CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
REVENUE:
Gold and silver sales	$ 13,498
(Loss) income on investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A., net of amortization - note 5	(237)	3,049
Total Revenue	13,261	3,049
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Production costs applicable to sales	10,593
Mine construction costs		4,363
Mine development costs	471
Exploration costs	14,600	11,784
Property holding costs	1,377	1,573
General and administrative	4,192	4,727
Acquisition costs		1,395
Accretion of asset retirement obligation	113	112
Depreciation	282	221
Gain on sale of assets		(2)
Total costs and expenses	31,628	24,173
Operating loss	(18,367)	(21,124)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income	71	125
Gain on litigation settlement	560
Gain on sale of gold and silver bullion		1,408
Foreign currency gain (loss)	291	(33)
Total other income	922	1,500
Loss before income taxes	(17,445)	(19,624)
Recovery of income taxes	6,463	2,273
Net loss	(10,982)	(17,351)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes		(376)
Comprehensive loss	$ (10,982)	$ (17,727)
Basic and diluted per share data:
Net loss - basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.07)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
- basic and diluted (in shares)	296,778	233,994