EXHIBIT 16(A)


August 3, 1999



Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC  20549

Gentlemen:

We have read Item 4 of Form 8-K dated  July 27,  1999 of Coeur  d'Alene  Mines
Corporation  and are in agreement with the  statements  contained in the first
and second sentences of the first paragraph and first and second  sentences of
the second paragraph on page 2 therein.  We have no basis to agree or disagree
with other statements of the registrant contained therein.

                                                          Very truly yours,

                                                          /s/ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                                          --------------------
                                                          Ernst & Young LLP