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Sunshine Silver Mining Advances Operational Readiness

Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining Company (NYSE: SSMR) is making significant strides at its Sunshine Mine located in Idaho's Silver Valley, a renowned silver district in the United States. The company is focused on enhancing operational readiness with a series of infrastructure upgrades and advancements in underground development. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy geared towards a planned return to production slated for late 2028.

By undertaking crucial activities such as underground development, infrastructure modernization, and surface facilities preparation, Sunshine aims to meet its operational goals and support an upcoming feasibility study expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2027.

Recent Developments

Recent progress includes notable advancements in underground activities, including rehabilitation and drilling, supported by continuous investments in new underground mining equipment. A major part of this effort is the multiphase upgrade project at the Silver Summit Hoist and Shaft, which is critical for improving operational efficiency. Additionally, a new production hoist for the Jewell Shaft has been successfully implemented, further modernizing the site’s infrastructure.

As part of the site preparation, the company has been demolishing the legacy mill and related structures, a process that commenced in 2025 and is expected to wrap up by the end of this year. This demolition will clear the way for constructing a new processing facility, which is designed to initially handle about 1,000 tons per day, with future possibilities to scale up to approximately 2,000 tons per day. This flexibility in design indicates Sunshine's proactive approach to meeting the growing demands of silver production as they move through the phases of feasibility and toward construction decisions.

Insight from Leadership

Heather White, CEO of Sunshine, emphasized the importance of these activities, stating, "Our team is safely advancing the work needed to prepare the Sunshine Mine for both a future construction decision and planned return to production in late 2028." This commitment to improving site accessibility and enhancing critical infrastructure lays a strong foundation for the mine’s upcoming development phase.

Dr. Thomas S. Kaplan, the Chairman of Sunshine, described the Sunshine Mine as an exceptional asset characterized by its high-grade silver resources and extensive historical production. He expressed confidence that the ongoing progress represents sustained investment in the mine's infrastructure, elevating its potential and appeal in the silver market.

Underground Development and Drilling

As of the first half of 2026, Sunshine had completed 1,200 meters of underground development, with plans to finish an additional 1,300 meters by the end of the year. This ongoing underground development is complemented by an ambitious 50,000-meter infill drilling program aimed at bolstering confidence in resource estimates. Up to September 30, 2026, approximately 47,600 meters of drilling have been completed, delivering promising results that reinforce Sunshine's strong mineral resource base.

In tandem with drilling, Sunshine has been enhancing its underground rail systems to facilitate better logistics for the movement of personnel and materials. The company has also begun work on a new access portal within the Sterling Ramp system, aimed at improving ventilation and airflow, essential for safe and efficient underground operations.

Conclusion

Sunshine's comprehensive operational readiness program is set to continue into 2027 alongside the completion of the feasibility study. This phase will primarily focus on further underground development, drilling, and modernization of infrastructure, all geared towards supporting the anticipated return to production in late 2028.

As Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining advances, it continues to solidify its position as a leading entity in silver production, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable practices and extensive operational improvements in one of the most prolific silver districts in North America.