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ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS	9 Months Ended
ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS	Sep. 30, 2012
ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS [Abstract]
ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS	NOTE 2 – ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS Applied Minerals, Inc. is a producer of halloysite clay for uses in the development of advanced polymer, catalytic, environmental remediation, and controlled release applications. The Company owns and operates the Dragon Mine, located in Juab County, Utah, where it is currently focused on the commercialization of the property. The Company also owns the Atlas Mine, a consolidation of several patented silver mining claims located in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District near Mullan, Idaho. During the third quarter of 2012, the Company reclassified this asset from held for sale to land and mining property as the Company is exploring various strategic options to further monetize the value of the land and any associated mineral resources. From 1997 through 2008, the Company's sole source of revenue and income was derived from its contract mining business through which it provided shaft sinking, underground mine development and mine labor primarily to companies in the mining and civil industries. At December 31, 2008, the Company discontinued its contract mining efforts due to economic conditions and the desire to concentrate its efforts on the commercialization of the halloysite clay deposit at the Dragon Mine. Effective January 1, 2009, the Company commenced development and exploration of the Dragon Mine and, as the existence of proven or probable reserves have not been demonstrated and no significant revenue has been earned from the mine, is considered in the exploration stage as well as being considered a development stage company. There are no plans to resume the contract mining activities.