The Lucky Friday Mine in Idaho's Silver Valley, shown in 2007, was temporarily shut down in January while it complies with safety regulations, according to the mine's operator, Hecla Mining.
Credit AP
The recent spike in metal prices, combined with a shortage of miners, means mining companies are hiring. So some teens are opting not to go to college, and instead are heading underground. A miner is shown at work in Newmont Mining's Leeville mine near Carlin, Nev.
This spring, some high school grads in Idaho, Montana, Alaska and Nevada may see some good job prospects.
The recent spike in metal prices, combined with a shortage of miners, means mining companies are hiring. So some teens are opting not to go to college, and instead are heading underground.
But these high-paying jobs also come at a high cost.