RECLAMATION

Reclamation and mine closure costs are based principally on legal and regulatory requirements. Management estimates costs associated with reclamation of mining properties as well as remediation costs for inactive properties. The Company uses assumptions about future costs, mineral prices, mineral processing recovery rates, production levels, capital costs and reclamation costs. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and assumptions and future expenditures could differ from current estimates.

Changes to the Company’s asset retirement obligations are as follows (in thousands):




	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
Asset retirement obligation - Beginning	$	57,454		$	34,457
Accretion	1,317			3,442
Additions and changes in estimates	—			20,236
Settlements	(311		)	(681		)
Asset retirement obligation - Ending	$	58,460		$	57,454

The Company has accrued $0.9 million and $1.0 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, for reclamation liabilities related to former mining activities. These amounts are also included in Reclamation in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.