ID HCR036

Idaho discovered gold in 1863 establishing the territory, and mining has remained central to the state's history with Idaho currently producing nearly 45% of the nation's newly mined silver.

The Coeur d'Alene mining district in Kootenai and Shoshone counties is one of the world's richest metal mining areas, producing an estimated two billion dollars since 1885 and housing the largest and richest silver mines in the United States.

On May 2, 1972, a fire broke out at the Sunshine silver mine (over one mile deep with more than 100 miles of tunnels) killing 91 miners from smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning, with 83 others surviving—making it one of the worst mining disasters in American history and the worst in Idaho's history.

The Legislature recognizes and thanks the mining industry for its contributions to Idaho's past, present, and future.

The Legislature designates May 2, 2022, as a day to remember those who lost their lives in the Sunshine silver mine disaster.