1 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 DATE OF REPORT (DATE OF EARLIEST EVENT REPORTED): MAY 27, 1999 SUNSHINE MINING AND REFINING COMPANY (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) STATE OF DELAWARE 1-10012 75-2231378 (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) (Commission File No.) (IRS Employer Identification No.) 877 W. MAIN STREET, SUITE 600, BOISE, IDAHO 83702 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (208) 345-0660 ------------------------- 2 ITEM 4. CHANGES IN REGISTRANT'S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT On May 27, 1999, Ernst & Young LLP resigned as auditors of the Company. The reports of Ernst & Young LLP on the Company's financial statements for the past two fiscal years did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to audit scope or accounting principles. The reports of Ernst & Young LLP for each of the last two years were not modified as to uncertainty regarding the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern. In connection with the audits of the Company's financial statements for each of the two fiscal years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 and in the subsequent interim periods, there were no disagreements with Ernst & Young LLP on any matters of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which if not resolved to the satisfaction of Ernst & Young LLP would have caused Ernst & Young LLP to make reference to the matter in their report. The Company has requested Ernst & Young LLP to furnish it a letter addressed to the Commission stating whether it agrees with the above statements. A copy of that letter, dated June 4, 1999 is filed as Exhibit 16.1 to this Form 8-K. The Company is currently in the process of selecting a new independent public accountanting firm. ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS Exhibits 16.1 Letter regarding change in certifying accountant. 3 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunder duly authorized. SUNSHINE MINING AND REFINING COMPANY Dated: June 4, 1999 By: /s/ WILLIAM W. DAVIS ---------------------------------- William W. Davis Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 4 INDEX TO EXHIBITS Exhibit Description - ------- ----------- 16.1 Letter regarding change in certifying accountant