DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Assets retained by the Company:
Performance bonds and refundable deposits	$ 135	$ 114
Net assets conveyed to Purchaser:
Undeveloped mining claims		21,942
Mining equipment		1,774
Less accumulated depreciation of mining equipment		(892)
Less write-down due to impairment		(22,620)
Net book value of assets conveyed		204
Total assets of discontinued operations	135	318
Asset retirement obligations assumed by Purchaser		$ 204