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Note 2 - Investments and Restricted Cash | 3 Months Ended
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Mar. 31, 2015
Cash Restricted Cash And Investments [Abstract] |
Cash Restricted Cash And Investments [Text Block] | Note 2. Investments and Restricted Cash Investments At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair value of our non-current investments was $4.3 million and $4.9 million, respectively. Our non-current investments consist of marketable equity securities, which are carried at fair value as they are classified as “available-for-sale.” The cost basis of our non-current investments was approximately $4.9 million and $7.3 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. During the first quarter of 2015, we recognized a $2.8 million impairment charge against current earnings, as we determined the impairment to be other-than-temporary. We also acquired equity in other mining companies for a total cost of $0.9 million during the first quarter of 2015. At March 31, 2015, a net unrealized loss position of $0.6 million for our non-current investments was included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. Restricted Cash and Investments Various laws, permits, and covenants require that funds be in place for certain environmental and reclamation obligations and other potential liabilities. These restricted investments are used primarily for reclamation funding or for funding surety bonds, and were $0.9 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Restricted investments primarily represent investments in money market funds and certificates of deposit.

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