Vancouver — Rehabilitation of the underground tunnel is Sterling Mining’s (SRLM-O) first move towards redeveloping the Sunshine silver mine in Idaho. The company is eager to see the mine back in production after it sat idle for nearly four years.
The Sunshine property comprises 4,000 acres in the Coeur d’Alene mining district near Kellogg. The underground mine was shut down and placed on care-and-maintenance in February 2001 after producing more than 360 million oz. of silver.
Sterling awarded the contract for underground rehabilitation of portions of the Silver Summit tunnel to Atlas Fausett Contracting of Osburn, Idaho.
The underground workings consist of multiple levels developed off the Jewell shaft, the main production shaft. It extends from the surface to a depth of over 4,000 feet and is complemented by other interior shafts which develop levels as far down as 5,600 feet.
The Silver Summit tunnel extends over a mile beyond the hoist room. The tunnel provides access to the Silver Summit hoist and shaft as well as ventilation and escape.
Once safe access is completed to the hoist room, the company plans to renovate the hoist in conjunction with getting the Jewell shaft hoists running again.
The company then plans to rehabilitate, explore and develop those lower levels of the mine which were active when the operation was shut down. Underground diamond drill platforms will make it easier to explore some of the recent geophysical anomalies and geologic projections.
The company has several advanced properties in Mexico, including the Baroness tailings project in the Zacatecas silver district, which is currently being commissioned.
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