Geomechanics.io

  • Free Tools
Sign UpLog In

Geomechanics.io

Geomechanics, Streamlined.

© 2026 Geomechanics.io. All rights reserved.

Geomechanics.io

CMRR-ioGEODB-ioHYDROGEO-ioQCDB-ioFree Tools & CalculatorsBlogLatest Industry News

Industries

MiningConstructionTunnelling

Company

Terms of UsePrivacy PolicyLinkedIn
    Projects
    Contract Award

    Bunker Hill rebuild: silver-focused restart and haulage constraints for mine planners

    June 30, 2026|

    Reviewed by Joe Ashwell

    Bunker Hill rebuild: silver-focused restart and haulage constraints for mine planners

    First reported on MINING.com

    30 Second Briefing

    Bunker Hill Mining has begun feeding ore through its rebuilt Idaho mill, drawing down a 20,000-ton stockpile as it ramps towards 1,800 tons per day and about nine concentrate truckloads daily to Teck’s Trail smelter 210 km away. CEO Sam Ash is positioning the historic zinc-lead operation as a future primary silver mine, targeting the Cate-8 zone, estimated conceptually at 50,000–168,000 tons grading 5.75–9.32 oz silver-equivalent per ton, with drilling such as 28.6 ft at 3.02 oz/t Ag, 7.44% Pb and 0.85% Zn. The main constraint is underground haulage, with a proposed “Bunker Hill 2.0” expansion adding a new portal and 10,000-ft decline, backed by a US EXIM Bank letter of intent for up to $150 million.

    Technical Brief

    • 2022 prefeasibility study set initial restart capex at US$55 million including contingency, now exceeded.
    • Capital development for the first 3–5 years of the mine plan is already in place underground.
    • Liquidity comprises just under US$30 million cash (31 March) plus a US$10 million undrawn Teck facility.
    • Multi‑metal streaming was removed via refinancing with Sprott’s royalty/streaming arm; only a royalty and silver‑backed debt remain.
    • Cate‑8 conceptual target: 50,000–168,000 short tons at 5.75–9.32 oz/ton AgEq (~1 Moz), 40–91.5 m from workings.
    • Key intercept BHE26‑02: 8.71 m at 103 g/t Ag, 7.44% Pb, 0.85% Zn from 138 m downhole.
    • Second notable hole BHE26‑03: 4.72 m at 6.4 oz/ton Ag, 20.4% Pb, 0.5% Zn, ~94 m from development.
    • Desktop estimate for the proposed 10,000‑ft haulage decline is ~US$60 million within a US EXIM LOI of up to US$150 million.
    • Workforce has passed 100 employees, expected to peak near 200 as ramp‑up and new development advance.
    • Additional near‑mine exploration is planned at Motor vein, Ranger‑Page corridor and Government Gulch geophysical anomaly to 300 m depth.

    Our Take

    With initial restart capital in the 2022 PFS at US$55 million and a desktop decline estimate of US$60 million, the mine plan’s three- to five-year capital development window suggests Bunker Hill will likely need to stage further financing or hedge silver/lead exposure once ramp-up is demonstrated, a pattern seen across several of the 331 copper/silver keyword-matched pieces in our database.

    Geotechnical Software for Modern Teams

    Centralise site data, logs, and lab results with GEODB-io, CMRR-io, and HYDROGEO-io.

    No credit card required.

    • Save and export unlimited calculations
    • Advanced data visualisation
    • Generate professional PDF reports
    • Cloud storage for all your projects

    Prepared by collating external sources, AI-assisted tools, and Geomechanics.io’s proprietary mining database, then reviewed for technical accuracy & edited by our geotechnical team.

    Related Articles

    PLS Pilgangoora 22-sorter TOMRA contract: process design notes for engineers
    Mining
    about 3 hours ago

    PLS Pilgangoora 22-sorter TOMRA contract: process design notes for engineers

    TOMRA Mining has secured a contract from Pilgangoora Operations Pty Ltd, a PLS Group subsidiary, to supply 22 sensor-based ore sorters for the P2000 Expansion Project at the Pilgangoora lithium operation in Western Australia. The installation is part of PLS’ pre-Final Investment Decision early works, signalling commitment to large-scale sorting ahead of full project sanction. For process engineers, the move points to increased reliance on front-end sensor-based separation to upgrade run-of-mine feed and manage lithia grade variability before downstream concentration.

    Macmahon’s 42‑month Telfer Gold Mine extension: planning notes for project teams
    Mining
    about 3 hours ago

    Macmahon’s 42‑month Telfer Gold Mine extension: planning notes for project teams

    Macmahon Contractors has secured a 42‑month extension to provide contract mining services at Greatland Resources’ Telfer Gold Mine in Western Australia, valued at A$485 million over the term. The deal locks in a multi‑year mining services pipeline at one of the state’s major gold operations, supporting continuity of fleet deployment, workforce planning and site-based maintenance. Contractors and suppliers can expect sustained demand for open-pit and underground support services, consumables and rebuilds tied to Telfer’s existing mine plan.

    Metso–Valmet Flowrox pump deal: slurry circuit implications for mine engineers
    Mining
    about 3 hours ago

    Metso–Valmet Flowrox pump deal: slurry circuit implications for mine engineers

    Metso has agreed to acquire Valmet’s Flowrox™ peristaltic hose pump and progressive cavity pump technologies, including associated spare parts and service capabilities, targeting abrasive and chemically aggressive slurry duties in mining and minerals processing. The deal adds positive displacement options alongside Metso’s existing slurry and submersible pump lines, enabling tighter process control in applications such as thickener underflow, filter feed and reagent dosing. For operators, the integration should simplify lifecycle support and parts standardisation across critical slurry handling circuits.

    Related Industries & Products

    Mining

    Geotechnical software solutions for mining operations including CMRR analysis, hydrogeological testing, and data management.

    Tunnelling

    Specialised solutions for tunnelling projects including grout mix design, hydrogeological analysis, and quality control.

    CMRR-io

    Streamline coal mine roof stability assessments with our cloud-based CMRR software featuring automated calculations, multi-scenario analysis, and collaborative workflows.

    HYDROGEO-io

    Comprehensive hydrogeological testing platform for managing, analysing, and reporting on packer tests, lugeon values, and hydraulic conductivity assessments.

    GEODB-io

    Centralised geotechnical data management solution for storing, accessing, and analysing all your site investigation and material testing data.

    AllGeotechnicalInfrastructureHazardsEnvironmental