EXHIBIT 24

                              CONFIRMING STATEMENT

      This Statement confirms that the undersigned, Jeffrey G. Clevenger, has
authorized and designated each of Mark A. Lettes, Keith R. Hulley, and Daniel J.
Stewart, signing singly, to execute and file on the undersigned's behalf all
Forms 3, 4 and 5 (including any amendments thereto) that the undersigned may be
required to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a result of
the undersigned's ownership of or transactions in securities of Apex Silver
Mines Limited. The authority of each of Mark A. Lettes, Keith R. Hulley, and
Daniel J. Stewart under this Statement shall continue until the undersigned is
no longer required to file Forms 3, 4 and 5 with regard to the undersigned's
ownership of or transactions in securities of Apex Silver Mines Limited, unless
earlier revoked in writing. The undersigned acknowledges that Mark A. Lettes,
Keith R. Hulley, and Daniel J. Stewart are not assuming any of the undersigned's
responsibilities to comply with Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934.

Date:       October 11, 2004


                                          /s/ Jeffrey G. Clevenger
                                          -----------------------------------
                                          Jeffrey G. Clevenger