<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Consolidated Balance Sheet at June 30, 1997 (unaudited) and Consolidated
Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1996 of Apex Silver
Mines Limited.
</LEGEND>
       
                                                  
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997         DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997         JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1997         DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                      13,088,342          25,949,771
<SECURITIES>                                         0                   0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0                   0
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0                   0
<INVENTORY>                                          0                   0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            13,587,522<F1>      26,103,996<F1>
<PP&E>                                         575,657             524,335
<DEPRECIATION>                                (13,704)               (801)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              14,290,954<F2>      26,797,304<F2>
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          985,480           2,485,994
<BONDS>                                              0                   0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0                   0
<PREFERRED>                                          0                   0
<COMMON>                                       131,944             130,792
<OTHER-SE>                                           0                   0
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                14,290,954          26,797,304
<SALES>                                              0                   0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               475,298             574,470
<CGS>                                                0                   0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               11,652,793          15,173,710
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0                   0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0                   0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                           (11,177,495)        (14,599,240)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0                   0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                  0                   0
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0                   0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                   0
<CHANGES>                                            0           2,875,927<F3>
<NET-INCOME>                              (11,177,495)        (11,723,313)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.85)              (1.11)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (.85)              (1.11)
<FN> 
<F1> Total Current Assets include "prepaid expenses" of $499,180 in 1997 and 
     $154,225 in 1996.
<F2> Total Assets include "deferred organizational costs" (net) of $141,479 for 
     1997 and $169,774 for 1996.
<F3> Changes equals a "minority interest" of 2,875,927
</FN>