Mineral Rights and Properties, Net

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Mineral Industries Disclosures [Abstract]

Mineral rights and properties at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following:



	2016			2015
Dayton resource area	$	2,932,226		$	2,932,226
Lucerne resource area	1,998,896			1,998,896
Occidental area	1,002,172			1,002,172
Spring Valley area	810,000			810,000
Oest area	260,707			260,707
Northern extension	157,205			157,205
Northern targets	121,170			121,170
Other mineral properties	317,404			317,404
Water rights	90,000			90,000
Accumulated depletion	(484,699		)	(484,699		)
Total mineral rights and properties	$	7,205,081		$	7,205,081

Mineral rights and properties balances as of December 31, 2016, and 2015, are presented based on the Company’s identified mineral resource areas and exploration targets. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company did not recognize any depletion expense. During years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized depletion expense of approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.