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Note 2. Investments and Restricted Cash
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Investments And Restricted Cash
Note 2.    Investments and Restricted Cash

Investments

At December 31, 2010, the fair value of our current investments was $1.5 million, with a cost basis of approximately $0.8 million.  This investment was sold in February 2011 for proceeds of $1.4 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of approximately $0.6 million.  No current investments were held at June 30, 2011.

At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the fair value of our non-current investments was $4.2 million and $1.2 million, respectively.  Marketable equity securities are carried at fair market value, as they are classified as “available-for-sale.” The cost basis of these non-current investments, representing equity securities, was approximately $3.8 million and $0.2 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, as we acquired additional mining-related investments in the second quarter.

At June 30, 2011, total unrealized gains of $0.6 million for investments held having a net gain position and total unrealized losses of $0.2 million for investments held having a net loss position were included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Restricted Cash and Investments

Various laws, permits, and covenants require that financial assurances be in place for certain environmental and reclamation obligations and other potential liabilities.  Restricted investments primarily represent investments in money market funds and certificates of deposit.  These restricted investments are to be used primarily for reclamation funding or for funding surety bonds and were $0.9 million at June 30, 2011 and $10.3 million at December 31, 2010. The reduction in restricted investments was due to the release of collateral on bonding requirements.