RECLAMATION

Reclamation and mine closure costs are based principally on legal and regulatory requirements. Management estimates costs associated with reclamation of mining 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 (included in Reclamation) are as follows:



In thousands	Year ended December 31,
	2014			2013
Asset retirement obligation - Beginning	$	55,966		$	33,008
Accretion	4,826			3,316
Additions and changes in estimates	6,748			19,670
Settlements	(326		)	(28		)
Asset retirement obligation - Ending	$	67,214		$	55,966

The Company has accrued $3.6 million and $2.5 million at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, for reclamation liabilities related to former mining activities. These amounts are also included in Reclamation.