Applied Minerals (AMNL) 10-Q 19 Nov 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Nov. 14, 2018
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Registrant Name	Applied Minerals, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	8,328
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	amnl
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		175,513,549
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	true

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,783,238	$ 47,652
Accounts receivable	112,701	27,265
Deposits and prepaid expenses	40,052	205,922
Total Current Assets	3,935,991	280,839
Property and Equipment, net	1,862,310	2,802,391
Other Assets – Deposits	253,326	240,934
TOTAL ASSETS	6,051,627	3,324,164
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	631,458	963,609
PIK Note interest accrual	422,919	57,334
Current portion of notes payable	2,660	212,134
Total Current Liabilities	1,057,037	1,233,077
Long-Term Liabilities
PIK Notes payable, net of debt discount and deferred financing cost of $7,141,417 at September 30, 2018 and $9,755,832 at December 31, 2017, respectively	36,467,964	33,244,605
PIK Note derivative liability	5,738,106	2,047,264
Deferred Rent	8,118	0
Total Long-Term Liabilities	42,214,188	35,291,869
TOTAL LIABILITIES	43,271,225	36,524,946
Stockholders' (Deficit)
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized, 175,513,549 and 140,763,549 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively	175,514	140,764
Additional paid-in capital	73,957,208	71,152,311
Accumulated deficit prior to the exploration stage	(20,009,496)	(20,009,496)
Accumulated deficit during the exploration stage	(91,342,824)	(84,484,361)
Total Stockholders' (Deficit)	(37,219,598)	(33,200,782)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT)	$ 6,051,627	$ 3,324,164

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
PIK Notes payable, debt discount and deferred financing cost	$ 7,141,417	$ 9,755,832
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	175,513,549	140,763,549
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	175,513,549	140,763,549

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
REVENUES	$ 4,682,003	$ 148,303	$ 4,820,088	$ 2,300,998
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Production costs	581,072	412,713	937,614	2,125,007
Exploration costs	36,068	47,172	147,680	304,631
General and administrative	613,605	664,217	2,687,961	2,137,655
Depreciation expense	318,182	329,357	963,144	989,122
Total Operating Expenses	1,548,927	1,453,459	4,736,399	5,556,415
Operating Income (Loss)	3,133,076	(1,305,156)	83,689	(3,255,417)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest expense, net, including amortization of deferred financing cost and debt discount	(608,585)	(2,527,374)	(3,729,540)	(6,843,524)
Gain (loss) on revaluation of PIK Note derivative	3,021,500	(570,473)	(3,557,004)	1,066,368
Other income (expense), net	(9,433)	(4,064)	344,392	21,620
Total Other Income (Expense)	2,403,482	(3,101,911)	(6,942,152)	(5,755,536)
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$ 5,536,558	$ (4,407,067)	$ (6,858,463)	$ (9,010,953)
Net Income Loss Per Share - Basic	$ 0.03	$ (0.04)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.08)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic	175,004,038	118,862,734	160,992,945	112,094,593
Net Income Loss Per Share - Diluted	$ 0.03	$ (0.04)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.08)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted	193,795,646	118,862,734	160,992,945	112,094,593

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2018 - USD ($)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit Prior to Exploration Stage [Member]	Accumulated Deficit During Exploration Stage [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ (33,200,782)	$ 140,764	$ 71,152,311	$ (20,009,496)	$ (84,484,361)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		140,763,549
Shares issued for consulting services	60,000	$ 1,500	58,500	0	0
Shares issued for consulting services (in shares)		1,500,000
Shares and warrants issued in private placements	1,735,000	$ 31,250	1,703,750	0	0
Shares and warrants issued in private placements (in shares)		31,250,000
Shares issued for warrant exercise	80,000	$ 2,000	78,000	0	0
Shares issued for warrant exercise (in shares)		2,000,000
Stock option compensation expense	964,647	$ 0	964,647	0	0
Net Loss	(6,858,463)	0	0	0	(6,858,463)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2018	$ (37,219,598)	$ 175,514	$ 73,957,208	$ (20,009,496)	$ (91,342,824)
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018		175,513,549

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss	$ (6,858,463)	$ (9,010,953)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operations:
Depreciation	963,144	989,122
Amortization of discount - PIK Notes	2,546,162	3,784,911
Amortization of deferred financing costs	68,253	5,625
Accrued interest on PIK Notes	1,108,367	2,704,837
Stock issued for consulting services	60,000	0
Stock based compensation expense	964,647	145,887
(Gain) loss on revaluation of PIK Note derivative	3,557,004	(1,066,368)
Other	0	1,000
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(85,436)	304,424
Other current receivables	0	16,802
Deposits and prepaids	153,478	296,097
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(324,033)	413,721
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	2,153,123	(1,414,895)
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Purchases of property and equipment	(23,063)	(43,753)
Net cash used in investing activities	(23,063)	(43,753)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Payments on notes payable	(209,474)	(230,336)
Proceeds from sale of common stock	1,735,000	910,000
Proceeds from exercise of options or warrants	80,000	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,605,526	679,664
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	3,735,586	(778,984)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	47,652	1,049,880
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	3,783,238	270,896
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes	0	0
Cash paid for interest	6,761	5,301
Supplemental disclosure of noncash financing activity:
Accrued PIK interest paid through issuance of PIK Notes	$ 608,944	$ 2,704,837

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 1– ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS Applied Minerals, Inc. (the “Company” or “Applied Minerals” or “we” or “us”) (OTCQB: AMNL) owns the Dragon Mine in central Utah. From the mine we extract, process, or have processed by a third party, halloysite clay and iron oxide for sale to a range of end markets. We market the minerals directly and through distributors and also under a profit-sharing arrangement with the Kaolin business unit of BASF Corp. (“BASF”). We also engage in research and development and frequently work collaboratively with potential customers, consultants, distributors, and BASF to process and enhance our halloysite clay products to improve the performance of existing and new products. Our halloysite clay, which we market under the DRAGONITE™ trade name, is an aluminosilicate mineral with a hollow tubular shape. DRAGONITE can utilize halloysite’s morphology, high surface area, and reactivity to add significant functionality to a number of applications such as, but not limited to, reinforcement additives for polymer composites, flame retardant additives for polymers, catalysts, controlled release carriers for paints and coatings, strength reinforcement additives for cement, concrete, mortars and grouts, advanced ceramics, rheology additives for drilling fluids, environmental remediation media, and carriers of agricultural agents. The Company sells its halloysite products at negotiated prices. Our iron oxide, which we market under the AMIRON™ trade name, is a high purity product. We have sold it on an exclusive basis to one customer at a negotiated price for use in an oilfield application and we are continuing to offer AMIRON to that customer on an exclusive basis. Currently, we are not selling AMIRON™ to customers on a continuing basis for use in any other application. The Company is classified as an “exploration stage” company for purposes of Industry Guide 7 of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Under Industry Guide 7, companies engaged in significant mining operations are classified into three categories, referred to as “stages” - exploration, development, and production. Exploration stage includes all companies that do not have established reserves in accordance with Industry Guide 7. Such companies are deemed to be “in the search for mineral deposits.” Notwithstanding the nature and extent of development-type or production-type activities that have been undertaken or completed, a company cannot be classified as a development or production stage company unless it has established reserves in accordance with Industry Guide 7. In 2017, we entered into a tolling agreement with BASF under which BASF will process the Company’s halloysite product, utilizing a water-based system. The BASF system is capable of eliminating impurities, such as iron oxide, and chemically treating the surface of halloysite to achieve desired functionality . We have a mineral processing plant with a capacity of up to 45,000 tons of mineralization per annum for certain applications. The plant is currently dedicated to processing its halloysite products. Additionally, the Company has a second processing facility with a capacity of up to 10,000 tons per annum. This smaller plant is currently dedicated to processing the Company’s halloysite. This smaller plant processes halloysite using a dry-based, micronizing system. This dry-based system does not eliminate impurities, such as iron oxide, as effectively as a water-based system but is useful in situations where the removal of impurities is not necessary. For the foreseeable future, the Company expects to utilize a commercial-sized crusher to process its iron oxide to satisfy any sales of its AMIRON product. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company’s largest customer accounted for approximately 94% of total revenue and at September 30, 2018 amounts owed by the Company’s two largest customers represented 68% of accounts receivable. Exploration Agreement On December 22, 2017, the Company and Continental Mineral Claims, Inc. (“CMC”) entered into an Exploration Agreement with Option to Purchase (“Agreement”). The Company granted to CMC the exclusive right and option to enter upon and conduct mineral exploration activities (the “Exploration License”) for Metallic Minerals on the Company’s Dragon Mine mine site in Utah (the “Mining Claims”). Metallic Minerals are defined to include minerals with a high specific gravity and metallic luster, such as gold, silver, lead, copper, zinc, molybdenum, titanium, tungsten, uranium, tin, iron, etc., but shall exclude any such Metallic Minerals that are intermingled within any economically-recoverable, non-metallic mineral deposits located at or above an elevation of 5,590 feet above sea level. Non-metallic minerals include clay and iron oxide, the minerals mined by the Company. The Company believes that all economic recoverable non-metallic mineral deposits are well above 5,590 feet above sea level. The Exploration License is for a period of ten years. In consideration of the Exploration License CMC has paid the Company $350,000 and will pay it $150,000 on or before the first anniversary of the Exploration License, $250,000 on or before each subsequent anniversary during the Exploration License term following the first anniversary of the Effective Date of this Agreement, unless the Exploration License is terminated earlier by CMC by exercising the option or failing to make the required payment for the Exploration License. CMC may exercise the option at any time during the Exploration License term. Upon exercise of the Option and the completion of the closing, CMC shall acquire 100% of the Metallic Rights within the Mining Claims from the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement. The consideration to be paid by CMC to the Company after exercising the option for the acquisition of the Metallic Rights shall be payable as follows: $3,000,000; and, CMC shall grant to the Company a five percent (5%) Net Profits Interest (“NPI”) royalty over the Metallic Minerals produced from the Mining Claims. The NPI royalty shall be initially capped at $20,000,000 (the “NPI Cap”). The NPI Cap shall be subject to reduction in the event the Company elects to take the Share Contribution, as set forth below. Upon exercise of the option, the Company shall retain the all rights and title to (1) the surface interest (with exception of those rights associated with the Metallic Rights), and (2) all non-metallic minerals (expressly including all industrial minerals including clays and iron oxides). It is anticipated that CMC will acquire rights similar to the Metallic Rights with respect to contiguous and nearly properties and such rights will be contributed to a new company formed or designated by CMC to own and operate CMC’s Tintic District project, which would involve the Metallic rights and similar rights regarding adjacent or nearby properties (“PubCo”) that intends to go public. The Company shall have the right, at its sole election, to convert a portion of its NPI royalty interest into $2,000,000 worth of shares in PubCo up to a maximum of Two Percent (2%) net value of PubCo (the “Share Contribution”), through a reduction of the NPI Cap. The Company shall make the determination whether to take the Share Contribution or not, and so notify CMC, within ninety (90) days, of the completion (and delivery to the Company) of a feasibility study by CMC for the Tintic District project. If the Company elects not The Agreement contains protections in favor of the Company against unreasonable interference of its current and future mining operations by CMC. CMC may not do anything that may, at the Company’s determination, adversely impact the Company’s Mining Operations. “Mining Operations” shall mean the activities incident to mineral extraction, permitting, and any operations by CMC or the Company relating to the removal of minerals, respectively, that are or may reasonably be conducted on the Mining Claims, including the exploration for, and development, active mining, removing, producing and selling of any minerals, including the Metallic Minerals. The Agreement states that the parties understand that the Company is willing to enter into the Agreement only if it is assured that CMC will not have any right to unreasonably interfere with the Company’s current mining operations and possible future Mining Operations on the Mining Claims. There are no assurances that CMC will exercise its option to purchase 100% of the Metallic Rights.

LIQUIDITY AND BASIS OF PRESENTA

LIQUIDITY AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
LiquidityAnd Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Liquidity And Basis Of Presentation [Text Block]	NOTE 2 - LIQUIDITY AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION The Company has a history of recurring losses from operations and the use of cash in operating activities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company’s net loss was $6,858,463 and cash used in operating activities was $2,153,123. As of September 30, 2018, the Company had current assets of $3,935,991 and current liabilities of $1,057,037 of which $422,919 was accrued PIK Note interest likely to be paid in additional PIK Notes. The Company’s current liabilities also include (i) $157,040 of payables to a compounder for which it has agreed to satisfy in halloysite product and (ii) $132,635 of disputed accrued expenses for which the Company believes it has a statute of limitations defense. Based on the Company’s current cash usage expectations, management believes it has sufficient liquidity to fund its operations through November 19, 2019.

BASIS OF REPORTING AND SIGNIFIC

BASIS OF REPORTING AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	NOTE 3– BASIS OF REPORTING AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Applied Minerals, Inc. have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these interim unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all of the adjustments of a normal and recurring nature which are considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position of the Company and the results of its operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the entire year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related disclosures for the year ended December 31, 2017, included in the Annual Report of Applied Minerals, Inc. on Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC on August 14, 2018. The accompanying interim unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect the application of certain significant accounting policies as described below and elsewhere in these notes. The Company’s significant accounting policies and estimates remain unchanged from those detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2017. Exploration-Stage Company Effective January 1, 2009, the Company was, and still is, classified as an exploration company because the existence of proven or probable reserves at the Company’s Dragon Mine property 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 inactive subsidiary, which holds 100 acres of timber and mineral property in northern Idaho. 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 exceed federally insured 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. No allowance was required at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are carried at cost net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. 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 (years) Building and Building Improvements 5 – 40 Mining equipment 2 – 7 Office and shop furniture and equipment 3 – 7 Vehicles 5 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. The Company has determined that there was no impairment of its long-lived assets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Revenue Recognition Revenue includes sales of halloysite clay and 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 negotiated contractual arrangements with the Company’s customers. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance on revenue recognition, which provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers and supersedes most existing revenue recognition guidance. The main principle under this guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue at the amount it expects to be entitled to in exchange for the transfer of goods or services to customers. The Company identified the predominant changes to its accounting policies resulting from the application of this guidance and quantified the impact on its consolidated financial statements. The cumulative effect of the initial adoption of this guidance did not have any significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the Company did not have any significant customer contracts in place at December 31, 2017. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018. For 2018, revenue is recognized when control over the product transfers to the customer. 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 proven and probable 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 full valuation allowance has been provided for the Company’s net deferred tax assets as it is more likely than not that they will not be realized. Authoritative guidance provides that the tax effects from an uncertain tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return 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. As of December 31, 2017 no benefit from uncertain tax positions was recognized in our financial statements. The Company has elected to classify interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. 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 a formal long-term and short-term incentive plan on November 20, 2012, which was 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. Beginning in the quarter ended June 30, 2013 the Company began using 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. 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. The Company has posted a cash bond in the amount of $199,000 required by the Utah Department of Oil, Gas and Minerals to cover estimated reclamation costs related the Company large mining permit for its Dragon Mine property. Recent Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance on revenue recognition, which provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers and supersedes most existing revenue recognition guidance. The main principle under this guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue at the amount it expects to be entitled to in exchange for the transfer of goods or services to customers. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. The Company has elected to apply this initial application of the standard only to contracts that are not completed at the date of initial application. The cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard would be applied as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The cumulative effect of the initial adoption of this guidance did not have any significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the Company did not have any significant customer contracts in place at December 31, 2017 and therefore the Company did not record a cumulative catch-up to deferred revenue and accumulated deficit upon adoption of the new standard on January 1, 2018. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 (“Topic 842”) new accounting guidance for leases, which supersedes previous lease guidance. Under this guidance, for all leases with terms in excess of one year, including operating leases, the Company will be required to recognize on its balance sheet a lease liability and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The new guidance retains a distinction between finance leases and operating leases and the classification criteria is substantially similar to previous guidance. Additionally, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-11, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260); Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480); Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): (Part I) Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Features, (Part II) Replacement of the Indefinite Deferral for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests with a Scope Exception. This ASU clarifies the recognition, measurement, and effect on earnings per share of certain freestanding equity-classified financial instruments that include down round features affect entities that present earnings per share in accordance with the guidance in Topic 260, Earnings Per Share. When determining whether certain financial instruments should be classified as liabilities or equity instruments, a down round feature no longer precludes equity classification when assessing whether the instrument is indexed to an entity’s own stock. The amendments also clarify existing disclosure requirements for equity-classified instruments. This new guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those periods. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance and assessing its impact on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures. In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Non-employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2018-07 is intended to reduce the cost and complexity and to improve financial reporting for non-employee share-based payments. The ASU expands the scope of Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation (which currently only includes share-based payments to employees), to include share-based payments issued to non-employees for goods or services. Consequently, the accounting for share-based payments to non-employees and employees will be substantially aligned. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. Upon transition, entities will remeasure unsettled liability-classified awards and any unmeasured equity-classified awards for non-employees at fair value as of the adoption date. A cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings will be required as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company is currently assessing the impact ASU 2018-07 will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures thereto.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 4– PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT The following is a summary of property, plant, and equipment – at cost, less accumulated depreciation: September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Land $ 500,000 $ 500,000 Land improvements 171,122 171,122 Buildings 3,129,519 3,129,519 Mining equipment 1,784,115 1,784,115 Milling equipment 2,864,789 2,841,726 Laboratory equipment 607,716 607,716 Office equipment 70,529 70,529 Vehicles 150,810 150,810 9,278,600 9,255,537 Less: Accumulated depreciation (7,416,290 ) (6,453,146 ) Total $ 1,862,310 $ 2,802,391 Depreciation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 totaled $318,182, and $329,357, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 totaled $963,144 and $989,122, respectively.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FIN

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	NOTE 5– 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 at September 30, 2018: Fair value measurement using inputs Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial instruments: Series 2023 Note Derivative $ - 0 $ - 0 $ 502,678 Series A Note Derivative $ - 0 $ - 0 $ 5,235,428 The following table summarizes the activity during the nine months ended September 2018 and 2017 for financial instruments at fair value using Level 3: Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 2,047,264 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 2,176,552 Issuance of additional Series 2023 Notes 27,858 Issuance of additional Series 2023 Notes 31,990 Issuance of additional Series A Notes 105,980 Issuance of additional Series A Notes - 0 Net unrealized (gain) loss included in operations 3,557,004 Net unrealized (gain) loss included in operations (1,066,368 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 5,738,106 Balance at September 30, 2017 $ 1,142,174 The recorded value of certain financial assets and liabilities, which consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their fair value at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 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 other than PIK notes approximate fair value. The estimated fair value of the PIK Notes Payable was $13,596,790 and $11,395,208 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (Level 3), respectively. For the Company's warrant and PIK note derivative liabilities, Level 3 fair value hierarchy was estimated using a Monte Carlo Model using the following assumptions: Series 2023 Note derivative liability Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Market price and estimated fair value of stock $ 0.11 $ 0.05 Exercise price (1) $ 0.59 $ 0.59 Term (years) 4.83 5.58 Dividend yield - 0 - 0 Expected volatility 135.0 % 115.3 % Risk-free interest rate 2.94 % 2.24 % (1) Exercise price is reflective of amended Series 2023 Notes issued in December 2017 as discussed in Note 8. Series A Note derivative liability Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Market price and estimated fair value of stock $ 0.11 $ 0.05 Exercise price (1) $ 0.40 $ 0.40 Term (years) 4.83 5.58 Dividend yield - 0 - 0 Expected volatility 135.0 % 115.3 % Risk-free interest rate 2.94 % 2.24 % (1) Exercise price is reflective of amended Series A Notes issued in December 2017 as discussed in Note 7.

NOTES AND LEASES PAYABLE

NOTES AND LEASES PAYABLE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 6 - NOTES AND LEASES PAYABLE Notes payable at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Note payable for equipment, payable $ 1,339 $ 2,660 $ 13,073 Note payable to insurance companies, payable $ 5,045 17,959 - 0 199,061 2,660 212,134 Less: Current Portion (2,660 ) (212,134 ) Notes Payable, Long-Term Portion $ - 0 $ - 0 (a) On October 31, 2014, the Company purchased mining equipment for $65,120 by paying deposit and issuing a note in the amount of $57,900 with an interest rate of 5.2%. The note is collateralized by the mining equipment with payments of $1,339 for 48 months, which started on November 30, 2014. (b) The Company signed a note payable with an insurance company dated October 17, 2016 for liability insurance, payable in monthly installments, including interest ranging from 2.6% - 4.15% (c) The Company signed a note payable with an insurance company dated October 17, 2017 for liability insurance, payable in monthly installments, including interest ranging from 3.1% - 5.78% During the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company's interest payments totaled $555 and $2,558, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company’s interest payments totaled $6,761 and $5,301, respectively.

CONVERTIBLE DEBT (PIK NOTES)

CONVERTIBLE DEBT (PIK NOTES)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Convertible Debt [Text Block]	NOTE 7– CONVERTIBLE DEBT (PIK NOTES) The Company raised $23 million of financing through the issuance of two series of Paid-In-Kind (“PIK”)-Election Convertible Notes in 2013 (“Series 2023 Notes”) and 2014 (“Series A Notes”). The original terms of the Series A Notes included among other things: (i) a maturity of November 1, 2018 with an option to extend to November 1, 2019, (ii) a stated interest rate of 10% paid semi-annually and (iii) a conversion price of $0.90, adjusted downward based on an anti-dilution provision. The original terms of the Series 2023 Notes included among other things: (i) a maturity of August 1, 2023, (ii) a stated interest rate of 10% paid semi-annually and (iii) a conversion price of $1.40, adjusted downward based on an anti-dilution provision. On December 14, 2017, an amendment agreement, entered into between the Company and the holders of the Series A Notes and Series 2023 Notes, went into effect. The agreement resulted in changes to certain terms of the Series A and Series 2023 Notes. The key terms of the Series A and Series 2023 Notes, as amended, are highlighted in the table below: Key Terms Series 2023 Notes Series A Notes Inception Date 08/01/2013 11/03/2014 Cash Received $ 10,500,000 $ 12,500,000 Principal (Initial Liability) $ 10,500,000 $ 19,848,486 Maturity (Term) Matures on August 1, 2023 Matures on May 1, 2023 Exercise Price $ 0.59 $ 0.40 Stated Interest 10 10 Derivative Liability $ 2,055,000 $ 9,212,285 As of September 30, 2018, the liability components of the PIK Notes on the Company’s balance sheet are listed in the following table: Series 2023 Notes Series A Notes Total PIK Note Payable, Gross $ 16,394,688 $ 27,214,693 $ 43,609,381 Less: Discount (1,427,737 ) (5,266,239 ) (6,693,976 ) Less: Deferred Financing Cost (191,994 ) (255,447 ) (447,441 ) PIK Note Payable, Net $ 14,774,957 $ 21,693,007 $ 36,467,964 PIK Note Derivative Liability $ 502,678 $ 5,235,428 $ 5,738,106 As of December 31, 2017, the liability components of the PIK Notes on the Company’s balance sheet are listed in the following table: Series 2023 Notes Series A Notes Total PIK Note Payable, Gross $ 16,090,721 $ 26,909,716 $ 43,000,437 Less: Discount (1,538,299 ) (7,701,839 ) (9,240,138 ) Less: Deferred Financing Cost (221,280 ) (294,414 ) (515,694 ) PIK Note Payable, Net $ 14,331,142 $ 18,913,463 $ 33,244,605 PIK Note Derivative Liability $ 163,634 $ 1,883,630 $ 2,047,264 Series A Notes (Amended) On November 3, 2014 (“Issue Date”), the Company issued, in a private placement pursuant to investment agreements, $19,848,486 principal amount of 10% PIK-Election Convertible Notes due 2018 ("Series A Notes") in exchange for $12,500,000 in cash and the cancellation of previously-issued warrants held by one investor. The original terms of the Series A Notes included among other things: (i) a maturity of November 1, 2018 with an option to extend to November 1, 2019, (ii) a stated interest rate of 10% paid semi-annually and (iii) a conversion price of $0.90, adjusted downward based on an anti-dilution provision. At September 30, 2018, the fair value of the Series A Note Derivative was estimated to be $5,235,428. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company amortized $234,911 and $2,474,567, respectively of debt discount and deferred financing cost relating to the Series A Notes Payable and issued additional PIK Notes of $304,977 in lieu of cash interest payments, increasing the net carrying value of the Series A Notes Payable to $21,693,007 at September 30, 2018. At December 31, 2017, the fair value of the Series A Note Derivative was estimated to be $1,883,630, which includes the value of the derivative related to the additional PIK Notes issued in May and November 2017 for the semi-annual interest payments due and the additional notes issued in December, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company amortized $5,808,294 of debt discount and deferred financing cost relating to the Series A Notes Payable and issued additional PIK Notes in lieu of interest payments of $2,797,836, increasing the net carrying value of the Series A Notes Payable to $18,913,463 at December 31, 2017. As of September 30, 2018, the Company was in compliance with the covenants of the Series A Notes. Series 2023 Notes (Amended) In August 2013, the Company received $10,500,000 of financing through the private placement of 10% mandatory convertible Notes due 2023 ("Series 2023 Notes"). The principal amount of the Notes is due on maturity. The Company can elect to pay semi-annual interest on the Series 2023 Notes with additional PIK Notes containing the same terms as the Series 2023 Notes, except interest will accrue from issuance of such notes. The Company can also elect to pay interest in cash. In February, 2017 and August, 2017, the Company issued $703,550 and $738,728, respectively, in additional Series 2023 Notes to the holders to pay the semi-annual interest. Additionally, on December 14, 2017, the Company issued $577,439 of additional 2023 Notes, which represented the accrued interest of the Series 2023 Notes on the day on which the terms of the Series 2023 Notes were effectively amended. The original terms of the Series 2023 Notes included among other things: (i) a maturity of August 1, 2023, (ii) a stated interest rate of 10% paid semi-annually and (iii) a conversion price of $1.40, adjusted downward based on an anti-dilution provision. At September 30, 2018, the fair value of the Series 2023 Note Derivative was estimated to be $502,678, which includes the value of the derivative related to additional PIK Notes issued in February and August 2018. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company amortized $35,566 and $139,848, respectively of debt discount and deferred financing cost relating to the Series 2023 Notes Payable and issued additional PIK Notes of $303,967 in lieu of cash interest payments, increasing the net carrying value of the Series 2023 Notes Payable to $14,774,957 at September 30, 2018. At December 31, 2017, the fair value of the Series 2023 Note Derivative was estimated to be $163,634, which includes the value of the derivative related to additional PIK Notes issued in February and August 2016 for the semi-annual interest payments due and the additional notes issued in December, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company amortized $200,360 of debt discount and deferred financing cost relating to the Series 2023 Notes Payable and issued additional PIK Notes of $2,019,717 in lieu of cash interest payments, increasing the net carrying value of the Series 2023 Notes Payable to $14,331,142 at December 31, 2017. As part of the amendment agreement, the holders of the Series 2023 Notes received warrants to purchase 3,720,000 million shares of common stock at $0.10 per share. The Black Scholes value of these warrants totaled $224,290. As of September 30, 2018, the Company was in compliance with the covenants of the Series 2023 Notes.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 8– 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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, no shares of preferred stock were outstanding. Common Stock On December 7, 2017, stockholders of the Company approved to increase the authorized shares of common stock from 250,000,000 to 400,000,000 shares, $0.001 par value per share. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, 175,513,549 and 140,763,549 shares were issued and outstanding, respectively. 2018 During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 the Company issued (i) 1,500,000 shares of common stock at a price of $0.04 per share to a consultant for investor relation services to be performed, (ii) 17,375,000 shares of common stock at a price of $0.04 per share, (iii) 3,000,000 shares of common stock at a price of $0.05 per share, (iv) 1,000,000 shares of common stock at a price of $0.10 per share, (v) 2,000,000 shares of common stock at a price of $0.04 per share upon the exercise of a warrant to purchase shares of common stock, and (vi) 9,875,000 units, (one unit consisting of one share of common stock and one warrant to purchase one share of common stock at a price of $0.15) at a price of $0.08 per unit. 2017 During 2017, the Company issued: (i) 250,000 shares of common stock, at a price of $0.36 per share, to directors; (ii) 26,500,000 units, (one unit consisting of one share of common stock and one warrant to purchase 0.25 shares of common stock at a price of $0.04 per unit; (iii) 2,275,000 units, at a price of $0.04 per unit, as payment for fees associated with a private placement of stock and (iv) 3,1250,000 shares of common stock, at a price of $0.04 per share, upon the exercise of warrants to purchase common stock.

OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCHAS

OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	NOTE 9– OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK Outstanding Stock Warrants A summary of the status and changes of the warrants issued for the nine months ended September 30, 2018: Shares Issuable upon Exercise of Outstanding Warrants Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at January 1, 2018 18,813,373 $ 0.14 Issued 9,875,000 $ 0.15 Exercised (2,000,000 ) $ 0.04 Forfeited — — Outstanding at September 30, 2018 26,688,373 $ 0.15 A summary of the status of the warrants outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2018 is presented below: Warrants Outstanding and Exercisable Shares Issuable Weighted Average upon Exercise of Remaining Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding Warrants Contractual Life (years) Exercise Price $ 1.15 461,340 2.6 $ 1.15 $ 0.25 3,283,283 3.8 $ 0.25 $ 0.04 2,068,750 4.1 $ 0.04 $ 0.10 11,000,000 4.3 $ 0.10 $ 0.15 9,875,000 2.8 $ 0.15 26,688,373 3.6 $ 0.15 The aggregate intrinsic value of the outstanding warrants at September 30, 2018 was $ 254,813 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. In May, 2016, the Company adopted the 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2016 LTIP”). The number of shares of common stock for issuance or for reference purposes subject to the 2016 LTIP was 2,000,000. On December 7, 2016, the stockholders of the Company approved the 2016 Incentive Plan. The purpose of the 2016 Incentive Plan is to enhance the profitability and value of the Company for the benefit of its stockholders by enabling the Company to offer eligible employees, consultants, and non-employee incentive awards in order to attract, retain and reward such individuals and strengthen the mutuality of interests between such individuals and the Company’s stockholders. The aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued or used for reference purposes under the 2016 Incentive Plan or with respect to which awards may be granted may not exceed 15,000,000 shares, which may be either (i) authorized and unissued Common Stock or (ii) Common Stock held in or acquired for the treasury of the Company. The Compensation Committee of the Company Board of Directors has full authority to administer and interpret the 2016 Incentive Plan, to grant awards under the 2016 Incentive Plan, to determine the persons to whom awards will be granted, to determine the types of awards to be granted, to determine the terms and conditions of each award, to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by each award and to make all other determinations in connection with the 2016 Incentive Plan and the awards thereunder as the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or desirable. On December 14, 2017, the Board of Directors approved the 2017 Incentive Plan (“2017 IP”). Forty million ( 40,000,000 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 granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were as follows on a weighted average basis: Dividend Yield 0 Expected Life (in years) 2.48 2.96 Expected Volatility 163.73 177.59 Risk Free Interest Rate 2.54 2.62 A summary of the status and changes of the options granted under stock option plans and other agreements during the nine months ended September 30, 2018: Shares Issuable Weighted Upon Exercise of Average Options Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2017 57,057,768 $ 0.36 Granted 4,224,999 $ 0.11 Exercised — — Forfeited (282,645 ) 1.36 Outstanding at September 30, 2018 61,000,122 $ 0.34 During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company granted 4,224,999 options to purchase the Company’s common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $0.11. The options vest monthly through June, 2019. A summary of the status of the options outstanding at September 30, 2018 is presented below: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Prices ($) Number Weighted Average Exercise Price ($) Number Weighted Average Exercise Price ($) 0.06 - 0.11 36,245,288 0.06 28,920,287 0.06 0.12 - 0.21 3,581,395 0.13 2,331,390 0.13 0.22 - 0.66 4,280,093 0.27 4,280,093 0/27 0.68 – 1.10 12,251,286 0.75 12,251,286 0.75 1.15 – 1.90 4,642,060 1.66 4,642,060 1.66 61,000,122 0.34 52,425,116 0.39 On December 14, 2017, the Company’s management was granted performance-based options to purchase 27.5 million shares of the Company’s common stock at $0.06 per share. The options expire on December 13, 2027. At December 31, 2017, the first fifty percent ( 50 25 Compensation expense of $60,430 and $964,647 has been recognized for the vested options for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018. The aggregate intrinsic value of the outstanding options at September 30, 2018 was $1,785,196. At September 30, 2018, (i) $85,464 of unamortized compensation expense for time-based unvested options will be recognized over the next 0.45 years on a weighted average basis; and (ii) $354,750 of unamortized compensation expense for performance-based unvested options will be recognized as the achievement of the performance targets becomes probable.

PER SHARE DATA

PER SHARE DATA	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	NOTE 10 - 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 year. 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. At September 30, 2018, the weighted average shares outstanding excluded options to purchase 61,000,122 shares of common stock of the Company, warrants to purchase 26,688,373 shares of common stock of the Company and 96,813,732 shares of common stock of the Company issuable upon the conversion of notes because their effect would be anti-dilutive. At September 30, 2017, the weighted average shares outstanding excluded options to purchase 21,277,479 shares of common stock of the Company, warrants to purchase 10,000,873 shares of common stock of the Company and 52,075,593 shares of common stock of the Company issuable upon the conversion of notes payable because their effect would be anti-dilutive.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 11– COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Office Lease On January 1, 2017, the Company moved its headquarters to a temporary location. The Company paid a monthly rent of $6,000 through March 31, 2017 for the temporary office. On April 1, 2017, the Company entered into a 5-year lease agreement for permanent office space. At September 30, 2018, the Company’s total monthly office rental payments, due through March 31, 2022, was $396,114. At September 30, 2018, $26,883 of total rent payments are due through December 31, 2018, $109,953 of total rent payments are due through December 31, 2019, $113,253 of total rental payments are due through December 31, 2020, $116,649 of total rent payments are due through December 31, 2021 and $29,376 of total rent payments are due through March 31, 2022.

BASIS OF REPORTING AND SIGNIF_2

BASIS OF REPORTING AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Exploration Stage Company [Policy Text Block]	Exploration-Stage Company Effective January 1, 2009, the Company was, and still is, classified as an exploration company because the existence of proven or probable reserves at the Company’s Dragon Mine property 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.
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Applied Minerals, Inc. and its inactive subsidiary, which holds 100 acres of timber and mineral property in northern Idaho.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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 exceed federally insured limits with major financial institutions located in the United States with a high credit rating.
Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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. No allowance was required at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are carried at cost net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. 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 (years) Building and Building Improvements 5 – 40 Mining equipment 2 – 7 Office and shop furniture and equipment 3 – 7 Vehicles 5
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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. The Company has determined that there was no impairment of its long-lived assets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition Revenue includes sales of halloysite clay and 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 negotiated contractual arrangements with the Company’s customers. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance on revenue recognition, which provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers and supersedes most existing revenue recognition guidance. The main principle under this guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue at the amount it expects to be entitled to in exchange for the transfer of goods or services to customers. The Company identified the predominant changes to its accounting policies resulting from the application of this guidance and quantified the impact on its consolidated financial statements. The cumulative effect of the initial adoption of this guidance did not have any significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the Company did not have any significant customer contracts in place at December 31, 2017. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018. For 2018, revenue is recognized when control over the product transfers to the customer.
Exploitation Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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 proven and probable 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 Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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 full valuation allowance has been provided for the Company’s net deferred tax assets as it is more likely than not that they will not be realized. Authoritative guidance provides that the tax effects from an uncertain tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return 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. As of December 31, 2017 no benefit from uncertain tax positions was recognized in our financial statements. The Company has elected to classify interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	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 a formal long-term and short-term incentive plan on November 20, 2012, which was 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. Beginning in the quarter ended June 30, 2013 the Company began using 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.
Environmental Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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. The Company has posted a cash bond in the amount of $199,000 required by the Utah Department of Oil, Gas and Minerals to cover estimated reclamation costs related the Company large mining permit for its Dragon Mine property.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recent Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance on revenue recognition, which provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers and supersedes most existing revenue recognition guidance. The main principle under this guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue at the amount it expects to be entitled to in exchange for the transfer of goods or services to customers. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. The Company has elected to apply this initial application of the standard only to contracts that are not completed at the date of initial application. The cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard would be applied as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The cumulative effect of the initial adoption of this guidance did not have any significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the Company did not have any significant customer contracts in place at December 31, 2017 and therefore the Company did not record a cumulative catch-up to deferred revenue and accumulated deficit upon adoption of the new standard on January 1, 2018. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 (“Topic 842”) new accounting guidance for leases, which supersedes previous lease guidance. Under this guidance, for all leases with terms in excess of one year, including operating leases, the Company will be required to recognize on its balance sheet a lease liability and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The new guidance retains a distinction between finance leases and operating leases and the classification criteria is substantially similar to previous guidance. Additionally, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-11, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260); Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480); Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): (Part I) Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Features, (Part II) Replacement of the Indefinite Deferral for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests with a Scope Exception. This ASU clarifies the recognition, measurement, and effect on earnings per share of certain freestanding equity-classified financial instruments that include down round features affect entities that present earnings per share in accordance with the guidance in Topic 260, Earnings Per Share. When determining whether certain financial instruments should be classified as liabilities or equity instruments, a down round feature no longer precludes equity classification when assessing whether the instrument is indexed to an entity’s own stock. The amendments also clarify existing disclosure requirements for equity-classified instruments. This new guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those periods. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance and assessing its impact on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures. In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Non-employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2018-07 is intended to reduce the cost and complexity and to improve financial reporting for non-employee share-based payments. The ASU expands the scope of Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation (which currently only includes share-based payments to employees), to include share-based payments issued to non-employees for goods or services. Consequently, the accounting for share-based payments to non-employees and employees will be substantially aligned. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. Upon transition, entities will remeasure unsettled liability-classified awards and any unmeasured equity-classified awards for non-employees at fair value as of the adoption date. A cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings will be required as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company is currently assessing the impact ASU 2018-07 will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures thereto.

BASIS OF REPORTING AND SIGNIF_3

BASIS OF REPORTING AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Property Plant And Equipment Estimated Useful Lives [Table Text Block]	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 (years) Building and Building Improvements 5 – 40 Mining equipment 2 – 7 Office and shop furniture and equipment 3 – 7 Vehicles 5

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of property, plant, and equipment – at cost, less accumulated depreciation: September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Land $ 500,000 $ 500,000 Land improvements 171,122 171,122 Buildings 3,129,519 3,129,519 Mining equipment 1,784,115 1,784,115 Milling equipment 2,864,789 2,841,726 Laboratory equipment 607,716 607,716 Office equipment 70,529 70,529 Vehicles 150,810 150,810 9,278,600 9,255,537 Less: Accumulated depreciation (7,416,290 ) (6,453,146 ) Total $ 1,862,310 $ 2,802,391

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND F_2

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized as follows at September 30, 2018: Fair value measurement using inputs Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial instruments: Series 2023 Note Derivative $ - 0 $ - 0 $ 502,678 Series A Note Derivative $ - 0 $ - 0 $ 5,235,428
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the activity during the nine months ended September 2018 and 2017 for financial instruments at fair value using Level 3: Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 2,047,264 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 2,176,552 Issuance of additional Series 2023 Notes 27,858 Issuance of additional Series 2023 Notes 31,990 Issuance of additional Series A Notes 105,980 Issuance of additional Series A Notes - 0 Net unrealized (gain) loss included in operations 3,557,004 Net unrealized (gain) loss included in operations (1,066,368 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 5,738,106 Balance at September 30, 2017 $ 1,142,174
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block]	For the Company's warrant and PIK note derivative liabilities, Level 3 fair value hierarchy was estimated using a Monte Carlo Model using the following assumptions: Series 2023 Note derivative liability Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Market price and estimated fair value of stock $ 0.11 $ 0.05 Exercise price (1) $ 0.59 $ 0.59 Term (years) 4.83 5.58 Dividend yield - 0 - 0 Expected volatility 135.0 % 115.3 % Risk-free interest rate 2.94 % 2.24 % (1) Exercise price is reflective of amended Series 2023 Notes issued in December 2017 as discussed in Note 8. Series A Note derivative liability Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Market price and estimated fair value of stock $ 0.11 $ 0.05 Exercise price (1) $ 0.40 $ 0.40 Term (years) 4.83 5.58 Dividend yield - 0 - 0 Expected volatility 135.0 % 115.3 % Risk-free interest rate 2.94 % 2.24 % (1) Exercise price is reflective of amended Series A Notes issued in December 2017 as discussed in Note 7.

NOTES AND LEASES PAYABLE (Table

NOTES AND LEASES PAYABLE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	Notes payable at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Note payable for equipment, payable $ 1,339 $ 2,660 $ 13,073 Note payable to insurance companies, payable $ 5,045 17,959 - 0 199,061 2,660 212,134 Less: Current Portion (2,660 ) (212,134 ) Notes Payable, Long-Term Portion $ - 0 $ - 0 (a) On October 31, 2014, the Company purchased mining equipment for $65,120 by paying deposit and issuing a note in the amount of $57,900 with an interest rate of 5.2%. The note is collateralized by the mining equipment with payments of $1,339 for 48 months, which started on November 30, 2014. (b) The Company signed a note payable with an insurance company dated October 17, 2016 for liability insurance, payable in monthly installments, including interest ranging from 2.6% - 4.15% (c) The Company signed a note payable with an insurance company dated October 17, 2017 for liability insurance, payable in monthly installments, including interest ranging from 3.1% - 5.78%

CONVERTIBLE DEBT (PIK NOTES) (T

CONVERTIBLE DEBT (PIK NOTES) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Debt Instrument Redemption [Table Text Block]	The key terms of the Series A and Series 2023 Notes, as amended, are highlighted in the table below: Key Terms Series 2023 Notes Series A Notes Inception Date 08/01/2013 11/03/2014 Cash Received $ 10,500,000 $ 12,500,000 Principal (Initial Liability) $ 10,500,000 $ 19,848,486 Maturity (Term) Matures on August 1, 2023 Matures on May 1, 2023 Exercise Price $ 0.59 $ 0.40 Stated Interest 10 10 Derivative Liability $ 2,055,000 $ 9,212,285
Convertible Debt [Table Text Block]	As of September 30, 2018, the liability components of the PIK Notes on the Company’s balance sheet are listed in the following table: Series 2023 Notes Series A Notes Total PIK Note Payable, Gross $ 16,394,688 $ 27,214,693 $ 43,609,381 Less: Discount (1,427,737 ) (5,266,239 ) (6,693,976 ) Less: Deferred Financing Cost (191,994 ) (255,447 ) (447,441 ) PIK Note Payable, Net $ 14,774,957 $ 21,693,007 $ 36,467,964 PIK Note Derivative Liability $ 502,678 $ 5,235,428 $ 5,738,106 As of December 31, 2017, the liability components of the PIK Notes on the Company’s balance sheet are listed in the following table: Series 2023 Notes Series A Notes Total PIK Note Payable, Gross $ 16,090,721 $ 26,909,716 $ 43,000,437 Less: Discount (1,538,299 ) (7,701,839 ) (9,240,138 ) Less: Deferred Financing Cost (221,280 ) (294,414 ) (515,694 ) PIK Note Payable, Net $ 14,331,142 $ 18,913,463 $ 33,244,605 PIK Note Derivative Liability $ 163,634 $ 1,883,630 $ 2,047,264

OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCH_2

OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule Of Warrants Or Rights [Table Text Block]	A summary of the status and changes of the warrants issued for the nine months ended September 30, 2018: Shares Issuable upon Exercise of Outstanding Warrants Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at January 1, 2018 18,813,373 $ 0.14 Issued 9,875,000 $ 0.15 Exercised (2,000,000 ) $ 0.04 Forfeited — — Outstanding at September 30, 2018 26,688,373 $ 0.15
Schedule of Stockholders' Equity Note, Warrants or Rights [Table Text Block]	A summary of the status of the warrants outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2018 is presented below: Warrants Outstanding and Exercisable Shares Issuable Weighted Average upon Exercise of Remaining Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding Warrants Contractual Life (years) Exercise Price $ 1.15 461,340 2.6 $ 1.15 $ 0.25 3,283,283 3.8 $ 0.25 $ 0.04 2,068,750 4.1 $ 0.04 $ 0.10 11,000,000 4.3 $ 0.10 $ 0.15 9,875,000 2.8 $ 0.15 26,688,373 3.6 $ 0.15
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The significant assumptions relating to the valuation of the Company's options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were as follows on a weighted average basis: Dividend Yield 0 Expected Life (in years) 2.48 2.96 Expected Volatility 163.73 177.59 Risk Free Interest Rate 2.54 2.62
Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	A summary of the status and changes of the options granted under stock option plans and other agreements during the nine months ended September 30, 2018: Shares Issuable Weighted Upon Exercise of Average Options Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2017 57,057,768 $ 0.36 Granted 4,224,999 $ 0.11 Exercised — — Forfeited (282,645 ) 1.36 Outstanding at September 30, 2018 61,000,122 $ 0.34
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]	A summary of the status of the options outstanding at September 30, 2018 is presented below: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Prices ($) Number Weighted Average Exercise Price ($) Number Weighted Average Exercise Price ($) 0.06 - 0.11 36,245,288 0.06 28,920,287 0.06 0.12 - 0.21 3,581,395 0.13 2,331,390 0.13 0.22 - 0.66 4,280,093 0.27 4,280,093 0/27 0.68 – 1.10 12,251,286 0.75 12,251,286 0.75 1.15 – 1.90 4,642,060 1.66 4,642,060 1.66 61,000,122 0.34 52,425,116 0.39

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION _2

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS (Details Textual)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 22, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018T
CMC [Member]
Exploration Agreement Payments Upon Expiration Of Due Diligence Period	$ 350,000
Exploration Agreement Payments On Or Before First Anniversary Of Effective Date Of Agreement	150,000
Exploration Agreement Payments On Or Before Each Subsequent Anniversary Of Effective Date During Exploration License Term	$ 250,000
Exploration Agreement Option To Purchase Percentage Of Metallic Rights	100.00%
Exploration Agreement Option To Purchase Consideration	$ 3,000,000
Exploration Agreement Option To Purchase Percentage Of Net Profits Interest Royalty Granted	5.00%
Exploration Agreement Option To Purchase NPI Royalty Cap	$ 20,000,000
Exploration Agreement Npi Royalty Interest Converted To Shares Of Properties Value	$ 2,000,000
Exploration Agreement Npi Royalty Interest Converted To Shares Of Properties Percentage Maximum	2.00%
Exploration License Agreement Terms	10 years
Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Largest Customer [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		94.00%
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Two Largest Customers [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		68.00%
Halloysite Resource [Member]
Mineral Processing Plant Annual Capacity | T		45,000
Additional Mineral Processing Plant Annual Capacity | T		10,000

LIQUIDITY AND BASIS OF PRESEN_2

LIQUIDITY AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 5,536,558	$ (4,407,067)	$ (6,858,463)	$ (9,010,953)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities			2,153,123	$ (1,414,895)
Assets, Current	3,935,991		3,935,991		$ 280,839
Liabilities, Current	1,057,037		1,057,037		1,233,077
PIK Note interest accrual	422,919		422,919		$ 57,334
Accrued Bonuses, Current	157,040		157,040
Current Liabilities [Member]
Disputed Accrued Expenses	$ 132,635		$ 132,635

BASIS OF REPORTING AND SIGNIF_4

BASIS OF REPORTING AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Mining equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Mining equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	2 years
Office and shop furniture and equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Office and shop furniture and equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years

BASIS OF REPORTING AND SIGNIF_5

BASIS OF REPORTING AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details Textual)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)a	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$ 0	$ 0
Asset Impairment Charges	0	$ 0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits			$ 0
Cost of Services, Oil and Gas	$ 199,000
Applied Minerals Inc [Member] | Timber And Mineral Property [Member]
Area of Land | a	100

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 9,278,600	$ 9,255,537
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(7,416,290)	(6,453,146)
Total	1,862,310	2,802,391
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	500,000	500,000
Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	171,122	171,122
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	3,129,519	3,129,519
Mining equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	1,784,115	1,784,115	$ 65,120
Milling Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	2,864,789	2,841,726
Laboratory Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	607,716	607,716
Office Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	70,529	70,529
Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 150,810	$ 150,810

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Detai_2

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details Texual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation	$ 318,182	$ 329,357	$ 963,144	$ 989,122

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND F_3

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Series 2023 Note Derivative [Member]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$ 502,678	$ 163,634
Series A Note Derivative [Member]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	5,235,428	$ 1,883,630
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Series 2023 Note Derivative [Member]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Series A Note Derivative [Member]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Series 2023 Note Derivative [Member]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Series A Note Derivative [Member]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Series 2023 Note Derivative [Member]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	502,678
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Series A Note Derivative [Member]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$ 5,235,428

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND F_4

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details 1) - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Balance, beginning	$ 2,047,264	$ 2,176,552
Net unrealized (gain) loss included in operations	3,557,004	(1,066,368)
Balance, ending	5,738,106	1,142,174
Issuance of additional Series 2023 Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Issues	27,858	31,990
Issuance of additional Series A Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Issues	$ 105,980	$ 0

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND F_5

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details 2)		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017$ / shares
Series 2023 Note derivative liability [Member]
Market price and estimated fair value of stock		$ 0.11	$ 0.05
Series 2023 Note derivative liability [Member] | Measurement Input, Exercise Price [Member]
Exercise price	[1]	$ 0.59	$ 0.59
Series 2023 Note derivative liability [Member] | Measurement Input, Expected Term [Member]
Term (years)		4 years 9 months 29 days	5 years 6 months 29 days
Series 2023 Note derivative liability [Member] | Measurement Input, Expected Dividend Rate [Member]
Derivative Liability		0	0
Series 2023 Note derivative liability [Member] | Measurement Input, Price Volatility [Member]
Derivative Liability		135	115.3
Series 2023 Note derivative liability [Member] | Measurement Input, Risk Free Interest Rate [Member]
Derivative Liability		2.94	2.24
Series A Note derivative liability [Member]
Market price and estimated fair value of stock		$ 0.11	$ 0.05
Series A Note derivative liability [Member] | Measurement Input, Exercise Price [Member]
Exercise price	[2]	$ 0.40	$ 0.40
Series A Note derivative liability [Member] | Measurement Input, Expected Term [Member]
Term (years)		4 years 9 months 29 days	5 years 6 months 29 days
Series A Note derivative liability [Member] | Measurement Input, Expected Dividend Rate [Member]
Derivative Liability		0	0
Series A Note derivative liability [Member] | Measurement Input, Price Volatility [Member]
Derivative Liability		135	115.3
Series A Note derivative liability [Member] | Measurement Input, Risk Free Interest Rate [Member]
Derivative Liability		2.94	2.24
[1]	Exercise price is reflective of amended Series 2023 Notes issued in December 2017 as discussed in Note 8.
[2]	Exercise price is reflective of amended Series A Notes issued in December 2017 as discussed in Note 7.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND F_6

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Payment in Kind (PIK) Note [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures	$ 13,596,790	$ 11,395,208

NOTES AND LEASES PAYABLE (Detai

NOTES AND LEASES PAYABLE (Details) - USD ($)		Sep. 30, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Note payable for equipment		$ 2,660		$ 212,134
Less: Current Portion		(2,660)		(212,134)
Notes Payable, Long-Term Portion		0		0
Note Payable Mining Equipment [Member]
Note payable for equipment	[1]	2,660		13,073
Note Payable Insurance Company [Member]
Note payable for equipment		$ 0	[2],[3]	$ 199,061
[1]	On October 31, 2014, the Company purchased mining equipment for $65,120 by paying deposit and issuing a note in the amount of $57,900 with an interest rate of 5.2%. The note is collateralized by the mining equipment with payments of $1,339 for 48 months, which started on November 30, 2014.
[2]	The Company signed a note payable with an insurance company dated October 17, 2016 for liability insurance, payable in monthly installments, including interest ranging from 2.6% - 4.15%
[3]	The Company signed a note payable with an insurance company dated October 17, 2017 for liability insurance, payable in monthly installments, including interest ranging from 3.1% - 5.78%

NOTES AND LEASES PAYABLE - Sum

NOTES AND LEASES PAYABLE - Summary of Note Payable (Details) (Parentheticals) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Note Payable Mining Equipment [Member]
Note payable, monthly payment	$ 1,339	$ 1,339
Maximum [Member] | Note Payable Insurance Company [Member]
Note payable, monthly payment	17,959	17,959
Minimum [Member] | Note Payable Insurance Company [Member]
Note payable, monthly payment	$ 5,045	$ 5,045

NOTES AND LEASES PAYABLE (Det_2

NOTES AND LEASES PAYABLE (Details Textual) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Oct. 17, 2017	Oct. 17, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross		$ 9,278,600		$ 9,278,600		$ 9,255,537
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Interest		555	$ 2,558	6,761	$ 5,301
Note Payable Mining Equipment Purchased in October 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 57,900
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.20%
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment	$ 1,339
Debt Instrument, Term	48 months
Maximum [Member] | Note Payable Insurance Company 1 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								4.15%
Maximum [Member] | Note Payable Insurance Company 2 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage							5.78%
Minimum [Member] | Note Payable Insurance Company 1 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								2.60%
Minimum [Member] | Note Payable Insurance Company 2 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage							3.10%
Note Payable Mining Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 65,120	$ 1,784,115		$ 1,784,115		$ 1,784,115

CONVERTIBLE DEBT (PIK NOTES) (D

CONVERTIBLE DEBT (PIK NOTES) (Details) - USD ($)	Nov. 03, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2017
Series 2023 Notes [Member]
Inception Date	Aug. 1, 2013
Cash Received	$ 10,500,000
Principal (Initial Liability)	$ 10,500,000
Maturity (Term)	Aug. 1, 2023
Exercise Price	$ 0.59
Stated Interest	10.00%
Derivative Liability	$ 2,055,000
Series A Notes [Member]
Inception Date	Nov. 3, 2014
Cash Received	$ 12,500,000
Principal (Initial Liability)	$ 19,848,486
Maturity (Term)	May 1, 2023	Aug. 1, 2023
Exercise Price	$ 0.40		$ 1.40
Stated Interest	10.00%		10.00%
Derivative Liability	$ 9,212,285

CONVERTIBLE DEBT (PIK NOTES) _2

CONVERTIBLE DEBT (PIK NOTES) (Details 1) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
PIK Note Payable, Net	$ 36,467,964	$ 33,244,605
PIK Note Derivative Liability	5,738,106	2,047,264
Payment in Kind (PIK) Note [Member]
PIK Note Payable, Gross	43,609,381	43,000,437
Less: Discount	(6,693,976)	(9,240,138)
Less: Deferred Financing Cost	(447,441)	(515,694)
PIK Note Payable, Net	36,467,964	33,244,605
PIK Note Derivative Liability	5,738,106	2,047,264
Payment in Kind (PIK) Note [Member] | Series 2023 Notes [Member]
PIK Note Payable, Gross	16,394,688	16,090,721
Less: Discount	(1,427,737)	(1,538,299)
Less: Deferred Financing Cost	(191,994)	(221,280)
PIK Note Payable, Net	14,774,957	14,331,142
PIK Note Derivative Liability	502,678	163,634
Payment in Kind (PIK) Note [Member] | Series A Notes [Member]
PIK Note Payable, Gross	27,214,693	26,909,716
Less: Discount	(5,266,239)	(7,701,839)
Less: Deferred Financing Cost	(255,447)	(294,414)
PIK Note Payable, Net	21,693,007	18,913,463
PIK Note Derivative Liability	$ 5,235,428	$ 1,883,630

CONVERTIBLE DEBT (PIK NOTES) _3

CONVERTIBLE DEBT (PIK NOTES) (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions	Dec. 14, 2017	Nov. 03, 2014	Aug. 01, 2013	Aug. 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Paid-in-Kind Interest							$ 1,108,367	$ 2,704,837
Payment in Kind (PIK) Note [Member]
Proceeds from Convertible Debt										$ 23,000,000
Series A Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		10.00%							10.00%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price		$ 0.40							$ 1.40
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 19,848,486
Proceeds from Convertible Debt		$ 12,500,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		May 1, 2023								Aug. 1, 2023
Series A Notes [Member] | Payment in Kind (PIK) Note [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		10.00%								10.00%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price										$ 0.90
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 19,848,486
Proceeds from Convertible Debt		$ 12,500,000
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts						$ 234,911	2,474,567		$ 5,808,294
Debt Instrument, Increase, Accrued Interest							304,977		2,797,836
Convertible Notes Payable, Noncurrent						21,693,007	21,693,007		18,913,463
Series 2023 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		10.00%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price		$ 0.59
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 10,500,000
Proceeds from Convertible Debt		$ 10,500,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Aug. 1, 2023
Series 2023 Notes [Member] | Payment in Kind (PIK) Note [Member]
Paid-in-Kind Interest	$ 577,439			$ 738,728	$ 703,550
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage											10.00%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price											$ 1.40
Proceeds from Convertible Debt			$ 10,500,000
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts						35,566	139,848		200,360
Debt Instrument, Increase, Accrued Interest							303,967		2,019,717
Convertible Notes Payable, Noncurrent						14,774,957	14,774,957		14,331,142
Series A Pik Note Derivative Liability [Member]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability						5,235,428	5,235,428		1,883,630
Series 2023 Pik Note Derivative Liability [Member]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability						$ 502,678	$ 502,678		$ 163,634
Warrants Issued To Series 2023 Notes Holders [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights									3,720,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights									$ 0.10
Warrants and Rights Outstanding									$ 224,290

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details T

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details Textual) - $ / shares	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 07, 2017	Dec. 06, 2017
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	400,000,000	400,000,000	400,000,000	250,000,000
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	175,513,549	140,763,549
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	175,513,549	140,763,549
Stock Issued During Period Shares In Lieu Of Payment For Fees Associated With Private Placement		2,275,000
Stock Issued During Period In Lieu Of Payment For Fees Associated With Private Placement Price Per Share		$ 0.04
Common Stock [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services	1,500,000
Shares Issued, Price Per Share	$ 0.04
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	31,250,000
Director [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services		250,000
Shares Issued, Price Per Share		$ 0.36
Sale Of Stock One [Member]
Shares Issued, Price Per Share	$ 0.04	$ 0.04
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	17,375,000	31,250,000
Sale Of Stock Two [Member]
Shares Issued, Price Per Share	$ 0.05
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	3,000,000
Sale Of Stock Three [Member]
Shares Issued, Price Per Share	$ 0.10
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	1,000,000
Sale Of Stock Four [Member]
Shares Issued, Price Per Share	$ 0.04
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	2,000,000
Private Placement [Member]
Shares Issued, Price Per Share	$ 0.15
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights	$ 0.08	$ 0.04
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	9,875,000	26,500,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right		0.25

OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCH_3

OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK (Details) - Warrant [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares Issuable upon Exercise of Outstanding Warrants, Outstanding at January 1, 2018 | shares	18,813,373
Shares Issuable upon Exercise of Outstanding Warrants, Issued | shares	9,875,000
Shares Issuable upon Exercise of Outstanding Warrants, Exercised | shares	(2,000,000)
Shares Issuable upon Exercise of Outstanding Warrants, Forfeited | shares	0
Shares Issuable upon Exercise of Outstanding Warrants, Outstanding at September 30, 2018 | shares	26,688,373
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at January 1, 2018 | $ / shares	$ 0.14
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Issued | $ / shares	0.15
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised | $ / shares	0.04
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited | $ / shares	0
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at September 30, 2018 | $ / shares	$ 0.15

OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCH_4

OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK (Details 1) - Warrant [Member] - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price	$ 0.15	$ 0.14
Shares Issuable upon Exercise of Outstanding Warrants	26,688,373	18,813,373
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	3 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 0.15
Exercise Price 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price	$ 1.15
Shares Issuable upon Exercise of Outstanding Warrants	461,340
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	2 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 1.15
Exercise Price 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price	$ 0.25
Shares Issuable upon Exercise of Outstanding Warrants	3,283,283
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	3 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 0.25
Exercise Price 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price	$ 0.04
Shares Issuable upon Exercise of Outstanding Warrants	2,068,750
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	4 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 0.04
Exercise Price 4 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price	$ 0.10
Shares Issuable upon Exercise of Outstanding Warrants	11,000,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	4 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 0.10
Exercise Price 5 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price	$ 0.15
Shares Issuable upon Exercise of Outstanding Warrants	9,875,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	2 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 0.15

OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCH_5

OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK (Details 2) - Employee Stock Option [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Dividend Yield	0.00%
Maximum [Member]
Expected Life (in years)	2 years 11 months 16 days
Expected Volatility	177.59%
Risk Free Interest Rate	2.62%
Minimum [Member]
Expected Life (in years)	2 years 5 months 23 days
Expected Volatility	163.73%
Risk Free Interest Rate	2.54%

OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCH_6

OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK (Details 3)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares Issuable Upon Exercise of Options, Outstanding at December 31, 2017 | shares	57,057,768
Shares Issuable Upon Exercise of Options, Granted | shares	4,224,999
Shares Issuable Upon Exercise of Options, Exercised | shares	0
Shares Issuable Upon Exercise of Options, Forfeited | shares	(282,645)
Shares Issuable Upon Exercise of Options, Outstanding at September 30, 2018 | shares	61,000,122
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at December 31, 2017 | $ / shares	$ 0.36
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted | $ / shares	0.11
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised | $ / shares	0
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited | $ / shares	1.36
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at September 30, 2018 | $ / shares	$ 0.34

OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCH_7

OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK (Details 4)	Sep. 30, 2018$ / sharesshares
Number of Options Outstanding | shares	61,000,122
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding | $ / shares	$ 0.34
Number of Options Exercisable | shares	52,425,116
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable | $ / shares	$ 0.39
Range of Exercise Prices (0.06 - 0.11) [Member]
Number of Options Outstanding | shares	36,245,288
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding | $ / shares	$ 0.06
Number of Options Exercisable | shares	28,920,287
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable | $ / shares	$ 0.06
Range of Exercise Prices (0.12 - 0.21) [Member]
Number of Options Outstanding | shares	3,581,395
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding | $ / shares	$ 0.13
Number of Options Exercisable | shares	2,331,390
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable | $ / shares	$ 0.13
Range of Exercise Prices (0.22 - 0.66) [Member]
Number of Options Outstanding | shares	4,280,093
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding | $ / shares	$ 0.27
Number of Options Exercisable | shares	4,280,093
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable | $ / shares	$ 0.27
Range of Exercise Prices (0.68 – 1.10) [Member]
Number of Options Outstanding | shares	12,251,286
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding | $ / shares	$ 0.75
Number of Options Exercisable | shares	12,251,286
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable | $ / shares	$ 0.75
Range of Exercise Prices (1.15 – 1.90) [Member]
Number of Options Outstanding | shares	4,642,060
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding | $ / shares	$ 1.66
Number of Options Exercisable | shares	4,642,060
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable | $ / shares	$ 1.66

OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCH_8

OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK (Details Textual)	Dec. 14, 2017USD ($)$ / shares$ / itemshares	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Feb. 01, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 07, 2016shares	May 31, 2016shares	Nov. 20, 2012shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross | shares			4,224,999
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares			$ 0.11
Price Per Unit | $ / item	0.04
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value		$ 1,785,196	$ 1,785,196
Performance based Options Vesting Feature Close Sale Of Units Amount	$ 600,000
Intrinsic Value Of Outstanding Warrants		254,813	254,813
Ltip [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized | shares							8,900,000
LTIP 2016 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized | shares						2,000,000
Incentive Plan 2016 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized | shares					15,000,000
2017 IP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized | shares	40,000,000
Performance Based Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross | shares	27,500,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 0.06
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Date	Dec. 13, 2027
Performance Based Options [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	50.00%
Performance Based Options [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	25.00%
Performance Based Options Vesting Feature Additional Cash Proceeds				$ 900,000
Performance Based Options [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	8.30%
Performance Based Options [Member] | Sharebased Compensation Award Tranche Four [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	8.30%
Performance based Options Vesting Feature EBITDA Minimum Value Over 12 Month Period	$ 2,000,000
Performance Based Options [Member] | Sharebased Compensation Award Tranche Five [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	8.40%
Performance based Options Vesting Feature EBITDA Minimum Value Over 12 Month Period	$ 4,000,000
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		60,430	964,647
Time Based Unvested Options [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options		85,464	$ 85,464
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition			5 months 12 days
Performance Based Unvested Options [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options		$ 354,750	$ 354,750
Warrants In Connection With Units [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right | shares	0.25

PER SHARE DATA (Details Textual

PER SHARE DATA (Details Textual) - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	61,000,122	21,277,479
Warrant [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	26,688,373	10,000,873
Convertible Debt Securities [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	96,813,732	52,075,593

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details Textual)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Payments for Rent	$ 6,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	5 years
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 396,114
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year	26,883
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	109,953
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	113,253
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	116,649
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	$ 29,376