Vista Gold (VGZ) 10-Q 25 Oct 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 17, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	VISTA GOLD CORP
Entity Central Index Key	783,324
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		99,412,007
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,248	$ 1,904
Short-term investments (Note 2)	16,658	21,975
Other investments, at fair value (Note 2)	4,136	4,994
Other current assets	528	648
Total current assets	22,570	29,521
Non-current assets:
Mineral properties (Note 3)	3,874	3,874
Plant and equipment, net (Note 4)	7,754	8,213
Total non-current assets	11,628	12,087
Total assets	34,198	41,608
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	479	252
Accrued liabilities and other	722	481
Provision for environmental liability	260	350
Total current liabilities	1,461	1,083
Total liabilities	1,461	1,083
Commitments and contingencies – (Note 6)
Shareholders' equity:
Common shares, no par value - unlimited shares authorized; shares outstanding: 2017 - 99,412,007 and 2016 - 97,786,608 (Note 5)	455,859	455,443
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(5)	15
Accumulated deficit	(423,117)	(414,933)
Total shareholders' equity	32,737	40,525
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 34,198	$ 41,608

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Shareholders' equity:
Common Shares, par value	$ 0	$ 0
Common shares outstanding	99,412,007	97,786,608

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME/(LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME/(LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Operating expense:
Exploration, property evaluation and holding costs	(1,635)	(1,168)	(4,695)	(2,979)
Corporate administration	(823)	(581)	(2,619)	(2,319)
Depreciation and amortization	(137)	(144)	(455)	(431)
Gain on disposal of mineral property, net (Note 3)			358	150
Total operating expense	(2,595)	(1,893)	(7,411)	(5,579)
Non-operating income/(expenses):
Gain/(loss) on other investments (Note 2)	(78)	(234)	(858)	3,586
Research and development grant, net (Note 9)				744
Interest income	38	20	117	45
Other income/(expense)	(20)	24	(32)	44
Total non-operating income/(expense)	(60)	(190)	(773)	4,419
Net loss	(2,655)	(2,083)	(8,184)	(1,160)
Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized fair value increase/(decrease) on available-for-sale securities	1	7	(20)	71
Comprehensive loss	$ (2,654)	$ (2,076)	$ (8,204)	$ (1,089)
Basic:
Weighted average number of basic shares outstanding (in shares)	98,993,395	92,543,232	98,363,761	86,135,588
Net loss per share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.08)	$ (0.01)
Diluted:
Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding (in shares)	98,993,395	92,543,232	98,363,761	86,135,588
Net loss per share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.08)	$ (0.01)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) [Member]	Total
Balances, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 438,900	$ (411,800)	$ (35)	$ 27,065
Balances, beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	82,883,562
Units issued (net of offering costs of $1,425)	$ 15,883			15,883
Units issued (net of offering costs of $1,425) (in shares)	12,362,500
Shares issued (RSUs vested/options exercised)	$ 15			15
Shares issued (RSUs vested/options exercised) (in shares)	2,540,546
Stock-based compensation	$ 645			645
Other comprehensive income/(loss)			50	50
Net loss		(3,133)		(3,133)
Balances, end of period at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 455,443	(414,933)	15	40,525
Balances, end of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	97,786,608
Shares issued (RSUs vested, net of shares withheld)	$ (264)			(264)
Shares issued (RSUs vested, net of shares withheld) (in shares)	1,625,399
Stock-based compensation	$ 680			680
Other comprehensive income/(loss)			(20)	(20)
Net loss		(8,184)		(8,184)
Balances, end of period at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 455,859	$ (423,117)	$ (5)	$ 32,737
Balances, end of period (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2017	99,412,007

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (parenthetical) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Condensed Consolidated Statements Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Offering costs	$ 1,425

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME7

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss for the period	$ (8,184)	$ (1,160)
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) for the period to net cash used in operations:
Depreciation and amortization	455	431
Stock-based compensation	680	476
Gain on disposal of mineral property	(358)	(150)
(Gain)/loss on other investments	858	(3,586)
Change in working capital account items:
Other current assets	104	65
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other	378	(200)
Net cash used in operating activities	(6,067)	(4,124)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Disposition of short-term investments, net of acquisitions	5,317
Disposition of short-term investments, net of acquisitions		(11,486)
Additions to plant and equipment		(35)
Proceeds from option/sales agreements, net	358	150
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities	5,675	(11,371)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from equity financings, net		15,883
Payment of taxes from withheld shares	(264)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		15
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	(264)	15,898
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(656)	403
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,904	902
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 1,248	$ 1,305

Nature of Operations and Basis

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Nature Of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation	1. Nature of Operations and Basis Vista Gold Corp. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Vista,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) operate in the gold mining industry. We are focused on the evaluation, acquisition, exploration and advancement of gold exploration, and potential development projects, which may lead to gold production or value adding strategic transactions such as earn-in right agreements, option agreements, leases to third parties, joint venture arrangements with other mining companies, or outright sales of assets for cash and/or other consideration. We look for opportunities to improve the value of our gold projects through exploration drilling and/or technical studies focused on optimizing previous engineering work. The Company’s flagship asset is its 100% owned Mt Todd gold project (“Mt Todd”) in the Northern Territory (“NT”) Australia. We are currently completing metallurgical and other engineering studies that we believe will lead to improved gold recovery and production costs. This new information , together with the most current economic factors, will be used to update the Mt Todd Preliminary Feasibility Study (completed May 2013 and amended July 2014) (“PFS”). We also hold 4.2% of the outstanding common shares in the capital of Midas Gold Corp. (“Midas Gold Shares”), a non-core project in Mexico and royalty interests in the United States and Indonesia. The interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (“interim statements”) of the Company are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments and disclosures necessary for a fair presentation of these interim statements have been included. The results reported in these interim statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be reported for the entire year. These interim statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities on February 22, 2017 on Form 10-K. The year-end balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements and, in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q, certain information and footnote disclosures required by United States generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. References to C$ refer to Canadian currency, A$ to Australian currency and $ to United States currency.

Short-term and Other Investment

Short-term and Other Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Short-term and Other Investments	2. Short-term and Other Investments Short-term investments As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the amortized cost basis of our short-term investments was $16,658 and $21,975, respectively. The amortized cost basis approximates fair value at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Short-term investments at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are comprised of U.S. government treasury bills and/or notes, all of which have maturity dates greater than 90 days but less than one year. Other investments - Midas Gold Shares Upon initial recognition of our investment in the Midas Gold Shares, we elected to apply the fair value option, and as such, the investment in Midas Gold Shares is recorded at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Subsequent changes in fair value are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income/(Loss) and Comprehensive Income/(Loss) in the period in which they occur. The following table summarizes our investment in Midas Gold Shares as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Fair value at beginning of period $ 4,994 $ 1,798 Gain/(loss) during the period (858) 3,196 Fair value at end of period $ 4,136 $ 4,994 Midas Gold Shares held at the end of the period 7,802,615 7,802,615

Mineral Properties

Mineral Properties	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Mineral Properties [Abstract]
Mineral Properties	3. Mineral Properties At September 30, 2017 At December 31, 2016 Mt Todd, Australia $ 2,146 $ 2,146 Guadalupe de los Reyes, Mexico 1,728 1,728 $ 3,874 $ 3,874 Long Valley Claims During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we sold our Long Valley unpatented mining claims located in California for consideration, net of transaction costs, of $358 which was paid at closing; a future payment of $500 one month after the start of commercial production; a future payment of $500 on or prior to the first anniversary of the start of commercial production; and a net smelter return royalty (“NSR”) on any future production from said claims at a variable rate between 0.5% and 2.0% depending on the average gold price realized . This sale resulted in a realized gain of $358 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Utah Claims During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we sold our unpatented mining claims located in Utah for $150 and a 2% NSR on any future production from said claims. This sale resulted in a realized gain of $150 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Plant And Equipment

Plant And Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Plant And Equipment	4. Plant and Equipment September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Accumulated Accumulated Cost depreciation Net Cost depreciation Net Mt Todd, Australia $ 5,654 $ 4,400 $ 1,254 $ 5,654 $ 3,944 $ 1,710 Guadalupe de los Reyes, Mexico — — — 14 11 3 Corporate, United States 333 333 — 333 333 — Used mill equipment, Canada 6,500 — 6,500 6,500 — 6,500 $ 12,487 $ 4,733 $ 7,754 $ 12,501 $ 4,288 $ 8,213

Common Shares

Common Shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Capital Stock [Abstract]
Common Shares	5. Common Shares Warrants Warrant activity is summarized in the following table: Weighted Weighted average average Warrants exercise price remaining life outstanding per share (yrs.) Intrinsic value As of December 31, 2016 6,514,625 $ 1.92 2.6 $ — As of September 30, 2017 6,514,625 $ 1.92 1.9 $ — Stock-Based Compensation Under our Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) and our Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”), we may grant options and/or restricted stock units (“RSUs”) or restricted stock awards to our directors, officers, employees and consultants. The combined maximum number of our common shares (“Common Shares”) that may be reserved for issuance under the Plan and the LTIP is a variable number equal to 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis at any one time. Options and RSUs under the Plan and LTIP, respectively, are granted from time to time at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company (“Board”), with vesting periods and other terms as determined by the Board. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company adopted, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (Accounting Standards Update 2016-09) , which included our election to change our accounting policy from estimating forfeiture rates to accounting for forfeitures as they occur. Stock-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Stock options $ 8 $ 7 $ 32 $ 12 Restricted stock units 245 161 648 464 $ 253 $ 168 $ 680 $ 476 As of September 30, 2017, stock options and RSUs had unrecognized compensation expense of $12 and $838, respectively, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.2 and 1.5 years, respectively. Stock Options A summary of options under the Plan as of September 30, 2017 is set forth in the following table: Weighted average Weighted average Aggregate Number of exercise price remaining intrinsic options per option contractual term value Outstanding - December 31, 2016 1,544,500 $ 1.05 1.8 $ 626 Expired (200,000) 3.14 Outstanding - September 30, 2017 1,344,500 $ 0.74 1.2 $ 417 Exercisable - September 30, 2017 1,098,250 $ 0.82 1.2 $ 318 A summary of our unvested stock options as of September 30, 2017 is set forth in the following table: Weighted Weighted average average remaining grant-date amortization Number of fair value period options per option (Years) Unvested - December 31, 2016 296,250 $ 0.30 1.2 Vested (50,000) 0.69 Unvested - September 30, 2017 246,250 $ 0.22 1.2 Restricted Stock Units The following table summarizes the RSUs outstanding under the LTIP as of September 30, 2017: Weighted average Number grant-date fair of units value per unit Unvested - December 31, 2016 2,668,387 $ 0.49 Cancelled/forfeited (441,084) 0.34 Vested, net of shares withheld (1,625,399) 0.38 Granted 966,003 0.79 Unvested - September 30, 2017 1,567,907 $ 0.83 A portion of the RSU awards vest on a fixed future date provided the recipient continues to be affiliated with Vista on that date. Other RSU awards vest subject to certain performance and market criteria, including the accomplishment of certain corporate objectives and the Company’s share price performance. The minimum vesting period for RSUs is one year. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company withheld shares equivalent to the employee withholding tax obligation which resulted from RSUs vesting in the period. Shares withheld are considered cancelled/forfeited.

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	6. Commitments and Contingencies Our exploration and development activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. These laws and regulations are continually changing and are generally becoming more restrictive. As such, the future expenditures that may be required for compliance with these laws and regulations cannot be predicted. We conduct our operations in an effort to minimize effects on the environment and believe our operations are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations in all material respects. Under our agreement with the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation (the “JAAC”), we must offer the JAAC the opportunity to establish a joint venture with Vista holding a 90% participating interest and the JAAC holding a 10% participating interest in the mining licenses associated with Mt Todd. In addition, the JAAC will be entitled to an annual cash payment, or payment in kind, equal to 1% of the value of the annual gold production from the current mining licenses, and a 1% NSR on other metals, subject to a minimum payment of A$50 per year. During November 2015, we entered into a two-year lease agreement to store our used mill equipment. Monthly rent for the term of the lease is C$18 ($14).

Fair Value Accounting

Fair Value Accounting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value Accounting	7. Fair Value Accounting The following table sets forth the Company’s assets measured at fair value by level within the fair value hierarchy. As required by accounting guidance, assets are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Fair value at September 30, 2017 Total Level 1 Level 3 Marketable securities $ 88 $ 88 $ — Other investments (Midas Gold Shares) 4,136 4,136 — Fair value at December 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 3 Marketable securities $ 109 $ 109 $ — Other investments (Midas Gold Shares) 4,994 4,994 — Used mill equipment (non-recurring) 6,500 — 6,500 Our marketable securities and investment in Midas Gold Shares are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as they are valued at quoted market prices in an active market. Marketable securities are included in other current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for each period presented. The used mill equipment is classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as its value at December 31, 2016 was based on an independent third-party valuation. As of September 30, 2017, an independent third-party evaluation was not deemed necessary. The mill equipment is included in plant and equipment on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for each period presented. There have been no transfers between levels in 2017, nor have there been any changes in valuation techniques.

Geographic And Segment Informat

Geographic And Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Geographic And Segment information [Abstract]
Geographic And Segment Information	8. Geographic and Segment Information The Company has one reportable operating segment. We evaluate, acquire, explore and advance gold exploration and potential development projects, which may lead to gold production or value adding strategic transactions. These activities are currently focused principally in Australia. We reported no revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. Geographic location of mineral properties and plant and equipment is provided in Notes 3 and 4, respectively.

Research and Development Grant

Research and Development Grant	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Research and Development Grant
Research and Development Grant	9. Research and Development Grant During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company received Research & Development (“R&D”) Tax Incentive refunds, net of costs to prepare and file, paid under the Australian Government’s R&D Tax Incentive Program, a program designed to encourage industry to engage in R&D activities that benefit Australia. The R&D Tax Incentive Program is a self-assessment process, and as such, the Australian Government has the right to review the qualifying programs and expenditures for a period of four years. As of September 30, 2017, the Australian Government has not initiated a formal review.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent event	10. Subsequent Event During October 2017, we entered into an agreement (the “Option Agreement”) to option our interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold and silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico (the “GdlR Project”) to Minera Alamos Inc. and its subsidiary Minera Alamos de Sonora S.A. de C.V. (“Minera Alamos”). Pursuant to the terms of the Option Agreement, we have granted Alamos an exclusive right and option right to earn a 100% interest in the GdlR Project by: · making payments totaling $6,000 comprised of a payment of $1,500 made at the execution of the Option Agreement (“Option Grant Date”); two successive payments of $1,500 each to be made at the one-year and two-year anniversaries of the Option Grant Date; and a final $1,500 payment to be made before the four-year anniversary of the Option Grant Date; · maintaining the concessions comprising the GdlR Project in good standing; · fulfilling all of our obligations to the Ejido La Tasajera (the “Ejido”) as set out in the temporary occupation contract between us and the Ejido; · granting us a capped NSR royalty on production from open pit mining (the “Open Pit NSR”) at rates that range from 1% (at gold prices of $1,400/oz or less) to a maximum of 2% (at gold prices above $1,600/oz) up to an aggregate of $2,000 in royalty payments; · granting us a perpetual NSR royalty on production from underground mining (the “Underground NSR”) at rates that range from 1% (at gold prices of $1,400/oz or less) to a maximum of 2% (at gold prices above $1,600/oz); and · granting us the right to assume a 49% non-carried interest in an underground project if Minera Alamos decides to develop an underground mine at the GdlR Project (the “Back-in Right”). The Option Agreement provides that all cash payments are non-refundable and optional to Minera Alamos, and in the event Minera Alamos fails to pay any of the required amounts as set out in the Option Agreement, or fails to comply with its other obligations, the Option Agreement will terminate and Minera Alamos will have no interest in the GdlR Project. Provided it is not in breach of the Option Agreement, Minera Alamos may at its discretion advance the above payment schedule. Subject to Minera Alamos timely making all the option payments, and fulfilling its other obligations with respect to the Option Agreement, we will transfer 100% of the ownership of the GdlR Project to Minera Alamos and the Open-Pit NSR and Underground NSR will be granted to us. If Minera Alamos discovers, and decides to develop, an underground mine at the GdlR Project and we exercise the Back-in Right, we and Minera Alamos have agreed to form a joint venture to develop and operate the underground mine. If the joint venture is formed, the Underground NSR will terminate.

Short-Term and Other Investme18

Short-Term and Other Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Schedule Of Summary Of Investments	September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Fair value at beginning of period $ 4,994 $ 1,798 Gain/(loss) during the period (858) 3,196 Fair value at end of period $ 4,136 $ 4,994 Midas Gold Shares held at the end of the period 7,802,615 7,802,615

Mineral Properties (Tables)

Mineral Properties (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Mineral Properties [Abstract]
Schedule of Mineral Properties	At September 30, 2017 At December 31, 2016 Mt Todd, Australia $ 2,146 $ 2,146 Guadalupe de los Reyes, Mexico 1,728 1,728 $ 3,874 $ 3,874

Plant And Equipment (Tables)

Plant And Equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule Of Plant And Equipment	September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Accumulated Accumulated Cost depreciation Net Cost depreciation Net Mt Todd, Australia $ 5,654 $ 4,400 $ 1,254 $ 5,654 $ 3,944 $ 1,710 Guadalupe de los Reyes, Mexico — — — 14 11 3 Corporate, United States 333 333 — 333 333 — Used mill equipment, Canada 6,500 — 6,500 6,500 — 6,500 $ 12,487 $ 4,733 $ 7,754 $ 12,501 $ 4,288 $ 8,213

Common Shares (Tables)

Common Shares (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Capital Stock [Abstract]
Summary Of Warrant Activity	Weighted Weighted average average Warrants exercise price remaining life outstanding per share (yrs.) Intrinsic value As of December 31, 2016 6,514,625 $ 1.92 2.6 $ — As of September 30, 2017 6,514,625 $ 1.92 1.9 $ —
Summary of Stock-based Compensation Expense	Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Stock options $ 8 $ 7 $ 32 $ 12 Restricted stock units 245 161 648 464 $ 253 $ 168 $ 680 $ 476
Summary Of Option Activity	Weighted average Weighted average Aggregate Number of exercise price remaining intrinsic options per option contractual term value Outstanding - December 31, 2016 1,544,500 $ 1.05 1.8 $ 626 Expired (200,000) 3.14 Outstanding - September 30, 2017 1,344,500 $ 0.74 1.2 $ 417 Exercisable - September 30, 2017 1,098,250 $ 0.82 1.2 $ 318
Summary Of The Status Of Unvested Stock Options	Weighted Weighted average average remaining grant-date amortization Number of fair value period options per option (Years) Unvested - December 31, 2016 296,250 $ 0.30 1.2 Vested (50,000) 0.69 Unvested - September 30, 2017 246,250 $ 0.22 1.2
Summary Of Restricted Stock Units Activity	Weighted average Number grant-date fair of units value per unit Unvested - December 31, 2016 2,668,387 $ 0.49 Cancelled/forfeited (441,084) 0.34 Vested, net of shares withheld (1,625,399) 0.38 Granted 966,003 0.79 Unvested - September 30, 2017 1,567,907 $ 0.83

Fair Value Accounting (Tables)

Fair Value Accounting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Accounting [Abstract]
Fair Value Accounting	Fair value at September 30, 2017 Total Level 1 Level 3 Marketable securities $ 88 $ 88 $ — Other investments (Midas Gold Shares) 4,136 4,136 — Fair value at December 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 3 Marketable securities $ 109 $ 109 $ — Other investments (Midas Gold Shares) 4,994 4,994 — Used mill equipment (non-recurring) 6,500 — 6,500

Nature of Operations and Basi23

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Midas Gold Shares [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Holding percentage	4.20%
Mt Todd, Australia [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership in project	100.00%

Short-term and Other Investme24

Short-term and Other Investments, Short-term (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Short-term investments
Short-term investments amortized cost basis	$ 16,658	$ 21,975

Short-term and Other Investme25

Short-term and Other Investments, Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Gain/(loss) during the period	$ (78)	$ (234)	$ (858)	$ 3,586
Midas Gold Shares [Member]
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Fair value at beginning of period			4,994	$ 1,798	$ 1,798
Gain/(loss) during the period			(858)		3,196
Fair value at end of period	$ 4,136		$ 4,136		$ 4,994
Midas Gold Shares held at end of the period	7,802,615		7,802,615		7,802,615

Mineral Properties, Properties

Mineral Properties, Properties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Mineral Properties, Net	$ 3,874	$ 3,874
Mt Todd, Australia [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Mineral Properties, Net	2,146	2,146
Guadalupe De Los Reyes, Mexico [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Mineral Properties, Net	$ 1,728	$ 1,728

Mineral Properties, Long Valley

Mineral Properties, Long Valley, Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gain on disposal of mineral property, net	$ 358	$ 150
Long Valley [Member] | Sold
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of gold project	358
Gain on disposal of mineral property, net	$ 358
Long Valley [Member] | Sold | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Net smelter return royalty (as a percent)	0.50%
Long Valley [Member] | Sold | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Net smelter return royalty (as a percent)	2.00%
Long Valley [Member] | Sold | One Month after the Start of Production [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Future payment to be received	$ 500
Long Valley [Member] | Sold | On or Prior to the First Anniversary of the Start of Production [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Future payment to be received	$ 500

Mineral Properties, Utah (Detai

Mineral Properties, Utah (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gain on disposal of mineral property, net	$ 358	$ 150
Utah Sale [Member] | Sold
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of gold project		$ 150
Net smelter return royalty (as a percent)		2.00%
Gain on disposal of mineral property, net		$ 150

Plant And Equipment (Details)

Plant And Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	$ 12,487	$ 12,501
Accumulated depreciation and write downs	4,733	4,288
Net	7,754	8,213
Mt Todd, Australia [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	5,654	5,654
Accumulated depreciation and write downs	4,400	3,944
Net	1,254	1,710
Guadalupe De Los Reyes, Mexico [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		14
Accumulated depreciation and write downs		11
Net		3
Corporate, United States [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	333	333
Accumulated depreciation and write downs	333	333
Used mill equipment, Canada [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	6,500	6,500
Net	$ 6,500	$ 6,500

Common Shares, Warrants (Detail

Common Shares, Warrants (Details) - Warrants [Member] - $ / shares	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Warrants outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	6,514,625
Warrants outstanding, end of period (in shares)	6,514,625	6,514,625
Weighted average exercise price of warrants outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 1.92	$ 1.92
Weighted average remaining life, warrants outstanding	1 year 10 months 24 days	2 years 7 months 6 days

Common Shares, Summary Of the F

Common Shares, Summary Of the Fair Value Of All Awards issued Under Stock Compensation Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Percentage of issued and outstanding Common Shares			10.00%
Stock-based expense	$ 253	$ 168	$ 680	$ 476
Stock Options [Member]
Stock-based expense	8	7	32	12
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Stock-based expense	$ 245	$ 161	$ 648	$ 464

Common Shares, Unrecognized com

Common Shares, Unrecognized compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options	$ 12
Weighted average compensation recognition period	1 year 2 months 12 days	1 year 2 months 12 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested awards	$ 838
Weighted average compensation recognition period	1 year 6 months

Common Shares, Summary Of Optio

Common Shares, Summary Of Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Capital Stock [Abstract]
Number of options, beginning of period (in shares)	1,544,500
Number of options, Expired (in shares)	(200,000)
Number of options, end of period (in shares)	1,344,500	1,544,500
Number of options, Exercisable (in shares)	1,098,250
Weighted average exercise price per option, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 1.05
Weighted average exercise price per option, Expired (in dollars per share)	3.14
Weighted average exercise price per option, end of period (in dollars per share)	0.74	$ 1.05
Weighted average exercise price, Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 0.82
Weighted average remaining contractual term, Outstanding	1 year 2 months 12 days	1 year 9 months 18 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, Exercisable	1 year 2 months 12 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars)	$ 626
Aggregate intrinsic value, Outstanding, end of period (in dollars)	417	$ 626
Aggregate intrinsic value, Options, Exercisable	$ 318

Common Shares, Summary Of The S

Common Shares, Summary Of The Status Of Unvested Stock Options (Details) - $ / shares	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Capital Stock [Abstract]
Unvested, Number of options, beginning of period (in shares)	296,250
Vested, Number of options (in shares)	(50,000)
Unvested, Number of options, end of period (in shares)	246,250	296,250
Unvested, Weighted average grant date fair value, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 0.30
Vested, Weighted average grant-date fair value per option (in dollars per share)	0.69
Unvested, Weighted average grant date fair value per option, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 0.22	$ 0.30
Weighted average remaining amortization period	1 year 2 months 12 days	1 year 2 months 12 days

Common Shares, Summary Of Restr

Common Shares, Summary Of Restricted Stock Units Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested, Number of units, beginning of period (in shares) | shares	2,668,387
Cancelled/forfeited, Number of units (in shares) | shares	(441,084)
Vested, net of shares withheld, Number of units (in shares) | shares	(1,625,399)
Granted, Number of units (in shares) | shares	966,003
Unvested, Number of units, end of period (in shares) | shares	1,567,907
Unvested, weighted average fair value, beginning of year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.49
Cancelled/forfeited, Weighted average fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	0.34
Vested, Weighted average fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	0.38
Granted, Weighted average fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	0.79
Unvested, weighted average fair value, end of year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.83
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	1 year

Commitments And Contingencies (

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) CAD in Thousands, AUD in Thousands, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015CAD	Nov. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017AUD
Used mill equipment, Canada [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Term of lease	2 years	2 years
Monthly rental payment	CAD 18	$ 14
Mt Todd, Australia [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Percentage of outstanding common shares			90.00%
Percentage of participating interest in gold project by affiliate			10.00%
Percentage of royalty on gold			1.00%
Percentage of royalty on other metals			1.00%
Minimum payment per year			AUD 50

Fair Value Accounting (Details)

Fair Value Accounting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Transfers Between Levels	$ 0
Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	88	$ 109
Other investments (Midas Gold Shares)	4,136	4,994
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	88	109
Other investments (Midas Gold Shares)	$ 4,136	4,994
Non-recurring [Member] | Used mill equipment, Canada [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equipment		6,500
Non-recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Used mill equipment, Canada [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equipment		$ 6,500

Geographic And Segment Inform38

Geographic And Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)segment	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Geographic And Segment information [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | segment			1
Revenues | $	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Research and Development Grant

Research and Development Grant (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Research and Development Grant
Period for review of program	4 years

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - Subsequent Event [Member] - Minera Alamos, Inc. [Member] - Option Agreement Two [Member] - Guadalupe De Los Reyes, Mexico [Member]	1 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017USD ($)item
Subsequent event
Interest Alamos has right to earn (as a percent)	100.00%
Sale price of gold/silver project	$ 6,000,000
Number of successive payments | item	2
Back in Right (as a percent)	49.00%
Ownership interest if terms of option agreement not fulfilled (as a percent)	0.00%
Ownership to be transferred (as a percent)	100.00%
Open Pit Mining [Member]
Subsequent event
Aggregate royalty payments to be received	$ 2,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Open Pit Mining [Member]
Subsequent event
Net smelter return royalty (as a percent)	1.00%
Gold price (USD per ounce)	$ 1,600
Minimum [Member] | Underground Mining [Member]
Subsequent event
Net smelter return royalty (as a percent)	1.00%
Gold price (USD per ounce)	$ 1,600
Maximum [Member] | Open Pit Mining [Member]
Subsequent event
Net smelter return royalty (as a percent)	2.00%
Gold price (USD per ounce)	$ 1,400
Maximum [Member] | Underground Mining [Member]
Subsequent event
Net smelter return royalty (as a percent)	2.00%
Gold price (USD per ounce)	$ 1,400
Execution of Option Agreement [Member]
Subsequent event
Sale price of gold/silver project	1,500,000
One Year Anniversary [Member]
Subsequent event
Sale price of gold/silver project	1,500,000
Two Year Anniversary [Member]
Subsequent event
Sale price of gold/silver project	1,500,000
Before Four Year Anniversary [Member]
Subsequent event
Sale price of gold/silver project	$ 1,500,000