Bunker Hill Mining Corp. Progresses Toward June 2026 Mine Restart in Idaho
Bunker Hill Mining Corp. has announced significant advancements in its preparations to restart operations at the Bunker Hill Zinc-Silver-Lead Mine located in the Silver Valley of Idaho, USA. The company reports that construction and commissioning efforts are now 85% complete, positioning the project on schedule for a June 2026 operational restart and initial concentrate production.
Project Achievements and Safety Milestones
The mining project has maintained an impressive safety record, achieving 40 consecutive months without any lost time injuries. This commitment to safety underscores the company's operational philosophy as it moves toward full-scale production.
Key progress highlights include:
- Processing plant mills are operational with commissioning activities advancing ahead of schedule
- Mechanical installation for the Tailings Filter Press is 100% complete, with contractors now focusing on electrical connections and piping installations
- Underground preparation has established sufficient stockpiles to support the first three months of operations
- Development work is rapidly advancing to encompass all stopes included in the initial six-month mine plan
- The company has received the first batch of new vehicles from Caterpillar Inc. to support full-time mining operations beginning in June 2026
Exploration Program Launch
Bunker Hill has contracted Timberline Drilling to conduct an extensive exploration program beginning in April 2026. The initial phase will involve 25,000 feet of drilling targeting higher-grade silver deposits at both the Bunker Hill and Ranger Page properties.
This drilling campaign represents the most extensive exploration effort at the Bunker Hill site since the mine's closure in 1981. The program follows nearly six months of preparatory work with VRIFY AI technology and recent land acquisitions, marking the beginning of a multi-phase exploration initiative that will continue throughout 2026.
Leadership Perspective
"As the first signs of spring are seen in the Silver Valley, the Bunker Hill project advances at pace towards its June operational restart," stated Sam Ash, President and CEO of Bunker Hill Mining Corp. "Our team is expanding in size daily, with each new member slotting seamlessly into positions in accordance with our operational readiness schedule."
Ash further emphasized the significance of the exploration program: "Even more exciting is the contracting of Timberline Drilling, who will support our exploration team by drilling several high-grade silver targets within both the Bunker Hill and Ranger Page properties beginning in April. This is the initial phase of a multi-phase campaign that will continue through 2026."
Underground Development and Optimization
The underground mining team continues to prepare stopes for mining operations while extending the underground ramp down to the 9 Level. This expansion opens new areas for mining activities and supports the company's strategy to maximize early cash flow through optimized mine planning.
Plans continue to be refined with a focus on operational efficiency and financial performance during the critical initial production period.
Technical Validation
Sam Bourque, P.Geo., Chief Geologist of Bunker Hill, serves as the company's designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Bourque has reviewed and validated the accuracy of the information contained in this project update.
The company also clarified details regarding its recently completed LIFE offering, noting that units issued under the offering comprised one pre-consolidation common share and one-half of a warrant.
