Sun shines on Sterling Mining

Vancouver — Sterling Mining (SRLM-O) has begun redeveloping the past-producing Sunshine silver mine in Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene district.

The mine has been idle since February 2001, prior to which time it produced more than 360 million oz. silver.

The main production shaft extends from surface to a depth of more than 4,000 ft., while additional shafts extend as far as 5,600 ft.

Atlas Fausett Contracting is rehabilitating an underground tunnel, which provides access to the shaft and ventilation.

Underground diamond drill platforms will make it easier for Sterling to explore some of the geophysical anomalies and geologic projections recently found on surface. The company completed surface work on the property following geophysics in 2004.

Silver occurs in high-grade veins from which, historically, copper, lead and antimony were also produced.

Ore from the past producer was processed by a 1,000-ton-per-day flotation concentrator, which yielded both silver and lead concentrates.

Sterling is considering restarting the silver refining section of the Big Creek hydrometallurgical complex. The refinery has an annual capacity of 10 million oz. silver.

The company also has several advanced properties in Mexico, including the Baroness tailings project in the Zacatecas silver district.