INVENTORIES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
INVENTORIES
Ore on leach pads	$ 1,689	$ 685
In-process inventory	1,215	3,604
Stockpiles		308
Precious metals	2,474	1,322
Materials and supplies	1,314	1,343
Inventories	$ 6,692	$ 7,262

Represents the carrying amount, net of reserves and adjustments, as of the balance sheet date, of ore on leach pads.

No definition available.

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- Definition

Carrying amount, net of reserves and adjustments, as of the balance sheet date, of ore stockpiled.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

Represents the carrying amount, net of reserves and adjustments, as of the balance sheet date, of precious metals.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

Carrying amount (lower of cost or market) as of the balance sheet date of inventories less all valuation and other allowances. Excludes noncurrent inventory balances (expected to remain on hand past one year or one operating cycle, if longer).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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- Definition

Aggregated amount of unprocessed materials to be used in manufacturing or production process and supplies that will be consumed. This amount is net of valuation reserves and adjustments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

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- Definition

Carrying amount, net of reserves and adjustments, as of the balance sheet date of merchandise or goods which are partially completed. This inventory is generally comprised of raw materials, labor and factory overhead costs, which require further materials, labor and overhead to be converted into finished goods, and which generally require the use of estimates to determine percentage complete and pricing.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

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-Section S99

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-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.6(a)(3))

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