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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 1,926,064 shares of its common stock
and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 26,
1999, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Sunshine Mining
and Refining Company included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                        /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                                        ------------------------
                                                            ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Dallas, Texas
August 31, 1999