NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACOUNTING POLICIES
GOING CONCERN AND LIQUIDITY
The entire disclosure for going concern and liquidity related issues.
GOING CONCERN AND LIQUIDITY [Abstract]
Going Concern And Liquidity Text Block
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]
CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]
STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
RELATED PARTY TRANSATIONS [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
INCOME TAXES
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Business Segments
Policy disclosure for reportable business segments.
Exploration Stage Company
Policy disclosure for an exploration stage company.
Financial Instruments
Policy disclosure for financial instruments.
Investments in Mining Rights
Policy disclosure for the investment in mining rights.
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Advertising costs
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Basis of Presentation
Business Segments Policy Text Block
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Cash and cash equivalents
Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Deferred Costs and Other
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Exploration Stage Company Policy Text Block
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Fair Value Measurements
Financial Instruments Policy Text Block
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]
Foreign Currency Translation
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Including Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Impairment of Long-Lived and Intangible Assets
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Income Taxes
Investments In Mining Rights Policy Text Block
Mine Development Costs Policy Text Block
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Reclassifications
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Property and equipment
Proven And Probable Reserves Policy Text Block
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Revenue Recognition Policy
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]
Stock-Based Compensation
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Use of Estimates
Mine development costs
Policy disclosure for mine development costs.
Proven and Probable Reserves
Policy disclosure for proven and probable reserves.
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Property and Equipment
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Convertible Notes Payable
Schedule Of Common Stock And Warrant Activity [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Stock Options by Exercise Price
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]
Scheudule of Stock Option Activity
Schedule of Stockholders' Equity Note, Warrants or Rights [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Warrants Outstanding by Exercise Price
Schedule of Common Stock and Warrant Activity
Schedule Of Common Stock And Warrant Activity [Table Text Block]
Machinery and equipment [Member]
Maximum [Member]
Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life
Estimated useful life
Range [Axis]
Range [Domain]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Vehicles [Member]
Principal balances
Convertible promissory notes payable
Accrued interest
Legal Fees Accrued Interest
Legal Fees Payable
Settlement Agreement Initial Payment
Working Capital Deficit
Legal fees accrued interest
Accrued interest for legal fees payable to attorneys and lawyers.
Legal fees payable
Balance due to attorneys or lawyers for legal fees.
Accumulated losses
Settlement Agreement, initial payment
Initial payment due as part of a settlement agreement.
Working capital deficit
The cumulative amount of working capital earnings or deficit.
Accrued Interest [Member]
Additional expense to vest previously issued options
Consultants [Member]
Consultants Two [Member]
Directors Three [Member]
Directors Two [Member]
Equity Issued, by Party [Domain]
Investment Banking Fee [Member]
Investment Banking Fee, Warrants [Member]
Accrued Interest [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense
Consultants [Member]
Consultants Two [Member]
Convertible Notes Payable [Member]
Directors Three [Member]
Directors Two [Member]
Equity Issued, by Party [Domain]
Income Taxes Paid
Income taxes paid
Interest Paid
Interest paid
Investment Banking Fee [Member]
Investment Banking Fee, Warrants [Member]
Liabilities Settled Shares Issued
Liabilities Settled Shares Issued Value
Prepaid Expenses [Member]
Schedule of Equity Issued for Services, by Party [Axis]
Schedule of Equity Issued for Services, by Party [Table]
Schedule of Equity Issued for Services [Line Items]
Number of shares issued to setlle liabilities
Number of common shares issued to settle liabilities during the period.
Liabilities settled for shares of common stock
Value of common shares issued to settle liabilities during the period.
Prepaid Expenses [Member]
Schedule of Equity Issued for Services, by Party [Axis]
Schedule of Equity Issued for Services, by Party [Table]
Schedule of Equity Issued for Services [Line Items]
Depreciation expense
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Less accumulated depreciation
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment net
Automatic conversion, minimum proceeds
Minimum proceeds that automatically convert outstanding notes payable into common stock.
Convertible notes payable, beginning balance
Convertible notes payable, ending balance
Principal balance, beginning balance
Carrying value as of the balace sheet date of the principal portion of convertible notes payable.
Principal balance, ending balance
Accrued interest, beginning balance
Accrued interest, ending balance
Convertibled Debt Automatic Conversion Minimum Proceeds
Convertible Notes Payable Principal Current
Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount
Converted into shares of common stock
Debt Instrument, Increase, Accrued Interest
Interest accrued in the period
Debt Instrument, Increase, Additional Borrowings
Issued in the period
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage
Annual rate
Interest Payable, Current
Notes Convertible Adjustment Interest
Notes Convertible Adjustment Principal
Adjustment
Adjustment, accrued interest
Adjustment to convertible notes, interest payable.
Adjustment, principal balance
Adjustment to convertible notes, principal balance.
Investment, concessions percentage
Percentage of concessions owed to a third party after agreed upon investment is complete.
Investment funds available
Investment funds available from a third party.
Investment, re-imbursement fee payable
Reimbursement fee payable as part of an investment agreement.
Investment, re-imbursement threshold amount
Minimum investment amount needed to enact fees payable.
Investment, shares issuable
Number of shares issued or issuable for a monetary investment.
Investment, shares issued
Number of shares issued as part of an investment agreement.
Investment Concessions Percentage
Investment Funds Available
Investment Reimbursement Fee Payable
Investment Reimbursement Threshold
Investment Shares Issuable
Investment Shares Issued
Operating Leases, Rent Expense
Monthly rent expense
Litigation Return Of Shares
Mining Rights Concessions Payments
Mining Rights Payments Percentage Increase Maximum
Mining Rights Payments Percentage Increase Minimum
Operating Leases Lease Term
Operating Leases Lease Term Extension
Title Litigation Amount Previously Paid
Litigation, number of shares demanded for return
Request for the return of shares as part of a litigation matter, number of shares.
Mining rights, payments due
Payments made to maintain mining concessions and mining rights.
Mining rights, expected percentage increase, maximum
Maximum expected increase in the payments made to maintain mining rights, presented as a percentage.
Mining rights, expected percentage increase, minimum
Minimum expected increase in the payments made to maintain mining rights, presented as a percentage.
Operating lease term
Term of an operating lease.
Operating lease extension option
Duration of an option to extend an operating lease.
Litigation, amount paid for exploration concession
Amount previously paid for assets being disputed legally.
Directors [Member]
Officer [Member]
Related Party [Domain]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party [Axis]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Excisable term
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Grant Date Intrinsic Value
Value of options granted
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross
Common stock shares granted
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Exercise price
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Issued for Services
Shares issued for services, value
Number of equity securities issued for services
Converted Debt [Member]
Interest converted
Amount of debt interest converted into shares of common stock.
Principal converted
Amount of debt principal converted into shares of common stock.
Equity Issuance Five [Member]
Equity Issuance Four [Member]
Equity Issuance One [Member]
Equity Issuance Six [Member]
Equity Issuance Three [Member]
Equity Issuance Two [Member]
Converted Debt [Member]
Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued
Debt conversion, shares issued
Debt Conversion Interest Converted
Debt Conversion Principal Converted
Equity Issuance Five [Member]
Equity Issuance Four [Member]
Equity Issuance One [Member]
Equity Issuance Six [Member]
Equity Issuance Three [Member]
Equity Issuance Two [Member]
Financing [Axis]
Financing [Domain]
Estimated Litigation Liability
Litigation amount
Shares Cancelled
Subsequent Event, Amount
Subsequent Event Common Stock Warrants Issued
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Event [Table]
Subsequent Event Warrants Issued Common Stock Price Per Share
Subsequent Event Warrants Issued Number Of Shares
Threatened Litigation [Member]
Number of shares cancelled
Number of shares cancelled on a specific date.
Consideration received
Common stock and warrants issued
Number of common stock and warrants issued after the report date.
Price per share
Price per share of common stock available for purchase for warrants issued after the report date.
Number of shares available for purchase
Number of shares available for purchase for warrants issued after the report date.
Entity Units Outstanding
Amendment Flag
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Period End Date
Document Type
Entity Central Index Key
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Filer Category
Entity Registrant Name
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Accrued Salaries, Current
Accrued compensation
Additional Paid in Capital
Additional paid in capital
Assets
Total Assets
Assets [Abstract]
ASSETS
Assets, Current
Total current assets
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value
Cash
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 7.)
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Common stock: authorized 150,000,000 shares of $0.00001 par value; 106,489,185 and 103,307,633 shares, issued and outstanding respectively
Convertible Notes Payable, Current
Convertible notes payable and related accrued interest
Liabilities and Equity
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit
Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Liabilities, Current
Total current liabilities
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Current Liabilities:
Mineral Properties, Net
Investment in mining rights and other
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Other Assets
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued
Preferred stock: authorized 10,000,000 shares of $0.00001 par value; no shares issued and outstanding
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current
Prepaid and other current assets
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment, net
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Deficit accumulated during exploration stage
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent
Total stockholders' deficit
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Stockholders' Deficit:
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share
Common stock, par value per share
Common Stock, Shares Authorized
Common stock, shares authorized
Common Stock, Shares, Issued
Common stock, shares issued
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding
Common stock, shares outstanding
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share
Preferred stock, par value per share
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized
Preferred stock, shares authorized
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued
Preferred stock, shares issued
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding
Preferred stock, shares outstanding
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted
Basic and diluted
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Net loss per share
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest
Loss before income taxes
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Provision for income taxes
Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net
Interest expense (net)
Net loss
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Total other income (expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Other Income (Expense):
Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Costs and Expenses
Operating Income (Loss)
Operating Loss
Revenues
Revenues
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted
Weighted average number of shares outstanding Basic and diluted
Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Charges and credits not requiring the use of cash:
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Adjustments required to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium)
Accretion of debt discount
Cash beginning of period
Cash end of period
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Depreciation
Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement
Debt reduction through legal settlements
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable, Net
Increase in interest accrued on convertible notes
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract]
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets
Issuance of Stock and Warrants for Services or Claims
Shares, options and warrants issued for services
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Financing Activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Net Cash Provided By (Used in) Investing Activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Investing Activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Operating Activities:
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Net loss
Notes Convertible Adjustment
Payments to Acquire Mineral Rights
Investment in mining rights
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment
Acquisition of equipment
Payments to Fund Long-term Loans to Related Parties
Loan to affiliated company
Proceeds from Convertible Debt
Proceeds from convertible notes
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
Proceeds from sale of common stock
Proceeds From Loan From Affiliated Company
Loan from affiliated company
Proceeds from loan from affiliated company.
Proceeds from Related Party Debt
Loans from officers
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Related Party Debt
Repayment of loan by the affiliated company
Proceeds from Warrant Exercises
Proceeds from exercises of warrants
Provision for Doubtful Accounts
Bad debt expense
Repayment Of Loan From Affiliated Company
Repayment of loan to the affiliated company
Repayment of loan from affiliated company.
Repayments of Related Party Debt
Repayment of loans from officers
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract]
Adjustment to notes convertible
Adjustment to convertible debt.
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period
Vesting period
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Granted
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Nonvested Number
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number
Outstanding, beginning balance
Outstanding, ending balance
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning balance
Outstanding, ending balance
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Exercised
Granted
Cancelled or forfeited
Cancelled or forfeited
Nonvested options
Number of share-based payment award options issued but not vested at issuance.
Closing stock price
Closing stock price per share at the end of the period.
$0.185 [Member]
Exercise Price Five [Member]
$0.18 [Member]
Exercise Price Four [Member]
$0.065 [Member]
Exercise Price One [Member]
$0.12 [Member]
Exercise Price Seven [Member]
$0.20 [Member]
Exercise Price Six [Member]
$0.16 [Member]
Exercise Price Three [Member]
$0.07 [Member]
Exercise Price Two [Member]
Closing Stock Price
Exercise Price Five [Member]
Exercise Price Four [Member]
Exercise Price One [Member]
Exercise Price Seven [Member]
Exercise Price Six [Member]
Exercise Price Three [Member]
Exercise Price Two [Member]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value
Intrinsic Value of Stock Options Outstanding And Exercisable
Exercise Price Range [Axis]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Weighted Average Life of Stock Options Exercisable in Years
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options
Stock Options Exercisable
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options
Stock Options Outstanding And Exercisable
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Weighted Average Life of Stock Options Outstanding And Exercisable
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit
Exercise price
Intrinsic Value of Stock Options Exercisable
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights
Exercise Price
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants Outstanding
Warrants Outstanding By Exercise Price [Axis]
Warrants Outstanding By Exercise Price [Table]
Warrants Outstanding Exercise Price [Domain]
Warrants Outstanding Exercise Price Five [Member]
Warrants Outstanding Exercise Price Four [Member]
Warrants Outstanding Exercise Price One [Member]
Warrants Outstanding Exercise Price Three [Member]
Warrants Outstanding Exercise Price Two [Member]
Warrants Outstanding Weighted Average Life
Warrants Outstanding By Exercise Price [Axis]
Warrants Outstanding By Exercise Price [Table]
Warrants Outstanding Exercise Price [Domain]
$0.40 [Member]
Warrants Outstanding Exercise Price Five [Member]
$0.25 [Member]
Warrants Outstanding Exercise Price Four [Member]
$0.10 [Member]
Warrants Outstanding Exercise Price One [Member]
$0.16 [Member]
Warrants Outstanding Exercise Price Three [Member]
$0.15 [Member]
Warrants Outstanding Exercise Price Two [Member]
Weighted Average Life of Outstanding Warrants
Weighted average life of outstanding warrants.
Common stock, issued as investment banking fee
Common stock issued during the period for investment proceeds.
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding
Warrants, beginning balance
Warrants, ending balance
Common Stock Issued Investment Proceeds
Common Stock, beginning balance
Common Stock, ending balance
Proceeds From Common Stock Issued For Investment
Proceeds from Issuance of Warrants
Proceeds from warrants issued as investment banking fee
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues
Common Stock, issued for cash proceeds
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period
Common Stock, issued on the cashless exercise of stock options
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues
Cash proceeds
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross
Warrants Exercised
Warrants Exercised Common Stock Issued
Warrants Expired
Warrants Issued
Warrants Issued Investment Proceeds
Proceeds from common stock issued as investment banking fee
Proceeds from common stock issued for investment during the period.
Issued to directors as compensation
Share-based compensation
Warrants exercised
Number of warrants exercised after the report date.
Common Stock, warrants exercised
Shares of common stock issued for warrants exercised during the period.
Warrants expired, unexercised
Number of shares that expired, unexercised, during the period.
Warrants, issued for cash proceeds
Number of warrants issued during the period.
Warrants, issued as investment banking fee
Warrants issued during the period for investment proceeds.
Retainage Deposit
Investment, non-refundable retainer
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized
Shares authorized under the plan
Warrants Exercise Period
Exercise period
Exercise period of warrants issued.
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
BASIS OF PRESENTATION [Abstract]
Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block]
BASIS OF PRESENTATION