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INTANGIBLE ASSETS: (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2009
Intangible assets |  |  |
Intangible assets excluding goodwill, gross | $ 135,000,000 | $ 134,800,000 |
Accumulated amortization | (41,600,000) | (39,500,000) |
Goodwill | 17,000,000 | 17,000,000 |
Intangible assets, net | 110,436,000 | 112,352,000 |
Amortization expense: |  |  |
Amortization expense | 2,100,000 | 2,100,000 | 2,400,000
Estimated amortization expense: |  |  |
2012-2016 | 11,900,000 |  |
Average annual | 2,400,000 |  |
Mining concessions |  |  |
Intangible assets |  |  |
Intangible assets excluding goodwill, gross | 121,200,000 | 121,200,000 |
Mine engineering and development studies |  |  |
Intangible assets |  |  |
Intangible assets excluding goodwill, gross | 6,000,000 | 6,000,000 |
Software |  |  |
Intangible assets |  |  |
Intangible assets excluding goodwill, gross | $ 7,800,000 | $ 7,600,000 |

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- Definition The accumulated amount of amortization of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 142 -Paragraph 45 -Subparagraph a(1) -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905858&loc=d3e16323-109275 + Details
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- Definition Sum of the gross carrying amounts before accumulated amortization as of the balance sheet date of all intangible assets having statutory or estimated useful lives. The aggregate gross carrying amount (including any previously recognized impairment charges) of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 142 -Paragraph 45 -Subparagraph a(1) -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905858&loc=d3e16323-109275 + Details
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