Applied Minerals (AMNL) 10-K 14 Mar 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 10, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Applied Minerals, Inc.	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000008328	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$70,815,535
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	94,710,197	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$8,685,552	$3,356,103
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of$0 and $25,106 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	5,756	7,778
Deposits and prepaid expenses	423,472	379,941
Total Current Assets	9,114,780	3,743,822
Property and Equipment	'	'
Land and mining property	1,109,938	1,109,938
Property and Equipment, net	4,921,611	2,895,742
Total Property and Equipment	6,031,549	4,005,680
Other Assets	'	'
Deposit	68,958	68,958
Total Other Assets	68,958	68,958
TOTAL ASSETS	15,215,287	7,818,460
Current Liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,580,146	1,155,327
Stock awards payable	110,000	154,000
Current portion of notes payable	311,165	413,470
Total Current Liabilities	2,001,311	1,722,797
Long-Term Liabilities	'	'
Long-term portion of notes payable	40,826	184,426
Warrant derivative	950,000	1,945,000
PIK notes payable, net of $2,020,750 debt discount	8,486,583	0
PIK Note derivative	2,250,000	0
Total Long-Term Liabilities	11,727,409	2,129,426
TOTAL LIABILITIES	13,728,720	3,852,223
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 15)	'	'
Stockholders' Equity	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 10,000,000 shares Authorized, none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 94,646,013 and 90,619,444 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	94,646	90,619
Additional paid-in capital	63,213,893	52,634,064
Accumulated deficit prior to the exploration stage	-20,009,496	-20,009,496
Accumulated deficit during the exploration stage	-41,812,476	-28,748,950
Total Stockholders' Equity	1,486,567	3,966,237
TOTAL LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$15,215,287	$7,818,460

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current Assets	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance	$0	$25,106
Long-Term Liabilities	'	'
Debt discount	$2,020,750	'
Stockholders' Equity	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	94,646,013	90,619,444
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	94,646,013	90,619,444

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended			60 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
REVENUES	$54,825	$165,742	$92,952	$313,519
OPERATING (INCOME) EXPENSES:	'	'	'	'
Production costs	17,244	103,238	80,578	201,060
Exploration costs	4,551,666	3,542,977	2,675,017	14,102,389
General and administrative	8,569,413	6,541,043	4,256,859	26,529,210
Depreciation expense	317,570	280,991	248,605	1,133,758
Loss (Gain) from disposition and impairment land and equipment	2,482	9,913	-1,000	62,994
Total Operating Expenses	13,458,375	10,478,162	7,260,059	42,029,411
Operating Loss	-13,403,550	-10,312,420	-7,167,107	-41,715,892
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net, including amortization of deferred financing cost and debt discount	-497,187	-12,993	-533,447	-1,969,225
Gain on revaluation of warrant derivative	995,000	630,000	225,000	1,850,000
Gain (Loss) on revaluation of stock awards	44,000	-27,000	-47,000	-202,500
Loss on revaluation of PIK Note derivative	-195,000	0	0	-195,000
Other income (expense)	-6,789	-9,986	98,010	419,079
Total Other Income (Expense)	340,024	580,021	-257,437	-97,646
Loss from continuing operations	-13,063,526	-9,732,399	-7,424,544	-41,813,538
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	0	-5,772	53,382
Net loss	-13,063,526	-9,732,399	-7,430,316	-41,760,156
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	0	0	-52,320	-52,320
Net Loss Attributable to Applied Minerals, Inc.	($13,063,526)	($9,732,399)	($7,482,636)	($41,812,476)
Loss Per Share Attributable to Applied Minerals, Inc. (Basic and Diluted):	'	'	'	'
Loss per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	($0.14)	($0.11)	($0.10)	'
Net Loss Per Share (basic and diluted) (in dollars per share)	($0.14)	($0.11)	($0.10)	'
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (basic and diluted) (in shares)	94,303,264	89,552,788	74,568,658	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (USD $)	12 Months Ended			60 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net Loss	($13,063,526)	($9,732,399)	($7,482,636)	($41,812,476)
Change in Market Value of Investments	0	0	0	1,327
Net Comprehensive Loss	($13,063,526)	($9,732,399)	($7,482,636)	($41,811,149)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit Prior to Exploration Stage [Member]	Accumulated Deficit During Exploration Stage [Member]	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Non-Controlling Interest [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2008	$59,216	$22,096,327	($20,009,496)	$0	($1,466)	$52,415	$2,196,996
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2008	59,215,628	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued for directors fees and other services	78	17,172	0	0	0	0	17,250
Shares issued for directors fees and other services (in shares)	78,497	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock for conversion of debt including accrued interest	10,487	4,085,434	0	0	0	0	4,095,921
Issuance of common stock for conversion of debt including accrued interest (in shares)	10,487,226	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of convertible debt discount	0	365,341	0	0	0	0	365,341
Fair value of stock options and warrants issued to directors and consultants	0	401,234	0	0	0	0	401,234
Net change in un-realized gain on available for sale securities	0	0	0	0	139	0	139
Change in non-controlling interest	0	0	0	0	0	-77	-77
Net loss	0	0	0	-6,766,200	0	0	-6,766,200
Balance at Dec. 31, 2009	69,781	26,965,508	-20,009,496	-6,766,200	-1,327	52,338	310,604
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2009	69,781,351	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued for directors fees and other services	82	64,997	0	0	0	0	65,079
Shares issued for directors fees and other services (in shares)	81,911	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock for conversion of debt including accrued interest	2,458	2,341,464	0	0	0	0	2,343,922
Issuance of common stock for conversion of debt including accrued interest (in shares)	2,457,500	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value of stock options and warrants issued to directors and consultants	0	334,669	0	0	0	0	334,669
Shares canceled from forfeiture agreed upon in legal settlement	-3,045	-166,955	0	0	0	0	-170,000
Shares canceled from forfeiture agreed upon in legal settlement (in shares)	-3,044,083	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued for cashless option and warrant exercise	428	320,358	0	0	0	0	320,786
Shares issued for cashless option and warrant exercise (in shares)	427,714	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change in non-controlling interest	0	0	0	0	0	-18	-18
Net loss	0	0	0	-4,767,715	1,327	0	-4,766,388
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	69,704	29,860,041	-20,009,496	-11,533,915	0	52,320	-1,561,346
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	69,704,393	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued for directors fees and other services	98	118,301	0	0	0	0	118,399
Shares issued for directors fees and other services (in shares)	97,612	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock for conversion of debt including accrued interest	5,020	5,014,875	0	0	0	0	5,019,895
Issuance of common stock for conversion of debt including accrued interest (in shares)	5,019,895	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value of stock options and warrants issued to directors and consultants	0	2,181,394	0	0	0	0	2,181,394
Shares issued for cashless option and warrant exercise	48	-48	0	0	0	0	0
Shares issued for cashless option and warrant exercise (in shares)	47,505	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued for cash	14,250	10,590,787	0	0	0	0	10,605,037
Shares issued for cash (in shares)	14,250,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment of consolidation	0	0	0	'	0	-52,320	-52,320
Net loss	0	0	0	-7,482,636	0	0	-7,482,636
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	89,120	47,765,350	-20,009,496	-19,016,551	0	0	8,828,423
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	89,119,405	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reclassification from warrant derivative liability due to change in valuation methodology	0	780,000	0	0	0	0	780,000
Shares issued for directors fees and other services	103	150,956	0	0	0	0	151,059
Shares issued for directors fees and other services (in shares)	103,580	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued for cashless option and warrant exercise	146	-146	0	0	0	0	0
Shares issued for cashless option and warrant exercise (in shares)	146,459	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued for cash	1,250	1,623,750	0	0	0	0	1,625,000
Shares issued for cash (in shares)	1,250,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense for consultants and directors	0	2,314,154	0	0	0	0	2,314,154
Net loss	0	0	0	-9,732,399	0	0	-9,732,399
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	90,619	52,634,064	-20,009,496	-28,748,950	0	0	3,966,237
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	90,619,444	'	'	'	'	'	90,619,444
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued for directors fees and other services	270	316,205	0	0	0	0	316,475
Shares issued for directors fees and other services (in shares)	269,812	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued for cash	3,757	5,556,243	0	0	0	0	5,560,000
Shares issued for cash (in shares)	3,756,757	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense for consultants and directors	0	4,707,381	0	0	0	0	4,707,381
Net loss	0	0	0	-13,063,526	0	0	-13,063,526
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$94,646	$63,213,893	($20,009,496)	($41,812,476)	$0	$0	$1,486,567
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	94,646,013	'	'	'	'	'	94,646,013

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended			60 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'	'
Net loss	($13,063,526)	($9,732,399)	($7,482,636)	($41,812,476)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operations:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	317,570	280,991	248,605	1,133,758
Amortization of deferred financing costs	0	0	146,939	150,000
Amortization of discount - PIK Notes	41,583	0	0	409,117
Issuance of PIK Notes in payment of interest	0	0	342,884	863,870
Stock issued for director and consulting services	316,475	151,059	118,436	668,299
Stock-based compensation expense	4,707,381	2,314,154	2,181,394	9,938,832
Gain on revaluation of warrant derivative	-995,000	-630,000	-225,000	-1,850,000
Loss on revaluation of PIK Notes	195,000	0	0	195,000
(Gain) loss on revaluation of stock awards for non-employees	-44,000	27,000	47,000	202,500
Gain on stock award forfeiture	0	0	0	-145,000
Loss from disposition and impairment of land and equipment	2,482	9,913	3,862	74,753
Gain on settlement of debts	0	0	-101,380	-101,380
Other non-cash income	0	0	-28,587	-28,587
Provision for doubtful accounts	0	13,168	11,938	25,106
Change in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	125,256	759,185	18,387	1,074,008
Deposits and prepaid expenses	189,656	55,148	-12,801	335,571
Mining supplies inventory	0	0	3,503	0
Accounts receivable	2,022	-482	28,873	-30,818
Net cash (used in) provided by discontinued operations	0	0	-1,152	603,585
Net Cash Used In Operating Activities	-8,205,101	-6,752,263	-4,699,735	-28,293,862
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'	'
Purchases of land and mining property	0	0	0	-72,923
Purchases of property and equipment	-64,345	-321,440	-271,387	-839,856
Construction-in-progress	-1,982,013	-1,051,537	0	-3,033,550
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	0	1,000	151,000
Net cash provided by discontinued operations	0	0	0	434,670
Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Investing Activities	-2,046,358	-1,372,977	-270,387	-3,360,659
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'	'
Payments on notes payable	-479,092	-304,099	-518,726	-1,614,538
Payments on leases payable	0	-10,094	-167,956	-431,088
Proceeds from insurance settlement	0	0	0	115,000
Proceeds from notes payable	0	0	0	124,129
Proceeds from PIK notes payable	10,500,000	0	0	20,100,000
Proceeds from sale of common stock	5,560,000	1,625,000	14,185,000	21,370,000
Payments for legal settlement	0	0	0	-170,000
Net cash used by discontinued operations	0	0	0	-56,431
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities	15,580,908	1,310,807	13,498,318	39,437,072
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	5,329,449	-6,814,433	8,528,196	7,782,551
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3,356,103	10,170,536	1,642,340	903,001
Cash And Cash Equivalents At End Of Period	8,685,552	3,356,103	10,170,536	8,685,552
Cash paid during the period for:	'	'	'	'
Interest	23,180	18,206	58,056	127,922
Income Taxes	3,841	0	1,465	5,856
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:	'	'	'	'
Conversion of debt and accrued interest to common stock	0	0	5,019,895	11,459,738
Property and equipment financed on lease	0	0	0	197,000
Property and equipment financed with note payable	0	468,250	173,838	642,088
Construction-in-progress accounts payable	229,563	105,000	0	404,563
Prepaid insurance financed with note payable	233,187	170,600	141,908	545,695
Land reclassified from assets held for sale to land and mining property	$0	$445,180	$0	$445,180

ORGANIZATION_AND_DESCRIPTION_O

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS [Abstract]	'
ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS	'
	NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
	Applied Minerals, Inc. (the “Company”) is the owner of the Dragon Mine located in the Tintic Mining District of the State of Utah from where it produces halloysite clay and iron oxide.  The Company is currently in various phases of commercial scale trials with several organizations in various markets with respect to uses of halloysite clay and iron oxide.
	Applied Minerals is a publicly traded company incorporated in the state of Delaware. The common stock trades on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol AMNL.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
	NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Exploration-Stage Company
	From 1997 through 2008, the Company’s sole source of revenue and income was derived from its contract mining business through which it provided shaft sinking, underground mine development and mine labor services. At December 31, 2008, the Company discontinued its contract mining efforts due to economic conditions and the desire to concentrate its efforts on the commercialization of the halloysite clay deposit at the Dragon Mine.
	Effective January 1, 2009, we were, and still are, classified as an exploration company as the existence of proven or probable reserves have not been demonstrated and no significant revenue has been earned from the mine.  Under the SEC’s Industry Guide 7, a mining company is considered an exploration stage company until it has declared mineral reserves determined in accordance with the guide and staff interpretations thereof.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Applied Minerals, Inc. and its controlled subsidiary, Park Copper and Gold Mining Company Limited (“Park Copper”). The financial information related to Park Copper was consolidated into the Company’s consolidated financial statements in 2010.  In 1999 we acquired a 53% interest in the Park Copper Mining Company for $72,825, which holds 100 acres of timber and mineral property in northern Idaho.  At December 31, 2011, the investment in Park Copper was fully impaired.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  In these consolidated financial statements, the warrant and PIK note derivative liabilities, stock compensation, impairment of long-lived assets and valuation allowance on income taxes involve extensive reliance on management’s estimates.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include all highly-liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less.  The Company minimizes its credit risk by investing its cash and cash equivalents, which sometimes exceeds FDIC limits, with major financial institutions located in the United States with a high credit rating.
	Receivables
	Trade receivables are reported at outstanding principal amounts, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.
	Management evaluates the collectability of receivable account balances to determine the allowance, if any.  Management considers the other party’s credit risk and financial condition, as well as current and projected economic and market conditions, in determining the amount of the allowance.  Receivable balances are written off when management determines that the balance is uncollectable.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are carried at cost.  Depreciation and amortization is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, or the life of the lease, whichever is shorter, as follows:
		Estimated
		Useful Life
	Building and Building Improvements	20 – 40 years
	Mining equipment	2 – 7 years
	Office and shop furniture and equipment	3 – 7 years
	Vehicles	5 years
	Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 totaled $317,570, $280,991, and $248,605, respectively.
	Impairment of Long-lived Assets
	The Company periodically reviews the carrying amounts of long-lived assets to determine whether current events or circumstances warrant adjustment to such carrying amounts. Long-lived assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. When such events occur, the Company compares the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset to its carrying amount. If this comparison indicates that there is an impairment, the amount of the impairment is typically calculated using discounted expected future cash flows where observable fair values are not readily determinable. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate the fair value of assets. Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of their financial statement carrying amount or fair value, less cost to sell.
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue includes sales of halloysite clay and, commencing in June 2013, iron oxide, and is recognized when title passes to the buyer and when collectability is reasonably assured.  Title passes to the buyer based on terms of the sales contract.  Product pricing is determined based on contractual arrangements with the Company’s customers.
	Mining Exploration and Development Costs
	Land and mining property are carried at cost.  The Company expenses prospecting and mining exploration costs.  At the point when a property is determined to have reserves, subsequent development costs will be capitalized and will be charged to operations using the units-of-production method over proven and probable reserves.  Upon abandonment or sale of a mineral property, all capitalized costs relating to the specific property are written off in the period abandoned or sold and a gain or loss is recognized.
	Income Taxes
	The Company uses an asset and liability approach which results in the recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences or benefits of temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities, as well as operating loss and tax credit carry forwards, using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.
	In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.  A valuation allowance has been provided for the portion of the Company’s net deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that they will not be realized.
	The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of various state jurisdictions.  Federal income tax returns subsequent to 2009 are subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions.  The Company’s practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
	The Company follows the provision of ASC Topic 740-10, “Income Taxes”, relating to recognition thresholds and measurement attributes for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. It also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and requires increased disclosures.
	This guidance provides that the tax effects from an uncertain tax position can be recognized in our financial statements only if the position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit based on the technical merits of the position.
	Stock Options and Warrants
	The Company follows ASC 718 (Stock Compensation) and 505-50 (Equity-Based Payments to Non-employees), which provide guidance in accounting for share-based awards exchanged for services rendered and requires companies to expense the estimated fair value of these awards over the requisite service period.  The Company instituted formal long-term and short-term incentive plans on November 20, 2012, which were approved by its shareholders.  Prior to that date, we did not have a formal equity plan, but all equity grants, including stock options and warrants, were approved by our Board of Directors.  We determine the fair value of the stock-based compensation awards granted to non-employees as either the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. If the fair value of the equity instruments issued is used, it is measured using the stock price and other measurement assumptions as of the earlier of either of (1) the date at which a commitment for performance by the counterparty to earn the equity instruments is reached, or (2) the date at which the counterparty’s performance is complete. During the quarter ended June 30, 2013 the Company employed the simplified method to determine the expected term for any options granted because the Company did not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate expected term.  The Company previously utilized the contractual term as the expected term.
	Per share data
	Loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 respectively, is calculated based on 94,303,264, 89,552,788, and 74,568,658 weighted average outstanding shares of common stock. See Note 11 for further details, including common stock equivalents that were not included in the diluted computation as their effect would be anti-dilutive.
	Environmental Matters
	Expenditures for ongoing compliance with environmental regulations that relate to current operations are expensed or capitalized as appropriate.  Expenditures resulting from the remediation of existing conditions caused by past operations that do not contribute to future revenue generations are expensed.  Liabilities are recognized when environmental assessments indicate that remediation efforts are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated.
	Estimates of such liabilities are based upon currently available facts, existing technology and presently enacted laws and regulations taking into consideration the likely effects of inflation and other societal and economic factors, and include estimates of associated legal costs.  These amounts also reflect prior experience in remediating contaminated sites, other companies’ clean-up experience and data released by The Environmental Protection Agency or other organizations.  Such estimates are by their nature imprecise and can be expected to be revised over time because of changes in government regulations, operations, technology and inflation.  Recoveries are evaluated separately from the liability and, when recovery is assured, the Company records and reports an asset separately from the associated liability.
	Based upon management’s current assessment of its environmental responsibilities, the Company cannot reasonably estimate any reclamation or remediation liability that may occur in the future, if any.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) or other standard setting bodies that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, we believe that the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations upon adoption.
	ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU 2013-02) requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. This ASU was effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012.  The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS [Abstract]	'
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	'
	NOTE 3 – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	The Company permanently discontinued its contract mining operations at the Atlas Mine near Mullan, Idaho as of December 31, 2008.  The Company identified assets attributed to the discontinued operation that were being held for sale in the amount of $445,180 as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  During the third quarter of 2012, after unsuccessfully marketing the mine for sale, the Company reclassified this asset from held for sale to land and mining property as the Company is exploring various strategic options to further monetize the value of the land and any associated mineral resources.  Upon transfer, the carrying value of the mine was tested for impairment, noting fair value exceeded the carrying value and therefore no impairment was necessary. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded property taxes related to the mine of $6,646 and $5,830, respectively included in other expenses. Loss from discontinued contract mining operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 was calculated as follows:
		2011
	General and administrative expenses	$	(910	)
	Loss on impairment of assets		(4,862	)
	Loss from discontinued operations	$	(5,772	)
	During the year ended December 31, 2011, the mining and timber property located in northern Idaho was impaired by $4,862.

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'
	NOTE 4 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
	The following is a summary of property, plant, and equipment – at cost, less accumulated depreciation:
			2013		2012
	Land (a)		$	945,180	$	945,180
	Land improvements			164,758		164,758
	Buildings			631,299		631,299
	Mining equipment			1,569,635		1,519,635
	Milling equipment			333,594		336,146
	Laboratory equipment			65,934		65,934
	Office equipment			60,992		52,014
	Vehicles			140,002		140,002
				3,911,394		3,854,968
	Less: Accumulated depreciation			1,317,958		1,005,825
				2,593,436		2,849,143
	Construction in progress (b)			3,438,113		1,156,537
	Total		$	6,031,549	$	4,005,680
		(a)	Includes the Atlas Mine near Mullan, Idaho with a carrying value of $445,180 ( Note 3), and the Dragon Mine with a carrying value of $500,000.
		(b)	Represents investments in a new plant facility and related equipment at the mine site.

STOCK_AWARD_PAYABLE

STOCK AWARD PAYABLE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
STOCK AWARD PAYABLE [Abstract]	'
STOCK AWARD PAYABLE	'
	NOTE 5 – STOCK AWARD PAYABLE
	In 2007 the Company agreed to grant 100,000 shares in total to an Executive Vice President, John Gaensbauer, as part of his employment agreement.  By the time the Company was attempting to issue the stock, Mr. Gaensbauer had resigned his position and the Company and certain members of its former management team were defendants in a class action filed by the Company’s shareholders.  Given the class action, the Company was uncertain whether it would have to ultimately issue shares to Mr. Gaensbauer, settle such stock grant in cash, or rescind the stock grant.  As such, the Company recorded the stock grant as a liability and revalues it based on the quoted price of the Company’s stock at the end of each period.  The Company continues to explore its options to resolve this outstanding issue.  For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 the Company realized a gain (loss) on the revaluation of the remaining stock awards totaling $44,000, ($27,000), and ($47,000), respectively. At December 31, 2013 and 2012 the value of the stock award was $110,000 and $154,000, respectively.  At December 31, 2013, the stock award granted to Mr. Gaensbauer has not been issued.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_AND_FI

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	'
	NOTE 6 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures, defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  This topic also establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires classification based on observable and unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and an entity’s own assumptions (unobservable inputs).  The hierarchy consists of three levels:
	·	Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;
	·	Level 2 – Inputs other than level one inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable; and
	·	Level 3 – Unobservable inputs developed using estimates and assumptions, which are developed by the reporting entity and reflect those assumptions that a market participant would use.
	Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized as follows:
			Fair value measurement using inputs							Carrying amount
			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3	31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
	Financial instruments:
	Warrant derivative					$	950,000			$	950,000	$	1,945,000
	PIK Note derivative					$	2,250,000			$	2,250,000		--
	The recorded value of certain financial assets and liabilities, which consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, other current assets, and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate the fair value at December 31, 2013 and 2012 based upon the short-term nature of the assets and liabilities.  Based on borrowing rates currently available to the Company for loans with similar terms, and the remaining short term period outstanding, the carrying value of notes payable approximates fair value.  Further, due to the recent placement of the PIK Notes, fair value of the Notes approximates $10,500,000 at December 31, 2013 (level 2). For the Company's warrant and PIK note derivative liabilities, fair value was estimated using a Binomial Lattice Model and monte carlo model using the following assumptions:
	Warrant derivative liability		Fair Value Measurements
			Using Inputs
			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Market price and estimated fair value of stock		$	1.1		$	1.54
	Exercise price		$	1.93		$	2
	Term (years)			3			4
	Dividend yield		$	--		$	--
	Expected volatility			76.9	%		83.3	%
	Risk-free interest rate			0.78	%		0.54	%
	PIK Note derivative liability		Fair Value Measurements
			Using Inputs
			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Market price and estimated fair value of stock		$	1.1			--
	Exercise price		$	1.4			--
	Term (years)			9.58			--
	Dividend yield		$	--			--
	Expected volatility			76.9	%		--
	Risk-free interest rate			2.96	%		--

NOTES_AND_LEASES_PAYABLE

NOTES AND LEASES PAYABLE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
NOTES AND LEASES PAYABLE [Abstract]	'
NOTES AND LEASES PAYABLE	'
	NOTE 7 - NOTES AND LEASES PAYABLE
	Notes payable at December 31, 2013 and 2012 consist of the following:
			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Note payable for mining equipment, payable $5,556 monthly, including interest (a)		$	42,927		$	97,769
	Note payable for mining equipment, payable $950 monthly, including interest (b)			23,302			31,565
	Note payable for mining equipment, payable $6,060 monthly, including interest (c)			76,313			142,840
	Note payable for mining equipment, payable $7,409 monthly, including interest (d)			--			10,130
	Note payable for mining equipment, payable $5,000 monthly, including interest (d)			--			53,517
	Note payable for mine site vehicle, payable $628 monthly (e)			28,276			35,816
	Note payable for mining equipment, payable $5,000 monthly, including interest (f)			9,932			64,708
	Note payable for mining equipment, payable $1,632 monthly, including interest (g)			8,898			32,192
	Note payable to an insurance company, payable $16,604 monthly, including interest (h)			--			98,714
	Note payable to an insurance company, payable $4,447 monthly, including interest (i)			--			30,645
	Note payable to an insurance company, payable $19,139 monthly, including interest (j)			132,576			--
	Note payable to an insurance company, payable $4,297 monthly, including interest (k)			29,767			--
				351,991			597,896
	Less:  Current Portion			(311,165	)		(413,470	)
	Notes Payable, Long-Term Portion		$	40,826		$	184,426
		(a)	On July 7, 2011, the Company purchased mining equipment for $198,838 by issuing a note with an implicit interest rate of 9.34%.  The note is collateralized by the mining equipment with payments of $5,556 for 36 months, which started on August 15, 2011
		(b)	On April 17, 2012, the Company purchased mining equipment for $40,565 by issuing a note with an effective interest rate of 11.279%.  The note is collateralized by the mining equipment with payments of $950 for 48 months, which started on May 1, 2012
		(c)	On July 23, 2012, the Company purchased mining equipment for $169,500 by issuing a note with an interest rate of 5.5%.  The note is collateralized by the mining equipment with payments of $6,060 for 30 months, which started on August 25, 2012
		(d)	On July 19, 2012, the Company purchased two pieces of mining equipment that had been leased for $39,042 and $79,735, respectively, by issuing notes with an implicit interest rate of 5.5% and are collateralized by the mining equipment with payments of $ 7,409 and $5,000 for 4 and 15 months, respectively
		(e)	On September 20, 2012, the Company purchased a vehicle for the mine site for $37,701 by issuing a non-interest bearing note.  The note is collateralized by the vehicle with payments of $628 for 60 months, which started on October 20, 2012
		(f)	On November 16, 2012, the Company purchased a piece of mining equipment that had been leased for $67,960 by issuing a note with an effective interest rate of 5.5%.  The note is collateralized by the mining equipment with payments of $3,518 for three months, then $5,000 for twelve months
		(g)	On November 16, 2012, the Company purchased a piece of mining equipment that had been leased for $33,748 by issuing a note with an effective interest rate of 5.5%.  The note is collateralized by the mining equipment with payments of $1,632 for five months, then $2,250 for twelve months
		(h)	The Company signed a note payable with an insurance company dated October 17, 2012 for directors' and officers' insurance, due in monthly installments, including interest at 3.15%.  The note matured in June 2013 and was repaid.
		(i)	The Company signed a note payable with an insurance company dated October 17, 2012 for liability insurance, due in monthly installments, including interest at 4.732%.  The note matured in July 2013 and was repaid.
		(i)	The Company signed a note payable with an insurance company dated October 17, 2013 for directors’ and officers’ insurance, due in monthly installments, including interest at 3.15%.  The note will mature on July 2014.
		(i)	The Company signed a note payable with an insurance company dated October 21, 2013 for liability insurance, due in monthly installments, including interest at 3.15%.  The note will mature on July 2014.
	The following is a schedule of the principal maturities on these notes as of December 31, 2013:
	2014		$	311,165
	2015			23,916
	2016			11,254
	2017			5,656
	Total Notes Payable		$	351,991
	During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company's interest payments related to notes payables totaled $23,180, $18,206, and $58,029 respectively.

CONVERTIBLE_DEBT_PIK_NOTES

CONVERTIBLE DEBT (PIK NOTES)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
CONVERTIBLE DEBT (PIK NOTES) [Abstract]	'
CONVERTIBLE DEBT (PIK NOTES)	'
	NOTE 8 – CONVERTIBLE DEBT (PIK NOTES)
	In August 2013, the Company received $10,500,000 of financing through the private placement of 10% mandatory convertible Notes due 2023 ("Notes"). The principal amount of the Notes is due on maturity.  The Company can elect to pay semi-annual interest on the Notes with additional PIK Notes containing the same terms as the Notes, except interest will accrue from issuance of such notes. The Company can also elect to pay interest in cash.
	The Notes convert into the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $1.40 per share, which is subject to customary antidilution adjustments.   As of issuance, the Notes are convertible into 7,500,000 shares of the common stock.  The holders may convert the Notes at any time.  The Notes are mandatorily convertible after one year when the weighted average trading price of a share of the common stock for the preceding ten trading days is in excess of the conversion price.  The Notes contain customary representations and warranties and several covenants.  The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes.  No broker was used and no commission was paid in connection with the sale of the Notes.
	These Notes were not issued with the intent of effectively hedging any future cash flow, fair value of any asset, liability or any net investment in a foreign operation.  In addition to the customary antidilution provisions the notes contain a down-round provision whereby the conversion price would be adjusted downward in the event that additional shares of the Company’s common stock or securities exercisable, convertible or exchangeable for the Company’s common stock were issued for cash consideration (e.g. a capital raise) at a price less than the conversion price.  Therefore, the estimated fair value of the conversion feature of $2,055,000 (based on observable inputs) was bifurcated from the Notes and accounted for as a separate derivative liability, which resulted in a corresponding amount of debt discount on the Notes.  The debt discount is being amortized using the effective interest method over the 10-year term of the Notes as Interest Expense, while the PIK Note Derivative is carried at fair value (using a Monte Carlo model) until the Notes are converted or otherwise extinguished. Any changes in fair value are recognized in earnings.
	At December 31, 2013, the fair value of the PIK Note Derivative was estimated to be $2,250,000, resulting in a loss of $195,000 for 2013.  In addition, the Company amortized $41,583 of debt discount relating to the PIK Notes Payable, increasing the PIK Notes Payable carrying value to $8,486,583 as of December 31, 2013.

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
	NOTE 9 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Preferred Stock
	The Company is authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of noncumulative, non-voting, nonconvertible preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share.  At December 31, 2013 and 2012, no shares of preferred stock were outstanding.
	Common Stock
	On November 20, 2012, stockholders of the Company approved to increase the authorized shares of common stock from 120,000,000 to 200,000,000 shares, $0.001 par value per share.  At December 31, 2013 and 2012, 94,646,013 and 90,619,444 shares were issued and outstanding, respectively.
	2013
	During 2013 the Company issued a total of 269,812 shares of common stock valued at $316,475 to directors and consultants as payments of fees.  In addition, on January 23, 2013 the Company sold, in a privately negotiated transaction, 3,756,757 shares of its common stock at $1.48 per share for gross proceeds of $5,560,000.  No broker was used and no commission was paid as part of this transaction.
	2012
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company issued a total of 103,574 shares of common stock to directors and consultants as payment of fees.  The value of the restricted shares was recorded at $151,059.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, warrant holders received 106,774 shares of the Company’s common stock through cashless exercises.  During the year ended December 31, 2012 option holders received 39,685 shares of the Company’s common stock through a cashless exercise.  Also during the year ended December 31, 2012 the Company sold a total of 1,250,000 shares of common stock priced at $1.30 per share, at the then current share price.
	2011
	During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company issued a total of 97,612 shares of restricted common stock to directors and consultants as payment of fees.  The value of the restricted shares was recorded at $118,436.  During the year ended December 31, 2011, a warrant holder received 5,570 shares of the Company’s common stock through a cashless exercise.  During the year ended December 31, 2011 an option holder received 41,935 shares of the Company’s common stock through a cashless exercise.  Also during the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company sold a total of 14,250,000 shares of common stock at pricing between $1.25 and $1.53 per share, collecting a total of $10,805,000, less $230,000 of offering expenses.  A portion of these shares was purchased by a related party (see Note 14).

OPTIONS_AND_WARRANTS_TO_PURCHA

OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK [Abstract]	'
OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK	'
	NOTE 10 – OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK
	Derivative Instruments - Warrants
	The Company issued 5,000,000 warrants (“Samlyn warrants”) in connection with the December 22, 2011 private placement of 10,000,000 shares of common stock.  The strike price of these warrants was $2.00 per share at the date of grant.  These warrants were not issued with the intent of effectively hedging any future cash flow, fair value of any asset, liability or any net investment in a foreign operation.  In addition to the customary antidilution provisions the notes contain a down-round provision whereby the exercise price would be adjusted downward in the event that additional shares of the Company's common stock or securities exercisable, convertible or exchangeable for the Company's common stock were issued at a price less than the exercise price.  Therefore, the fair value of these warrants (based on observable inputs) was recorded as a liability in the balance sheet until they are exercised or expire or are otherwise extinguished.  During the first quarter of 2013, the Company issued 3,756,757 shares of its common stock for gross proceeds of $5,560,000, which triggered a down-round adjustment of $0.03 from $2.00 to $1.97 in the strike price of the Samlyn warrants at that time.  As discussed in Note 8, during August 2013, the Company issued $10,500,000 of 10% mandatorily convertible PIK Notes due 2023 ("Notes") in a private placement, which triggered a down-round adjustment of $0.04 from $1.97 to $1.93 in the strike price of the Samlyn warrants.
	The proceeds from the private placement were allocated between the Common Shares and the Warrants issued in connection with the private placement based upon their estimated fair values as of the closing date at December 22, 2011, resulting in the aggregate amount of $6,420,000 to the Stockholders' Equity and $3,580,000 to the warrant derivative.  During 2011, the Company recognized $225,000 of other income resulting from the decrease in the fair value of the warrant liability.  During 2012, the Company began using a binomial lattice model to value its warrant derivative liability.  Based on the value estimated using the lattice model, a reclassification was recorded as of January 1, 2012 to increase Stockholder's Equity by $780,000 and decrease the warrant derivative liability by the same amount representing the decrease in fair value of the warrant at date of issuance.  This adjustment was not considered by management to be material to the 2011 financial statements.  In subsequent periods, the liability has fluctuated based on the fair value.  During 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded other income of $995,000 and $630,000, respectively.
	Outstanding Stock Warrants
	A summary of the status of the warrants outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013 is presented below:
					Warrants Outstanding and Exercisable
	Exercise Price				Number			Weighted Average		Weighted
					Outstanding			Remaining		Average
								Contractual Life		Exercise Price
	$	0.75				139,340		1.75 years		$	0.75
	$	0.78				213,402		2.09 years		$	0.78
	$	0.8				124,481		2.00 years		$	0.8
	$	1				212,000		1.66 years		$	1
	$	1.15				461,340		7.33 years		$	1.15
	$	1.93				5,000,000		2.98 years		$	1.93
	$	2				54,367		2.59 years		$	2
						6,204,930		3.18 years		$	1.75
	No warrants were issued during 2012 or 2013.  During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company granted 5,853,590 warrants to purchase the Company’s common stock with an average exercise price of $1.77, including 5,000,000 warrants issued on December 22, 2011 described above.  The intrinsic value of the outstanding warrants at December 31, 2013 was $175,602.  Compensation expense of $0, $210,067, and $415,143 have been recognized for the vesting of warrants in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	Excluding the 5,000,000 warrants with the down round provisions discussed above, the fair value of each of the Company’s stock warrant awards is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses the assumptions noted in the table below.  Expected volatility is based on an average of historical volatility of the Company’s common stock.  The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the stock option award is based on the yield curve of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond on the date the award is granted with a maturity equal to the expected term of the award.
	Outstanding Stock Options
	On November 20, 2012, the shareholders of the Company approved the adoption of the Applied Minerals, Inc. 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) and the Short-Term Incentive Plan (“STIP”) and the performance criteria used in setting performance goals for awards intended to be performance-based.  Under the LTIP, 8,900,000 shares are authorized for issuance.  The STIP does not refer to a particular number of shares under the LTIP, but would use the shares authorized in the LTIP for issuance under the STIP.  The CEO, the CFO, and named executive officers, and directors, among others are eligible to participate in the LTIP and STIP. Prior to the adoption of the LTIP and STIP, stock options were granted under individual arrangements between the Company and the grantees, and approved by the Board of Directors.
	The fair value of each of the Company's stock option awards is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses the assumptions noted in the table below.  Expected volatility is based on an average of historical volatility of the Company's common stock.  The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the stock option award is based on the yield curve of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Bond on the date the award is granted with a maturity equal to the expected term of the award.
	The significant assumptions relating to the valuation of the Company's options issued for 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
			2013				2012
	Dividend Yield			0	%			0	%
	Expected Life		5-6 years				5-10 years
	Expected Volatility			63.5%- 89.5	%			84.8% – 90.5	%
	Risk Free Interest Rate			0.88%- 1.90	%			0.72% - 1.74	%
	A summary of the status and changes of the options granted under stock option plans and other agreements for 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
			31-Dec-13								31-Dec-12
							Weighted								Weighted
							Average								Average
			Shares				Exercise Price				Shares				Exercise Price
	Outstanding at beginning of period			15,455,471			$	1.04				11,598,411			$	0.83
	Issued			760,867				1.19				3,932,060			$	1.64
	Exercised			--				--				(75,000	)		$	0.67
	Forfeited			(338,222	)		$	1.73				--				--
	Outstanding at end of period			15,878,116			$	1.03				15,455,471			$	1.04
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company granted 760,867 options to purchase the Company’s common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $1.19.  Of the 760,867 options granted, the options vest immediately or monthly as follows:
			Vesting Information
	Shares		Frequency		Begin Date		End Date
	45,867		Monthly		2/1/13		04/10/2013 (a)
	50,000		Monthly		5/30/13		5/29/14
	65,000		Immediately		5/29/13		5/29/13
	300,000		Annually		9/9/13		9/8/16
	300,000		Monthly		8/1/13		7/31/16
	(a) 38,222 options were forfeited during 2013.
	A summary of the status of the options outstanding at December 31, 2013 is presented below:
	Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
				Weighted		Weighted								Weighted
				Average		Average								Average
	Number			Remaining		Exercise				Number				Exercise
	Outstanding			Contractual Life		Price				Exercisable				Price
		7,358,277		4.94 years		$	0.7				7,358,277			$	0.7
		3,205,134		7.53 years		$	0.83				3,205,134			$	0.83
		60,000		2.50 years		$	1				60,000			$	1
		300,000		9.64 years		$	1.1				--				--
		300,000		9.48 years		$	1.15				33,333			$	1.15
		100,000		4.09 years		$	1.24				100,000			$	1.24
		115,000		7.24 years		$	1.35				94,167			$	1.35
		125,000		4.09 years		$	1.45				125,000			$	1.45
		330,000		7.95 years		$	1.55				196,667			$	1.55
	7,645		4.09 years		$	1.58				7,645			$	1.58
	3,077,060		8.89 years		$	1.66				2,826,672			$	1.66
	900,000		7.64 years		$	1.9				700,000			$	1.9
	15,878,116		6.61 years		$	1.03				14,706,895			$	1
Compensation expense of $4,707,381, $2,314,154, and $2,181,394 has been recognized for the vested options for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The aggregate intrinsic value of the outstanding options at December 31, 2013 was $3,814,697.  At December 31, 2013, $834,221 of unamortized compensation expense for unvested options is expected to be recognized over the next 116 months on a weighted average basis.

PER_SHARE_DATA

PER SHARE DATA	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
PER SHARE DATA [Abstract]	'
PER SHARE DATA	'
	NOTE 11 - PER SHARE DATA
	The computation of basic earnings (loss) per share of common stock is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the years.  The computation of diluted earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year plus the common stock equivalents that would arise from the exercise of stock options and warrants outstanding under the treasury method and the average market price per share during the year as well as the conversion of notes.  As of December 31, 2013, common stock equivalents aggregated 29,583,046 shares consisting of outstanding options and warrants to purchase 15,878,116 and 6,204,930 shares of Company common stock, respectively and notes payable which were convertible into 7,500,000 shares of Company common stocks. Common stock equivalents at December 31, 2012 aggregated 21,660,400 shares of which 15,455,470 consisted of options and 6,204,930 consisted of warrants.  Common stock equivalents at December 31, 2011 aggregated 18,022,188 shares of which 11,598,411 consisted of options and 6,423,777 consisted of warrants. Common stock equivalents during 2011 through 2013 were not included in the computation of loss per share because they would have been anti-dilutive.
		Net Loss			Shares		Per-Share
		(Numerator)			(Denominator)		Amount
	For the year ended December 31, 2013:
	Basic and Diluted EPS
	Net loss to common shareholders	$	(13,063,526	)		94,303,264	$	(0.14	)
	For the year ended December 31, 2012:
	Basic and Diluted EPS
	Net loss to common shareholders	$	(9,732,399	)		89,552,788	$	(0.11	)
	For the year ended December 31, 2011:
	Basic and Diluted EPS
	Net loss to common shareholders	$	(7,482,636	)		74,568,658	$	(0.10	)

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	NOTE 12 – INCOME TAXES
	At December 31, 2013, the Company had deferred tax assets principally arising from net operating loss carry-forwards and stock based compensation for income tax purposes. The Company calculates its deferred tax assets using the federal tax rate of 35% and the following effective state rates, net of federal benefits: Idaho (0.1%), Utah (1.5 %), and New York State/New York City (0.45%).  Due to operating losses and the uncertainty of future profitability, a valuation allowance has been recorded to fully offset the Company’s deferred tax asset.
	The tax effect of items that give rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carry forward	$	18,454,164		$	15,221,763
	Stock-based compensation		3,685,646			1,965,593
	Reserves deductible in different periods		--			9,471
	Stock Award Payable		40,792
	Total deferred tax assets		22,180,602			17,196,827
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Fixed assets		(421,025	)		(472,127	)
	Less: valuation allowance		(21,759,577	)		(16,724,700	)
		$	-		$	-
	In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, management determines whether it is more likely than not some, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the carryforward period as well as the period in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the reversal of taxable temporary differences, projected taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon historical losses and the possibility of continued taxable losses over the periods that the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will not realize the benefits of these deferred tax assets and thus recorded a valuation allowance against the entire deferred tax asset balance. The valuation allowance increased by $5,034,877, $3,903,777, and $2,743,022 in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	At December 31, 2013, the Company had net operating loss carry-forwards of $49,735,004 for federal income tax purposes and $27,510,760 for state and local income tax purposes.  The federal net operating loss carry-forwards are available to be utilized against future taxable income through fiscal year 2033 and state loss carry-forwards expire from 2024 through 2033, subject to substantial restrictions on the utilization of net operating losses in the event of an “ownership change” as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. Utilization of the Company’s federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards are subject to limitations as a result of these restrictions. No amounts were provided for unrecognized tax benefits attributable to uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. All tax years prior to 2010 are not subject to IRS and state tax authorities’ audit, except for examination of the net operating loss carryforward, which dates back to 2003.
	A reconciliation of the differences between the effective and statutory income tax rates is as follows:
		31-Dec-13						31-Dec-12					31-Dec-11
	Federal statutory rate	$	(4,572,234	)		35	%	$	(3,406,340	)	35	%	$	(2,637,229	)	35	%
	State income taxes – Idaho		(14,264	)		0.1	%		(37,982	)	0.4	%		(29,406	)	0.4	%
	State income taxes - Utah		(199,166	)		1.5	%		(227,169	)	2.3	%		(175,877	)	2.3	%
	State and local income taxes - NY		(58,721	)		0.5	%
	Change in valuation allowance		5,034,877			(39.0	%)		3,903,777		(40.1	%)		2,743,022		(36.4	%)
	Net nontaxable income		(290,623	)		2.2	%		(232,286	)	2.4	%		(84,110	)	1.1	%
	Miscellaneous		100,131			(0.3	%)		-					183,600		(2.4	%)
			-			0	%		-		0	%		-		0	%

RELATED_PARTIES

RELATED PARTIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
RELATED PARTIES [Abstract]	'
RELATED PARTIES	'
	NOTE 13 – RELATED PARTIES
	David A. Taft, a director, is the president of IBS Capital LLC (“IBS”), a Massachusetts limited liability company, whose principal business is investing in securities.  IBS is the general partner of the IBS Turnaround Fund (QP), which is a Massachusetts limited partnership, IBS Turnaround Fund (LP), which is a Massachusetts limited partnership and the IBS Opportunity Fund, Ltd.  Set forth below are purchases of Common Stock from the Company by the funds since January 1, 2011:
	Date of Purchase	The IBS Turnaround		The IBS		The IBS		Price
		Fund (QP) (A		Turnaround Fund (LP)		Opportunity Fund,		Per
		Limited Partnership)		(A Limited		Ltd.		Share
				Partnership)
	28-Mar-11		1,385,000		459,000		656,000	$	0.8
	27-Jun-11		706,000		205,000		338,750	$	1.6
	The above sales of shares of common stock were used to fund the Company’s operations.  The stock sold on March 28, 2011 was priced at the closing price of the Company’s common stock on March 25, 2011. The stock sold on June 27, 2011 was priced at a slight premium to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on June 24, 2011.
	The Company is a related party to Material Advisors (“MA”), an entity with which the Company previously had a management agreement for executive services.  See Note 15 for further details.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	NOTE 14 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	LITIGATION
	The Company records accruals for contingencies when it is probable that a liability had been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company is not currently involved in or subject to, litigation, claims, disputes, proceedings and investigations.
	OTHER COMMITMENTS
	Material Advisors LLC
	On December 30, 2008, the Company entered into a Management Agreement with Material Advisors LLC, a management services company (“Manager”). The Management Agreement had a term ending on December 31, 2010 with automatic renewal for successive one-year periods unless either Manager or Company provided 90 days prior notice of cancellation to the other party or pursuant to the termination provisions of the Management Agreement.  Under the Management Agreement, Manager would perform or engage others, including Andre Zeitoun, a principal of Manager, Chris Carney and Eric Basroon (“Management Personnel”), to perform senior management services including such services as are customarily provided by a chief executive officer but not (unless otherwise agreed) services customarily provided by a chief financial officer.  Pursuant to the Management Agreement, Andre Zeitoun would serve as Company’s Chief Executive Officer and would be appointed as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors.
	The services provided by Manager included, without limitation, consulting with the Board of Directors and the Company’s management on business and financial matters.  Manager was paid an annual fee of $1,000,000 per year, payable in equal monthly installments of $83,333.  Manager was solely responsible for the compensation of the Management Personnel, including Mr. Zeitoun and the Management Personnel was not entitled to any direct compensation or benefits from the Company (including, in the case of Mr. Zeitoun, for service on the Board).  In January 2009, the Company granted Manager non-qualified stock options to purchase, for $0.70 per share, up to 6,583,277 shares of the Company’s stock. In February 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors extended the Management Agreement for one additional year, thus extending the termination date of the agreement to December 31, 2012.  As part of the extension of the Management Agreement, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the issuance of 2,904,653 warrants to purchase shares of common stock of the Company at $0.83 per share.  The warrants have a term of 5 years and vest equally on a monthly basis beginning January 2012. On January 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors unanimously agreed to pay a performance bonus of $750,000 to the Manager.
	On November 20, 2012, it was decided that effective January 1, 2013 the Company would engage the three members of Material Advisors individually rather than through Material Advisors.
	Office Lease
	The Company extended their lease agreement for office space through December 31, 2014 at a monthly rent of $11,493 for 2014 or an aggregate commitment of approximately $137,916 at December 31, 2013, all of which is payable in 2014.  The Company has not yet determined whether to renew the lease at this point in time.
	Capital Obligation
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company has commitments aggregating approximately $1,208,892 for the construction or purchase of property and equipment.

FINANCIAL_INFORMATION_BY_QUART

FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY QUARTER (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY QUARTER (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]	'
FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY QUARTER (UNAUDITED)	'
	Note 15- FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY QUARTER (UNAUDITED)
	2013 For Quarter Ended	31-Dec			30-Sep			30-Jun			31-Mar
	Revenue	$	10,088		$	6,773		$	12,878		$	25,086
	Operating loss	$	(3,795,077	)	$	(3,250,990	)	$	(2,774,969	)	$	(3,582,514	)
	Net loss	$	(3,510,651	)	$	(3,869,099	)	$	(2,604,885	)	$	(3,078,891	)
	Loss Per Share (Basic and Diluted)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.03	)
	2012 For Quarter Ended	31-Dec			30-Sep			30-Jun			31-Mar
	Revenue	$	13,446		$	666		$	96,228		$	55,402
	Operating loss	$	(3,007,302	)	$	(2,423,174	)	$	(2,109,473	)	$	(2,772,471	)
	Net loss	$	(3,844,229	)	$	(2,517,951	)	$	(1,561,179	)	$	(1,809,040	)
	Loss Per Share (Basic and Diluted)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.02	)

SCHEDULE_IIVALUATION_AND_QUALI

SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SCHEDULE II- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS [Abstract]	'
SCHEDULE II- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS [Text Block]	'
	SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
		Balance at		Additions Charged		Net
		Beginning of		to Expenses/		(write-off)			Balance at
		Year		Other Accounts		Recoveries			End of Year
	Allowance for doubtful accounts
	2013	$	25,106		--	$	(25,106	)	$	--
	2012	$	11,938	$	13,168	$	--		$	25,106
	2011	$	--	$	11,938	$	--		$	11,938
	Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
	2013	$	16,724,700	$	5,034,877	$	--		$	21,759,577
	2012	$	12,820,923	$	3,903,777	$	--		$	16,724,700
	2011	$	10,077,901	$	2,743,022	$	--		$	12,820,923

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'
Exploration-Stage Company	'
	Exploration-Stage Company
	From 1997 through 2008, the Company’s sole source of revenue and income was derived from its contract mining business through which it provided shaft sinking, underground mine development and mine labor services. At December 31, 2008, the Company discontinued its contract mining efforts due to economic conditions and the desire to concentrate its efforts on the commercialization of the halloysite clay deposit at the Dragon Mine.
	Effective January 1, 2009, we were, and still are, classified as an exploration company as the existence of proven or probable reserves have not been demonstrated and no significant revenue has been earned from the mine.  Under the SEC’s Industry Guide 7, a mining company is considered an exploration stage company until it has declared mineral reserves determined in accordance with the guide and staff interpretations thereof.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Applied Minerals, Inc. and its controlled subsidiary, Park Copper and Gold Mining Company Limited (“Park Copper”). The financial information related to Park Copper was consolidated into the Company’s consolidated financial statements in 2010.  In 1999 we acquired a 53% interest in the Park Copper Mining Company for $72,825, which holds 100 acres of timber and mineral property in northern Idaho.  At December 31, 2011, the investment in Park Copper was fully impaired.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  In these consolidated financial statements, the warrant and PIK note derivative liabilities, stock compensation, impairment of long-lived assets and valuation allowance on income taxes involve extensive reliance on management’s estimates.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include all highly-liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less.  The Company minimizes its credit risk by investing its cash and cash equivalents, which sometimes exceeds FDIC limits, with major financial institutions located in the United States with a high credit rating.
Receivables	'
	Receivables
	Trade receivables are reported at outstanding principal amounts, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.
	Management evaluates the collectability of receivable account balances to determine the allowance, if any.  Management considers the other party’s credit risk and financial condition, as well as current and projected economic and market conditions, in determining the amount of the allowance.  Receivable balances are written off when management determines that the balance is uncollectable.
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are carried at cost.  Depreciation and amortization is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, or the life of the lease, whichever is shorter, as follows:
		Estimated
		Useful Life
	Building and Building Improvements	20 – 40 years
	Mining equipment	2 – 7 years
	Office and shop furniture and equipment	3 – 7 years
	Vehicles	5 years
	Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 totaled $317,570, $280,991, and $248,605, respectively.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets	'
	Impairment of Long-lived Assets
	The Company periodically reviews the carrying amounts of long-lived assets to determine whether current events or circumstances warrant adjustment to such carrying amounts. Long-lived assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. When such events occur, the Company compares the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset to its carrying amount. If this comparison indicates that there is an impairment, the amount of the impairment is typically calculated using discounted expected future cash flows where observable fair values are not readily determinable. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate the fair value of assets. Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of their financial statement carrying amount or fair value, less cost to sell.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue includes sales of halloysite clay and, commencing in June 2013, iron oxide, and is recognized when title passes to the buyer and when collectability is reasonably assured.  Title passes to the buyer based on terms of the sales contract.  Product pricing is determined based on contractual arrangements with the Company’s customers.
Mining Exploration and Development Costs	'
	Mining Exploration and Development Costs
	Land and mining property are carried at cost.  The Company expenses prospecting and mining exploration costs.  At the point when a property is determined to have reserves, subsequent development costs will be capitalized and will be charged to operations using the units-of-production method over proven and probable reserves.  Upon abandonment or sale of a mineral property, all capitalized costs relating to the specific property are written off in the period abandoned or sold and a gain or loss is recognized.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company uses an asset and liability approach which results in the recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences or benefits of temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities, as well as operating loss and tax credit carry forwards, using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.
	In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.  A valuation allowance has been provided for the portion of the Company’s net deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that they will not be realized.
	The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of various state jurisdictions.  Federal income tax returns subsequent to 2009 are subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions.  The Company’s practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
	The Company follows the provision of ASC Topic 740-10, “Income Taxes”, relating to recognition thresholds and measurement attributes for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. It also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and requires increased disclosures.
	This guidance provides that the tax effects from an uncertain tax position can be recognized in our financial statements only if the position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit based on the technical merits of the position.
Stock Options and Warrants	'
	Stock Options and Warrants
	The Company follows ASC 718 (Stock Compensation) and 505-50 (Equity-Based Payments to Non-employees), which provide guidance in accounting for share-based awards exchanged for services rendered and requires companies to expense the estimated fair value of these awards over the requisite service period.  The Company instituted formal long-term and short-term incentive plans on November 20, 2012, which were approved by its shareholders.  Prior to that date, we did not have a formal equity plan, but all equity grants, including stock options and warrants, were approved by our Board of Directors.  We determine the fair value of the stock-based compensation awards granted to non-employees as either the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. If the fair value of the equity instruments issued is used, it is measured using the stock price and other measurement assumptions as of the earlier of either of (1) the date at which a commitment for performance by the counterparty to earn the equity instruments is reached, or (2) the date at which the counterparty’s performance is complete. During the quarter ended June 30, 2013 the Company employed the simplified method to determine the expected term for any options granted because the Company did not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate expected term.  The Company previously utilized the contractual term as the expected term.
Per share data	'
	Per share data
	Loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 respectively, is calculated based on 94,303,264, 89,552,788, and 74,568,658 weighted average outstanding shares of common stock. See Note 11 for further details, including common stock equivalents that were not included in the diluted computation as their effect would be anti-dilutive.
Environmental Matters	'
	Environmental Matters
	Expenditures for ongoing compliance with environmental regulations that relate to current operations are expensed or capitalized as appropriate.  Expenditures resulting from the remediation of existing conditions caused by past operations that do not contribute to future revenue generations are expensed.  Liabilities are recognized when environmental assessments indicate that remediation efforts are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated.
	Estimates of such liabilities are based upon currently available facts, existing technology and presently enacted laws and regulations taking into consideration the likely effects of inflation and other societal and economic factors, and include estimates of associated legal costs.  These amounts also reflect prior experience in remediating contaminated sites, other companies’ clean-up experience and data released by The Environmental Protection Agency or other organizations.  Such estimates are by their nature imprecise and can be expected to be revised over time because of changes in government regulations, operations, technology and inflation.  Recoveries are evaluated separately from the liability and, when recovery is assured, the Company records and reports an asset separately from the associated liability.
	Based upon management’s current assessment of its environmental responsibilities, the Company cannot reasonably estimate any reclamation or remediation liability that may occur in the future, if any.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) or other standard setting bodies that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, we believe that the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations upon adoption.
	ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU 2013-02) requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. This ASU was effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012.  The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment, Estimated Useful Life	'
	Depreciation and amortization is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, or the life of the lease, whichever is shorter, as follows:
		Estimated
		Useful Life
	Building and Building Improvements	20 – 40 years
	Mining equipment	2 – 7 years
	Office and shop furniture and equipment	3 – 7 years
	Vehicles	5 years

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Tables

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS [Abstract]	'
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Contract Mining Operations	'
	Loss from discontinued contract mining operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 was calculated as follows:
		2011
	General and administrative expenses	$	(910	)
	Loss on impairment of assets		(4,862	)
	Loss from discontinued operations	$	(5,772	)

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_Tables

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment	'
	The following is a summary of property, plant, and equipment – at cost, less accumulated depreciation:
			2013		2012
	Land (a)		$	945,180	$	945,180
	Land improvements			164,758		164,758
	Buildings			631,299		631,299
	Mining equipment			1,569,635		1,519,635
	Milling equipment			333,594		336,146
	Laboratory equipment			65,934		65,934
	Office equipment			60,992		52,014
	Vehicles			140,002		140,002
				3,911,394		3,854,968
	Less: Accumulated depreciation			1,317,958		1,005,825
				2,593,436		2,849,143
	Construction in progress (b)			3,438,113		1,156,537
	Total		$	6,031,549	$	4,005,680
		(a)	Includes the Atlas Mine near Mullan, Idaho with a carrying value of $445,180 ( Note 3), and the Dragon Mine with a carrying value of $500,000.
		(b)	Represents investments in a new plant facility and related equipment at the mine site.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_AND_FI1

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]	'
Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	'
	Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized as follows:
		Fair value measurement using inputs							Carrying amount
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3	31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
	Financial instruments:
	Warrant derivative				$	950,000			$	950,000	$	1,945,000
	PIK Note derivative				$	2,250,000			$	2,250,000		--
Schedule of Valuation Assumptions	'
	For the Company's warrant and PIK note derivative liabilities, fair value was estimated using a Binomial Lattice Model and monte carlo model using the following assumptions:
	Warrant derivative liability	Fair Value Measurements
		Using Inputs
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Market price and estimated fair value of stock	$	1.1		$	1.54
	Exercise price	$	1.93		$	2
	Term (years)		3			4
	Dividend yield	$	--		$	--
	Expected volatility		76.9	%		83.3	%
	Risk-free interest rate		0.78	%		0.54	%
	PIK Note derivative liability	Fair Value Measurements
		Using Inputs
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Market price and estimated fair value of stock	$	1.1			--
	Exercise price	$	1.4			--
	Term (years)		9.58			--
	Dividend yield	$	--			--
	Expected volatility		76.9	%		--
	Risk-free interest rate		2.96	%		--

NOTES_AND_LEASES_PAYABLE_Table

NOTES AND LEASES PAYABLE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
NOTES AND LEASES PAYABLE [Abstract]	'
Notes Payable	'
	Notes payable at December 31, 2013 and 2012 consist of the following:
			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Note payable for mining equipment, payable $5,556 monthly, including interest (a)		$	42,927		$	97,769
	Note payable for mining equipment, payable $950 monthly, including interest (b)			23,302			31,565
	Note payable for mining equipment, payable $6,060 monthly, including interest (c)			76,313			142,840
	Note payable for mining equipment, payable $7,409 monthly, including interest (d)			--			10,130
	Note payable for mining equipment, payable $5,000 monthly, including interest (d)			--			53,517
	Note payable for mine site vehicle, payable $628 monthly (e)			28,276			35,816
	Note payable for mining equipment, payable $5,000 monthly, including interest (f)			9,932			64,708
	Note payable for mining equipment, payable $1,632 monthly, including interest (g)			8,898			32,192
	Note payable to an insurance company, payable $16,604 monthly, including interest (h)			--			98,714
	Note payable to an insurance company, payable $4,447 monthly, including interest (i)			--			30,645
	Note payable to an insurance company, payable $19,139 monthly, including interest (j)			132,576			--
	Note payable to an insurance company, payable $4,297 monthly, including interest (k)			29,767			--
				351,991			597,896
	Less:  Current Portion			(311,165	)		(413,470	)
	Notes Payable, Long-Term Portion		$	40,826		$	184,426
		(a)	On July 7, 2011, the Company purchased mining equipment for $198,838 by issuing a note with an implicit interest rate of 9.34%.  The note is collateralized by the mining equipment with payments of $5,556 for 36 months, which started on August 15, 2011
		(b)	On April 17, 2012, the Company purchased mining equipment for $40,565 by issuing a note with an effective interest rate of 11.279%.  The note is collateralized by the mining equipment with payments of $950 for 48 months, which started on May 1, 2012
		(c)	On July 23, 2012, the Company purchased mining equipment for $169,500 by issuing a note with an interest rate of 5.5%.  The note is collateralized by the mining equipment with payments of $6,060 for 30 months, which started on August 25, 2012
		(d)	On July 19, 2012, the Company purchased two pieces of mining equipment that had been leased for $39,042 and $79,735, respectively, by issuing notes with an implicit interest rate of 5.5% and are collateralized by the mining equipment with payments of $ 7,409 and $5,000 for 4 and 15 months, respectively
		(e)	On September 20, 2012, the Company purchased a vehicle for the mine site for $37,701 by issuing a non-interest bearing note.  The note is collateralized by the vehicle with payments of $628 for 60 months, which started on October 20, 2012
		(f)	On November 16, 2012, the Company purchased a piece of mining equipment that had been leased for $67,960 by issuing a note with an effective interest rate of 5.5%.  The note is collateralized by the mining equipment with payments of $3,518 for three months, then $5,000 for twelve months
		(g)	On November 16, 2012, the Company purchased a piece of mining equipment that had been leased for $33,748 by issuing a note with an effective interest rate of 5.5%.  The note is collateralized by the mining equipment with payments of $1,632 for five months, then $2,250 for twelve months
		(h)	The Company signed a note payable with an insurance company dated October 17, 2012 for directors' and officers' insurance, due in monthly installments, including interest at 3.15%.  The note matured in June 2013 and was repaid.
		(i)	The Company signed a note payable with an insurance company dated October 17, 2012 for liability insurance, due in monthly installments, including interest at 4.732%.  The note matured in July 2013 and was repaid.
		(i)	The Company signed a note payable with an insurance company dated October 17, 2013 for directors’ and officers’ insurance, due in monthly installments, including interest at 3.15%.  The note will mature on July 2014.
		(i)	The Company signed a note payable with an insurance company dated October 21, 2013 for liability insurance, due in monthly installments, including interest at 3.15%.  The note will mature on July 2014.
Future Minimum Note Payments	'
	The following is a schedule of the principal maturities on these notes as of December 31, 2013:
	2014		$	311,165
	2015			23,916
	2016			11,254
	2017			5,656
	Total Notes Payable		$	351,991

OPTIONS_AND_WARRANTS_TO_PURCHA1

OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK [Abstract]	'
Summary of the Status of the Warrants Outstanding	'
	A summary of the status of the warrants outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013 is presented below:
					Warrants Outstanding and Exercisable
	Exercise Price				Number			Weighted Average		Weighted
					Outstanding			Remaining		Average
								Contractual Life		Exercise Price
	$	0.75				139,340		1.75 years		$	0.75
	$	0.78				213,402		2.09 years		$	0.78
	$	0.8				124,481		2.00 years		$	0.8
	$	1				212,000		1.66 years		$	1
	$	1.15				461,340		7.33 years		$	1.15
	$	1.93				5,000,000		2.98 years		$	1.93
	$	2				54,367		2.59 years		$	2
						6,204,930		3.18 years		$	1.75
Significant Assumptions Relating to the Valuation of Stock Options	'
	The significant assumptions relating to the valuation of the Company's options issued for 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
			2013				2012
	Dividend Yield			0	%			0	%
	Expected Life		5-6 years				5-10 years
	Expected Volatility			63.5%- 89.5	%			84.8% – 90.5	%
	Risk Free Interest Rate			0.88%- 1.90	%			0.72% - 1.74	%
Summary of the Status and Changes of the Options Granted Under the Stock Option Plans and Other Agreements	'
	A summary of the status and changes of the options granted under stock option plans and other agreements for 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
			31-Dec-13								31-Dec-12
							Weighted								Weighted
							Average								Average
			Shares				Exercise Price				Shares				Exercise Price
	Outstanding at beginning of period			15,455,471			$	1.04				11,598,411			$	0.83
	Issued			760,867				1.19				3,932,060			$	1.64
	Exercised			--				--				(75,000	)		$	0.67
	Forfeited			(338,222	)		$	1.73				--				--
	Outstanding at end of period			15,878,116			$	1.03				15,455,471			$	1.04
Summary of the Vesting Periods of Options	'
	Of the 760,867 options granted, the options vest immediately or monthly as follows:
			Vesting Information
	Shares		Frequency		Begin Date		End Date
	45,867		Monthly		2/1/13		04/10/2013 (a)
	50,000		Monthly		5/30/13		5/29/14
	65,000		Immediately		5/29/13		5/29/13
	300,000		Annually		9/9/13		9/8/16
	300,000		Monthly		8/1/13		7/31/16
Summary of the Status of the Options Outstanding	'
	A summary of the status of the options outstanding at December 31, 2013 is presented below:
	Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
				Weighted		Weighted								Weighted
				Average		Average								Average
	Number			Remaining		Exercise				Number				Exercise
	Outstanding			Contractual Life		Price				Exercisable				Price
		7,358,277		4.94 years		$	0.7				7,358,277			$	0.7
		3,205,134		7.53 years		$	0.83				3,205,134			$	0.83
		60,000		2.50 years		$	1				60,000			$	1
		300,000		9.64 years		$	1.1				--				--
		300,000		9.48 years		$	1.15				33,333			$	1.15
		100,000		4.09 years		$	1.24				100,000			$	1.24
		115,000		7.24 years		$	1.35				94,167			$	1.35
		125,000		4.09 years		$	1.45				125,000			$	1.45
		330,000		7.95 years		$	1.55				196,667			$	1.55
		7,645		4.09 years		$	1.58				7,645			$	1.58
		3,077,060		8.89 years		$	1.66				2,826,672			$	1.66
		900,000		7.64 years		$	1.9				700,000			$	1.9
		15,878,116		6.61 years		$	1.03				14,706,895			$	1

PER_SHARE_DATA_Tables

PER SHARE DATA (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
PER SHARE DATA [Abstract]	'
Summary Calculation of Earnings Per Share	'
		Net Loss			Shares		Per-Share
		(Numerator)			(Denominator)		Amount
	For the year ended December 31, 2013:
	Basic and Diluted EPS
	Net loss to common shareholders	$	(13,063,526	)		94,303,264	$	(0.14	)
	For the year ended December 31, 2012:
	Basic and Diluted EPS
	Net loss to common shareholders	$	(9,732,399	)		89,552,788	$	(0.11	)
	For the year ended December 31, 2011:
	Basic and Diluted EPS
	Net loss to common shareholders	$	(7,482,636	)		74,568,658	$	(0.10	)

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]	'
Summary of Deferred Tax Assets	'
	The tax effect of items that give rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carry forward	$	18,454,164		$	15,221,763
	Stock-based compensation		3,685,646			1,965,593
	Reserves deductible in different periods		--			9,471
	Stock Award Payable		40,792
	Total deferred tax assets		22,180,602			17,196,827
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Fixed assets		(421,025	)		(472,127	)
	Less: valuation allowance		(21,759,577	)		(16,724,700	)
		$	-		$	-
Reconciliation of Differences between Effective and Statutory Income Tax Rates	'
	The tax effect of items that give rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carry forward	$	18,454,164		$	15,221,763
	Stock-based compensation		3,685,646			1,965,593
	Reserves deductible in different periods		--			9,471
	Stock Award Payable		40,792
	Total deferred tax assets		22,180,602			17,196,827
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Fixed assets		(421,025	)		(472,127	)
	Less: valuation allowance		(21,759,577	)		(16,724,700	)
		$	-		$	-
	A reconciliation of the differences between the effective and statutory income tax rates is as follows:
		31-Dec-13						31-Dec-12					31-Dec-11
	Federal statutory rate	$	(4,572,234	)		35	%	$	(3,406,340	)	35	%	$	(2,637,229	)	35	%
	State income taxes – Idaho		(14,264	)		0.1	%		(37,982	)	0.4	%		(29,406	)	0.4	%
	State income taxes - Utah		(199,166	)		1.5	%		(227,169	)	2.3	%		(175,877	)	2.3	%
	State and local income taxes - NY		(58,721	)		0.5	%
	Change in valuation allowance		5,034,877			(39.0	%)		3,903,777		(40.1	%)		2,743,022		(36.4	%)
	Net nontaxable income		(290,623	)		2.2	%		(232,286	)	2.4	%		(84,110	)	1.1	%
	Miscellaneous		100,131			(0.3	%)		-					183,600		(2.4	%)
			-			0	%		-		0	%		-		0	%

RELATED_PARTIES_Tables

RELATED PARTIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
RELATED PARTIES [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	'
	IBS is the general partner of the IBS Turnaround Fund (QP), which is a Massachusetts limited partnership, IBS Turnaround Fund (LP), which is a Massachusetts limited partnership and the IBS Opportunity Fund, Ltd.  Set forth below are purchases of Common Stock from the Company by the funds since January 1, 2011:
	Date of Purchase	The IBS Turnaround		The IBS		The IBS		Price
		Fund (QP) (A		Turnaround Fund (LP)		Opportunity Fund,		Per
		Limited Partnership)		(A Limited		Ltd.		Share
				Partnership)
	28-Mar-11		1,385,000		459,000		656,000	$	0.8
	27-Jun-11		706,000		205,000		338,750	$	1.6

FINANCIAL_INFORMATION_BY_QUART1

FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY QUARTER (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY QUARTER (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Information	'
	2013 For Quarter Ended	31-Dec			30-Sep			30-Jun			31-Mar
	Revenue	$	10,088		$	6,773		$	12,878		$	25,086
	Operating loss	$	(3,795,077	)	$	(3,250,990	)	$	(2,774,969	)	$	(3,582,514	)
	Net loss	$	(3,510,651	)	$	(3,869,099	)	$	(2,604,885	)	$	(3,078,891	)
	Loss Per Share (Basic and Diluted)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.03	)
	2012 For Quarter Ended	31-Dec			30-Sep			30-Jun			31-Mar
	Revenue	$	13,446		$	666		$	96,228		$	55,402
	Operating loss	$	(3,007,302	)	$	(2,423,174	)	$	(2,109,473	)	$	(2,772,471	)
	Net loss	$	(3,844,229	)	$	(2,517,951	)	$	(1,561,179	)	$	(1,809,040	)
	Loss Per Share (Basic and Diluted)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.02	)

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			60 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 1999
					acre
Principles of Consolidation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership percentage in Park Copper Mining (in hundredths)	'	'	'	'	53.00%
Value of acquired interest in Park Copper Mining	'	'	'	'	$72,825
Volume of timber and mineral property hold by park copper in northern Idaho (in acres)	'	'	'	'	100
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	$317,570	$280,991	$248,605	$1,133,758	'
Weighted average outstanding shares of common stocks used to calculate loss per share (in shares)	94,303,264	89,552,788	74,568,658	'	'
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'20 years	'	'	'	'
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'40 years	'	'	'	'
Mining Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'2 years	'	'	'	'
Mining Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'7 years	'	'	'	'
Office and Shop Furniture and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'3 years	'	'	'	'
Office and Shop Furniture and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'7 years	'	'	'	'
Vehicles [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'5 years	'	'	'	'

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Detail

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012
			Contract Mining Operations [Member]	Contract Mining Operations [Member]	Contract Mining Operations [Member]	Contract Mining Operations [Member]
Income (Loss) After Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Book value of assets held for sale	'	'	'	'	$445,180	$445,180
Property taxes related to the mine	3,995	1,835	6,646	5,830	'	'
General and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	-910	'
Loss on impairment of assets	'	'	'	'	-4,862	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	-5,772	'
Impairment of its timber and mining properties	'	'	'	'	$4,862	'

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_Details

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Property and Equipment [Line Items]	'		'
Property and Equipment, Gross	$3,911,394		$3,854,968
Less: Accumulated Depreciation	1,317,958		1,005,825
Property and equipment, before construction in progress	2,593,436		2,849,143
Construction in Progress	3,438,113	[1]	1,156,537	[1]
Property and Equipment, Net	6,031,549		4,005,680
Contract Mining Operations [Member]	'		'
Property and Equipment [Line Items]	'		'
Assets held for sale	445,180		'
Dragon Mine [Member]	'		'
Property and Equipment [Line Items]	'		'
Assets held for sale	500,000		'
Land [Member]	'		'
Property and Equipment [Line Items]	'		'
Property and Equipment, Gross	945,180	[2]	945,180	[2]
Land Improvements [Member]	'		'
Property and Equipment [Line Items]	'		'
Property and Equipment, Gross	164,758		164,758
Buildings [Member]	'		'
Property and Equipment [Line Items]	'		'
Property and Equipment, Gross	631,299		631,299
Mining Equipment [Member]	'		'
Property and Equipment [Line Items]	'		'
Property and Equipment, Gross	1,519,635		1,519,635
Milling Equipment [Member]	'		'
Property and Equipment [Line Items]	'		'
Property and Equipment, Gross	333,594		336,146
Laboratory Equipment [Member]	'		'
Property and Equipment [Line Items]	'		'
Property and Equipment, Gross	65,934		65,934
Office Equipment [Member]	'		'
Property and Equipment [Line Items]	'		'
Property and Equipment, Gross	60,992		52,014
Vehicles [Member]	'		'
Property and Equipment [Line Items]	'		'
Property and Equipment, Gross	$140,002		$140,002
[1]	Represents investments in a new plant facility and related equipment at the mine site.
[2]	Includes the Atlas Mine near Mullan, Idaho with a carrying value of $445,180 ( Note 3), and the Dragon Mine with a carrying value of $500,000.

STOCK_AWARD_PAYABLE_Details

STOCK AWARD PAYABLE (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
STOCK AWARD PAYABLE [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of shares granted and owed to former Executive Vice President (in shares)	100,000	'	'
Realized gain (loss) on the revaluation of the remaining stock award	$44,000	($27,000)	($47,000)
Stock awards payable	$110,000	$154,000	'

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_AND_FI2

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 27, 2011	Mar. 28, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
					Warrant Derivative Liability [Member]	Warrant Derivative Liability [Member]	PIK Note Derivative Liability [Member]	PIK Note Derivative Liability [Member]	Carrying amount [Member]	Carrying amount [Member]	Recurring Basis [Member]
											Level 2 [Member]
Financial instruments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Warrant derivative	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$950,000	$1,945,000	$950,000
PIK Note derivative	2,250,000	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,250,000	0	2,250,000
Fair Value due to PIK	$10,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value Assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Market price and estimated fair value of stock: (in dollars per share)	'	'	$1.60	$0.80	$1.54	$1.54	$1.10	$0	'	'	'
Exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	$2	$2	$1.40	$0	'	'	'
Term (years)	'	'	'	'	'3 years	'4 years	'9 years 6 months 29 days	'0 years	'	'	'
Dividend yield (in hundredths)	'	'	'	'	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	'	'	'
Expected volatility (in hundredths)	'	'	'	'	76.90%	83.30%	76.90%	0.00%	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate: (in hundredths)	'	'	'	'	0.78%	0.54%	2.96%	0.00%	'	'	'

NOTES_AND_LEASES_PAYABLE_Detai

NOTES AND LEASES PAYABLE (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jul. 07, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 17, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 23, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 19, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 19, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 20, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 16, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 16, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 17, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 17, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 17, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 21, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Note Payable Mining Equipment [Member]

Note Payable Mining Equipment [Member]

Note Payable Mining Equipment [Member]

Note Payable Mining Equipment 2 [Member]

Note Payable Mining Equipment 2 [Member]

Note Payable Mining Equipment 2 [Member]

Note Payable Mining Equipment 3 [Member]

Note Payable Mining Equipment 3 [Member]

Note Payable Mining Equipment 3 [Member]

Note Payable Mining Equipment 4 [Member]

Note Payable Mining Equipment 4 [Member]

Note Payable Mining Equipment 4 [Member]

Note Payable Mining Equipment 5 [Member]

Note Payable Mining Equipment 5 [Member]

Note Payable Mining Equipment 5 [Member]

Note Payable Mining Site Vehicle [Member]

Note Payable Mining Site Vehicle [Member]

Note Payable Mining Site Vehicle [Member]

Note Payable Mining Equipment 6 [Member]

Note Payable Mining Equipment 6 [Member]

Note Payable Mining Equipment 6 [Member]

Note Payable Mining Equipment 7 [Member]

Note Payable Mining Equipment 7 [Member]

Note Payable Mining Equipment 7 [Member]

Note Payable Insurance Company 2 [Member]

Note Payable Insurance Company 2 [Member]

Note Payable Insurance Company 2 [Member]

Note Payable Insurance Company 3 [Member]

Note Payable Insurance Company 3 [Member]

Note Payable Insurance Company 3 [Member]

Note Payable Insurance Company 4 [Member]

Note Payable Insurance Company 4 [Member]

Note Payable Insurance Company 4 [Member]

Note Payable Insurance Company 5 [Member]

Note Payable Insurance Company 5 [Member]

Note Payable Insurance Company 5 [Member]

NOTES PAYABLE [Abstract]

'

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Notes payable

$351,991

$597,896

'

'

$42,927

[1]

$97,769

[1]

'

$23,302

[2]

$31,565

[2]

'

$76,313

[3]

$142,840

[3]

'

$0

[4]

$10,130

[4]

'

$0

[4]

$53,517

[4]

'

$28,276

[5]

$35,816

[5]

'

$9,932

[6]

$64,708

[6]

'

$8,898

[7]

$32,192

[7]

'

$0

[8]

$98,714

[8]

'

$0

[9]

$30,645

[9]

'

$132,576

[10]

$0

[10]

'

$29,767

[11]

$0

[11]

Less: current portion

-311,165

-413,470

'

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Note payable, long-term portion

40,826

184,426

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Monthly debt repayment

'

'

'

5,556

'

'

950

'

'

6,060

'

'

7,409

'

'

5,000

'

'

628

'

'

5,000

'

'

1,632

'

'

16,604

'

'

4,447

'

'

19,139

'

'

4,297

'

'

Maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30-Jun-13

'

'

31-Jul-13

'

'

31-Jul-14

'

'

31-Jul-14

'

'

Face amount

'

'

'

198,838

'

'

40,565

'

'

169,500

'

'

39,042

'

'

79,735

'

'

37,701

'

'

67,960

'

'

33,748

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Implicit interest rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

9.34%

'

'

11.28%

'

'

5.50%

'

'

5.50%

'

'

5.50%

'

'

'

'

'

5.50%

'

'

5.50%

'

'

3.15%

'

'

4.73%

'

'

3.15%

'

'

3.15%

'

'

Debt repayment period (in months)

'

'

'

'36 months

'

'

'48 months

'

'

'30 months

'

'

'4 months

'

'

'15 months

'

'

'60 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Monthly debt repayment, first three months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,518

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Monthly debt repayment, next twelve months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,250

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future minimum note payment [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2014

311,165

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2015

23,916

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2016

11,254

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2017

5,656

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest payments

$23,180

$18,206

$58,029

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

On July 7, 2011, the Company purchased mining equipment for $198,838 by issuing a note with an implicit interest rate of 9.34%. The note is collateralized by the mining equipment with payments of $5,556 for 36 months, which started on August 15, 2011

[2]

On April 17, 2012, the Company purchased mining equipment for $40,565 by issuing a note with an effective interest rate of 11.279%. The note is collateralized by the mining equipment with payments of $950 for 48 months, which started on May 1, 2012

[3]

On July 23, 2012, the Company purchased mining equipment for $169,500 by issuing a note with an interest rate of 5.5%. The note is collateralized by the mining equipment with payments of $6,060 for 30 months, which started on August 25, 2012

[4]

On July 19, 2012, the Company purchased two pieces of mining equipment that had been leased for $39,042 and $79,735, respectively, by issuing notes with an implicit interest rate of 5.5% and are collateralized by the mining equipment with payments of $ 7,409 and $5,000 for 4 and 15 months, respectively

[5]

On September 20, 2012, the Company purchased a vehicle for the mine site for $37,701 by issuing a non-interest bearing note. The note is collateralized by the vehicle with payments of $628 for 60 months, which started on October 20, 2012

[6]

On November 16, 2012, the Company purchased a piece of mining equipment that had been leased for $67,960 by issuing a note with an effective interest rate of 5.5%. The note is collateralized by the mining equipment with payments of $3,518 for three months, then $5,000 for twelve months

[7]

On November 16, 2012, the Company purchased a piece of mining equipment that had been leased for $33,748 by issuing a note with an effective interest rate of 5.5%. The note is collateralized by the mining equipment with payments of $1,632 for five months, then $2,250 for twelve months

[8]

The Company signed a note payable with an insurance company dated October 17, 2012 for directors' and officers' insurance, due in monthly installments, including interest at 3.15%. The note matured in June 2013 and was repaid.

[9]

The Company signed a note payable with an insurance company dated October 17, 2012 for liability insurance, due in monthly installments, including interest at 4.732%. The note matured in July 2013 and was repaid.

[10]

The Company signed a note payable with an insurance company dated October 17, 2013 for directorsb and officersb insurance, due in monthly installments, including interest at 3.15%. The note will mature on July 2014.

[11]

The Company signed a note payable with an insurance company dated October 21, 2013 for liability insurance, due in monthly installments, including interest at 3.15%. The note will mature on July 2014.

CONVERTIBLE_DEBT_PIK_NOTES_Det

CONVERTIBLE DEBT (PIK NOTES) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			60 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
CONVERTIBLE DEBT (PIK NOTES) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Financing received	$10,500,000	'	'	'
Rate of convertible debt (in hundredths)	10.00%	'	'	10.00%
Common stock conversion price (in dollars per share)	$1.40	'	'	$1.40
Convertible shares (in shares)	7,500,000	'	'	7,500,000
Period before notes are mandatorily convertible	'1 year	'	'	'
Number of trading days after notes are mandatorily convertible	'10 days	'	'	'
Estimated fair value of the conversion feature	2,055,000	'	'	2,055,000
Term of note	'10 years	'	'	'
Fair value of the PIK Note Derivative	2,250,000	0	'	2,250,000
Loss on the fair value of the PIK Note Derivative	195,000	0	0	195,000
Amortization of debt discount relating to the PIK Notes Payable	41,583	'	'	'
Payable carrying value	$8,486,583	$0	'	$8,486,583

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			60 Months Ended
	Dec. 22, 2011	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 20, 2012	Jun. 27, 2011	Mar. 28, 2011
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	'	'	10,000,000	10,000,000	'	10,000,000	'	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	'	'	$0.00	$0.00	'	$0.00	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	'	'	0	0	'	0	'	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	'	'	200,000,000	200,000,000	'	200,000,000	120,000,000	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	'	'	$0.00	$0.00	'	$0.00	$0.00	'	'
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	'	'	94,646,013	90,619,444	'	94,646,013	'	'	'
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	'	'	94,646,013	90,619,444	'	94,646,013	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares sold (in shares)	10,000,000	3,756,757	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sale price per share (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1.60	$0.80
Proceeds from the sale of stock	'	$5,560,000	$5,560,000	$1,625,000	$14,185,000	$21,370,000	'	'	'
Warrants [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued for cashless option and warrant exercise (in shares)	'	'	'	106,774	5,570	'	'	'	'
Options [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued for cashless option and warrant exercise (in shares)	'	'	'	39,685	41,935	'	'	'	'
Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares sold (in shares)	'	'	3,756,757	1,250,000	14,250,000	'	'	'	'
Sale price per share (in dollars per share)	'	'	$1.48	$1.30	'	$1.48	'	'	'
Proceeds from the sale of stock	'	'	5,560,000	'	10,805,000	'	'	'	'
Stock issuance expenses	'	'	'	'	230,000	'	'	'	'
Common Stock [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sale price per share (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	$1.25	'	'	'	'
Common Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sale price per share (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	$1.53	'	'	'	'
Directors and Consultants [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued for services (in shares)	'	'	269,812	103,574	97,612	'	'	'	'
Shares issued for services, Value	'	'	$316,475	$151,059	$118,436	'	'	'	'

OPTIONS_AND_WARRANTS_TO_PURCHA2

OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				60 Months Ended
	Dec. 22, 2011	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments - Warrants [Abstract]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Issued (in shares)	5,000,000	'	'	0		0	5,853,590	'
Common shares issued in private placement (in shares)	10,000,000	'	3,756,757	'		'	'	'
Strike price of warrants (in dollars per share)	$2	$1.93	$1.97	'		'	'	'
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stocks	'	'	$5,560,000	$5,560,000		$1,625,000	$14,185,000	$21,370,000
Mandatory convertible PIK Notes issued	'	'	'	10,500,000		'	'	'
Percentage of mandatory convertible PIK Notes issued (in hundredths)	'	'	'	10.00%		'	'	10.00%
Down round adjustment for strike price of warrants (in dollars per share)	'	$0.04	$0.03	'		'	'	'
Proceeds from private placement allocated to common stock	6,420,000	'	'	'		'	'	'
Proceeds from private placement allocated to warrant derivative liability	3,580,000	'	'	'		'	'	'
Reclassification from warrant derivative liability due to change in valuation methodology	'	'	'	'		780,000	'	'
Other income from decrease in warrant derivative liability	'	'	'	9,995,000		630,000	225,000	'
Warrants, Exercise Price [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Warrants outstanding, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	6,204,930		'	'	6,204,930
Warrants outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'3 years 2 months 5 days		'	'	'
Warrants outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.75		'	$1.77	$1.75
Intrinsic value of outstanding warrants	'	'	'	175,602		'	'	175,602
Warrants compensation expense	'	'	'	0		210,067	415,143	'
Fair Value Assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Dividend Yield (in hundredths)	'	'	'	0.00%		0.00%	'	'
Stock Options, Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	'	'	15,455,471	15,455,471		11,598,411	'	'
Issued (in shares)	'	'	'	760,867		3,932,060	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	'	'	'	0		-75,000	'	'
Forfeited (in shares)	'	'	'	-338,222		0	'	'
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	'	'	'	15,878,116		15,455,471	11,598,411	15,878,116
Stock Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	'	'	$1.04	$1.04		$0.83	'	'
Issued (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.19		$1.64	'	'
Exercised (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$0		$0.67	'	'
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.73		$0	'	'
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.03		$1.04	$0.83	$1.03
Exercise Price 0.70 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	7,358,277		'	'	7,358,277
Options outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'4 years 11 months 8 days		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$0.70		'	'	$0.70
Options exercisable, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	7,358,277		'	'	7,358,277
Options exercisable, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$0.70		'	'	$0.70
Exercise Price 0.83 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	3,205,134		'	'	3,205,134
Options outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'7 years 6 months 11 days		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$0.83		'	'	$0.83
Options exercisable, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	3,205,134		'	'	3,205,134
Options exercisable, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$0.83		'	'	$0.83
Exercise Price 1.00 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	60,000		'	'	60,000
Options outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'2 years 6 months		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1		'	'	$1
Options exercisable, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	60,000		'	'	60,000
Options exercisable, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1		'	'	$1
Exercise Price 1.10 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	300,000		'	'	300,000
Options outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'9 years 7 months 20 days		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.10		'	'	$1.10
Options exercisable, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	0		'	'	0
Options exercisable, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$0		'	'	$0
Exercise Price 1.15 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	300,000		'	'	300,000
Options outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'9 years 5 months 23 days		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.15		'	'	$1.15
Options exercisable, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	33,333		'	'	33,333
Options exercisable, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.15		'	'	$1.15
Exercise Price 1.24 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	100,000		'	'	100,000
Options outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'4 years 1 month 2 days		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.24		'	'	$1.24
Options exercisable, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	100,000		'	'	100,000
Options exercisable, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.24		'	'	$1.24
Exercise Price 1.35 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	115,000		'	'	115,000
Options outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'7 years 2 months 26 days		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.35		'	'	$1.35
Options exercisable, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	94,167		'	'	94,167
Options exercisable, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.35		'	'	$1.35
Exercise Price 1.45 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	125,000		'	'	125,000
Options outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'4 years 1 month 2 days		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.45		'	'	$1.45
Options exercisable, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	125,000		'	'	125,000
Options exercisable, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.45		'	'	$1.45
Exercise Price 1.55 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	330,000		'	'	330,000
Options outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'7 years 11 months 12 days		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.55		'	'	$1.55
Options exercisable, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	196,667		'	'	196,667
Options exercisable, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.55		'	'	$1.55
Exercise Price 1.58 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	7,645		'	'	7,645
Options outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'4 years 1 month 2 days		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.58		'	'	$1.58
Options exercisable, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	7,645		'	'	7,645
Options exercisable, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.58		'	'	$1.58
Exercise Price 1.66 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	3,077,060		'	'	3,077,060
Options outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'8 years 10 months 20 days		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.66		'	'	$1.66
Options exercisable, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	2,826,672		'	'	2,826,672
Options exercisable, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.66		'	'	$1.66
Exercise Price 1.90 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	900,000		'	'	900,000
Options outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'7 years 7 months 20 days		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.90		'	'	$1.90
Options exercisable, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	700,000		'	'	700,000
Options exercisable, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.90		'	'	$1.90
Exercise Price 1.03 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	15,878,116		'	'	15,878,116
Options outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'6 years 7 months 10 days		'	'	'
Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.03		'	'	$1.03
Options exercisable, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	14,706,895		'	'	14,706,895
Options exercisable, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1		'	'	$1
Vesting Period From 01 February 2013 To 10 April 2013 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Stock Options, Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	'	'	'	45,867	[1]	'	'	'
Forfeited (in shares)	'	'	'	38,222		'	'	'
Vesting Period From 30 May 2013 To 29 May 2014 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Stock Options, Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	'	'	'	50,000		'	'	'
Vesting Period End Date 29 May 2013 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Stock Options, Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	'	'	'	65,000		'	'	'
Vesting Period From 09 September 2013 To 08 September 2016 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Stock Options, Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	'	'	'	300,000		'	'	'
Vesting Period From 01 August 2013 To July 31 2016 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Stock Options, Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	'	'	'	300,000		'	'	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Stock Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	'	'	'	4,707,381		2,314,154	2,181,394	'
Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized [Abstract]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Compensation cost not yet recognized, Stock options	'	'	'	834,221		'	'	834,221
Compensation cost not yet recognized, Period for recognition	'	'	'	'116 months		'	'	'
Intrinsic value of outstanding options	'	'	'	$3,814,697		'	'	$3,814,697
LTIP [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	'	'	'	8,900,000		'	'	8,900,000
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Fair Value Assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Expected Life	'	'	'	'5 years		'5 years	'	'
Expected Volatility (in hundredths)	'	'	'	63.50%		84.80%	'	'
Risk Free Interest Rate (in hundredths)	'	'	'	0.88%		0.72%	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Fair Value Assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Expected Life	'	'	'	'6 years		'10 years	'	'
Expected Volatility (in hundredths)	'	'	'	89.50%		90.50%	'	'
Risk Free Interest Rate (in hundredths)	'	'	'	1.90%		1.74%	'	'
Exercise Price 0.75 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Warrants, Exercise Price [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$0.75		'	'	$0.75
Warrants outstanding, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	139,340		'	'	139,340
Warrants outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'1 year 9 months		'	'	'
Warrants outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$0.75		'	'	$0.75
Exercise Price 0.78 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Warrants, Exercise Price [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$0.78		'	'	$0.78
Warrants outstanding, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	213,402		'	'	213,402
Warrants outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'2 years 1 month 2 days		'	'	'
Warrants outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$0.78		'	'	$0.78
Exercise Price 0.80 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Warrants, Exercise Price [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$0.80		'	'	$0.80
Warrants outstanding, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	124,481		'	'	124,481
Warrants outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'2 years		'	'	'
Warrants outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$0.80		'	'	$0.80
Exercise Price 1.00 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Warrants, Exercise Price [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1		'	'	$1
Warrants outstanding, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	212,000		'	'	212,000
Warrants outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'1 year 7 months 28 days		'	'	'
Warrants outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1		'	'	$1
Exercise Price 1.15 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Warrants, Exercise Price [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.15		'	'	$1.15
Warrants outstanding, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	461,340		'	'	461,340
Warrants outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'7 years 3 months 29 days		'	'	'
Warrants outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.15		'	'	$1.15
Exercise Price 1.93 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Warrants, Exercise Price [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.93		'	'	$1.93
Warrants outstanding, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	5,000,000		'	'	5,000,000
Warrants outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'2 years 11 months 23 days		'	'	'
Warrants outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$1.93		'	'	$1.93
Exercise Price 2.00 [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Warrants, Exercise Price [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$2		'	'	$2
Warrants outstanding, Number (in shares)	'	'	'	54,367		'	'	54,367
Warrants outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'2 years 7 months 2 days		'	'	'
Warrants outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$2		'	'	$2
[1]	38,222 options were forfeited during 2013.

PER_SHARE_DATA_Details

PER SHARE DATA (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock equivalents (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	29,583,046	21,660,400	18,022,188
Net Loss (Numerator)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($13,063,526)	($9,732,399)	($7,482,636)
Shares (Denominator) (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	94,303,264	89,552,788	74,568,658
Per-Share Amount (in dollars per share)	($0.04)	($0.04)	($0.03)	($0.03)	($0.04)	($0.03)	($0.02)	($0.02)	($0.14)	($0.11)	($0.10)
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock equivalents (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,878,116	15,455,470	11,598,411
Warrants [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock equivalents (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,204,930	6,204,930	6,423,777
Convertible Notes Payable [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock equivalents (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,500,000	'	'

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal tax rate (in hundredths)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State tax rate, Idaho (in hundredths)	-0.10%	'	'
State tax rate, Utah (in hundredths)	-1.50%	'	'
State Income Tax Rate, New York State/New York City	-0.45%	'	'
Deferred tax assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforward	$18,454,164	$15,221,763	'
Stock-based compensation	3,685,646	1,965,593	'
Reserves deductible in different periods	0	9,471	'
Stock Award Payable	40,792	'	'
Total gross deferred tax assets	22,180,602	17,196,827	'
Deferred tax liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fixed assets	-421,025	-472,127	'
Less: valuation allowance	-21,759,577	-16,724,700	'
Net deferred tax assets	0	0	'
Valuation Allowance [Abstract]	'	'	'
Change in valuation allowance	5,034,877	3,903,777	2,743,022
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Uncertain tax positions	0	0	'
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal statutory rate	-4,572,234	-3,406,340	-2,637,229
State income taxes - Idaho	-14,264	-37,982	-29,406
State income taxes - Utah	-199,166	-227,169	-175,877
State and local income taxes - NY	-58,721	'	'
Change in valuation allowance	5,034,877	3,903,777	2,743,022
Net nontaxable income	-290,623	-232,286	-84,110
Miscellaneous	100,131	0	183,600
Income tax expense	0	0	0
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense Tax Rate [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal statutory rate (in hundredths)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes - Idaho (in hundredths)	0.10%	0.40%	0.40%
State income taxes - Utah (in hundredths)	1.50%	2.30%	2.30%
State and local income taxes - NY (in hundredths)	0.50%	'	'
Change in valuation allowance for operating loss carryforward (in hundredths)	-39.00%	-40.10%	-36.40%
Non-deductible expenses (in hundredths)	2.20%	2.40%	1.10%
Miscellaneous (in hundredths)	-0.30%	0.00%	-2.40%
Effective income tax rate (in hundredths)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Federal [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carry-forwards	49,735,004	'	'
State Income Tax [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carry-forwards	$27,510,760	'	'

RELATED_PARTIES_Details

RELATED PARTIES (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2011	Mar. 28, 2011
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Sale price per share (in dollars per share)	1.6	0.8
The IBS Turnaround Fund (QP), (A Limited Partnership) [Member]	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Stock purchased during the period by related party (in shares)	706,000	1,385,000
The IBS Turnaround Fund (LP) (A Limited Partnership) [Member]	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Stock purchased during the period by related party (in shares)	205,000	459,000
The IBS Opportunity Fund, Ltd [Member]	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Stock purchased during the period by related party (in shares)	338,750	656,000

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 27, 2011	Mar. 28, 2011	Dec. 30, 2008	Jan. 17, 2012	Dec. 30, 2008	Feb. 28, 2011
				Material Advisors, LLC [Member]	Material Advisors, LLC [Member]	Material Advisors, LLC [Member]	Material Advisors, LLC [Member]
						Stock Options [Member]	Warrants [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Management agreement automatic renewal period for successive periods	'	'	'	'1 year	'	'	'
Prior notice cancellation period	'	'	'	'90 days	'	'	'
Manager annual fee	'	'	'	$1,000,000	'	'	'
Monthly installments for manager annual fee	'	'	'	83,333	'	'	'
Strike price of options granted (in dollars per share)	'	$1.60	$0.80	'	'	$0.70	'
Issued (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	6,583,277	2,904,653
Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0.83
Warrants vesting period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'5 years
Performance bonus	'	'	'	'	750,000	'	'
Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2014	11,493	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contractual obligation	137,916	'	'	'	'	'	'
2014	137,916	'	'	'	'	'	'
Capital Obligation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Capital obligations, property and equipment	$1,208,892	'	'	'	'	'	'

FINANCIAL_INFORMATION_BY_QUART2

FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY QUARTER (UNAUDITED) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			60 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$10,088	$6,773	$12,878	$25,086	$13,446	$666	$96,228	$55,402	$54,825	$165,742	$92,952	$313,519
Operating loss	-3,795,077	-3,250,990	-2,774,969	-3,582,514	-3,007,302	-2,423,174	-2,109,473	-2,772,471	-13,403,550	-10,312,420	-7,167,107	-41,715,892
Net loss	-3,510,651	-3,869,099	-2,604,885	-3,078,891	-3,844,229	-2,517,951	-1,561,179	-1,809,040	-13,063,526	-9,732,399	-7,482,636	-41,812,476
Loss Per Share (Basic and Diluted) ) (in dollars per share)	($0.04)	($0.04)	($0.03)	($0.03)	($0.04)	($0.03)	($0.02)	($0.02)	($0.14)	($0.11)	($0.10)	'
Property taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3,995	$1,835	'	'	'	'

SCHEDULE_IIVALUATION_AND_QUALI1

SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	'	'	'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Year	$25,106	$11,938	$0
Additions Charged to Expenses/Other Accounts	0	13,168	11,938
Net (write-off) Recoveries	-25,106	0	0
Balance at End of Year	0	25,106	11,938
Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Year	16,724,700	12,820,923	10,077,901
Additions Charged to Expenses/Other Accounts	5,034,877	3,903,777	2,743,022
Net (write-off) Recoveries	0	0	0
Balance at End of Year	$21,759,577	$16,724,700	$12,820,923