecting updated estimates	(79		)	487
	Asset retirement obligation liability, ending balance	$	7,434		$	7,247

INVESTMENT_IN_MINERA_SANTA_CRU1

INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. ("MSC") - SAN JOSE MINE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. ("MSC") - SAN JOSE MINE	'
Schedule of change in the entity's investment in MSC	'
		Nine months ended			Year ended
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Investment in MSC, beginning balance	$	212,947		$	273,948
	Attributable net income from equity investment	149			2,126
	Amortization of fair value increments	(9,652		)	(18,425		)
	Income tax recovery	9,653			17,145
	Dividend distribution	(9,483		)	(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	$	203,614		$	212,947


Summary of MSC's financial information from operations	'
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands)						(in thousands)
	Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (100%)
	Net sales	$	38,263		$	69,663		$	148,386		$	182,031
	Production costs applicable to sales	(36,136		)	(44,964		)	(117,620		)	(139,373		)
	(Loss) income from operations before extraordinary items	(5,488		)	5,424			304			7,988
	Net (loss) income	(5,488		)	5,424			304			7,988

	Portion attributable to McEwen Mining Inc. (49%)
	Net (loss) income	$	(2,689	)	$	2,658		$	149		$	3,914
	Amortization of fair value increments	(3,522		)	(3,579		)	(9,652		)	(15,582		)
	Income tax recovery	1,770			2,961			9,653			11,920
	(Loss) income on investment in MSC, net of amortization	$	(4,441	)	$	2,040		$	150		$	252

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_Tables

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'
Schedule of property and equipment	'
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Trucks and trailers	$	1,012		$	1,041
	Office furniture and equipment	2,057			1,163
	Drill rigs	998			998
	Building	1,514			1,469
	Land	8,699			8,672
	Mining equipment	1,452			1,206
	Construction-in-progress	6,292			3,894
	Subtotal	$	22,024		$	18,443
	Less: accumulated depreciation	(3,939		)	(3,300		)
	Total	$	18,085		$	15,143

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Table

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION	'
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used for estimation of the fair value of the options granted under the Plan at the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes Option Valuation Model	'
		Three months ended September 30,		Nine months ended September 30,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Risk-free interest rate	1.01%	0.5% to 0.86%	1.01%	0.50%
	Dividend yield	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
	Volatility factor of the expected market price of common stock	70%	66% to 69%	70%	66%
	Weighted-average expected life of option	3.5 years	3.5 years	3.5 years	3.5 years
	Weighted-average grant date fair value	$1.45	$1.02	$1.45	$1.01

NET_LOSS_INCOME_PER_SHARE_Tabl

NET (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
NET (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014
NET (LOSS) INCOME 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 September 30,					Nine months ended September 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
		(in thousands, except per share)
	Net (loss) income	$	(13,033	)	$	3,264	$	(99,168	)	$	(136,399	)
	Weighted average common shares (thousands):
	Basic	297,164			297,125		297,162			297,001
	Effect of employee stock-based awards	—			774		—			—
	Diluted	297,164			297,899		297,162			297,001
	Net (loss) income per share:
	Basic	$	(0.04	)	$	0.01	$	(0.33	)	$	(0.46	)
	Diluted	$	(0.04	)	$	0.01	$	(0.33	)	$	(0.46	)

SEGMENTED_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENTED INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SEGMENTED INFORMATION	'
Schedule of the financial information relating to the Company's segments	'
											Corporate
		Argentina			Mexico			U.S.			& Other			Total
		(in thousands)
	For the three months ended September 30, 2014
	Gold and silver sales	$	—		$	8,853		$	—		$	—		$	8,853
	Production costs applicable to sales	—			(10,997		)	—			—			(10,997		)
	Mine construction costs	—			(567		)	—			—			(567		)
	Mine development costs	—			(31		)	—			—			(31		)
	Exploration costs	(190		)	(1,201		)	(851		)	(64		)	(2,306		)
	General and administrative expenses	(210		)	(910		)	(50		)	(1,379		)	(2,549		)
	Impairment of mineral property interests and property and equipment	—			—			—			—			—
	Loss on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (net of amortization)	(4,441		)	—			—			—			(4,441		)
	Operating loss	(4,915		)	(5,936		)	(2,392		)	(1,506		)	(14,749		)

	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014
	Gold and silver sales	$	—		$	31,620		$	—		$	—		$	31,620
	Production costs applicable to sales	—			(30,424		)	—			—			(30,424		)
	Mine construction costs	—			(1,723		)	—			—			(1,723		)
	Mine development costs	—			(1,754		)	—			—			(1,754		)
	Exploration costs	(940		)	(4,077		)	(2,368		)	(238		)	(7,623		)
	General and administrative expenses	(563		)	(2,418		)	(163		)	(5,845		)	(8,989		)
	Impairment of mineral property interests and property and equipment	(120,398		)	—			—			—			(120,398		)
	Income on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (net of amortization)	150			—			—			—			150
	Operating loss	(122,474		)	(11,134		)	(4,846		)	(6,231		)	(144,685		)

	As at September 30, 2014
	Investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A.	203,614			—			—			—			203,614
	Mineral property interests	337,806			11,018			172,702			—			521,526
	Total assets	544,628			58,865			173,259			6,708			783,460

											Corporate
		Argentina			Mexico			U.S.			& Other			Total
		(in thousands)
	For the three months ended September 30, 2013
	Gold and silver sales	$	—		$	11,778		$	—		$	—		$	11,778
	Production costs applicable to sales	—			(7,907		)	—			—			(7,907		)
	Mine construction costs	—			(662		)	—			—			(662		)
	Mine development costs	—			(85		)	—			—			(85		)
	Exploration costs	(631		)	(1,148		)	(634		)	(162		)	(2,575		)
	Income on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (net of amortization)	2,040			—			—			—			2,040
	Impairment of mineral property interests and property and equipment	—			—			(6,287		)	—			(6,287		)
	Gain on sale of assets	10			—			40			—			50
	Operating income (loss)	1,131			393			(8,499		)	(1,870		)	(8,845		)

	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013
	Gold and silver sales	$	—		$	35,735		$	—		$	—		$	35,735
	Production costs applicable to sales	—			(26,778		)	—			—			(26,778		)
	Mine construction costs	—			(662		)	—			—			(662		)
	Mine development costs	—			(654		)	—			—			(654		)
	Exploration costs	(14,110		)	(5,582		)	(2,086		)	(288		)	(22,066		)
	Income on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (net of amortization)	252			—			—			—			252
	Impairment of investment in MSC	(95,878		)	—			—			—			(95,878		)
	Impairment of mineral property interests and property and equipment	(27,729		)	—			(6,287		)	—			(34,016		)
	Gain (loss) on sale of assets	(316		)	—			(6,428		)	3			(6,741		)
	Operating loss	(139,297		)	(2,627		)	(17,102		)	(7,840		)	(166,866		)

	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)	9 Months Ended
FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING (Tables)	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	Liabilities:
	Portion of accounts payable and accrued liabilities recorded at fair value	$	105	$	—	$	105	$	—
		$	105	$	—	$	105	$	—

		Fair Value as at December 31, 2013
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	Liabilities:
	Portion of accounts payable and accrued liabilities recorded at fair value	177		—		177		—
		$	177	$	—	$	177	$	—

NATURE_OF_OPERATIONS_AND_SUMMA1

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (MSC)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
MSC	'	'
THE COMPANY	'	'
Ownership interest (as a percent)	49.00%	49.00%

INVENTORIES_Details

INVENTORIES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
INVENTORIES (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Ore on leach pads	$1,730,000	$2,749,000
In-process inventory	4,417,000	2,681,000
Stockpiles	382,000	778,000
Precious metals	1,467,000	1,300,000
Materials and supplies	1,206,000	1,292,000
Inventories	9,202,000	8,800,000
Inventory write-down	1,700,000	'
Ore on leach pads	'	'
Inventory write-down	600,000	'
In-process inventory	'	'
Inventory write-down	900,000	'
Precious metals	'	'
Inventory write-down	$200,000	'

MINERAL_PROPERTY_INTERSTS_AND_

MINERAL PROPERTY INTERSTS AND ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Argentina

Tonkin property and El Gallo 1 mine portion of the El Gallo Complex

Tonkin Complex

El Gallo mine

Telken Tenements

Este Tenements

Piramides Tenements

Tobias Tenements

West Battle Mountain Complex

Exploration properties in Santa Cruz, Argentina

Exploration properties located in Santa Cruz, Nevada

Los Azules Copper Project

item

Argentina

Nevada

Argentina

Mineral Property Interests [Line Items]

Number of most significant properties subject to reclamation obligations

Undiscounted estimated reclamation costs

$2,700,000

$4,600,000

Cash bonding for mineral properties in the United States

2,000

5,183,000

Reduction in cash bonding requirements

-5,181,000

Percentage of annual fees on surety bonds

1.50%

Percentage of upfront deposit on surety bonds

10.00%

Amortization of mineral property interests and asset retirement obligations

923,000

1,244,000

300,000

1,000,000

Amortization of capitalized asset retirement costs

100,000

400,000

Impairment charges

6,287,000

120,398,000

34,016,000

120,398,000

27,729,000

13,792,000

2,784,000

5,079,000

6,074,000

6,287,000

6,300,000

27,700,000

120,400,000

120,398,000

Recovery of deferred income tax

22,500,000

2,200,000

22,500,000

7,000,000

2,200,000

2,300,000

22,500,000

Changes in the asset retirement obligations

Asset retirement obligation liability, beginning balance

7,247,000

6,359,000

Settlements

-43,000

-60,000

Accretion of liability

100,000

113,000

309,000

347,000

461,000

Adjustment reflecting updated estimates

-79,000

487,000

Asset retirement obligation liability, ending balance

7,434,000

7,247,000

Current portion of the asset retirement obligation

$1,458,000

$1,392,000

INVESTMENT_IN_MINERA_SANTA_CRU2

INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. ("MSC") - SAN JOSE MINE (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

MSC

Exploration properties in Santa Cruz, Argentina

Vend-in agreement

INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. ("MSC") - SAN JOSE MINE

Ownership interest (as a percent)

49.00%

Income (loss) on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (net of amortization)

($4,441,000)

$2,040,000

$150,000

$252,000

($4,441,000)

$2,040,000

$150,000

$252,000

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

Impairment of investment in MSC

95,878,000

95,900,000

95,878,000

Carrying value of properties, net of tax

35,857,000

35,900,000

Deferred tax liability related to mineral properties transferred

17,300,000

(Gain) loss on sale of assets

-8,000

-50,000

-26,000

6,741,000

Dividends received

$9,483,000

$1,242,000

$2,400,000

$1,200,000

$9,500,000

$1,200,000

INVESTMENT_IN_MINERA_SANTA_CRU3

INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. ("MSC") - SAN JOSE MINE (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Change in the investment in MSC	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment in MSC, beginning balance	'	'	'	$212,947	'	'
Income tax recovery	-8,714	-12,157	'	-52,705	-31,025	'
Impairment of investment in MSC	'	'	'	'	-95,878	'
Investment in MSC, ending balance	203,614	'	'	203,614	'	'
MSC	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change in the investment in MSC	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment in MSC, beginning balance	'	'	'	212,947	273,948	273,948
Attributable net Income from equity investment	-2,689	2,658	'	149	3,914	2,126
Amortization of fair value increments	-3,522	-3,579	'	-9,652	-15,582	-18,425
Income tax recovery	1,770	2,961	'	9,653	11,920	17,145
Dividend distribution	'	'	'	-9,483	'	-1,826
Impairment of investment in MSC	'	'	-95,900	'	-95,900	-95,878
Contribution of Santa Cruz exploration properties, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	35,857
Investment in MSC, ending balance	$203,614	'	'	$203,614	'	$212,947

INVESTMENT_IN_MINERA_SANTA_CRU4

INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. (''MSC'') - SAN JOSE MINE (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. ("MSC") - SAN JOSE MINE	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax recovery	($8,714)	($12,157)	($52,705)	($31,025)	'
Income (loss) on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (net of amortization)	-4,441	2,040	150	252	'
MSC	'	'	'	'	'
INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. ("MSC") - SAN JOSE MINE	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	'
Net sales	38,263	69,663	148,386	182,031	'
Production costs applicable to sales	-36,136	-44,964	-117,620	-139,373	'
(Loss) income from operations before extraordinary items	-5,488	5,424	304	7,988	'
Net (loss) income	-5,488	5,424	304	7,988	'
Ownership interest (as a percent)	49.00%	49.00%	49.00%	49.00%	'
Net (loss) income	-2,689	2,658	149	3,914	2,126
Amortization of fair value increments	-3,522	-3,579	-9,652	-15,582	-18,425
Income tax recovery	1,770	2,961	9,653	11,920	17,145
Income (loss) on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (net of amortization)	($4,441)	$2,040	$150	$252	'

INVESTMENT_IN_MINERA_SANTA_CRU5

INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. (''MSC'') - SAN JOSE MINE (Details 4) (USD $)	9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
				MSC	MSC	MSC	MSC	MSC
								Current Period Values Excluding Fair Value Increments And Impairment Charge
INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ S.A. ("MSC") - SAN JOSE MINE	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	$39,702	$46,771	'	'	'	$98,300	$101,200
Total assets	'	783,460	923,066	'	'	'	518,500	308,900
Current liabilities	'	19,768	11,189	'	'	'	56,900	56,900
Total liabilities	'	132,622	176,299	'	'	'	141,600	94,500
Impairment of investment in MSC	$95,878	'	'	$95,900	$95,900	$95,878	'	'

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_Details

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'	'	'
Subtotal	$22,024	'	$22,024	'	$18,443
Less: accumulated depreciation	-3,939	'	-3,939	'	-3,300
Total	18,085	'	18,085	'	15,143
Depreciation expense	239	204	693	731	'
Trucks and trailers	'	'	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'	'	'
Subtotal	1,012	'	1,012	'	1,041
Office furniture and equipment	'	'	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'	'	'
Subtotal	2,057	'	2,057	'	1,163
Drill rigs	'	'	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'	'	'
Subtotal	998	'	998	'	998
Building	'	'	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'	'	'
Subtotal	1,514	'	1,514	'	1,469
Land	'	'	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'	'	'
Subtotal	8,699	'	8,699	'	8,672
Mining equipment	'	'	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'	'	'
Subtotal	1,452	'	1,452	'	1,206
Construction in process	'	'	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'	'	'
Subtotal	$6,292	'	$6,292	'	$3,894

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	item	Sep. 30, 2013	item
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'	'
Exchangeable shares converted into common stock	2,600,000	'	'
Outstanding Exchangeable Shares not exchanged	29,600,000	'	'
Shares of common stock issued upon exercise of stock options	697,300	'	'
Weighted average exercise price of stock options (in dollars per share)	$1.98	'	'
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised	$1,382,000	$171,000	'
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	446,950	'	'
Number of shares issued to settle part of account payables (in shares)	393,190	'	'
Number of shares remaining under agreement	53,760	'	'
Litigation settlement liabilities	$100,000	'	'

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION	'	'	'	'
Stock option expense	$0.20	$0.30	$0.90	$1
Principal assumptions used in applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model for the awards	'	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.01%	'	1.01%	0.50%
Volatility factor of the expected market price of common stock (as a percent)	70.00%	'	70.00%	66.00%
Weighted-average expected life of option	'3 years 6 months	'3 years 6 months	'3 years 6 months	'3 years 6 months
Weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$1.45	$1.02	$1.45	$1.01
Minimum	'	'	'	'
Principal assumptions used in applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model for the awards	'	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	'	0.50%	'	'
Volatility factor of the expected market price of common stock (as a percent)	'	66.00%	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'	'
Principal assumptions used in applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model for the awards	'	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	'	0.86%	'	'
Volatility factor of the expected market price of common stock (as a percent)	'	69.00%	'	'
Certain employees and directors	'	'	'	'
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION	'	'	'	'
Stock options granted (in shares)	'	1.7	1.7	1.7
Exercise price of options granted (in dollars per share)	'	$2.25	$2.90	$2.25
Vesting period of options	'	'	'3 years	'
Exercisable period of options	'	'	'5 years	'

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 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	$2.30	$9.90	$23.70	$23.60
Deferred Income Tax on Impairment of Mineral Properties	22.5	2.2	22.5	7
Decrease in deferred tax liabilities	$5.80	'	$5.80	'

NET_LOSS_INCOME_PER_SHARE_Deta

NET (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
NET (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	($13,033)	$3,264	($99,168)	($136,399)
Weighted average common shares (thousands):	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	297,164,000	297,125,000	297,162,000	297,001,000
Effect of employee stock-based awards (in shares)	'	774,000	'	'
Diluted (in shares)	297,164,000	297,899,000	297,162,000	297,001,000
Net income (loss) per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.04)	$0.01	($0.33)	($0.46)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.04)	$0.01	($0.33)	($0.46)
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)	3,200,000	2,100,000	3,200,000	2,000,000
Average exercise price of options outstanding (in dollars per share)	$4.28	$5.01	$4.28	$5.16
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)	3,200,000	'	3,200,000	3,600,000

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Det

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details) (Entity Affiliated With Related Party, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Entity Affiliated With Related Party \| Chairman and Chief Executive Officer	'	'	'	'
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	'	'	'	'
Amount of expenses incurred and paid	$25,237	$9,100	$63,755	$79,625

SEGMENTED_INFORMATION_Details

SEGMENTED INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Segment Reporting	'	'	'	'	'
Gold and silver sales	$8,853	$11,778	$31,620	$35,735	'
Production costs applicable to sales	-10,997	-7,907	-30,424	-26,778	'
Mine construction costs	-567	-662	-1,723	-662	'
Mine development costs	-31	-85	-1,754	-654	'
Exploration costs	-2,306	-2,575	-7,623	-22,064	'
General and administrative expenses	-2,549	-2,496	-8,989	-10,905	'
Impairment of mineral property interests and property and equipment	'	-6,287	-120,398	-34,016	'
Income (loss) on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (net of amortization)	-4,441	2,040	150	252	'
Impairment of investment in MSC	'	'	'	-95,878	'
Gain on sale of assets	8	50	26	-6,741	'
Operating loss	-14,749	-8,845	-144,685	-166,866	'
Investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A.	203,614	'	203,614	'	212,947
Carrying value of mineral property interest	521,526	'	521,526	'	642,968
Total assets	783,460	'	783,460	'	923,066
Argentina	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Segment Reporting	'	'	'	'	'
Exploration costs	-190	-631	-940	-14,110	'
General and administrative expenses	-210	'	-563	'	'
Impairment of mineral property interests and property and equipment	'	'	-120,398	-27,729	'
Income (loss) on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (net of amortization)	-4,441	2,040	150	252	'
Impairment of investment in MSC	'	'	'	-95,878	'
Gain on sale of assets	'	10	'	-316	'
Operating loss	-4,915	1,131	-122,474	-139,297	'
Investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A.	203,614	'	203,614	'	212,947
Carrying value of mineral property interest	337,806	'	337,806	'	458,203
Total assets	544,628	'	544,628	'	674,269
Mexico	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Segment Reporting	'	'	'	'	'
Gold and silver sales	8,853	11,778	31,620	35,735	'
Production costs applicable to sales	-10,997	-7,907	-30,424	-26,778	'
Mine construction costs	-567	-662	-1,723	-662	'
Mine development costs	-31	-85	-1,754	-654	'
Exploration costs	-1,201	-1,148	-4,077	-5,582	'
General and administrative expenses	-910	'	-2,418	'	'
Operating loss	-5,936	393	-11,134	-2,627	'
Carrying value of mineral property interest	11,018	'	11,018	'	11,984
Total assets	58,865	'	58,865	'	54,131
United States	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Segment Reporting	'	'	'	'	'
Exploration costs	-851	-634	-2,368	-2,086	'
General and administrative expenses	-50	'	-163	'	'
Impairment of mineral property interests and property and equipment	'	-6,287	'	-6,287	'
Gain on sale of assets	'	40	'	-6,428	'
Operating loss	-2,392	-8,499	-4,846	-17,102	'
Carrying value of mineral property interest	172,702	'	172,702	'	172,781
Total assets	173,259	'	173,259	'	177,248
Corporate & Other	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Segment Reporting	'	'	'	'	'
Exploration costs	-64	-162	-238	-288	'
General and administrative expenses	-1,379	'	-5,845	'	'
Gain on sale of assets	'	'	'	3	'
Operating loss	-1,506	-1,870	-6,231	-7,840	'
Total assets	$6,708	'	$6,708	'	$17,418

FAIR_VALUE_ACCOUNTING_Details

FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

item

Los Azules Copper Project

MSC

Recurring

Total

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2

Liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$105,000

$177,000

$105,000

$177,000

Liabilities

105,000

177,000

105,000

177,000

Litigation settlement liabilities

100,000

Number of shares remaining under agreement

53,760

Number of vendors to which shares of common stock are required to be issued as a part of settlement

Investment in MSC

203,614,000

212,947,000

203,614,000

212,947,000

273,948,000

Total Loss

$6,287,000

$120,398,000

$34,016,000

$120,400,000

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Cash bonding for mineral properties in the United States	$2,000	$5,183,000
Percentage of annual fees on surety bonds	1.50%	'
Percentage of upfront deposit on surety bonds	10.00%	'
Surety bonds upfront deposit amount	$500,000	'

SUBSEQUENT_EVENT_Details

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
	TNR Gold Corp	Visible Gold Mines Inc [Member]	Visible Gold Mines Inc [Member]
	Subsequent Event	USD ($)	CAD
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of equity acquired	25.00%	10.40%	10.40%
Percentage of royalty payment to be received	0.40%	'	'
Number of shares issued in the transaction	850,000	'	'
Period of time within the closing of the transaction to receive a bonus payment	'36 months	'	'
Percentage of bonus payment on gross proceeds	1.00%	'	'
Common shares, subscribed	'	8,333,333	8,333,333
Common shares, purchase price per unit	'	'	0.06
Common shares, aggregate amount	'	$0.40	0.5
Number of common shares per each unit purchased	'	1	1
Number of warrants per each units purchased	'	1	1
Additional unit of common shares purchased	'	1	1
Purchased price per unit of additional common shares purchased	'	$0.10	'
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	25.00%	10.40%	10.40%
Ownership percentage on partially diluted basis	'	18.90%	18.90%