RECLAMATION

Reclamation and mine closure costs are based principally on legal and regulatory requirements. Management estimates costs associated with reclamation of mining properties. 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 for operating sites are as follows:



	Three months ended March 31,
In thousands	2018			2017
Asset retirement obligation - Beginning	$	118,799		$	86,754
Accretion	2,545			2,064
Settlements	(496		)	(421		)
Asset retirement obligation - Ending	$	120,848		$	88,397

The Company has accrued $2.1 million and $2.0 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, for reclamation liabilities related to former mining activities, which are included in Reclamation.