Bunker Hill Mine
Wardner, Shoshone County, Idaho, USA
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Bunker Hill Mine in Wardner, Idaho, is a historic site known for producing silver, lead, zinc, and other minerals, with operations from 1885 to 1981.
It is located in Shoshone County, part of the Silver Valley, near Kellogg and the Silver Mountain ski area.
The mine is set to restart operations in the first half of 2025, focusing on high-grade silver, zinc, and lead.
The area has a rich mining history, including labor conflicts, and now supports tourism with outdoor recreation.
The climate is semi-arid with warm summers and cold, snowy winters, surrounded by diverse forests and ecosystems.
Geographic Location
Wardner is a small town in Shoshone County, Idaho, USA, nestled in the Silver Valley within the Coeur d’Alene Mining District. It’s near Kellogg and close to the Silver Mountain ski and recreation area, offering skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The mountainous region, part of the Rocky Mountains, features forests and rivers, enhancing its appeal for nature enthusiasts.
Minerals Produced
The Bunker Hill Mine was a major producer, yielding silver, lead, zinc, gold, copper, cadmium, antimony, cobalt, uranium, and phosphoric acid. From 1885 to 1981, it extracted over 35 million metric tons of ore, with silver production at 4,080 metric tons at 157 grams per ton, making it a significant site for mineral collectors.
Mining History and Current Status
Operations began in 1885 and lasted until 1981, marked by labor conflicts, notably in 1899 when union miners took over the non-union mine. After closing due to economic and environmental factors, plans are in place to restart by mid-2025, aiming for a sustainable, high-grade operation focusing on silver, zinc, and lead.
Local Culture and Climate
Wardner’s culture is rooted in its mining past, with stories like Noah Kellogg’s jackass discovery adding charm. Now a quiet community of about 200, it’s transitioning to tourism, boosted by Silver Mountain. The climate is semi-arid, with summer highs around 83°F and winter lows at 23°F, annual precipitation of 35 inches, and 61 inches of snowfall. The area features diverse forests and riparian ecosystems.