[SMM Flash] Bunker Hill Produces First Lead-Zinc Concentrate in 45 Years at Idaho Site

Published: Jun 30, 2026 16:52

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Bunker Hill Mining announced that it has successfully produced its first concentrate at the redeveloped Bunker Hill Mine in Idaho’s Silver Valley, marking the site’s first product in 45 years. The company plans to ship this initial material to the Trail Smelter. The historic mine had been shut since 1981 due to environmental regulations, after previously yielding approximately 165 million ounces of silver and 4.5 million tonnes of base metals (primarily lead and zinc). Under new management, the facility underwent six years of extensive modernization, financing, and underground rehabilitation. Bunker Hill anticipates reaching commercial production by the end of 2026, once operations sustain 65% of the 1,800 tonnes per day nameplate capacity for 90 days. Concurrently, ongoing underground exploration targeting the Cate-8 Vein has progressed well, with all 16 core holes intersecting visible galena (lead-zinc) mineralization, and an additional 28 drill-holes are planned to support future mineral resource estimates.

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