Coeur Mining is the largest silver producer based in the United States , as well as an important gold producer . It has two important operations in Latin America : Palmarejo in Mexico and San Bartolomé in Bolivia . Operations in Mexico produce both gold and silver , while the San Bartolomé mine only produces silver ; the latter is located in Cerro Rico and considered one of the richest silver producers in the world , in operation since the 16th century .