produces 30% of all the silver in the U.S

Largest and lowest-cost Silver Producer in the United States

Free
Hecla Mining Profile

Established in 1891 in northern Idaho’s Silver Valley, Hecla Mining Company’s rich history of mining has distinguished it as a respected precious metals producer.

Market Capitalization: $ 2.9 B

Hecla is the oldest U.S.-based precious metals mining company in North America and the largest and lowest-cost silver producer in the U.S.

Headquartered in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with a sister office in Vancouver, B.C.; this international, publicly traded company is 120 years old. Hecla’s common stock has been traded on the New York Stock Exchange for over 40 years.

In 2010, Hecla was the lowest-cost primary silver producer in the U.S., producing 10.6 million ounces of silver at an average total cash cost per ounce of negative $1.46. Hecla has proven operating expertise and highly prospective exploration opportunities where it operates in the U.S., as well as within its development projects in Colorado and Mexico.

Hecla currently produces silver from two silver mines, Greens Creek and Lucky Friday.

In 2010, the Greens Creek mine in Alaska, which is one of the largest silver mines in the world (in the top ten), produced 7.2 million ounces of silver; the Lucky Friday mine in northern Idaho produced 3.4 million ounces.

Hecla has two development projects, San Juan Silver JV in Colorado and San Sebastian near Durango, Mexico.

Hecla has developed a solid base with long-life, low-cost mines; four district-sized land positions with organic growth opportunities; and an excellent cash position with no debt.

Hecla Reports 2010 Record Operating Cash Flow of $198 Million

Greens Creek Admiralty Island, Alaska

Silver Reserves – 100 million ounces

The 100%-owned Greens Creek silver, gold, lead, and zinc underground mining operation is located in Southeast Alaska.

Since 2008, when the company acquired Rio Tinto's remaining 70% interest in the operation, Hecla nearly doubled its silver reserves and metals production.

In 2010, Greens Creek produced 7.2 million ounces of silver at a total cash cost per ounce of negative $3.90 with an average ore made of 12.3 ounces of silver per ton.

Greens Creek is one of the world’s largest high-grade, low-cost silver mines, with more than 200 million ounces produced in the last 20 years.

Lucky Friday Mullan, Idaho

Silver Reserves – 42 million ounces

The Lucky Friday silver mine is located in one of the world’s most prolific silver-producing districts: northern Idaho’s Silver Valley. It is the deepest operating mine in the United States and has been in commercial production since 1942.

Over the past 69 years, 147 million ounces of silver have been mined, with 3.4 million ounces produced at a total cash cost per ounce of $3.76 with an average ore grade of 10.25 ounces of silver per ton.

EXPLORATION PROJECTS

San Juan Silver Creede, Colorado

In 2008, Hecla acquired the right to earn into a 70% joint-venture interest in a roughly 25-square-mile consolidated land package in one of Colorado’s most prolific silver-producing districts.

The exploration property has an identified resource of approximately 26 million ounces of silver, with potential for more resources through a targeted exploration program. The project received approval of its Environmentalssessment and 5-Year Plan in mid-2010.

San Sebastian Durango, Mexico

The San Sebastian mine is located approximately 56 miles northeast of the city of Durango, Mexico. Hecla is engaged in an exploration program on this 300-square-mile property, which is on trend with major mines and deposits in central Mexico.

Last changed at 17-Nov-2011 05:13PM by Highgrader