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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Sunshine Mining and
Refining Company for the registration of 25,000,000 shares of its common stock
and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 21,
1997 (except Note 5, as to which the date is September 10, 1997), with respect
to the consolidated financial statements of Sunshine Mining and Refining
Company, as amended, included in its Form 10-K/A.



                                                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Dallas, Texas
December 3, 1997