EXHIBIT 23(a)

                  CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-8) of Battle Mountain Canada Ltd. and the
prospectus relating to this Registration Statement pertaining to the options
granted pursuant to the Combination Agreement between Battle Mountain Gold
Company and Hemlo Gold Mines Inc. and to the incorporation by reference therein
of our report dated February 8, 1996, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Hemlo Gold Mines Inc. included in its Annual Report for the year
ended December 31, 1995, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG
    Chartered Accountants

Toronto, Canada
October 18, 1996