KELLOGG, Idaho — The Bunker Hill Mine in Kellogg will resume operations this June, marking the first time the historic mining site has been operational in more than 40 years.
Bunker Hill Mining Corporation plans to create 200 new jobs for the new silver mining operation, representing significant economic development for the Silver Valley community.
Kellogg, a town of nearly 2,000 people, has become known for outdoor activities like skiing and mountain biking in recent decades. However, reminders of the community’s rich mining heritage remain visible throughout the area.
“The Bunker Hill Mine was founded and identified in the late 1800s and operated 100 years continuously producing lead, zinc, and silver that went directly into the North American supply chain,” said Sam Ash, president and CEO of Bunker Hill Mining Company.
Local residents anticipate the economic revival the reopening will bring to their community.
“It’s super exciting because this is such a good area…and it’s so beautiful and brings so many other opportunities to bring people here and to get other people here appreciating the area is really cool,” said Haley Lannen, a Silver Valley resident.
For a community of Kellogg’s size, the addition of 200 jobs represents a substantial economic impact that could influence housing, local businesses, and community services. The timing comes as mining companies nationwide seek to capitalize on increased demand for precious metals, particularly silver due to its applications in technology and renewable energy sectors.
The reopening signals a return to the Silver Valley’s historical roots, when mining formed the backbone of the local economy. Many area residents have family histories connected to mining, providing a foundation of knowledge and experience for the new operation.
As the June opening approaches, the community prepares for economic changes that will accompany the mine’s return, balancing its historical identity with modern economic development.
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