KELLOGG - When the Bunker Hill Mine closed down in the mid-1980s, it left an economic void in the Silver Valley.

The tides may be turning, however - Colorado-based Galena Mineral Resources Group has signed an option agreement to purchase 100 percent of the mine, which could very well reverse the financial hit residents and businesses took when it closed.

With the news of the purchase, longtime Silver Valley residents and business owners are hopeful that the county's economic slump is easing.

"If it's true," said Dale Lavigne of Lavigne Drug Group, "my take is that it's great for the community."

In fact, he said, he would be elated if it reopened. Based on current metals prices, there's no doubt in his mind that it would be successful.

"It's just a great place," he said. "And unfortunately we don't have a smelter left. But maybe in their infinite wisdom, they'll build another."

Pat Elfsten, owner of Furniture Exchange in Kellogg, said he doesn't know how much mining has been done at Bunker, but he hopes there's still something to be mined.

"I hope whoever got it can make the best of it," he said. "It sure would be nice to employ some more."

Elfsten said the Silver Valley is united, and what helps one town helps all, especially putting more people back to work and bringing in new families.

And with the closure of the Lucky Friday mine, families are scrambling.

"Some are probably going to split and have to work elsewhere and leave their families in the valley," he said. "That's tough."

If Bunker re-opens, it'll help Shoshone County with taxes, he said, and some empty homes may fill up.

"It's going to help everyone from furniture stores to gas stations to grocery stores," he said.

Kellogg Mayor Mac Pooler, a former Bunker Hill employee, said he thinks the sale is a great move.

"Anything in the valley this positive is certainly needed," he said. "We've been beat over the head enough over the last few months, and hopefully things will look up."

Pooler helped finance his education by working at the mine.

"Bunker Hill Mine was awfully good about hiring people who were in school to help pay for school and had a deal that you could work weekends," he said.