NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's CreditWire) Nov. 22, 2000--Standard&Poor's today lowered its ratings on Coeur D'Alene Mines Corp. (see list below). The outlook is negative. The rating actions reflect Coeur's deteriorating liquidity and weak operating results, primarily due to continued low gold prices and weakening silver prices. Silver, which accounts for about 58% of the company's revenues, recently hit a three-year low ($4.63 per ounce) as a result of a strong U.S. dollar and waning interest from consumers in jewelry and electronics applications. Gold prices have dropped to very low levels ($265.70 per ounce), driven primarily by the U.S. dollar, low inflation, and ongoing pessimism that central bank actions will exacerbate excess supply levels further. Although considerable uncertainty
