Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 9,347	$ 15,554
Restricted cash	197	98
Prepaid expenses	773	577
Other	490	273
Total current assets	10,807	16,502
Property, plant and equipment, net [note 5]	2,826	3,102
Deposits	239	256
Total assets	13,872	19,860
Current liabilities:
Accrued liabilities and other payables	1,380	1,394
Total current liabilities	1,380	1,394
Other liabilities	482	497
Related party payable	359	357
Total liabilities	2,221	2,248
Commitments and contingencies [note 13]
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value of $0.0001, 200 million shares authorized and 106.6 and 106.4 million shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	11	11
Additional paid-in capital	110,541	110,430
Deficit accumulated during the exploration stage	(108,301)	(102,775)
Total stockholders' equity	2,251	7,666
Noncontrolling interest [note 10]	9,400	9,946
Total equity	11,651	17,612
Total liabilities and equity	$ 13,872	$ 19,860