SUNSHINE MINING & REFINING CO
S-3, 1999-09-01
MINING & QUARRYING OF NONMETALLIC MINERALS (NO FUELS)
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<PAGE>   1
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 1, 1999
                                                     Registration Nos. 333-_____
                                                                       333-74437
================================================================================



                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                              --------------------


                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                              --------------------

                      SUNSHINE MINING AND REFINING COMPANY
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


           DELAWARE                                            75-2618333
(State or other jurisdiction of                             (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                             Identification No.)

                          877 W. MAIN STREET, SUITE 600
                               BOISE, IDAHO 83702
                                 (208) 345-0660
               (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                 including area code, of registrant's principal
                               executive offices)

                     JOHN S. SIMKO, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                          877 W. MAIN STREET, SUITE 600
                        BOISE, IDAHO 83702 (208) 345-0660
                (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone
               number, including area code, of agent for service)

                                    COPY TO:
                                JANICE V. SHARRY
                              HAYNES AND BOONE, LLP
                                 901 MAIN STREET
                                   SUITE 3100
                            DALLAS, TEXAS 75202-3789
                                 (214) 651-5000


          APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From
     time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

     If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [ ]

     If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]

     If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]


<PAGE>   2
     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]

     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [ ]


                         CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                          PROPOSED               PROPOSED
                                                                           MAXIMUM               MAXIMUM
                                                    AMOUNT                OFFERING              AGGREGATE              AMOUNT OF
          TITLE OF EACH CLASS                        TO BE                PRICE PER              OFFERING             REGISTRATION
    OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED                REGISTERED                SHARE                 PRICE                   FEE
- ------------------------------------------  ----------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- -------------------
<S>                                         <C>                     <C>                   <C>                    <C>
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share      848,688 shares(1),(2)       $ 1.5938(3)         $  1,352,597(3)          $     376.02

- ------------------------------------------  ----------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- -------------------
</TABLE>

(1)      Shares of common stock registered by the registrant under Registration
         Statement No. 333-74437 and not previously issued upon conversion of
         Sunshine Mining and Refining Company's 5% Convertible Notes due January
         28, 2001 in the amount of 1,077,376 as of August 30, 1999 are
         consolidated in this registration statement pursuant to Rule 429 under
         the Securities Act. Registration fees with respect to Registration
         Statement No. 333-74437 in the amount of $2,807.00 have previously been
         paid. The total amount registered under this registration statement as
         so consolidated is 1,926,064.

(2)      Represents the additional number of shares of Common Stock that may be
         issued upon conversion of Sunshine Mining and Refining Company's 5%
         Convertible Notes due January 28, 2001. The additional number of shares
         of Common Stock are being registered due to the requirement in the
         Convertible Note Investment Agreement that Sunshine Mining and Refining
         Company register such additional shares due to the 1 for 8 reverse
         stock split that the Company effected on August 6, 1999. The number of
         shares of Common Stock to be registered shall be deemed to include such
         greater number of shares of Common Stock as are issuable as a result of
         any adjustment to the conversion price of the 5% Convertible Notes due
         January 28, 2001.

(3)      Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee
         pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
         based on the average of the high and low reported sales price of the
         Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on August 30, 1999.


     Pursuant to Rule 429 under the Securities Act, the prospectus filed as part
of this registration statement also relates to the common stock registered by
the registrant under Registration Statement No. 333-74437 that remain unissued
common stock as of August 30, 1999 in the amount of 1,077,376 shares of common
stock. This registration statement also constitutes Post-Effective Amendment No.
1 with respect to the registrant's Registration Statement No. 333-74437.

     THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID
SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.

================================================================================




PROSPECTUS


<PAGE>   3





                              --------------------

            SUNSHINE MINING AND REFINING COMPANY 877 W. Main Street,
                   Suite 600, Boise, Idaho 83702, 208.345.0660

                     UP TO 1,926,064 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK

                              --------------------

     This Prospectus relates to the resale by selling stockholders of our common
stock issuable upon conversion of our 5% convertible notes. The selling
stockholders may offer the shares of common stock through public or private
transactions, at prevailing market prices, or at privately negotiated prices.

                       New York Stock Exchange Symbol: SSC
                    Recent Price: $1.625 at August 30, 1999.

                              --------------------

     Prospective Purchasers Should Consider Carefully The Risk Factors Beginning
On Page 3 Of This Prospectus.

     Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved these securities, or determined if this
prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.

     The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The
selling stockholders may not sell these securities until the registration
statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This
prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an
offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not
permitted.


                              --------------------

                       Prospectus dated September 1, 1999




<PAGE>   4




================================================================================


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                 PAGE
                                                                 ----
<S>                                                              <C>
RISK FACTORS.................................................      3
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION..........................      6
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE............      6
THE COMPANY..................................................      6
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS..........................................      7
DESCRIPTION OF THE 5% CONVERTIBLE NOTES......................      7
USE OF PROCEEDS..............................................      9
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK.................................      9
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION.........................................     12
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS.........................................     13
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE..............................     15
LEGAL MATTERS................................................     15
EXPERTS......................................................     15
</TABLE>

================================================================================




                                       2
<PAGE>   5




                                  RISK FACTORS

    IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS, YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE RISK FACTORS
BELOW PRIOR TO YOUR PURCHASE OF COMMON STOCK. THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE OTHER
INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS
"FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS," WHICH CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY TERMINOLOGY SUCH AS
"MAY," "WILL," "EXPECT," ANTICIPATE," ESTIMATE," OR "CONTINUE." THE RISK FACTORS
SET FORTH BELOW IDENTIFY SOME REPRESENTATIVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES, BUT NOT
EVERY RISK AND UNCERTAINTY, THAT COULD CAUSE OUR ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER
MATERIALLY FROM THOSE IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS.

    THE DOCUMENTS WE HAVE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS,
INCLUDING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND THE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONTAINED IN THOSE DOCUMENTS, CONTAIN MORE DETAILED DISCUSSIONS OF THE MATTERS
DISCUSSED BELOW.

We have experienced operating losses for the last ten years and expect our
losses to continue.

    Our earnings are directly related to the price of silver because
approximately 80% of our revenues come from the sale of silver mined from our
Sunshine Mine in Kellogg, Idaho. Silver prices have been depressed since 1985.
As a result, our mining operations are not profitable. We have experienced net
losses for the past ten years. Our recent net losses are as follows:

    o   1994 - $ 4.9 million

    o   1995 - $15.5 million

    o   1996 - $25.9 million

    o   1997 - $19.3 million

    o   1998 - $64.8 million

    Our net losses for 1998 reflect a $50.4 million charge to write down our
investment in the Sunshine Mine. At December 31, 1998, we had a $17.5 million
stockholders' deficit, working capital of $9.7 million and cash, cash
investments and silver bullion of $6.6 million. For the six months ended June
30, 1999, we reported a net loss of $5.0 million. At June 30, 1999, we had a
$18.2 million stockholders' deficit, a working capital deficit of $15.75 million
and cash, cash investments and silver bullion of $9.1 million.

    We expect our operating losses and cash flow deficiencies to continue until:

    o   silver prices recover substantially,

    o   our exploration efforts at the Sunshine Mine result in significant
        additional production, or

    o   our exploration and development of the Pirquitas Mine in Argentina
        results in significant additional production.

Future losses will likely result in liquidity deficiencies and an inability to
continue operations.

    Our operating losses are primarily a result of depressed silver prices
resulting in margins that are insufficient to cover our other expenses. If
silver prices do not improve, we expect to fund our losses for the 1999 fiscal
year from our cash and cash equivalents and the silver bullion we hold for
investment. On June 30, 1999, our cash, cash equivalents, and silver bullion
held for investment totaled approximately $9.1 million.

    If our operating losses and cash flow deficiencies continue, we eventually
may be required to further curtail our operations or cease mining at the
Sunshine Mine altogether. In an attempt to ensure our ability to continue
operations at least through December 31, 1999, we have reduced our Argentina
operations primarily to the level required to complete the feasibility study for
the Pirquitas Mine and implemented cost reduction and cash conservation plans
and initiatives to reduce our work-in-process inventory. We cannot assure you
that we will be successful in implementing these actions. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,"
"Business and Properties" and our financial statements, including the notes to
our financial statements, that appear in our Annual Report and Quarterly
Reports.

The price of silver is volatile and effects our stock price.

    Because our earnings are directly related to the price of silver, the value
of the common stock historically has moved in the same direction as the price of
silver. Numerous factors beyond our control, alone or in combination, may cause
the price of silver to rise or fall. These factors include, among others:


                                       3
<PAGE>   6
    o   inflation expectations,

    o   speculative activities of market makers, arbitrageurs, traders and other
        participants in the commodities markets,

    o   levels of silver production, and

    o   the demand for silver as a component of manufactured goods.

    The following table contains the high, low and average closing spot prices
per ounce of silver on the Commodity Exchange, Inc. ("COMEX") for the indicated
periods.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                             NOMINAL DOLLARS
                --------------------------------------------
  YEAR           HIGH               LOW              AVERAGE
- --------        -------      ---------------         -------
<S>             <C>          <C>                     <C>
1983            $ 14.74            $8.38             $ 11.46
1984              10.17             6.25                8.15
1985               6.89             5.48                6.14
1986               6.32             4.85                5.49
1987              11.25             5.35                6.99
1988               8.06             6.01                6.53
1989               6.20             5.02                5.47
1990               5.35             3.94                4.82
1991               4.55             3.51                4.03
1992               4.32             3.63                3.94
1993               5.44             3.52                4.31
1994               5.78             4.61                5.28
1995               6.10             4.38                5.20
1996               5.84             4.71                5.21
1997               6.34             4.16                4.88
1998               7.26             4.62                5.51
</TABLE>


    On August 30, 1999, the closing price of spot silver as reported on the
COMEX was $5.09 per ounce.

We are dependent on the success of our exploration projects.

    Substantially all of our revenues are derived from the Sunshine Mine, which
is not profitable enough at current silver prices to cover our other expenses
such as general and administration, interest and exploration. Therefore, our
future earnings are dependent on the success of our exploration projects at the
Sunshine Mine, Pirquitas and other locations. Our exploration program may not
prove successful. See "Business and Properties -- Operations -- Exploration
Activities at the Sunshine Mine" included in the Annual Report.

Because our reserve estimates are imprecise, we do not know the exact quantity
of materials we will recover.

    Our ore reserve estimates discussed in the "Company" section below represent
the judgment of our geologic personnel and are not guarantees that the indicated
quantities will be recovered. Reserve estimates are expressions of judgment
based largely on data from diamond drill holes and underground openings, such as
drifts or raises, which expose the mineral on 1, 2, or 3 sides, sampling data
and similar examinations.

    Our reserve estimates may change as ore bodies are mined and we obtain
additional data. Except for the estimates at the Pirquitas Mine, we have not
retained any independent consultants to review and verify our estimates.


                                       4
<PAGE>   7




We may not be able to fully insure against risks associated with operating
mines, especially environmental risks.

    Our operations may be affected by risks and hazards generally associated
with the mining industry. These risks and hazards include fires, cave-ins, rock
bursts, flooding, industrial accidents, mechanical or electrical failures,
unusual or unexpected rock formations and environmental pollution or other
hazards resulting from the disposal of waste products occurring from production.
Such risks could result in damage to, or destruction of, mineral properties or
producing facilities, personal injury, environmental damage, delays in mining,
monetary losses and possible legal liability. We maintain insurance at levels
consistent with our historical experience and industry practice. We may not
always be able to pay for this insurance, especially if there is an increase in
the cost of premiums. Insurance for environmental risks is generally either not
available or too costly for our industry.

There is extensive government regulation of our industry, and such regulation
sometimes results in lawsuits.

    Extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations control our mineral
mining and exploration activities. These laws and regulations also govern the
possible effects of these activities on the environment. We have been involved
in lawsuits and are involved in a lawsuit in which we have been accused of
violating environmental laws and may be subject to similar lawsuits in the
future. These lawsuits have resulted in substantial expenses and diversions of
our resources. Any future lawsuits can be expected to result in similar expenses
and unproductive diversion of our resources. In addition, new legislation and
regulations could be adopted at any time that may result in additional operating
expense, capital expenditures or restrictions and delays in the mining,
production or development of our properties. To the extent that we devote money
and employees' time responding to government regulations or lawsuits, these
resources will not be devoted to our income-producing operations.

The financial condition of our Argentina and Mexico operations is subject to
social, political and economic risks, including changes in foreign investment
and trade policies, and other risks associated with foreign operations.

    We presently conduct operations in Argentina and Mexico and anticipate that
we will continue to conduct significant international operations in the future.
Because we conduct operations internationally, we are subject to the effects of
local political and economic developments, exchange controls, currency
fluctuations, royalty and tax increases, retroactive tax claims, expropriation,
import and export regulations, other foreign laws or policies governing
operations of foreign-based companies, United States laws and policies affecting
foreign trade, taxation and investment and civil unrest and union activity
different from the United States. Changes in these items could restrict our
ability to conduct operations, reduce the profitability of our operations or
reduce the value of our assets in Argentina and Mexico.

    Because we do business with foreign governments, our contracts with those
governments are subject to renegotiation and our ability to enforce our rights
against those governments by bringing a lawsuit may be subject to the doctrine
of sovereign immunity, which prohibits or restricts lawsuits against government
agencies. In addition, if we are sued in a foreign country or are forced to
bring suit in a foreign country to enforce our rights against foreign parties,
then our ability to control the costs and manage the conduct of any foreign
litigation will be difficult because of our unfamiliarity with foreign court
systems and procedures, language barriers and the expense and inconvenience of
international travel and communications.

Issuances and resales of our common stock may lower the price of the common
stock.

    As of August 30, 1999, we had 35.9 million shares of common stock
outstanding, excluding 567,718 treasury shares. On August 6, 1999, we effected a
1 for 8 reverse stock split of our common stock in order to increase our stock
price to over $1 to comply with the continued listing requirements of the New
York Stock Exchange. All references in this Prospectus to the number of shares
of common stock prior to August 6, 1999 have been adjusted to reflect the 1 for
8 reverse stock split. We previously have registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and have unissued as of August 30, 1999 a total of
approximately 9.2 million shares of common stock for resale by some of our
stockholders. In addition, we have reserved a large number of shares of common
stock for future issuance upon the exercise of outstanding convertible
securities, stock warrants and options. We caution you that:

    o   the sale of shares of common stock previously registered or to be
        registered for resale could have a material adverse effect on the market
        price of the common stock,



                                       5
<PAGE>   8

    o   the issuance of shares of common stock that have been reserved for
        future issuance could also have a material adverse effect on the market
        price of the common stock, and

    o   the issuance of shares of common stock could significantly dilute our
        current stockholders' ownership interests.


                       WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

    We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy
any document we file at the Securities and Exchange Commission's public
reference room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call
the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information
on its public reference room. Our Securities and Exchange Commission filings are
also available to the public from our web site at http://www.sunshinemining.com,
or at the Securities and Exchange Commission's web site at http://www.sec.gov or
at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New
York 10005.

                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

    The Securities and Exchange Commission allows us to "incorporate by
reference" the information we file with them, which means that we can disclose
important information to you by referring you to those documents. You should
consider the information incorporated by reference to be part of this
prospectus, and information that we file later with the Securities and Exchange
Commission will automatically update and replace this information. We
incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we
make with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14
or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until the selling security
holders sell all the shares of common stock.

    o   Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998,

    o   Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31,
        1999 and June 30, 1999,

    o   Reports on Form 8-K filed on February 4, 1999, June 4, 1999, June 14,
        1999 and August 11, 1999,

    o   Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 24, 1999,
        and

    o   Description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement
        on Form 8-A, as amended, Registration Number 1-7966.

    You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or
telephoning us at the following address:

                              Corporate Secretary
                      Sunshine Mining and Refining Company
                          877 W. Main Street Suite 600
                               Boise, Idaho 83702
                                  208.345.0660

    You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or
provided in this prospectus or the supplements to the prospectus. We have not
authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The selling
stockholders are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the
offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this
prospectus or any supplement to this prospectus is accurate as of any date other
than the date on the front of the document.

                                   THE COMPANY

    We are one of the world's leading primary silver producers. We own the
Sunshine Mine in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District of northern Idaho and the
Pirquitas Mine in northwest Argentina.

    The Sunshine Mine, in operation for over 100 years, has produced more silver
than any other primary silver producing mine in North America. Currently,
estimated reserves for the Sunshine Mine are proven and probable reserves of
37.4 million ounces of silver of which our share of the reserves is 36.6 million
ounces of silver. Based on the most recent engineering data, production in 1999
is expected to continue at approximately 5.5 million ounces, and projected net
cash production costs are projected to be less than $4.50 per ounce of silver.

The bankable feasibility study performed for the Pirquitas Mine estimates that
there are proven and probable reserves of 116.0 million ounces of silver, 156.0
million pounds of tin and 272.0 million pounds of zinc. The feasibility study
was prepared to support our efforts to finance development of the Pirquitas
Mine.


                                       6
<PAGE>   9
    Our company is a Delaware corporation. The mailing address and telephone
number for our principal executive offices are:

                               877 W. Main Street
                                    Suite 600
                               Boise, Idaho 83702
                                  208.345.0660

                               RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

    On August 6, 1999, we effected a 1 for 8 reverse stock split of our common
stock in order to increase our stock price to over $1 to comply with the
continued listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings
per share adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split. All amounts are in U.S.
dollars in thousands, except per share amounts.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Six Months            Three Months          Three Months
                                               Year                  Ended June 30,        Ended June 30,        Ended March 31,
                                    ----------------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------
                                     1998       1997       1996      1999      1998        1999      1998        1999      1998
                                    ----------------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------
<S>                                 <C>                           <C>                   <C>                   <C>
Numerator:
 Net loss                           $(64,845) $(19,308) $(25,902)  $ (5,206) $ (6,540)   $ (2,341) $ (6,612)   $ (2,866) $     71
 Gain on retirement and exchange
  of preferred stock/debt                 --        --    40,124        216        --         216        --          --        --
 Preferred stock dividends                --        --    (2,622)        --        --          --        --          --        --
                                    --------  --------  --------   --------  --------    --------  --------    --------  --------
 Numerator for basic earnings per
  share - income (loss) available
  to common shareholders            $(64,845) $(19,308) $11,600    $ (4,990) $ (6,540)   $ (2,125) $ (6,612)   $ (2,866) $     71

Denominator:
 Denominator for basic and diluted
  earnings per share - weighted -
  average shares                      32,109    31,892    27,823     33,525    32,029      34,524    32,095      32,514    31,961

Basic and diluted earnings (loss)
 per share                          $  (2.02) $  (0.61) $   0.42   $  (0.15) $  (0.20)   $  (0.06) $  (0.21)   $  (0.09) $   0.00
</TABLE>

                     DESCRIPTION OF THE 5% CONVERTIBLE NOTES

    On January 28, 1999, we sold $6 million in initial principal amount of 5%
convertible notes in a private placement. The 5% convertible notes rate senior
to all of our subordinated obligations. Interest on the 5% convertible notes
accrues at 5% and will be paid by adding the interest to the outstanding
principal amount of the 5% convertible notes. Interest on the 5% convertible
notes accrues and is payable quarterly.

    The principal amount of the 5% convertible notes may be converted by the
noteholders in whole or in part at any time into common stock. The conversion
price will be determined at the time of conversion. The conversion prices have
been adjusted to reflect the 1 for 8 reverse stock split. To determine the
conversion price:

    o   First, we will find the average of the highest and lowest trading prices
        for the common stock on each day for the twenty consecutive trading days
        prior to the conversion date;

    o   Second, we will find the average of the five lowest prices determined in
        the first step;

    o   Third, we will deduct from the price determined in the second step 3%,
        plus an additional 1% for each full thirty day period that the 5%
        convertible notes have been outstanding, up to an additional 5%; and

    o   Fourth, $3 million in initial principal amount of the 5% convertible
        notes have a maximum conversion price of $5.50.

    For example, if the 5% convertible notes had been converted into common
stock on April 6, 1999, we would have calculated the conversion price as
follows:

    o   First, we would find the average of the highest and lowest trading
        prices for each of the twenty trading days from Monday, March 8, 1999
        through Monday, April 5, 1999;

    o   Second, we would then take the five lowest of the average prices from
        the first step and average them. The five lowest of the average prices
        from step one are $3.625 on each of March 17, 18 and 19, 1999, $3.75 on
        April 1 and 5, 1999. The average of those five prices is $3.675.

    o   Third, we would deduct 5% from $3.675, which 5% is equal to 3% plus 1%
        for the thirty day period ending on February 27, 1999 plus 1% for
        the thirty day period ending on March 30, 1999. After deducting the
        5%, the conversion price would be $3.49125 in principal amount of the 5%
        convertible notes per share of common stock.

    The conversion price of the 5% convertible notes is subject to anti-dilution
adjustments. Regardless of the conversion price, we will not have to issue more
than 3,223,688 shares of common stock upon conversion of the 5% convertible
notes, but such maximum number is subject to anti-dilution adjustment if there
is a

    o   stock split of the common stock,

    o   reclassification of the common stock,


                                       7
<PAGE>   10
    o   dividend of the common stock, or

    o   distribution of debt securities, cash or rights to purchase any security
        of Sunshine Mining and Refining or any of its subsidiaries that is made
        to holders of common stock.

    In addition,

    o   if the common stock as a class is not, or the shares of the common stock
        or other securities issuable upon conversion of the 5% convertible notes
        are not, listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq
        National Market System or the American Stock Exchange at all times until
        the 5% convertible notes have been paid in full or subject to mandatory
        conversion, as described below, the maximum number of shares will
        increase by 75%.

    Although the 5% convertible notes are due and payable in cash on January 28,
2001, we may have the option to require conversion of all outstanding 5%
convertible notes prior to their maturity. There are conditions that apply to
our option to require conversion. The material conditions are:

    o   we can not be in material default or breach of the agreement relating to
        the sale of the 5% convertible notes, the terms of the 5% convertible
        notes or the Registration Rights Agreement discussed below,

    o   none of the events in the Registration Rights Agreement that are
        described below and would result in an obligation by us to make penalty
        payments can be ongoing, and

    o   Sunshine Mining and Refining and its subsidiaries on a consolidated
        basis must have assets with a net realizable fair market value exceeding
        its liabilities and be able to pay all its debts as they become due, and
        may not be subject to any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of its
        affairs.

    At the option of the holders of the 5% convertible notes, we will have to
prepay the 5% convertible notes upon the occurrence of

    o   a change in control of Sunshine Mining and Refining,

    o   a going private transaction,

    o   a tender offer by Sunshine Mining and Refining,

    o   a default by Sunshine Argentina, Inc. or Sunshine Exploration, Inc., two
        subsidiaries of Sunshine Mining and Refining, under the terms of the put
        option agreements that they have entered into with the purchasers of the
        5% convertible notes in the private placement. The put option agreements
        relate to approximately $18.4 million of 8% senior exchangeable notes
        due 2000 of Sunshine Precious Metals, Inc., a subsidiary of Sunshine
        Mining and Refining, which notes are guaranteed by Sunshine Mining and
        Refining and are exchangeable into common stock,

    o   a transfer by Sunshine Argentina of all or substantially all of the
        Pirquitas Mine, or

    o   an issuance of securities that results in Sunshine Mining and Refining
        losing control of Sunshine Argentina.

    If we have to prepay the 5% convertible notes, the prepayment price will be
equal to 115% of the outstanding principal amount.

    At the time we sold the 5% convertible notes, we entered into a Registration
Rights Agreement with the purchasers of the 5% convertible notes that, among
other obligations, requires us to register the common stock issuable upon
conversion of the 5% convertible notes with the Securities and Exchange
Commission so that the common stock may be sold to the public. The Registration
Rights Agreement provides that we must make penalty payments to the holders of
the 5% convertible notes if:

    o   the common stock issuable upon conversion of the 5% convertible notes is
        not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission by April 28,
        1999, plus any extensions that are due to delays by the holders of the
        5% convertible notes in providing us with information needed to register
        the common stock,

    o   the registration of the common stock is suspended for more than five
        consecutive days or more than twenty days in any calendar year,



                                       8
<PAGE>   11
    o   the common stock is not listed for trading on the New York Stock
        Exchange, the Nasdaq National Market System or the American Stock
        Exchange at all times until the 5% convertible notes have been paid in
        full or subject to mandatory conversion, as described above, or

    o   we do not keep available for issuance enough shares of common stock,
        subject to the maximum amount described above, to allow conversion of
        all of the 5% convertible notes.

    The amount of the penalty payment will be

    o   1% of the outstanding principal amount of the 5% convertible notes for
        the first 30 day period or portion of a 30 day period that the condition
        giving rise to the penalty payment obligation exists,

    o   2% of the outstanding principal of the 5% convertible notes for the next
        30 day period or portion of a 30 day period that the condition giving
        rise to the penalty payment obligation exists, and

    o   3% of the outstanding principal amount of the 5% convertible notes for
        each subsequent 30 day period or portion of a 30 day period that the
        condition giving rise to the penalty payment obligation exists.

    To the extent that penalty payments become due, holders of the 5%
convertible notes have the option to add the amount of the penalty payment to
the outstanding principal amount of their 5% convertible notes.

    If we do not have available a sufficient number of shares of common stock
reserved for issuance to satisfy our obligations to issue common stock upon
conversion of the 5% convertible notes, then, in addition to the penalty
payments described above, the holders of the 5% convertible notes have the right
to require us to redeem the 5% convertible notes. The holders of the 5%
convertible notes also have the right to require us to redeem the 5% convertible
notes if we fail to pay the penalty payments described above in a timely manner.
If we are required to redeem the 5% convertible notes, the redemption price will
be the greater of:

    o   120% of the principal amount of the 5% convertible notes being redeemed;
        or

    o   the principal amount of the 5% convertible notes being redeemed plus a
        formula that represents the spread between the conversion price of the
        5% convertible notes and the market price for the common stock that is
        issuable upon conversion of the 5% convertible notes being redeemed.

                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

    We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the common stock by the
selling stockholders.

                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

    We have summarized some of the material terms and provisions of our
outstanding capital stock in this section. The summary is not complete. We have
also filed our Certificate of Incorporation, the Amendments to our Certificate
of Incorporation and our Bylaws with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You
should read our Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and our Bylaws for
additional information before you purchase any of the common stock.

    As of August 30, 1999, our authorized capital stock was 95 million shares.
Those shares consist of 75 million shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per
share, and 20 million shares of preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share.

COMMON STOCK

    As of August 30, 1999, 35.9 million shares of our common stock were
outstanding and 567,718 shares of common stock were held in our treasury. As of
August 30, 1999, there were approximately 30,000 holders of record of our
common stock.

    Subject to the senior rights of preferred stock which may from time to time
be outstanding, holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends
declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available for the
payment of dividends. Upon the dissolution and liquidation of our business,
holders of common stock are entitled to a ratable share of our net assets
remaining after payment to the holders


                                       9
<PAGE>   12


of the preferred stock of the full preferential amounts to which they are
entitled. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and
non-assessable.

    The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share for the
election of directors and in all other matters submitted to a vote of
stockholders. Holders of common stock are not entitled to cumulate their votes
for the election of directors. Holders of common stock are not entitled to
preemptive rights.

    In order to approve any business combination, including any merger or
consolidation or the sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all or
substantially all of our assets, including a disposition in connection with a
dissolution or winding up or liquidation, Article Five of our Certificate of
Incorporation requires the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of:

    o   a majority of the shares entitled to vote on the business combination,
        and

    o   a majority of any series or class of preferred stock entitled to vote as
        a class on the business combination.

Article Five may not be amended or repealed without the prior affirmative vote
or consent of the holders of:

    o   66 2/3% of all shares of stock entitled to vote on the amendment or
        repeal, and

    o   66 2/3% of any series or class of preferred stock, if the Board of
        Directors gives such series or class of preferred stock such right to
        vote as a class.

These provisions may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a
change of control of our corporation.

    We currently do not pay cash dividends on the common stock. We have not paid
cash dividends on the common stock since the third quarter of 1981. Our Board of
Directors, at its discretion, may declare dividends. The Board of Directors will
consider, among other factors, our current and projected earnings and liquidity
position. We do not expect to begin making dividend payments in the foreseeable
future.

    Our payment of cash dividends is subject to restrictions. Some of our debt
securities impose restrictions on our ability to declare or pay cash dividends
and make distributions on our capital stock. Because of these restrictions, no
funds are available for us to make cash dividends.

    The common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Our transfer
agent and registrar for the common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust
Company.

PREFERRED STOCK

    Subject to any limitations under Delaware law, our Board of Directors,
without any further vote or action by the stockholders, may:

    o   authorize the issuance of preferred stock in one or more series,

    o   establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each
        such series,

    o   fix the rights, preferences and privileges of the shares of each wholly
        unissued series of preferred stock and any qualifications, limitations
        or restrictions therein, and

    o   increase or decrease the number of shares of any such series, but not
        below the number of shares of such series then outstanding.

    The Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with
voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power or
other rights of the holders of common stock. Our issuance of preferred stock, if
any, therefore, may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a
change of control of our corporation.

    As of August 30, 1999, no shares of preferred stock were outstanding. We
have no current plan to issue any shares of preferred stock. Our preferred stock
is not entitled to preemptive rights.

                                       10
<PAGE>   13

MEETINGS OF THE STOCKHOLDERS

    Our Bylaws provide for annual meetings and special meetings of our
stockholders.

    Calling and Notice of Meetings. The Board of Directors designates the date
and time of our annual stockholders meetings. The Chairman of the Board of
Directors, the President, the Board of Directors or the majority of the
directors by written order, can call a special stockholders meetings. When a
stockholders meeting is called, we must provide written notice of the
stockholders meeting to the stockholders. We must provide notice of any
stockholders meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote not less than ten nor
more than sixty days before the stockholders meeting. A notice of a special
stockholders meeting must describe the purpose or purposes of the stockholders
meeting. The Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date on which we
determine the stockholders that are entitled to notice of a stockholders meeting
or to vote at any stockholders meeting. The record date may not be more than
sixty nor less than ten days before the date of the stockholders meeting. We
must also prepare and make a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote
at a stockholders meeting. We must prepare this list at least ten days before
the stockholders meeting. Any stockholder may examine this list for a period of
ten days prior to the stockholders meeting.

    Quorum and Voting. Stockholders may represent themselves or designate a
proxy to represent their shares at any stockholders meeting. The representation
of a majority of the shares of capital stock entitled to vote at a stockholders
meeting constitutes a quorum for the conduct of business at the stockholders
meeting. Our Certificate of Incorporation, our By-Laws, or applicable law may
contain special provisions requiring a specific percentage of votes of our
capital stock to decide a specific question brought before a stockholders
meeting at which a quorum is present. If no special provisions exist, then the
vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of capital stock entitled to
vote decides any question brought before the stockholders meeting.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

    Limitation of Liability. Our Certificate of Incorporation limits the
personal liability of our directors to our corporation. It provides that no
director shall be personally liable to our corporation or its stockholders for a
breach of a fiduciary duty as a director, unless the limitation is not permitted
by the Delaware General Corporation Law. This includes liability for:

    o   any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to our corporation or its
        stockholders,

    o   any act or omission not in good faith,

    o   any act or omission that involves gross negligence,

    o   any act or omission that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing
        violation of law,

    o   any transaction from which the director derived any improper personal
        benefit, or

    o   any act or omission where the liability of the director is expressly
        provided by the Delaware General Corporation Law.

    As a result of these limitations, we and our stockholders may be unable to
obtain monetary damages from a director for breach of the duty of care. We and
our stockholders may still seek injunctive or other equitable relief for a
director's alleged breach of such director's fiduciary duty. If these equitable
remedies are unavailable, however, we and our stockholders may not have an
effective remedy against the challenged conduct.

    Indemnification. Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide rights
of indemnification for all of our officers and directors.

THE DELAWARE BUSINESS COMBINATION ACT

    We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law. Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from
engaging in a "business combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a
period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person
became an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in
the manner described by Section 203. A "business combination" includes mergers,
asset sales and other transactions that financially benefit the interested
stockholder. Subject to exceptions, an "interested stockholder" is a person who,
together with affiliates and associates, owns, or within three years did own,
15% or more of the company's voting stock. The stockholders holding a majority
of the shares of the company's voting stock may amend the company's Certificate
of Incorporation or Bylaws to effectively avoid the provisions of this statute.
We do not intend to "elect out" of this statute by amending our Certificate of
Incorporation or Bylaws.


                                       11
<PAGE>   14


                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

    We will not receive any of the proceeds of the sale of the common stock
offered hereby. The common stock may be sold from time to time to purchasers
directly by the selling stockholders. Alternatively, the selling stockholders
may from time to time offer the common stock through brokers, dealers or agents
who may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or
commissions from the selling stockholders and/or the purchasers of the common
stock for whom they may act as agent. The selling stockholders and any such
brokers, dealers or agents who participate in the distribution of the common
stock may be deemed to be "underwriters", and any profits on the sale of the
common stock by them and any discounts, commissions or concessions received by
any such brokers, dealers or agents might be deemed to be underwriting discounts
and commissions under the Securities Act of 1933. To the extent the selling
stockholders may be deemed to be underwriters, the selling stockholders may be
subject to statutory liabilities of the Securities Act, including, but not
limited to, Sections 11, 12 and 17 of the Securities Act and Rule 10b-5 under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

    The common stock offered hereby may be sold from time to time by the selling
stockholders, or, to the extent permitted, by their pledgees, donees,
transferees or other successors in interest. The common stock may be disposed of
from time to time in one or more transactions through any one or more of the
following:

    o   the purchasers directly,

    o   in ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker
        solicits purchasers,

    o   through underwriters or dealers who may receive compensation in the form
        of underwriting discounts, concessions, or commissions from the selling
        stockholders or such successors in interest and/or from the purchasers
        of the common stock for whom they may act as agent,

    o   the writing of options on the common stock,

    o   the pledge of the common stock as security for any loan or obligation,
        including pledges to brokers or dealers who may, from time to time,
        themselves effect distributions of the common stock or interests
        therein,

    o   purchases by a broker or dealer as principal and resale by such broker
        or dealer for its own account,

    o   a block trade in which the broker or dealer so engaged will attempt to
        sell the securities as agent but may position and resell a portion of
        the block as principal to facilitate the transaction,

    o   an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of such exchange
        or transactions in the over the counter market,

    o   privately negotiated transactions,

    o   short sales, or

    o   a combination of any of the above transactions.

Such sales may be made at prices and at terms then prevailing or at prices
related to the then current market price or at negotiated prices and terms. In
effecting sales, brokers or dealers may arrange for other brokers or dealers to
participate. From time to time, the selling stockholders may engage in short
sales, short sales against the box, puts and calls and other transactions in the
common stock or other securities issued by us or derivatives of securities
issued by us, and may sell and deliver the common stock in connection with their
transactions or in settlement of securities loans.

    The selling stockholders or such successors in interest, and any
underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents that participate in the distribution of
the common stock, may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the
Securities Act of 1933, and any profit on the sale of the common stock by them
and any discounts, commissions or concessions received by any such underwriters,
brokers, dealers or agents may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or
discounts under the Securities Act of 1933.

    At any time a particular offer of the common stock is made, a revised
prospectus or prospectus supplement, if required, will be distributed which will
set forth the aggregate amount and type of securities being offered and the
terms of the offering, including the name


                                       12
<PAGE>   15

or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, any discounts, commissions and
other items constituting compensation from the selling stockholders and any
discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.
Such prospectus supplement and, if necessary, a post-effective amendment to the
registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, will be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission to reflect the disclosure of additional
information with respect to the distribution of the common stock. In addition,
the common stock covered by this prospectus may be sold in private transactions
or under Rule 144 rather than pursuant to this prospectus.

    To the best of our knowledge, there are currently no plans, arrangements or
understandings between any selling stockholders and any broker, dealer, agent or
underwriter regarding the sale of the common stock by the selling stockholders.
There is no assurance that any selling stockholder will sell any or all of the
common stock offered by it hereunder or that any such selling stockholder will
not transfer, devise or gift such common stock by other means not described
herein.

    The selling stockholders and any other person participating in such
distribution will be subject to applicable provisions of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations thereunder, which may include, without
limitation, Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of
any of the common stock by the selling stockholders and any other such person.
Furthermore, under Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, any
person engaged in the distribution of the common stock may not simultaneously
engage in market-making activities with respect to the particular common stock
being distributed for certain periods prior to the commencement of such
distribution. All of the foregoing may affect the marketability of the common
stock and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-making
activities with respect to the common stock.

    Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement entered into in connection
with the offer and sale of the 5% convertible notes, each of us and the selling
stockholders will be indemnified by the other against liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or will be entitled to
contribution in connection therewith.

    We have agreed to pay substantially all of the expenses incidental to the
registration, offering and sale of the common stock to the public other than
commissions, fees and discounts of underwriters, brokers, dealers and agents.

                              SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

    The selling stockholders consist of Elliott Associates, L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership, and Westgate International, L.P., a Cayman Islands limited
partnership. The selling stockholders currently hold our 5% convertible notes
that are convertible into common stock. The shares of common stock that may be
sold by the selling stockholders under this prospectus are issuable upon
conversion of our 5% convertible notes. Permitted transferees, pledges, donees
and successors of Elliott Associates, L.P. and Westgate International, L.P. that
may in the future hold 5% convertible notes or common stock issued upon
conversion of 5% convertible notes may also be selling stockholders that use
this prospectus.

    The following table sets forth:

    o   the name of each selling stockholder,

    o   the amount of common stock owned by each selling stockholder, assuming
        no shares of common stock have been sold since the date on which such
        selling stockholder provided such information to us, and

    o   a current estimate of the maximum amount of common stock that may be
        offered for the account of each selling stockholder under this
        prospectus.

    The following table is based upon information furnished to us by the selling
stockholders. We make no representation as to the accuracy of the information
provided regarding beneficial ownership of common stock by the selling
stockholders to the extent that such beneficial ownership is not reflected in
our records.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                 COMMON STOCK
            NAME OF              OWNED PRIOR           COMMON STOCK
    SELLING STOCKHOLDER(1)       TO OFFERING          OFFERED HEREBY
- --------------------------       ------------         --------------
<S>                              <C>                  <C>
Elliott Associates, L.P.            1,976,475(2)           550,900(3)
                                 ------------            ---------
Westgate International, L.P.        1,907,999(4)           910,414(3)
                                 ------------            ---------
Total                               3,884,474(5)
                                 ============
</TABLE>

                                       13
<PAGE>   16

- ----------

    (1) The information set forth herein is as of August 27, 1999.

    (2) Includes

        o   1,424,375 shares of common stock issuable upon exchange of our 8%
            senior exchangeable notes due 2000 currently owned by Elliott
            Associates, L.P.,

        o   1,200 shares of common stock currently owned by Elliott Associates,
            L.P. and

        o   an estimated amount of 550,900 shares of common stock issuable
            upon conversion of the 5% convertible notes currently owned by
            Elliott Associates, L.P., subject to the limitation in footnote 5.
            Mr. Paul Singer is the ultimate beneficial owner of Elliott
            Associates, L.P.

    (3) This number reflects an estimate of the number of shares of common stock
        each selling stockholder may receive upon conversion of their 5%
        convertible notes. As discussed in footnote 5 below, the aggregate
        amount of common stock issuable to Elliott Associates, L.P. and Westgate
        International, L.P. is subject to limitations.

    (4) Includes

        o   875,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exchange of our 8%
            senior exchangeable notes due 2000 currently owned by Westgate
            International, L.P.,

        o   122,585 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants
            to purchase common stock currently owned by Westgate International,
            L.P. and

        o   the estimated amount of 910,414 shares of common stock issuable
            upon conversion of the 5% convertible notes currently owned by
            Westgate International, L.P., subject to the limitations described
            in footnote 5 below.

            Martley International, Inc., the investment manager for Westgate
        International, L.P., shares dispositive and voting power over the shares
        of common stock owned by Westgate International, L.P. Mr. Paul Singer is
        the ultimate beneficial owner of Westgate International, L.P.

    (5) The 5% convertible notes state that a holder and its affiliates may not
        convert 5% convertible notes if, after such conversion, the holder and
        its affiliates would in the aggregate be the beneficial owner of more
        than 9.9% of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock. The
        holder has the ability to waive this limitation upon 61 days' notice or
        immediately upon a change of control of Sunshine Mining and Refining. If
        the limitation on the percentage of outstanding common stock that may be
        issued to a selling stockholder is waived, then the number of shares of
        common stock owned prior to the offering by Elliott Associates, L.P. and
        Westgate International, L.P. collectively would be 4,345,835 based on
        the current conversion price as of August 27, 1999 of the 5% convertible
        notes. In addition to the limitation on the percentage of the total
        outstanding shares of common stock that a holder of 5% convertible notes
        may beneficially own, the maximum amount of shares of common stock that
        may be issued upon conversion of the 5% convertible notes and sold under
        this prospectus is 1,926,064 shares. However, this maximum number is
        subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. See "Description of the 5%
        Convertible Notes." The actual number of shares issuable upon conversion
        of the 5% convertible notes will vary depending on, among other things,

        o   the price of the common stock at the time of conversion,

        o   the application of the limitations in the 5% convertible notes upon
            the number of shares that may be issued to a selling stockholder and
            possible waivers of such limitations,

        o   any sales of 5% convertible notes by each selling stockholder, and

        o   each selling stockholder's decision whether and to what extent to
            convert any of its 5% convertible notes.



                                       14
<PAGE>   17



    We cannot assure you that the selling stockholders will sell any or all of
the common stock offered by this prospectus. Because the selling stockholders
may sell using this prospectus none, some or all of the common stock issuable
upon conversion of the 5% convertible notes they presently hold, no estimate can
be given as to the amount of the common stock that will be held by the selling
stockholders upon termination of any such sales. In addition, the selling
stockholders identified above may have sold, transferred or otherwise disposed
of all or a portion of their 5% convertible notes or common stock since the date
on which they provided us the information regarding their ownership of 5%
convertible notes and common stock in transactions exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act of 1993. See "Plan of Distribution."

    Only selling stockholders identified above who beneficially own the common
stock set forth opposite each such selling stockholder's name on the effective
date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part may
sell common stock pursuant to this prospectus. We may from time to time include
additional selling stockholders in supplements to this prospectus.

    Other than as a result of the ownership of the 5% convertible notes and a
combined aggregate principal amount of approximately $18.4 million of our 8%
senior exchangeable notes due 2000, to the best of our knowledge, none of the
selling stockholders had any material relationship with us within the three year
period ending on the date of this prospectus.

                         SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

    Except for our "affiliates", holders of the shares of common stock offered
and sold in this offering will be able to freely trade these shares without
restrictions or further registration under the Securities Act of 1933. As
defined in Rule 144, an "affiliate" of an issuer is a person that directly, or
indirectly through the use of one or more intermediaries, controls, or is
controlled by, or is under the common control with, such issuer. An "affiliate"
of ours that owns our common stock may only resell the common stock if the
shares are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, unless an exemption from
registration is available, including the exemption contained in Rule 144.

    In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person, or persons
whose shares are aggregated who has beneficially owned his or her shares for at
least one year, including an "affiliate," is entitled to sell his or her shares
subject to volume limitations. A person may sell his or her shares if the number
of shares sold does not exceed the greater of 1% of the then outstanding shares
or the average weekly trading volume of the then outstanding shares during the
four calendar weeks preceding each such sale. A person, or persons whose sales
are aggregated who is not deemed our "affiliate", and who has beneficially owned
shares for at least two years, may sell such shares under Rule 144 without
regard to these volume limitations.

                                  LEGAL MATTERS

    Our outside attorneys from the Dallas office of Haynes and Boone, LLP, have
issued an opinion for us about the legality of the offered shares of common
stock offered in this prospectus.

                                     EXPERTS

    Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, have audited our consolidated
financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1998, as set forth in their report, which is incorporated by
reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our
financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young
LLP's report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.



                                       15
<PAGE>   18




================================================================================


                            UP TO 1,926,064 SHARES OF
                                  COMMON STOCK

                               SUNSHINE MINING AND
                                REFINING COMPANY

                                 ---------------
                                   PROSPECTUS
                                 ---------------

                               September 1, 1999


================================================================================





<PAGE>   19





                                     PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14.    OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

<TABLE>
<S>                                                      <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee...   $     376
NYSE Listing Fee......................................       3,500
Printing and Photocopying Expenses....................       2,500
Accounting Fees and Expenses..........................       5,000
Legal Fees and Expenses...............................      20,000
Miscellaneous Expenses................................       1,000
                                                         ---------
   Total..............................................   $  32,376
                                                         =========
</TABLE>

    All of the above expenses except the Securities and Exchange Commission
registration fee and the NYSE listing fee are estimated. All of such expenses
will be borne by the Registrant.

ITEM 15.    INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

    The information set forth pursuant to Item 20 of the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 33-98876) is incorporated
herein by reference.

ITEM 16.    EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

   EXHIBIT NO.                            EXHIBIT
   -----------    --------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>
     * 4.1        Certificate of Incorporation, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the
                  Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration
                  No. 33-98876), which exhibit is incorporated herein by
                  reference.

     * 4.2        Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation, filed as Exhibit
                  4.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May
                  22, 1996 (File No. 001-100121), which exhibit is incorporated
                  herein by reference.

     ** 4.3       Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation, filed herewith.

     * 4.4        Bylaws, filed as Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant's Annual Report
                  on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998,
                  which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.

     * 4.5        Specimen Common Stock Certificate, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the
                  Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration
                  No. 33-63446), which exhibit is incorporated herein by
                  reference.

     * 4.6        Warrant Agreement, dated as of February 1, 1996, between
                  Sunshine Merger Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust
                  Company, as Warrant Agent, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the
                  Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration
                  No. 33-98876), which exhibit is incorporated herein by
                  reference.

     * 4.7        Warrant Agreement, dated as of February 3, 1994, between the
                  Registrant and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as
                  Warrant Agent, filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No.
                  33-73608), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.

     * 4.8        Form of Supplemental Warrant Agreement, dated as of February
                  1, 1996, between Sunshine Merger Company and American Stock
                  Transfer & Trust Company, as
</TABLE>


                                      II-1
<PAGE>   20

<TABLE>
<S>               <C>
                  Warrant Agent, filed as Exhibit 4.10 to the Registrant's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No.
                  33-98876), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.

     * 4.9        Warrant Certificate, filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No.
                  33-98876), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.

     * 4.10       Form of Warrant Certificate, filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the
                  Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration
                  No. 33-73608), which exhibit is incorporated herein by
                  reference.

     * 4.11       Form of Indenture, dated as of July 15, 1988, between the
                  Registrant and MTrust Corp., National Association, with
                  respect to the Registrant's Convertible Subordinated
                  Debentures due July 15, 2008, filed as Exhibit 4.25 to the
                  Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration
                  No. 33-21159), which exhibit is incorporated herein by
                  reference.

     * 4.12       First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 8, 1988,
                  Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 10, 1988,
                  and Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 10, 1991,
                  by and between the Registrant and Ameritrust Texas, National
                  Association, the successor to MTrust Corp., National
                  Association, relating to the issuance of the Registrant's
                  Convertible Subordinated Debentures due July 15, 2008, filed
                  as Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                  for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1990, which exhibit is
                  incorporated herein by reference.

     * 4.13       Form of Fourth Supplemental Indenture, by and between the
                  Registrant and Texas Commerce Bank, National Association, as
                  successor to Ameritrust Texas, National Association, formerly
                  known as MTrust Corp., National Association, filed as Exhibit
                  4.10 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4
                  (Registration No. 33-98876), which exhibit is incorporated
                  herein by reference.

     * 4.14       Trust Deed, dated March 21, 1996, between the Registrant,
                  Sunshine Precious Metals, Inc. and Marine Midland Bank and
                  Form of Note, filed as Exhibits 4.5 and 4.6 to the
                  Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration
                  No. 333-06537), which exhibits are incorporated herein by
                  reference.

     * 4.15       Warrant Agreement, dated as of June 21, 1996, between the
                  Registrant, Rauscher, Pierce & Clark and HSBC Investment
                  Banking Limited and Form of Warrant Certificate, filed as
                  Exhibits 4.7 and 4.8 to the Registrant's Registration
                  Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-06537), which
                  exhibits are incorporated herein by reference.

     * 4.16       Specimen form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued on
                  November 24, 1997, filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No.
                  333-41641), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.

     * 4.17       Specimen form of Senior Convertible Promissory Note, filed as
                  Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
                  Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-41641), which exhibit is
                  incorporated herein by reference.

     * 4.18       Amendment, dated December 11, 1998, to Warrants to Purchase
                  Common Stock issued on November 24, 1997, filed as Exhibit
                  4.16 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
                  fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, which exhibit is
                  incorporated herein by reference.

</TABLE>


                                      II-2
<PAGE>   21

<TABLE>
<S>               <C>
     * 4.19       Specimen form of 5% Convertible Promissory Note due January
                  28, 2001 filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current
                  Report on Form 8-K dated January 28, 1999, which exhibit is
                  incorporated herein by reference.

    ** 5.1        Opinion of Haynes and Boone, LLP.

   ** 23.1        Consent of Haynes and Boone, LLP (included in the opinion
                  filed as Exhibit 5.1).

   ** 23.2        Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.

   ** 24.1        Power of Attorney (set forth on signature page hereof).
</TABLE>

- ----------

*       Previously filed.
**      Filed herewith.

ITEM 17.      UNDERTAKINGS

    The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

    (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

      (i)   To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
            Securities Act of 1933;

      (ii)  To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
            effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent
            post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
            aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set
            forth in the Registration Statement (notwithstanding the foregoing,
            any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the
            total dollar of securities would not exceed that which was
            registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the
            estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of
            prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if in
            the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represents no more
            than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in
            the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective
            Registration Statement); and

      (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
            distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement
            or any material change to such information in the Registration
            Statement;

    Provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the registrant pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are
incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement.

    (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
Registration Statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof; and

    (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any
of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.

    The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for the purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in this
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement
relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses


                                      II-3
<PAGE>   22




incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.

    The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:

    (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
1933, the information omitted from the form of Prospectus filed as part of this
Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
Prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h)
under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this Registration
Statement as of the time it was declared effective.

    (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of Prospectus shall be
deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.



                                      II-4
<PAGE>   23




                                   SIGNATURES

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement on Form S-3 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Boise, State of Idaho, as of the 1st day of
September, 1999.

                                          SUNSHINE MINING AND REFINING COMPANY

                                          By:    /s/ JOHN S. SIMKO
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                     John S. Simko
                                               Chief Executive Officer and
                                                 Chairman of the Board



                                      II-5
<PAGE>   24




                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and
directors of Sunshine Mining and Refining Company (the "Company") hereby
constitutes and appoints John S. Simko and William W. Davis, or either of them
(with full power to each of them to act alone), his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution, for him and on
his behalf and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign,
execute and file any of the documents referred to below relating to the proposed
issuance and registration of shares of Common Stock and the Registration
Statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pertaining
thereto, including any amendments increasing the amount of securities for which
registration is being sought, with all exhibits and any and all documents
required to be filed with respect thereto with any regulatory authority,
granting unto said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises in order to effectuate the same as fully to all intents
and purposes as he himself might or could do if personally present, thereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either
of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to
be done.

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement on Form S-3 has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities indicated as of the 1st day of September, 1999:


                   SIGNATURE                                   TITLE
/s/ JOHN S. SIMKO
- ---------------------------------------
John S. Simko                                  Director, Chief Executive Officer
                                               and Chairman of the Board

/s/ G. CHRIS ANDERSEN
- ---------------------------------------
G. Chris Andersen                              Director

/s/ DANIEL D. JACKSON
- ---------------------------------------
Daniel D. Jackson                              Director

/s/ V. DALE BABBITT
- ---------------------------------------
V. Dale Babbitt                                Director

/s/ WILLIAM W. DAVIS
- ---------------------------------------
William W. Davis                               Executive Vice President,
                                               Chief Financial and Accounting
                                               Officer

/s/ ROBERT B. SMITH, JR.
- ---------------------------------------
Robert B. Smith, Jr.                           Director

/s/ OREN G. SHAFFER
- ---------------------------------------
Oren G. Shaffer                                Director

/s/ GEORGE M. ELVIN
- ---------------------------------------
George M. Elvin                                Director


                                      II-6
<PAGE>   25

                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



   EXHIBIT NO.                        DESCRIPTION
   -----------    --------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>
     * 4.1        Certificate of Incorporation, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the
                  Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration
                  No. 33-98876), which exhibit is incorporated herein by
                  reference.

     * 4.2        Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation, filed as Exhibit
                  4.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May
                  22, 1996 (File No. 001-100121), which exhibit is incorporated
                  herein by reference.

     ** 4.3       Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation, filed herewith.

     * 4.4        Bylaws, filed as Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant's Annual Report
                  on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998,
                  which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.

     * 4.5        Specimen Common Stock Certificate, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the
                  Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration
                  No. 33-63446), which exhibit is incorporated herein by
                  reference.

     * 4.6        Warrant Agreement, dated as of February 1, 1996, between
                  Sunshine Merger Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust
                  Company, as Warrant Agent, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the
                  Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration
                  No. 33-98876), which exhibit is incorporated herein by
                  reference.

     * 4.7        Warrant Agreement, dated as of February 3, 1994, between the
                  Registrant and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as
                  Warrant Agent, filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No.
                  33-73608), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.

     * 4.8        Form of Supplemental Warrant Agreement, dated as of February
                  1, 1996, between Sunshine Merger Company and American Stock
                  Transfer & Trust Company, as Warrant Agent, filed as Exhibit
                  4.10 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4
                  (Registration No. 33-98876), which exhibit is incorporated
                  herein by reference.

     * 4.9        Warrant Certificate, filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No.
                  33-98876), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.

     * 4.10       Form of Warrant Certificate, filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the
                  Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration
                  No. 33-73608), which exhibit is incorporated herein by
                  reference.

     * 4.11       Form of Indenture, dated as of July 15, 1988, between the
                  Registrant and MTrust Corp., National Association, with
                  respect to the Registrant's Convertible Subordinated
                  Debentures due July 15, 2008, filed as Exhibit 4.25 to the
                  Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration
                  No. 33-21159), which exhibit is incorporated herein by
                  reference.

     * 4.12       First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 8, 1988,
                  Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 10, 1988,
                  and Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 10, 1991,
                  by and between the Registrant and Ameritrust Texas, National
                  Association, the successor to MTrust Corp., National
                  Association, relating to the issuance of the Registrant's
                  Convertible Subordinated Debentures due July 15, 2008, filed
                  as Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   26

<TABLE>
<S>               <C>
                  for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1990, which exhibit is
                  incorporated herein by reference.

     * 4.13       Form of Fourth Supplemental Indenture, by and between the
                  Registrant and Texas Commerce Bank, National Association, as
                  successor to Ameritrust Texas, National Association, formerly
                  known as MTrust Corp., National Association, filed as Exhibit
                  4.10 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4
                  (Registration No. 33-98876), which exhibit is incorporated
                  herein by reference.

     * 4.14       Trust Deed, dated March 21, 1996, between the Registrant,
                  Sunshine Precious Metals, Inc. and Marine Midland Bank and
                  Form of Note, filed as Exhibits 4.5 and 4.6 to the
                  Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration
                  No. 333-06537), which exhibits are incorporated herein by
                  reference.

     * 4.15       Warrant Agreement, dated as of June 21, 1996, between the
                  Registrant, Rauscher, Pierce & Clark and HSBC Investment
                  Banking Limited and Form of Warrant Certificate, filed as
                  Exhibits 4.7 and 4.8 to the Registrant's Registration
                  Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-06537), which
                  exhibits are incorporated herein by reference.

     * 4.16       Specimen form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued on
                  November 24, 1997, filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No.
                  333-41641), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.

     * 4.17       Specimen form of Senior Convertible Promissory Note, filed as
                  Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
                  Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-41641), which exhibit is
                  incorporated herein by reference.

     * 4.18       Amendment, dated December 11, 1998, to Warrants to Purchase
                  Common Stock issued on November 24, 1997, filed as Exhibit
                  4.16 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
                  fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, which exhibit is
                  incorporated herein by reference.

     * 4.19       Specimen form of 5% Convertible Promissory Note due January
                  28, 2001 filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current
                  Report on Form 8-K dated January 28, 1999, which exhibit is
                  incorporated herein by reference.

    ** 5.1        Opinion of Haynes and Boone, LLP.

   ** 23.1        Consent of Haynes and Boone, LLP (included in the opinion
                  filed as Exhibit 5.1).

   ** 23.2        Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.

   ** 24.1        Power of Attorney (set forth on signature page hereof).
</TABLE>

- ----------

*       Previously filed.
**      Filed herewith.


<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.3


                           CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT OF
                         CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF
                      SUNSHINE MINING AND REFINING COMPANY


         SUNSHINE MINING AND REFINING COMPANY, a corporation organized and
existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation law of the State of
Delaware (the "Company") does hereby certify as follows:

         WHEREAS, at a duly noticed and held meeting the Board of Directors of
the Company resolved to amend the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company to
effect a reverse stock split of the shares of the Common Stock, par value $.01
per share (the "Common Stock"), of the Company and to reduce the authorized
shares of Common Stock to 75,000,000 shares; and

         WHEREAS, at a duly noticed and held meeting of stockholders of the
Company held thereafter, the requisite number of shares having voting power were
voted in favor of said amendment;

         The Certificate of Incorporation of the Company is accordingly amended
as follows:

         1. Article FOURTH of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation is
amended by adding thereto the following provision:

         "Simultaneously with the effective date of this amendment (the
         "Effective Date"), the authorized shares of the Company's Common Stock,
         par value $.01 per share, and each share of such Common Stock issued
         and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date (the "Old
         Common Stock") shall automatically and without any action on the part
         of the holder thereof be reclassified as and changed into one-eighth
         (1/8) of a share of the Company's Common Stock, par value $.01 (the
         "New Common Stock"), subject to the treatment of fractional share
         interests as described below. Each holder of a certificate or
         certificates which immediately prior to the Effective Date represented
         outstanding shares of Old Common Stock (the "Old Certificates," whether
         one or more) shall be entitled to receive upon surrender of such Old
         Certificates to the Company's Transfer Agent for cancellation, a
         certificate or certificates (the "New Certificates," whether one or
         more) representing the number of whole shares of the New Common Stock
         into which and for which the shares of the Old Common Stock, formerly
         represented by such Old Certificates so surrendered, are reclassified
         under the terms hereof. From and after the Effective Date, Old
         Certificates shall represent only the right to receive New Certificates
         (and, where applicable, cash in lieu of


<PAGE>   2

         fractional shares, as provided below) pursuant to the provisions
         hereof. No certificates or scrip representing fractional share
         interests in New Common Stock will be issued, and no such fractional
         share interest will entitle the holder thereof to vote, or to any
         rights of a shareholder of the Company. A holder of Old Certificates
         shall receive, in lieu of any fraction of a share of New Common Stock
         to which the holder would otherwise be entitled, a cash payment
         therefor on the basis of the closing price of the Old Common Stock on
         the New York Stock Exchange on the Effective Date, as reported on the
         composite tape of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (or in the event
         the Company's Common Stock is not so traded on the Effective Date, such
         closing price on the next preceding day on which such stock was traded
         on the New York Stock Exchange). The Company may retain a third party
         to collect and pool fractional share interests, sell the same, and
         return payment to the holders of the interests. In that event, the cash
         payment may be based on the sale price of the pooled fractional
         interests, which may be more or less than the closing price of the Old
         Common Stock on the Effective Date. If more than one Old Certificate
         shall be surrendered at one time for the account of the same
         stockholder, the number of full shares of New Common Stock for which
         New Certificates shall be issued shall be computed on the basis of the
         aggregate number of shares represented by the Old Certificates so
         surrendered. In the event that the Company's Transfer Agent determines
         that a holder of Old Certificates has not tendered all his certificates
         for exchange, the Transfer Agent shall carry forward any fractional
         share until all certificates of that holder have been presented for
         exchange such that payment for fractional shares to any one person
         shall not exceed the value of one share. If any New Certificate is to
         be issued in a name other than that in which the Old Certificates
         surrendered for exchange are issued, the Old Certificates so
         surrendered shall be properly endorsed and otherwise in proper form for
         transfer, and the person or persons requesting such exchange shall
         affix any requisite stock transfer tax stamps to the Old Certificates
         surrendered, or provide funds for their purchase, or establish to the
         satisfaction of the Transfer Agent that such taxes are not payable.
         From and after the Effective Date the amount of capital represented by
         the shares of the New Common Stock into which and for which the shares
         of the Old Common Stock are reclassified under the terms hereof shall
         be the same as the amount of capital represented by the shares of Old
         Common Stock so reclassified, until thereafter reduced or increased in
         accordance with applicable law."


                                       2
<PAGE>   3



         2. As a consequence of the foregoing paragraph, the first paragraph of
Article FOURTH of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation is amended to read
in its entirety as follows:

         "FOURTH: The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation
         shall have authority to issue is Ninety Five Million (95,000,000), of
         which stock Seventy Five Million (75,000,000) shares of the par value
         of $0.01 each shall be designated Common Stock and Twenty Million
         (20,000,000) shares of the par value of $1.00 each shall be designated
         Preferred Stock."

         The foregoing amendments to the Certificate of Incorporation of the
Company have been duly adopted in accordance with Section 242 of the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

         Pursuant to Section 103(d) of the General Corporation Law of the State
of Delaware, the foregoing amendments shall be effective on August 6, 1999 at
4:30 p.m., Delaware Time.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Sunshine Mining and Refining Company has caused
this Certificate to be executed in its corporate name by its Chief Executive
Officer, John S. Simko, and attested by its Secretary, Rebecca L. Saunders, this
2nd day of August, 1999.


                                   SUNSHINE MINING AND REFINING COMPANY



                                   By:      /s/ John S. Simko
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                            John S. Simko
                                            Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


ATTEST:


/s/ Rebecca L. Saunders
- ------------------------------
Rebecca L. Saunders, Secretary


                                       3

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1


                        HAYNES AND BOONE, LLP LETTERHEAD



September 1, 1999


Sunshine Mining and Refining Company
877 W. Main Street, Suite 600
Boise, Idaho 83702

Re:      Registration of 1,926,064 Shares of Common Stock

Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to Sunshine Mining and Refining Company, a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the preparation and filing by
the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission of a Registration
Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The Registration Statement registers
the proposed offer and sale by certain stockholders of the Company (the "Selling
Stockholders") of up to 1,926,064 shares (the "Shares") of the Company's common
stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Common Stock"), to be issued upon the
conversion of the Company's currently outstanding 5% Convertible Notes (the
"Notes"). Pursuant to Rule 429 of the Securities Act, this Registration
Statement is registering 848,688 additional shares of common stock and relates
to the remaining unissued shares of common stock of 1,077,376 under a
registration statement on Form S-3 (SEC File No. 333-74437).

In connection therewith, we have examined and relied upon the originals, or
copies certified to our satisfaction, of (i) the Certificate of Incorporation of
the Company, as amended (the "Certificate of Incorporation"); (ii) the Bylaws of
the Company (the "Bylaws"); (iii) the minutes and records of the corporate
proceedings of the Company with respect to the issuance and sale of the Notes
and the issuance of the Shares; (iv) the Registration Statement and all exhibits
thereto; (v) the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 28, 1999, by
and among the Company and the Selling Stockholders; (vi) the Notes; (vii) the
Investment Agreement, dated as of January 27, 1999, among the Company and the
Selling Stockholders; (viii) the specimen Common Stock certificate filed as
Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No.
33-63446); and (ix) such other documents and instruments as we have deemed
necessary for the expression of the opinions contained herein.

In making the foregoing examinations, we have assumed the genuineness of all
signatures and the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals,
and the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as
certified or photostatic copies thereof and the authenticity of the originals of
such latter documents. As to various questions of fact material to this opinion,
where such facts have not been independently established, and as to the content
and form of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, certain minutes,

<PAGE>   2


Sunshine Mining and Refining Company
September 1, 1999
Page 2


records, resolutions and other documents or writings of the Company, we have
relied, to the extent we have deemed reasonably appropriate, upon
representations or certificates of officers of the Company or governmental
officials and upon documents, records, and instruments furnished to us by the
Company, without independent check or verification of their accuracy. Finally,
we have assumed that all formalities required by the Certificate of
Incorporation, Bylaws and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
will be complied with when the Shares are issued.

Based upon the foregoing and subject to the limitations, qualifications,
exceptions and assumptions set forth herein and having due regard for such legal
considerations as we deem relevant, we are of the opinion that the Shares to be
issued by the Company upon the conversion of the Notes have been duly authorized
and, when issued in accordance with the terms of the Notes, will be validly
issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

The opinions expressed above are specifically limited to the General Corporation
Laws, as amended, of the State of Delaware, and the federal laws of the United
States of America.

This opinion (i) is rendered as of the date hereof, and we undertake no, and
hereby disclaim any kind of, obligation to advise you of any change or any new
developments that might affect any matters or opinions set forth herein, and
(ii) is limited to the matters stated herein and no opinions may be inferred or
implied beyond the matters expressly stated herein.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and Exchange
Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to
this firm under "Legal Matters" in the Prospectus forming a part of such
Registration Statement.


Very truly yours,

/s/ Haynes and Boone, LLP

Haynes and Boone, LLP


<PAGE>   1
                                                                    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








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