Bunker Hill Mine in Kellogg, Idaho Nears June Restart After More Than 40 Years, Bringing 200 Jobs to Silver Valley
KELLOGG, Idaho — One of the Silver Valley’s most storied mining operations is on the verge of a historic comeback. Bunker Hill Mining announced this week that it remains on track to restart operations at the iconic Kellogg mine in June, marking the first time the site will be active in more than four decades.
The company reported that construction and commissioning processes are now 85% complete, a significant milestone that signals the June timeline is within reach. For a region whose economic identity has long been tied to the extraction of silver and other precious metals from the mountains of Shoshone County, the announcement carries weight that goes well beyond a simple business reopening.
200 Jobs Expected as Silver Mining Operation Takes Shape
At the center of the revival is a commitment to local employment. Bunker Hill Mining has stated that the June restart will support a new silver mining operation, with plans to create 200 new jobs as part of that effort. The company’s president and CEO indicated that the workforce is growing each day as construction crews and technical staff push toward the summer restart date.
Two hundred jobs represent a meaningful injection of economic activity for Kellogg and the broader Silver Valley corridor along I-90. Mining careers traditionally offer wages well above regional averages, and the ripple effect of a healthy mining workforce — supporting local businesses, restaurants, retailers, and service providers — can be substantial for communities like Kellogg, Smelterville, Pinehurst, and Osburn.
The Shoshone County economy has weathered decades of transition since the closure of major mining operations in the early 1980s. While Silver Mountain Resort, the Route of the Hiawatha, and the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes have helped diversify the local economy through recreation and tourism, the return of productive mining to the Bunker Hill site would signal a broader resurgence of the industry that built this region.
Underground Drill Program Underway to Expand Resources
In addition to construction progress, Bunker Hill Mining has launched an underground drill program aimed at supporting mine planning and expanding the company’s understanding of available resources beneath the surface. The drill program reflects a forward-looking strategy — not simply reopening an old facility, but positioning the operation to grow and adapt over the long term.
The Bunker Hill Mine has an unparalleled place in Idaho’s industrial heritage. Located in Kellogg, the mine was once one of the largest silver, lead, and zinc producers in the United States. Its closure in the early 1980s was a devastating blow to Shoshone County, triggering widespread unemployment and a population decline that reshaped communities throughout the Silver Valley. The site’s eventual designation as a federal Superfund cleanup zone added another layer of complexity to any future development plans.
That Bunker Hill Mining has navigated those complexities and now stands within weeks of restarting operations is a testament to both the perseverance of the company and the enduring economic potential of the Silver Valley’s mineral wealth. Idaho’s mining sector has long been a driver of fiscal strength and private-sector employment — producing real goods, generating tax revenue, and supporting families without reliance on government spending programs.
For Kellogg and Shoshone County, the June restart represents more than an economic development headline. It is a validation of the region’s identity and a signal that the Silver Valley’s best days may still lie ahead. Readers seeking additional context on Idaho’s broader natural resources and extraction economy can visit Idaho News or the Idaho News Network for statewide coverage.
What Comes Next
Bunker Hill Mining has indicated that the June restart remains the target date, with commissioning processes continuing through the coming weeks. The underground drill program will run concurrently to inform long-term mine planning. Local residents and job seekers should monitor company announcements for updates on employment opportunities as the 200-job hiring effort progresses. Shoshone County News will continue to follow the Bunker Hill restart closely as the June milestone approaches.