2021 was a year of growth and contraction for the Ouray Silver Mines, which came closer to achieving full production this year before having to take a step back and laying off part of its workforce.

Reviving the 120-year-old dormant mine presented more challenges this year – everything from COVID-19 to building a mill, finding housing for workers, recruiting miners and securing the mine’s underground workings. The mine grew its workforce to almost 200 people before having to lay off 83 worker...