1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements 
(Form S-8 Nos. 33-16342 and 33-18435; Form S-3 Nos. 333-06537, 33-98876 and 
333-41641 of Sunshine Mining and Refining Company and in the related 
Prospectuses of our report dated February 26, 1999, with respect to the 
consolidated financial statements of Sunshine Mining and Refining Company 
included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1998.



                                                    ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Dallas, Texas
March 11, 1999