Bunker Hill Mining has produced its first concentrate at the redeveloped Bunker Hill Mine in Idaho’s Silver Valley, US, the first product from the site in 45 years.
The company plans to ship this material to the Trail Smelter.
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The mine had been shut since 1981 following the introduction of new US environmental laws in the 1970s, which led to the loss of around 2,000 jobs.
Before its closure, the Bunker Hill Mine yielded approximately 165 million ounces (moz) of silver and 4.5 million tonnes (mt) of base metals.
Since then, the facility has undergone six years of redevelopment, modernisation, permitting, financing and underground rehabilitation under the company’s new management.
The company anticipates reaching commercial production by the end of 2026, once the mine has sustained 90 days at more than 65% of its 1,800 tonnes per day throughput and achieved stable operations.
Production guidance for 2027 and 2028 is expected to be announced when commercial output begins.
The company has also provided an update on its ongoing exploration activities.
Recent underground drilling has focused on high-grade silver-lead mineralisation near existing infrastructure and further assessment of the Cate-8 Vein.
So far, 16 core holes totalling 5,960ft have all intersected visible galena mineralisation, both within and outside the modelled vein zone.
A further 28 drill-holes, approximately 14,000ft, are planned in the coming months, aimed at collecting the data necessary for future mineral resource estimates.
Bunker Hill Mining president and CEO Sam Ash said: “This is a defining moment for both the new Bunker Hill and the communities of Kellogg and Wardner.
“Although we are just starting the ramp-up to commercial production – expected by the end of 2026 – and a lot of work remains to be done to bring our processing system to its maximum efficiency, we are now firmly back in business, employing world-class local labour and supplying these critical metals safely into the US domestic supply chain at a vital time for our country.”
Quality assurance steps for the exploration programme have included the use of blanks and standards in sample batches.
All quality control samples submitted to date have met analytical standards, according to the company.
Assays are being conducted at SVL Analytical, which holds ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for Fire Assay and Geochemistry.
