|
Asset Retirement and Reclamation Obligations
|
12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2013
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset Retirement and Reclamation Obligations |
Asset retirement obligations ("ARO") for the Lost Creek Project 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 ranging from 0.3% to 3.8%. Included in this liability are the costs of closure, reclamation, demolition and stabilization of the mines, processing plants, infrastructure, aquifer restoration, waste dumps and ongoing post-closure environmental monitoring and maintenance costs. At December 31, 2013, the total undiscounted amount of the future cash needs was estimated to be $17.7 million. The schedule of payments required to settle the ARO liability extends through 2033.
The restricted cash as discussed in note 8 is related to surety bonds and letters of credit which provide security to the related governmental agencies on these obligations.
|