CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		128 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$ (2,147,078)	$ (1,359,584)	$ (73,335,494)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Stock-based compensation	249,600	50,870	11,155,499
Stock received for services			(11,165)
Depreciation	234,903	244,396	5,659,640
Initial measurement of asset retirement obligation			344,187
Accretion of asset retirement obligation	5,488	5,286	118,124
Gain on sale of available-for-sale securities			(2,005,904)
Gain from warrant derivatives	0	(336,920)	(476,381)
Impairment of mineral properties			504,492
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Interest receivable	3,790	5,701	(4,025)
Prepaid expenses and deposits	30,597	35,518	(280,706)
Accounts payable	(71,566)	(24,609)	423,596
Payroll and payroll taxes payable	81,283	24,096	95,977
Net cash used in operating activities	(1,612,983)	(1,355,246)	(57,812,160)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and equipment		(9,379)	(7,697,121)
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment			35,423
Proceeds (purchase) of certificates of deposit	(6,216)	51,880	(2,689,631)
Net proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities			2,005,904
Increase in mineral properties			(144,312)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(6,216)	42,501	(8,489,737)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from sale of common stock		198,000	74,881,436
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(1,619,199)	(1,114,745)	8,579,539
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	10,246,073	17,121,800	47,335
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	8,626,874	16,007,055	8,626,874
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Interest paid			65,768
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	$ (5,985)	$ 2,748	$ 1,637