INCOME TAXES - Deferred Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance [Abstract]    
Asset retirement obligation $ 1,143,591 $ 1,259,361
Mineral rights and properties, plant, and equipment 1,172,407 1,233,374
Mining exploration, development, claims, and permit costs 335,572 174,122
Lease liability 2,739,135 0
Net operating loss carryforward 41,897,036 40,316,072
Capital loss carryforward 0 655,780
Mark-to-market adjustments 3,697,424 0
Other 453,712 88,841
Total deferred tax asset 51,438,877 43,727,550
Valuation allowance (43,102,265) (43,579,484)
Net deferred tax assets 8,336,612 148,066
Deferred tax liabilities:    
Right of use asset – leases (2,739,135) 0
Mark-to market adjustments 0 (148,066)
Intangible assets (5,597,477) 0
Total deferred tax liabilities (8,336,612) 0
Net deferred tax assets and liabilities $ 0 $ 148,066