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 its operating sites are as follows:



	Three months ended June 30,						Six months ended June 30,
In thousands	2018			2017			2018			2017
Asset retirement obligation - Beginning		$120,848			$88,397		$	118,799		$	86,754
Accretion	2,766			2,116			5,311			4,180
Settlements	(707		)	(511		)	(1,203		)	(932		)
Asset retirement obligation - Ending		$122,907			$90,002		$	122,907		$	90,002

The Company accrued $2.0 million at each of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, for reclamation liabilities related to former mining activities, which are included in Reclamation.