# Sunshine Silver Mining Updates Operational Progress at Idaho Mine

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/sunshine-silver-mining-updates-operational-progress-at-idaho-mine-4a8091
- Published: 2026-10-19T10:30:00Z
- Category: company_news; sentiment: neutral; impact: medium
- Symbols: [NYSE:SSMR](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NYSE-SSMR)
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Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining Company (NYSE:SSMR) released an operational update on work at its Sunshine Mine in Idaho, reporting advancement in underground development, surface demolition, and key hoisting equipment upgrades. The company completed 1,200 meters of underground development in the first half of 2026 and finished roughly 700 meters of its 1,300-meter target for the second half as of September 30. Shares fell 3.98 percent to 11.58 USD in recent trading.

The preparation work lays the foundation for rebuilding surface facilities and restoring underground logistical capacity at the Silver Valley property. Demolition of the former mill structure is scheduled to finish by the end of 2026 to clear room for a planned processing facility. The initial facility layout is designed for 1,000 tons per day, with built-in flexibility to expand capacity up to 2,000 tons per day as development moves forward.

Investors will monitor several upcoming operational milestones. Sunshine expects to complete its 50,000-meter underground infill drilling program and publish remaining downshaft drill results before the end of the year, having reached 47,600 meters through September. Looking further ahead, the company aims to complete a new access portal in the Sterling Ramp during the first half of 2027, deliver a full feasibility study in the second quarter of 2027, and return the mine to commercial production in late 2028.

## Key points

- Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining Company (NYSE:SSMR) completed 47,600 meters of its 50,000-meter underground infill drilling program through September 30, 2026.
- Demolition of the legacy mill and site preparation began in 2025 and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
- The company plans to complete its comprehensive Sunshine Mine feasibility study in the second quarter of 2027.
- Planned restart of mining operations and return to commercial silver production remains targeted for late 2028.

## Questions and answers

### When is the Sunshine Mine expected to resume silver production?

Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining Company targets a planned return to production in late 2028.

### When will Sunshine Silver Mining finish its feasibility study?

The feasibility study for the Sunshine Mine is targeted for completion in the second quarter of 2027.

### What is the designed initial capacity for the new processing facility?

The planned processing facility assumes initial processing of up to 1,000 tons per day, with expansion capability up to 2,000 tons per day.