Asset Retirement Obligations

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]

Asset Retirement Obligations

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

At the end of each period, Asset Retirement Obligations (“ARO”) are equal to the present value of all estimated future costs required to remediate any environmental disturbances that exist as of the end of the period, using discount rates applicable at the time of initial recognition of each component of the liability. Included in this liability are the costs of closure, reclamation, demolition and stabilization of the mines, processing plants, infrastructure, tailings storage facilities, waste dumps and ongoing post-closure environmental monitoring and maintenance costs. While the majority of these costs will be incurred near the end of the mines' lives, it is expected that certain on-going reclamation costs will be incurred prior to mine closure. These costs are recorded against the asset retirement obligation liability as incurred. At September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, the total undiscounted amount of the estimated future cash needs was estimated to be $70.9 million and $76.2 million, respectively. Discount rates used to value the ARO range between 8% and 10%. The schedule of payments required to settle the December 31, 2011 ARO liability extends through 2029.

The changes in the carrying amount of the ARO during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, and September 30, 2011, are as follows:

	For the nine months ended
	September 30,
	2012			2011
Beginning balance	$	33,880		$	44,952
Accretion expense	2,111			5,300
Additions and changes in estimates	—			3,748
Cost of reclamation work performed	(5,389		)	(20,244		)
Balance at September 30	$	30,602		$	33,756
Current portion	$	7,886		$	11,445
Long term portion	$	22,716		$	22,311