Location

40% increase in reserve tons: 26% more gold and 8% more silver ounces

Resources in all categories also increased

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) today reported the highest silver, gold and lead reserves in its 128-year history and provided an update on its exploration programs during the fourth quarter of 2018.

Highlights

  • Reserve gains are from consistent long-term exploration programs and improved use of data.
  • Greens Creek, which generates approximately 50% of Hecla’s revenues, increased reserve tons 23%, silver ounces 19%, gold ounces 16%, zinc tons 15%, and lead tons 17%, giving a mine life from reserves alone of approximately 11 years.
  • Casa Berardi, which generates approximately 35% of Hecla’s revenues, increased reserve tons 70%, and gold ounces 28% with the expansion of Principal pit and the addition of the new West Mine Crown Pillar (WMCP) pit.
  • Reserves grew while using price assumptions of $14.50/oz silver (expected to be among the lowest in the industry), $1,200/oz gold, $1.15/lb zinc and $0.90/lb lead; all below current spot prices (Figure 1).

“Reserves in stable jurisdictions are a mining company’s most important asset. Hecla now has the largest reserve in its 128-year history and its largest single year increase because of exploration. The increase reflects the quality of the districts we control; our long-term, consistent strategy; and the capturing and use of all the data that long-lived mines have,” said Phillips S. Baker, Jr., President and CEO. “We have achieved this while the industry has generally seen declining reserves and we were able to use among the most conservative price assumptions in the industry because of the strong economics of these deposits.”

“It is particularly important that this growth comes at Greens Creek and Casa Berardi, who generate approximately 85% of our revenue and most of our operations’ free cash flow. These mines are Hecla’s best,” Mr. Baker added. “But we expect our other mines to do the same over the next few years. We are working hard at San Sebastian to extend the oxide mine life and to put the sulfides into production. We are just starting our work in Nevada, reducing the reserve to better reflect the geology, with the goal of building a solid base for consistent production.”

Key Reserve and Resource Statistics (2018 compared to 2017)

  • Record proven and probable gold reserves of 2.85 million ounces, an increase of 26% (Figure 2).
  • Record proven and probable silver reserves of 191 million ounces, an increase of 8% (Figure 3).
  • Record proven and probable lead reserves of 774,000 tons, an increase of 5%. Proven and probable zinc reserves of 931,730 tons, an increase of 11% and the highest since 2009.
  • The silver reserve of 107.1 million ounces at Greens Creek is the highest since it was 100% acquired in 2008. Gold reserves at Casa Berardi increased approximately 28% to 1.91 million ounces, the highest since 1990.
  • Measured and indicated gold ounces increased 44% to 7.0 million ounces, a gain of 2.15 million ounces over 2017. Measured and indicated silver ounces increased 65% to a record 208 million ounces, an increase of 82 million ounces over 2017.
  • Inferred gold resources increased 96% to 3.6 million ounces and a gain of 1.8 million ounces. Inferred silver resources increased 4% to 465 million ounces and a gain of 17 million ounces.

Exploration

  • Greens Creek:
    • Underground drilling continues to expand high-grade, near-surface resources at the Upper Plate and East Ore zones and add to mineralized trends along the Deep 200 South, Southwest Bench and Lower Southwest zones.
  • Casa Berardi:
    • Underground drilling was able to upgrade and expand reserves and resources in the 118, 121, 123, 124, 125, 128 and 160 zones and confirm further potential at depth and to the east and west.
    • Surface drilling completed on the West Mine Crown Pillar (WMCP) extended the resource to the west. Step-out drilling of the 128-129 zones east of the proposed Principal pit and near the proposed 160 pit has defined high-grade extensions.
  • San Sebastian:
    • Drilling at the West Francine, El Toro (South) and Esperanza veins continue to define near-surface, oxide mineralization.
  • Nevada:
    • Underground drilling at Fire Creek is identifying extensions to the Vonnie, Joyce, Karen and Honey Runner high-grade veins/structures in the Spiral 2, 3 and 4 areas.
    • Underground drilling at Hollister is identifying new mineralization in the West Gloria, East Clementine and Gwenivere areas.

“The 2018 exploration program was very successful at not only our mines but at some of our exploration properties. However, for 2019 the focus will be on San Sebastian, Casa Berardi and Nevada, of which Nevada is estimated to be about half of the budget,” said Mr. Baker. “We believe that after a few years of committed exploration there, we could see results similar to what was achieved in 2018.”

RESERVES AND RESOURCES

Hecla more than replaced gold production in 2018 (318,901 gold ounces contained) as reserves increased by 26% over 2017, and gold reserve prices were calculated at $1,200/oz. Silver production in 2018 (12.9 million silver ounces contained) was also more than replaced as reserves increased by 8%, despite using $14.50/oz for the reserve calculation. In the last 11 years, Hecla has not only replaced silver production but added another 200 million ounces through exploration (Figure 4). Both zinc and lead production were replaced and reserves increased by 11% and 5%, respectively.

Measured and indicated gold ounces increased 44% to 7.0 million ounces, a gain of 2.15 million ounces over 2017 due to increases at Greens Creek and the acquisition of the Nevada properties. Measured and indicated silver ounces increased 65% to a record 208 million ounces, an increase of 82 million ounces over 2017 due to a large increase at Greens Creek, San Sebastian and the addition of the Nevada properties. Inferred gold resources increased 96% to 3.6 million ounces and a gain of 1.8 million ounces primarily due to the acquisition of the Nevada properties. Inferred silver resources increased 4% to 465 million ounces, a gain of 17 million ounces due to increases at San Sebastian, Greens Creek, and the acquisition of Nevada properties.

Greens Creek

At Greens Creek, the 845,398 tons processed at the mill in 2018 contained 10.3 million ounces of silver, 79,087 ounces of gold, 63,116 tons of zinc, and 23,656 tons of lead. Silver, gold and base metal production was replaced, and silver, gold, zinc, and lead reserves increased by 18.7%, 15.8%, 14.9%, and 16.8%, respectively, over 2017 reserves. The current silver reserve of 107.1 million ounces is the highest since 2008, the year Hecla acquired 100% of the mine. The current gold reserve of 840k ounces is the highest since 2009. Increases in silver and gold reserves at the 200 South, Gallagher, West, 9A, and Southwest zones were partially offset by reductions of silver and gold reserves in the 5250 Zone caused by mine depletion.

Measured and indicated resources increased by 66,134,100 silver ounces (211%) and 467,700 gold ounces (181%) over 2017 with additions in the West, Southwest, 9A, and 200 South zones and losses in the Gallagher and East zones due to conversion to reserves. New drilling and remodeling of areas historically mined at higher cutoffs were responsible for the increases in Measured and indicated resources. Inferred resources increased by 3,271,900 silver ounces (10%) and decreased by 3,200 gold ounces (-1%) due to large conversions to indicated resources or reserves in the 200 South, Upper Plate and East Ore zones.

A new NI 43-101 Technical Report is expected within 45 days. The optimized mine plan accelerates access to higher-grade ore, and allows some of the highest-margin reserves to be extracted in the earlier years of the mine plan. It also utilizes more of the existing workings during the next four years which reduces the planned development investment required. In addition, the increase in reserves is expected to extend the mine life by about three years to 2030.

Casa Berardi

At Casa Berardi, the 1,375,718 tons processed at the mill contained approximately 162,744 ounces of gold, with 744,952 tons (54%) of the milled tonnage coming from underground and 630,776 tons (46%) of the milled tonnage coming from the East Mine Crown Pillar (EMCP) open pit. Gold reserves increased approximately 28% to 1.91 million ounces and reserve tonnage at Casa Berardi increased 71% to 23.7 million tons over 2017. Depletion decreased underground reserve ounces in the 104 (Lower Inter), 113, 118, 123 and 124 zones. This was offset by reserve additions in the west extension of the EMCP as well as 134 and 160 pits. Substantial reserve increases occurred in the proposed WMCP and Principal pits where some underground reserves were incorporated into an expanded pit. There was an overall reduction in underground reserves of 176,400 gold ounces and an increase of open pit reserves of 589,600 gold ounces compared to 2017.

Measured and indicated gold resources decreased 12% from 2017 levels as gains from underground drilling of the 119 and 123 zones and 134 and 160 open pits were offset by decreases at the 107 (South West), 108 (Inter), 111, 113, 115, 117, 118, 121, 124, and 160 underground. The largest decreases were a result of incorporation of the 107 (South West) and 160 underground to open pit reserves. Inferred gold resources decreased 9% from 2017 levels as increases at the 105, 116, 124, 134, 146, 157, and 160 (underground and open pit) zones were offset by losses to inferred resources in the 107 (South West) 108 (Inter) 118, 119, 121, 123, 148, and 160 underground and open pit zones by conversion to indicated resources. Significant losses to inferred resources in the 107 and 108 zones were due to resource upgrades and incorporation into the new WMCP pit. A new NI-43-101 Technical Report is expected within 45 days.

San Sebastian

At San Sebastian, the 156,733 tons processed at the mill contained 2.04 million ounces of silver and 14,979 ounces of gold. Reserves are currently 2.8 million ounces of silver and 22,500 ounces of gold. At the end of the year there was an ore stockpile containing 84,700 silver ounces and 1,800 ounces of gold. The total underground reserves in the Middle Vein are 2.33 million ounces silver and 11,900 ounces gold and represent 83% and 53% of the silver and gold reserves, respectively. The total open pit reserves in the North Vein are 377,600 ounces silver and 8,800 ounces gold and represent 14% and 39% of the silver and gold reserves, respectively.

Due to significant definition drilling, the indicated resources increased from 2017 by 67% for silver to 14.7 million ounces, 11% for gold to 114,700 ounces, 110% for zinc to 42,710 tons, 96% for lead to 30,410 tons, and 119% for copper to 19,780 tons. Indicated Resources are separated into ‘Oxide’ and ‘Polymetallic’ mineral styles; oxide is cyanide-amenable material and polymetallic is base-metal-sulfide-rich material amenable to a flotation milling process. Polymetallic resources were defined and extended at depth on the Francine and Middle Veins during 2018. Polymetallic mineralization has zinc, lead and copper and represents 54% of the silver and 17% of the Measured and indicated gold resources. The inferred resource increased from 2017 by 44% for silver to 22.9 million ounces and 50% for gold to 142,700 ounces due to new material being added along the Middle Vein and in the East Francine areas. Lead, zinc and copper decreased by 62%, 64% and 11%, respectively, as a direct result of conversion of polymetallic mineralization in the Francine Vein from inferred to indicated.

Open pit mining continued in 2018 in the expanded North pit to the west and at depth and an additional smaller ‘satellite pit’ to the west and mining of this pit is expected to continue into 2020. New high-grade, precious metal resources on the Professor and East Francine veins are being evaluated for underground mine design and scheduling. Possible conversion of polymetallic veins in the Francine Vein to reserves will be dependent on metallurgical testing of the bulk sample and stope optimizations. The material from the bulk sample will be used for metallurgical studies and a viability test at a nearby mill, where the processing of polymetallic sulfide ores from San Sebastian is planned.

Lucky Friday

At Lucky Friday, the 17,309 tons processed at the mill contained approximately 186,609 ounces of silver, 673 tons of zinc and 1,131 tons of lead. Reserves are currently 81.0 million ounces of silver, 510,800 tons of lead and 225,260 tons of zinc and are essentially unchanged relative to 2017. Measured and indicated resources have increased 3% for silver to 77.4 million ounces, 3% for lead to 499,070 tons and 4% for zinc to 265,970 tons. Inferred resources remained relatively unchanged year-over-year and include 24.8 million ounces of silver, 181,180 tons of zinc and 74,340 tons of lead.

Fire Creek

At Fire Creek, the 47,573 tons processed at the mill for Hecla in 2018 contained approximately 17,993 ounces of gold and 22,482 ounces of silver. Reserves at Fire Creek are 69,300 ounces gold and 56,900 ounces of silver and are a reduction from the second quarter of 2018 primarily due to model changes that interpret the veins to be thinner (47% of reduction), mining depletion (29% of reduction), and increased costs resulting in higher cut-off grades (17% of reduction). Measured and indicated underground resources are 215,200 ounces of gold and 197,900 ounces of silver and inferred resources are 298,700 ounces of gold and 288,400 ounces of silver.

Hollister

At Hollister, the 32,286 tons processed at the mill for Hecla in 2018 contained approximately 11,779 ounces of gold and 106,056 ounces of silver. Reserves at Hollister are 7,600 ounces of gold and 82,400 ounces silver and are a reduction from the second quarter 2018 primarily due to mining depletion, but also due to removal of material because of thinner vein interpretations. Additional reserve reductions were made as a result of recent identification of fault offsets in the West Gloria area; this material may come back into the reserve once the structural geology and offset magnitudes are interpreted and drill tested. Measured and indicated resources are 181,900 ounces of gold and 770,200 ounces of silver and inferred resources are 222,700 ounces of gold and 1.7 million ounces of silver.

A breakdown of the Company’s reserves and resources is set out in Table A at the end of this news release.

EXPLORATION

Exploration (including corporate development) expenses were $8.3 million, and $35.9 million for the fourth quarter and full year 2018, respectively. This represents an increase of 41% and 53% over the fourth quarter and full year 2017. These increases were primarily the result of the addition of exploration near the Nevada Operations, increased exploration at San Sebastian, Casa Berardi and Greens Creek and initial exploration at the Kinskuch project in British Columbia and the Little Baldy project in northern Idaho.

Greens Creek – Alaska

At Greens Creek, drilling in the fourth quarter and strong assay results have upgraded and expanded the Deep 200 South, East Ore, Upper Plate and Southwest Bench zone resources. Exploration drilling focused on the Deep 200 South Zone and Lower Southwest Zone (Figure 5). Drilling of the Deep 200 South Zone confirmed three flat-lying, high-grade lenses that are folded to the west and has enabled portions of bench mineralization to be upgraded to an indicated resource category. Recent intersections include 180.4 oz/ton silver, 0.36 oz/ton gold, 14.0% zinc and 7.2% lead over 5.3 feet and 81.5 oz/ton silver, 0.40 oz/ton gold, 1.1% zinc and 0.6 lead over 5.0 feet. Near the mine portal elevation, drilling of the Upper Plate Zone to the northwest has defined at least two flat-lying zones that are folded to the east (Figure 6). In combination with surface drilling earlier in the year, this resource expanded further to the west and north. Definition drilling results indicate a thickening of the upper and middle mineralization horizons toward the Southwest D Fault from the east. Recent results include 11.4 oz/ton silver, 1.04 oz/ton gold, 2.2% zinc and 1.6% lead over 14.2 feet and 34.2 oz/ton silver, 0.01 oz/ton gold, 2.5% zinc and 1.5% lead over 4.9 feet.

In the East Ore Zone, intersections from drilling at the north end, including 38.5 oz/ton silver, 0.11 oz/ton gold, 7.4% zinc and 3.5% lead over 6.1 feet and 29.5 oz/ton silver, 0.11 oz/ton gold, 3.6% zinc and 1.3% lead over 8.4 feet, confirm previously modeled resource estimates, particularly at lower and higher elevations. Drilling has expanded this northern portion of the zone deeper by over 150 feet. The focus of the first quarter in 2019 underground drilling is on the Lower Southwest, Deep 200 South, 9A, and East Ore zones. Later in 2019 additional drilling targeting of the Northwest West and Upper Plate zones is planned.

More complete drill assay highlights from Greens Creek can be found in Table B at the end of this release and a presentation showing drill intersection locations is available at the following: http://ir.hecla-mining.com/interactive/newlookandfeel/4130678/Hecla-Q4-2018-ExplorationUpdate.pdf.

Casa Berardi – Quebec

During the fourth quarter, up to six underground drills were used to refine stope designs, expand reserves and resources in the 118, 121, 123, 124, 125, and 128 zones and confirm further potential at depth and to the east and west (Figure 7). Up to four drills on surface completed in-fill and exploration drilling at the West Mine Crown Pillar (WMCP), the 128-129 zones east of the Principal pit and near the proposed 160 pit (Figure 7). The WMCP pit represents the latest in a series of existing and proposed open pits (Figure 8) along the Casa Berardi Fault or Deformation Zone. The cross section in Figure 9 shows where underground resources were brought into the WMCP pit.

At the Lower 118 Zone, drilling confirmed the continuity of multiple mineralized lenses to the west and at depth outside the current resource boundary. Recent intersections continue to expand this resource, including 0.63 oz/ton gold over 13.1 feet and 2.69 oz/ton gold over 2.6 feet. This drilling suggests the zone is open at depth below the 1200-level and to the west. Near the top of the 123 Zone (Figure 10), step-out drilling to the east show the continuity of high-grade mineralization down plunge for 400 feet from surface. Drilling from the 710-790 levels have extended gold mineralization at depth and further to the west with intersections of 0.39 oz/ton gold over 10.8 feet and 0.35 oz/ton gold over 8.9 feet. Drilling from the 970 level, at the bottom of the mine, confirmed multiple lenses and suggests these mineralized lenses plunge east at depth and remain open for exploration.

High in the mine, drilling has targeted the east extension of the 124 Zone that is down-plunge of the Principal pit mineralization. Drilling below the 290-level continues to show the down-dip potential of the 124 lenses to depth. Further east, drilling of the 128-129 zones is defining a high-grade, steeply-plunging series of lenses that have been defined vertically for 600 feet and may extend below the 290 level. Recent drill intersections include 0.35 oz/ton gold over 10.2 feet and 1.25 oz/ton gold over 1.6 feet.

Definition drilling has commenced at the 300-level of the East Mine to refine the depth extensions of the 160 Zonebelow the pit shells (Figure 11). Drilling has defined broad intervals of mineralization including 0.21 oz/ton gold over 20.3 feet and 0.16 oz/ton gold over 19.9 feet. This mineralization is steeply plunging to the west and is open to depth. Drilling of the WMCP to evaluate open pit potential west of the West Shaft has upgraded the current inferred resource to reserves that are part of a newly defined open pit reserve. The recent results below show that the near-surface, mineralized structures extends both beyond the western extent of the WMCP pit.

In the first quarter of 2019, underground drilling is expected to expand and refine the 118 and 123 zones lower in the mine and the 124-128 zones closer to surface. Underground exploration drilling is planned to evaluate the lower extension of the 113 Zone and the 128 Zone. Surface drilling programs are planned at the western extension of the WMCP and the 128-129 zones to define and expand underground mining potential east of the Principal area along the Casa Berardi Fault.

More complete drill assay highlights from Casa Berardi can be found in Table B at the end of the release and a presentation showing drill intersection locations is available at the following: http://ir.hecla-mining.com/interactive/newlookandfeel/4130678/Hecla-Q4-2018-ExplorationUpdate.pdf.

San Sebastian – Mexico

During the quarter, three core drill rigs and one reverse circulation (RC) drill operated at San Sebastian. One underground drill rig completed in-fill drilling in the central and upper portions of the oxide zone along the Middle Vein. Exploration drilling with two core rigs was directed toward shallower oxide mineralization along the West Francine, Esperanza veins and the recently discovered El Toro (South) Vein (Figure 12). At the Middle Vein, in-fill drilling within the oxide zone intercepted vein intervals with similar grade and width to the previous exploration drilling results in this area. Strong drill results include 66.9 oz/ton silver and 0.22 oz/ton gold over 5.8 feet, and 42.4 oz/ton silver and 0.11 oz/ton gold over 4.7 feet. At the West Francine Vein, located about 1,000 feet west of any past drilling on the Francine Vein (Figure 12) core drilling has extended this mineralization about 400 feet along strike and a recent drill hole at the eastern end returned 9.5 oz/ton silver 0.02 oz/ton gold over 1.4 feet. Mineralization in this area is open laterally and at depth and follow-up, offset drilling is in progress.

The El Toro (South) Vein is located approximately halfway between the Andrea Vein resource area to the southeast and the Esperanza Vein to the northwest (Figure 12). Based on its location and orientation, this vein may represent the link between these two known veins with a total prospective strike length of over eight miles. Recent core drilling includes intersections of 9.8 oz/ton silver and 0.13 oz/ton gold over 11.8 feet,4.1 oz/ton silver and 0.13 oz/ton gold over 10.0 feet, and 6.0 oz/ton silver and 0.04 oz/ton gold over 5.4 feet (Figure 13). Exploration drilling continues at the Esperanza Vein area, about a mile and a half west of the mine area. This drilling has defined a wide vein up to 30 feet wide but initial assay results have been poor. Drilling has shifted to the northwest where there are strong geochemistry anomalies along the trend of the vein.

Drilling will continue during the first quarter to evaluate near-surface oxide mineralization at the West Francine Vein, El Toro (South) and Esperanza Vein areas. A grid pattern of vertical holes for sampling overburden and bedrock using an RC drill rig has begun to better define the geochemistry along the Esperanza to Andrea vein corridor (Figure 14).

More complete drill assay highlights from San Sebastian can be found in Table B at the end of this release and a presentation showing drill intersection locations is available at the following: http://ir.hecla-mining.com/interactive/newlookandfeel/4130678/Hecla-Q4-2018-ExplorationUpdate.pdf.

Nevada

Fire Creek

There were up to four drill rigs operating underground at Fire Creek in the fourth quarter with definition drilling focusing on upper and lower portions of Spiral 4, upper portions of Spiral 3, and up-dip of Spiral 2 mineralization (Figure 15). One drill rig is evaluating the upper portions of Spiral 3 along the Honey Runner, Karen, Hui Wu and Joyce structures and will attempt to extend mineralization along strike to the Spiral 2 sills. A narrow, high-grade intercept of 2.79 oz/ton gold over 0.7 feet is within a larger, lower-grade envelope of 0.76 oz/ton gold over 5.0 feet. Other high-grade intercepts in Spiral 3 include 0.64 oz/ton gold over 7.8 feet and 4.08 oz/ton gold over 2.0 feet (Figure 16).

Two drills are evaluating the upper and lower portions of Spiral 4. The drill targeting the southern up-dip extents of the Vonnie, Vein 6, Joyce, and Vein 8 has defined multiple narrow, gold-bearing structures that persist into the upper extents of the Spiral 4 area. Recent intersections include 0.22 oz/ton gold over 10.0 feet and 0.20 oz/ton gold over 3.3 feet. The sill drill completed additional definition drilling in Spiral 2 on the Joyce Vein and Vein 39 that expanded mineralization up-dip. The 2019 underground drill program at Fire Creek is designed to upgrade and expand resources at Spirals 2, 3, 4 and 9 and the Titan and North zones (Figure 17).

Surface exploration rigs evaluated the Zeus (Figure 18) and Far View targets for high-grade, gold-bearing structures. Intercepts along strike of the Zeus target encountered multiple structures with strong argillic clay alteration that had intercepts of 0.21 oz/ton gold over 2.0 feet and 0.18 oz/ton gold over 2.3 feet. Drilling identified a new structure to the southwest that graded 0.18 oz/ton gold over 3.4 feet. A new vein, grading 0.17 oz/ton gold over 4.5 feet was also identified to the northeast on a new structure between Zeus and the Spiral 10 veins.

Hollister

Up to three rigs were active in the West GloriaEast Clementine and Gwenivere areas during the fourth quarter. The West Gloria drilling program from the end of the 5265 Level targeted the extension of the Gloria veins to the west where previous drilling had identified veins (Figure 19). Drill results along the West Gloria structure below the level define numerous high-grade veins including 0.32 oz/ton gold and 6.1 oz/ton silver over 11.6 feet and 0.25 oz/ton gold and 10.2 oz/ton silver over 5.5 feet. Additional in-fill drilling is required to determine the continuity of these higher-grade veins. The East Clementine program (Figures 19 and 20) targeted up-dip extensions of the 233 and 243 veins to follow up on high-grade intersections near the unconformity. Three intercepts, including 1.78 oz/ton gold and 7.5 oz/ton silver over 1.7 feet, on the 233 Vein have delineated a mineable resource close to current workings on the 5190 level. Another intercept, 0.60 oz/ton gold and 0.10 oz/ton silver over 5.0 feet, extended mineralization about 150 feet to the east on the 243 Vein, close to the unconformity (Figure 21).

The Gwenivere program (Figure 19) was designed to offset two historical surface reverse circulation (RC) intercepts. Initial drilling intersecting multiple structures had a significant assay interval of 1.35 oz/ton gold and 0.29 oz/ton silver over 3.5 feet. One hole was collared in Muck Bay 2 on the 5050 level and directed to the southeast. This hole intersected multiple dykes and transducers were installed to monitor the hydrology. Additional underground drilling in the Central Hollister, Gwenivere and West Gloria areas is planned to continue through the first quarter of 2019.

More complete drill assay highlights from Nevada (Fire Creek and Hollister) can be found in Table B at the end of this release and a presentation showing drill intersection locations is available at the following: http://ir.hecla-mining.com/interactive/newlookandfeel/4130678/Hecla-Q4-2018-ExplorationUpdate.pdf.

ABOUT HECLA

Founded in 1891, Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) is a leading low-cost U.S. silver producer with operating mines in Alaska, Idaho and Mexico, and is a growing gold producer with operating mines in Quebec, Canada and Nevada. The Company also has exploration and pre-development properties in eight world-class silver and gold mining districts in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Statements made or information provided in this news release that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expects”, “intends”, “projects”, “believes”, “estimates”, “targets”, “anticipates” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. The material factors or assumptions used to develop such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information include that the Company’s plans for development and production will proceed as expected and will not require revision as a result of risks or uncertainties, whether known, unknown or unanticipated, to which the Company’s operations are subject.

Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated, expected or implied. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, metals price volatility, volatility of metals production and costs, litigation, regulatory and environmental risks, operating risks, project development risks, political risks, labor issues, ability to raise financing and exploration risks and results. Refer to the Company’s Form 10K and 10-Q reports for a more detailed discussion of risk factors that may impact expected future results. The Company undertakes no obligation and has no intention of updating forward-looking statements other than as may be required by law.

Cautionary Statements to Investors on Reserves and Resources

Reporting requirements in the United States for disclosure of mineral properties are governed by the SEC and included in the SEC’s Securities Act Industry Guide 7, entitled “Description of Property by Issuers Engaged or to be Engaged in Significant Mining Operations” (Guide 7). Although the SEC has recently issued new rules rescinding Guide 7, the new rules are not binding until January 1, 2022, and at this time the Company still reports in accordance with Guide 7. However, the Company is also a “reporting issuer” under Canadian securities laws, which require estimates of mineral resources and reserves to be prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101). NI 43-101 requires all disclosure of estimates of potential mineral resources and reserves to be disclosed in accordance with its requirements. Such Canadian information is included herein to satisfy the Company’s “public disclosure” obligations under Regulation FD of the SEC and to provide U.S. holders with ready access to information publicly available in Canada.

Reporting requirements in the United States for disclosure of mineral properties under Guide 7 and the requirements in Canada under NI 43-101 standards are substantially different. This document contains a summary of certain estimates of the Company, not only of proven and probable reserves within the meaning of Guide 7, but also of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates estimated in accordance with the definitional standards of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum referred to in NI 43-101. Under Guide 7, the term “reserve” means that part of a mineral deposit that can be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination. The term “economically”, as used in the definition of reserve, means that profitable extraction or production has been established or analytically demonstrated to be viable and justifiable under reasonable investment and market assumptions. The term “legally”, as used in the definition of reserve, does not imply that all permits needed for mining and processing have been obtained or that other legal issues have been completely resolved. However, for a reserve to exist, Hecla must have a justifiable expectation, based on applicable laws and regulations, that issuance of permits or resolution of legal issues necessary for mining and processing at a particular deposit will be accomplished in the ordinary course and in a timeframe consistent with Hecla’s current mine plans. The terms “measured resources”, “indicated resources,” and “inferred resources” are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101. These terms are not defined under Guide 7 and are not normally permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC in the United States, except where required to be disclosed by foreign law. The term “resource” does not equate to the term “reserve”. Under Guide 7, the material described herein as “indicated resources” and “measured resources” would be characterized as “mineralized material” and is permitted to be disclosed in tonnage and grade only, not ounces. The category of “inferred resources” is not recognized by Guide 7. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in such categories will ever be converted into proven or probable reserves. “Resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of such a “resource” will ever be upgraded to a higher category or will ever be economically extracted. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of a “resource” exists or is economically or legally mineable. Investors are also especially cautioned that the mere fact that such resources may be referred to in ounces of silver and/or gold, rather than in tons of mineralization and grades of silver and/or gold estimated per ton, is not an indication that such material will ever result in mined ore which is processed into commercial silver or gold.

Qualified Person (QP) Pursuant to Canadian National Instrument 43-101

Dean McDonald, PhD. P.Geo., Senior Vice President – Exploration of Hecla Mining Company, who serves as a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information concerning Hecla’s mineral projects in this news release, including with respect to the newly acquired Nevada projects. Information regarding data verification, surveys and investigations, quality assurance program and quality control measures and a summary of sample, analytical or testing procedures for the Greens Creek Mine are contained in a technical report prepared for Hecla titled “Technical Report for the Greens Creek Mine, Juneau, Alaska, USA” effective date March 28, 2013, and for the Lucky Friday Mine are contained in a technical report prepared for Hecla titled “Technical Report on the Lucky Friday Mine Shoshone County, Idaho, USA” effective date April 2, 2014, for the Casa Berardi Mine are contained in a technical report prepared for Hecla titled “Technical Report on the Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Estimate for the Casa Berardi Mine, Northwestern Quebec, Canada” effective date March 31, 2014 (the “Casa Berardi Technical Report”), and for the San Sebastian Mine are contained in a technical report prepared for Hecla titled “Technical Report for the San Sebastian Ag-Au Property, Durango, Mexico” effective date September 8, 2015. Also included in these four technical reports is a description of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate mineral reserves and resources and a general discussion of the extent to which the estimates may be affected by any known environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing or other relevant factors. Information regarding data verification, surveys and investigations, quality assurance program and quality control measures and a summary of sample, analytical or testing procedures for the Fire Creek Mine are contained in a technical report prepared for Klondex Mines titled “Technical Report for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada, dated March 31, 2018; the Hollister Mine dated May 31, 2017, amended August 9, 2017; and the Midas Mine dated August 31, 2014, amended April 2, 2015. Copies of these technical reports are available under Hecla’s and Klondex’s profiles on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Dr. McDonald reviewed and verified information regarding drill sampling, data verification of all digitally-collected data, drill surveys and specific gravity determinations relating to the Casa Berardi mine. The review encompassed quality assurance programs and quality control measures including analytical or testing practice, chain-of-custody procedures, sample storage procedures and included independent sample collection and analysis. This review found the information and procedures meet industry standards and are adequate for Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimation and mine planning purposes.

  

Table A: Reserves and Resources – 12/31/18(1)

 
  
Proven Reserves 
  Tons Silver Gold Lead Zinc Copper Silver Gold Lead Zinc Copper 
Asset (000) (oz/ton) (oz/ton) % % % (000 oz) (000 oz) Tons Tons Tons 
Greens Creek (2) 6 13.8 0.10 2.8 7.0  86 1 180 440  
Lucky Friday (2) 4,230 15.4  9.6 4.1  65,234  406,080 174,630  
Casa Berardi(3) 6,790  0.08     563    
San Sebastian (2) 22 3.9 0.08    85 2    
Fire Creek (2,4) 24 1.1 1.21    27 29    
Hollister (2,5) 2 7.0 0.73    17 2    
Total 11,074           65,448 596 406,260 175,070  
                        
Probable Reserves 
  Tons Silver Gold Lead Zinc Copper Silver Gold Lead Zinc Copper 
Asset (000) (oz/ton) (oz/ton) % % % (000 oz) (000 oz) (Tons) (Tons) Tons 
Greens Creek (2) 9,270 11.5 0.09 2.8 7.6  106,972 840 262,760 706,040  
Lucky Friday (2) 1,387 11.4  7.6 3.7  15,815  104,720 50,640  
Casa Berardi(3) 16,954  0.08     1,343    
San Sebastian (2) 206 13.1 0.10    2,705 21    
Fire Creek (2,4) 91 0.3 0.44    30 40    
Hollister (2,5) 9 7.2 0.65    66 6    
Total 27,917           125,588 2,250 367,480 756,680  
                        
Proven and Probable Reserves 
  Tons Silver Gold Lead Zinc Copper Silver Gold Lead Zinc Copper 
Asset (000) (oz/ton) (oz/ton) % % % (000 oz) (000 oz) (Tons) (Tons) Tons 
Greens Creek (2) 9,277 11.5 0.09 2.8 7.6  107,058 840 262,940 706,470  
Lucky Friday (2) 5,617 14.4  9.1 4.0  81,049  510,800 225,260  
Casa Berardi(3) 23,743  0.08     1,907    
San Sebastian (2) 228 12.3 0.10    2,790 23    
Fire Creek (2,4) 115 0.5 0.60    57 69    
Hollister (2,5) 11 7.2 0.67    82 8    
Total 38,991           191,036 2,846 773,740 931,730  

(1) The term “reserve” means that part of a mineral deposit that can be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination. The term “economically,” as used in the definition of reserve, means that profitable extraction or production has been established or analytically demonstrated to be viable and justifiable under reasonable investment and market assumptions. The term “legally,” as used in the definition of reserve, does not imply that all permits needed for mining and processing have been obtained or that other legal issues have been completely resolved. However, for a reserve to exist, Hecla must have a justifiable expectation, based on applicable laws and regulations, that issuance of permits or resolution of legal issues necessary for mining and processing at a particular deposit will be accomplished in the ordinary course and in a timeframe consistent with Hecla’s current mine plans.

 
(2) Mineral reserves are based on $1200 gold, $14.50 silver, $0.90 lead, $1.15 zinc, unless otherwise stated. 
(3) Mineral reserves are based on $1200 gold and a US$/CAN$ exchange rate of 1:1.33 Reserve diluted to an average of 34.7% to minimum width of 9.8 feet (3 m) 
Reserves at Casa Berardi were determined by Jonathan Archambault-Giroux, P. Geo., Que., Real Parent, P.Geo. Que., and Alain Quenneville, P. Eng., Que. unless otherwise stated. 
Open pit mineral reserves of the Principal Mine were estimated in September 2018 by Hecla Quebec and Mine Development Associates based on $1225 gold and a US$/CAN$ exchange rate of 1:3. 
Hecla Mining Company, Principal Deposit Open Pit Mining Study – 2018 
September 1, 2018, by Mine Development Associates, Thomas L. Dyer, P.E. 
Open pit mineral reserves of the 160 and 134 Zones were estimated in January 2018 by Hecla Quebec and Mine Development Associates based on $1225 gold and a US$/CAN$ exchange rate of 1.3. 
Hecla Mining, Casa Berardi 160 and 134 Zones, Open Pit Mining Study – 2017 
January 12, 2018, by Mine Development Associates, Thomas L. Dyer, P.E. 
Open pit mineral reserves of the West Mine Crown Pillar were estimated in January 2019 by Hecla Quebec and Mine Development Associates based on $1225 gold and a US$/CAN$ exchange rate of 1.3. 
Hecla Mining Company, West Mine Crown Pillar Deposit, Open Pit Mining Study – 2018 
January 10, 2019, by Mine Development Associates, Thomas L. Dyer, P.E. 
Open pit mineral reserves of the East Mine Crown Pillar Expansion were estimated in August 2018 by Hecla Quebec and Mine Development Associates based on $1225 gold and a US$/CAN$ exchange rate of 1.3. 
Hecla Mining Company, East Mine Crown Pillar Expansion, Open Pit Mining Study – 2018 
August 22, 2018, by Mine Development Associates, Thomas L. Dyer, P.E. 
(4) Recoveries at Fire Creek for gold and silver are 94% and 92%. Cutoff grade of 0.339 Au Equivalent oz/ton and incremental cutoff grade of 0.11 Au Equivalent oz/ton. Unplanned dilution of 10% to 17% included depending on mining method. 
(5) Recoveries at Hollister for gold and silver are 87% and 80%. Cutoff grade of 0.396 Au Equivalent oz/ton and incremental cutoff grade of 0.07 Au Equivalent oz/ton. Unplanned dilution of 10% to 17% and 5% mining loss included. 
  
  
Measured Resources 
  Tons Silver Gold Lead Zinc Copper Silver Gold Lead Zinc Copper 
Asset (000) (oz/ton) (oz/ton) % % % (000 oz) (000 oz) (Tons) (Tons) Tons 
Greens Creek (6) 339 9.5 0.11 2.6 9.4  3,233 36 8,800 31,700  
Lucky Friday (6,7) 7,587 7.6  4.9 2.7  57,314  370,240 204,490  
Casa Berardi (8) 1,952  0.15     299    
San Sebastian (6,9)            
Fire Creek (6,10) 64 0.7 0.92    47 58    
Hollister (6,11) 104 4.0 0.92    420 96    
Midas (6,12) 183 6.7 0.45    1,235 82    
Heva (14) 5,480  0.06     304    
Hosco (14) 33,070  0.04     1,296    
Rio Grande Silver (15)             
Star (16)            
Total 48,778           62,249 2,172 379,040 236,190  
                        
Indicated Resources 
  Tons Silver Gold Lead Zinc Copper Silver Gold Lead Zinc Copper 
Asset (000) (oz/ton) (oz/ton) % % % (000 oz) (000 oz) (Tons) (Tons) Tons 
Greens Creek (6) 7,128 13.2 0.10 3.1 8.1  94,197 690 218,950 577,650  
Lucky Friday (6,7) 2,498 8.0  5.2 2.5  20,049  128,830 61,480  
Casa Berardi (8) 10,797  0.08     906    
San Sebastian (6,9) 2,243 6.5 0.05 2.5 3.5 1.6 14,690 115 30,410 42,710 19,780 
Fire Creek (6,10) 307 0.5 0.54    158 164    
Fire Creek – Open Pit (13) 42,877 0.1 0.03    2,350 1,093     
Hollister (6,11) 135 2.6 0.64    350 86    
Midas (6,12) 722 4.5 0.37    3,228 267    
Heva (14) 5,570  0.07     369    
Hosco (14) 31,620  0.04     1,151    
Rio Grande Silver (15) 516 14.8  2.1 1.1  7,620  10,760 5,820  
Star (16) 1,126 2.9  6.2 7.4  3,301  69,900 83,410  
Total 105,538           145,944 4,841 458,850 771,070 19,780 
                        
Measured & Indicated Resources 
  Tons Silver Gold Lead Zinc Copper Silver Gold Lead Zinc Copper 
Asset (000) (oz/ton) (oz/ton) % % % (000 oz) (000 oz) (Tons) (Tons) Tons 
Greens Creek (6) 7,467 13.0 0.10 3.1 8.2  97,430 726 227,740 609,350  
Lucky Friday (6,7) 10,084 7.7  4.9 2.6  77,363  499,070 265,970  
Casa Berardi (8) 12,749  0.09     1,205    
San Sebastian (6,9) 2,243 6.5 0.05 2.5 3.5 1.6 14,690 115 30,410 42,710 19,780 
Fire Creek (6,10) 371 0.6 0.60    205 222     
Fire Creek – Open Pit (13) 42,877 0.1 0.03    2,350 1,093    
Hollister (6,11) 239 3.2 0.76    770 182    
Midas (6,12) 905 4.9 0.39    4,463 349    
Heva (14) 11,050  0.06     672    
Hosco (14) 64,690  0.04     2,447    
Rio Grande Silver (15) 516 14.8  2.1 1.1  7,620  10,760 5,820  
Star (16) 1,126 2.9  6.2 7.4  3,301  69,900 83,410   
Total 154,316           208,193 7,012 837,880 1,007,260 19,780 
                        
Inferred Resources 
  Tons Silver Gold Lead Zinc Copper Silver Gold Lead Zinc Copper 
Asset (000) (oz/ton) (oz/ton) % % % (000 oz) (000 oz) (Tons) (Tons) Tons 
Greens Creek (6) 2,470 14.6 0.09 3.0 7.3  35,982 219 74,410 181,400  
Lucky Friday (6,7) 2,861 8.7  6.3 2.6  24,809  181,180 74,430  
Casa Berardi (8) 6,222  0.10     652    
San Sebastian (6,17) 3,487 6.6 0.04 1.7 2.5 1.3 22,948 143 12,110 17,440 8,890 
Fire Creek (6,10) 565 0.5 0.53    288 299    
Fire Creek – Open Pit (13) 31,707 0.1 0.03    2,882 1,085    
Hollister (6,11,18) 550 3.1 0.40    1,716 223    
Midas (6,12) 573 3.0 0.34    1,723 198    
Heva (14) 4,210  0.08     350    
Hosco (14) 7,650  0.04     314    
Rio Grande Silver (19) 3,078 10.7 0.01 1.3 1.1  33,097 36 40,990 34,980  
Star (16) 3,157 2.9  5.6 5.5  9,432  178,670 174,450  
Monte Cristo (20) 913 0.3 0.14    271 131    
Rock Creek (21) 100,086 1.5    0.7 148,736    658,680 
Montanore(22) 112,185 1.6    0.7 183,346    759,420 
Total 279,714           465,229 3,648 487,360 482,700 1,426,990 
  
Note: All estimates are in-situ except for the proven reserves at Greens Creek and San Sebastian which are in surface stockpiles. Resources are exclusive of reserves. 
  
(6) Mineral resources are based on $1350 gold, $21 silver, $1.10 lead, $1.20 zinc and $3.00 copper, unless otherwise stated. 
(7) Measured and indicated resources from Gold Hunter and Lucky Friday vein systems are diluted and factored for expected mining recovery. 
(8) Measured, indicated and inferred resources are based on $1,350 gold and a US$/CAN$ exchange rate of 1:1.33 Underground resources are reported at a minimum mining width of 6.6 to 9.8 feet (2 m to 3 m) 
Resources at Casa Berardi were determined by Jonathan Archambault-Giroux, P. Geo., Que., Real Parent, P.Geo. Que., and Alain Quenneville, P. Eng., Que. unless otherwise stated. 
(9) Indicated resources reported at a minimum mining width of 5.9 feet (1.8 m) for Hugh Zone, Middle Vein, North Vein, and East Francine Vein and 4.9 feet (1.5 m) for Andrea Vein 
San Sebastian lead, zinc and copper grades are for 1,224,900 tons of indicated resource within the Middle Vein and the Hugh Zone of the Francine Vein. 
(10) Recoveries at Fire Creek for gold and silver are 94% and 92%. Au equivalent cutoff grade of 0.297 oz/ton. The minimum mining width is defined as four feet or the vein true thickness plus two feet, whichever is greater. 
(11) Recoveries at Hollister for gold and silver are 87% and 80%. Au equivalent cutoff grade of 0.352 oz/ton. The minimum mining width is defined as four feet or the vein true thickness plus two feet, whichever is greater. 
(12) Recoveries at Midas for gold and silver are 93% and 88% Au equivalent cutoff grade of 0.217 oz/ton. The minimum mining width is defined as four feet or the vein true thickness plus two feet, whichever is greater. 
(13) Indicated and inferred open-pit resources for Fire Creek were calculated November 30, 2017 using recoveries for gold and silver of 65% and 30% for oxide material and 60% and 25% for mixed oxide-sulfide material. 
Open pit resources are calculated at $1400 gold and $19.83 silver and cut-off grade of 0.01 Au Equivalent oz/ton and is inclusive of 10% mining dilution and 5% ore loss. Open pit mineral resources exclusive of underground mineral resources. 
NI43-101 Technical Report for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada; Effective Date March 31, 2018; prepared by Practical Mining LLC, Mark Odell, P.E. for Hecla Mining Company, June28, 2018 
(14) Measured, indicated and inferred resources were estimated in by Goldminds Geoservices Inc. with effective date 12-July-2013, and are based on $1,300 gold and a US$/CAN$ exchange rate of 1:1. 
The resources are in-situ without dilution and material loss. 
NI43-101 Technical Report, Mineral Resource Update, Heva-Hosco Gold Projects, Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Hecla Quebec, December 2013 
Prepared by: Claude Duplessis, Eng. Project Manager – GoldMinds Geoservices Inc.; Maxime Dupéré, P.Geo – SGS Canada Inc. (Geostat) 
(15) Indicated resources reported at a minimum mining width of 6.0 feet for Bulldog; resources based on $26.5 Ag, $0.85 Pb, and $0.85 Zn 
(16) Indicated and Inferred resources reported using $21 silver, $0.95 lead, $1.10 lead minimum mining width of 4.3 feet. 
(17) Inferred resources reported at a minimum mining width of 5.9 feet (1.8 m) for Hugh Zone, Middle Vein, North Vein, and East Francine Vein and 4.9 feet (1.5 m) for Andrea Vein 
San Sebastian lead, zinc and copper grades are for 702,600 tons of inferred resource within the Middle Vein and the Hugh Zone of the Francine Vein. 
(18) Inferred resources for the Hatter Project at the Hollister Mine calculated using recoveries for gold and silver of 82.7% and 71.8% and an Au equivalent cutoff grade of 0.27 oz/ton 
(19) Inferred resources reported at a minimum mining width of 6.0 feet for Bulldog, 5.0 feet for Equity & North Amethyst veins; resources based on $1400 Au, $26.5 Ag, $0.85 Pb, and $0.85 Zn. 
(20) Inferred resource reported at a minimum mining width of 5.0 feet; resources based on $1400 Au, $26.5 Ag. 
(21) Inferred resource at Rock Creek reported at a minimum thickness of 15 feet and adjusted given mining restrictions as defined by U.S. Forest Service, Kootenai National Forest in the June 2003 ‘Record of Decision, Rock Creek Project’. 
(22) Inferred resource at Montanore reported at a minimum thickness of 15 feet and adjusted given mining restrictions defined by U.S. Forest Service, Kootenai National Forest, Montana DEQ in December 2015 ‘Joint Final EIS, Montanore Project’ 
and the February 2016 U.S Forest Service – Kootenai National Forest ‘Record of Decision, Montanore Project’. 
  
 
Table B – Assay Results – Q4 2018
Greens Creek (Alaska)
                      
Zone Drill Hole Number Drillhole Azm/Dip Sample From Sample To True Width (feet) Silver (oz/ton) Gold (oz/ton) Zinc (%) Lead (%) 

Depth From
Mine Portal
(feet)

 
Deep 200 South GC5004 243/-72 189.5 198.4 8.8 10.7 0.02 6.9 3.7 -1466 
  GC5004 243/-72 219.0 237.0 17.8 43.8 0.03 4.4 1.8 -1494 
  GC5004 243/-72 260.0 276.0 15.4 58.1 0.01 2.6 1.1 -1529 
  GC5004 243/-72 340.0 341.5 1.4 12.1 0.17 9.1 4.7 -1579 
  GC5004 243/-72 440.0 441.0 0.8 30.7 0.02 0.7 0.3 -1699 
  GC5004 243/-72 663.5 665.0 1.4 22.3 0.05 0.4 0.3 -1914 
  GC5007 243/-86 206.5 212.7 5.7 19.2 0.05 3.2 1.6 -1487 
  GC5007 243/-86 225.0 229.0 4.0 14.7 0.01 2.0 0.4 -1504 
  GC5007 243/-86 371.8 373.3 1.3 18.9 0.02 0.4 0.2 -1651 
  GC5013 263/-65 195.7 198.0 2.2 26.8 0.02 1.7 0.7 -1457 
  GC5013 263/-65 200.5 207.0 6.3 50.8 0.04 3.2 1.6 -1462 
  GC5013 263/-65 211.7 213.7 2.0 12.1 0.01 8.8 4.5 -1471 
  GC5013 263/-65 257.0 260.0 2.8 72.0 0.02 6.8 4.4 -1512 
  GC5018 243/-55 281.0 283.5 1.9 21.7 0.01 9.8 5.0 -1509 
  GC5018 243/-55 606.5 610.5 4.0 20.3 0.20 0.8 0.4 -1773 
  GC5022 243/-47 415.0 416.0 0.8 68.6 0.26 1.6 0.8 -1583 
  GC5022 243/-47 449.5 455.0 5.3 180.4 0.36 14.0 7.2 -1609 
  GC5030 63/-74 598.5 601.0 1.6 13.6 0.04 3.5 3.0 -1859 
  GC5030 63/-74 657.0 664.0 6.9 18.2 0.08 4.2 2.2 -1916 
  GC5044 243/-73 179.0 190.5 11.0 24.0 0.01 1.5 0.8 -1453 
  GC5044 273/-73 235.0 238.0 3.0 16.7 0.03 1.7 0.6 -1505 
  GC5044 273/-74 671.5 695.7 24.0 28.8 0.11 2.2 1.2 -1782 
  GC5044 243/-74 720.0 725.0 4.5 16.0 0.26 0.7 0.6 -1922 
  GC5047 243/-63 193.5 208.0 12.7 24.8 0.00 2.3 1.1 -1453 
  GC5047 243/-63 222.5 235.0 12.3 31.2 0.01 0.7 0.3 -1479 
  GC5047 243/-63 366.0 394.0 22.5 64.4 0.02 5.0 2.4 -1605 
  GC5059 63/-87 479.0 482.0 3.0 18.7 0.04 0.3 0.1 -1761 
  GC5073 243/-83 479.6 484.6 5.0 81.5 0.40 1.1 0.6 -1759 
  GC5073 243/-83 663.0 678.0 14.9 14.6 0.10 0.7 0.3 -1939 
  GC5076 243/-73 522.0 524.5 2.1 17.5 0.03 7.3 3.8 -1782 
  GC5076 243/-73 684.0 715.0 29.9 44.6 0.18 2.5 1.2 -1937 
  GC5079 243/-62 210.0 218.0 7.8 36.1 0.02 5.7 2.6 -1470 
  GC5079 243/-62 231.0 233.5 1.5 15.3 0.05 0.3 0.2 -1488 
  GC5079 243/-62 271.5 286.5 13.1 13.4 0.04 5.8 2.7 -1525 
  GC5079 243/-62 294.0 298.4 4.4 13.3 0.01 4.3 1.9 -1544 
  GC5079 243/-63 317.5 319.5 1.7 22.0 0.01 0.4 0.2 -1566 
  GC5083 243/-53 583.0 588.0 3.8 16.2 0.02 0.4 0.2 -1753 
Upper Plate GC5048 241/26 611.5 616.0 1.5 14.8 0.09 2.2 1.2 266 
  GC5054 239/37 263.5 267.4 2.7 19.1 0.01 4.7 5.3 161 
  GC5054 239/37 363.5 365.0 1.1 18.0 0.02 10.2 6.1 221 
  GC5054 239/37 389.5 390.5 0.8 15.2 0.01 12.1 4.7 237 
  GC5057 235/56 199.0 204.0 4.9 34.2 0.01 2.5 1.5 166 
  GC5057 235/56 321.6 322.7 0.9 18.0 0.02 24.2 11.1 266 
  GC5060 230/70 195.0 202.5 7.4 39.8 0.01 5.9 4.0 188 
  GC5060 230/70 284.5 293.5 8.6 13.6 0.01 7.1 3.6 270 
  GC5062 222/51 199.9 204.3 3.7 20.5 0.00 2.1 0.9 156 
  GC5062 222/51 316.0 328.0 11.4 21.4 0.05 2.6 0.9 242 
  GC5066 91/78 204.0 208.0 4.0 12.1 0.02 4.6 2.4 207 
  GC5066 91/78 240.5 243.5 3.0 13.5 0.02 12.3 9.8 243 
  GC5088 252/60 153.0 171.5 14.2 11.4 1.04 2.2 1.6 134 
  GC5088 252/60 290.5 297.0 6.0 18.9 0.02 14.1 7.0 252 
  GC5093 248/41 238.0 243.0 2.4 23.2 0.01 2.5 1.1 152 
  GC5093 248/41 364.0 368.0 2.9 24.5 0.02 14.7 5.2 232 
  GC5093 248/41 381.0 382.0 0.8 16.1 0.01 5.8 2.5 243 
  GC5095 247/35 243.5 244.5 0.6 35.5 0.03 10.1 4.5 138 
  GC5099 246/28 286.5 290.0 1.9 29.5 0.13 8.4 3.4 133 
East Ore GC5009 59/-6 350.5 353.5 2.4 29.2 0.22 3.1 0.3 600 
  GC5012 56/-41 268.0 269.0 1.0 18.7 0.10 11.9 5.0 457 
  GC5012 56/-41 289.0 294.5 5.3 24.1 0.42 5.3 1.5 444 
  GC5017 68/3 370.0 371.8 1.5 11.1 0.29 25.9 8.6 647 
  GC5024 243/-47 306.0 310.0 4.0 41.4 0.09 4.0 1.6 493 
  GC5027 71/-49 303.5 305.0 1.5 19.6 0.08 18.4 4.3 403 
  GC5028 81/-71 314.5 315.5 1.0 12.5 0.05 35.0 9.4 333 
  GC5029 76/-1 368.5 369.5 0.8 13.9 0.12 6.7 3.4 631 
  GC5032 91/-31 331.0 332.0 0.9 77.8 0.30 16.2 6.1 336 
  GC5034 82/0 396.2 400.0 3.7 99.7 0.28 4.4 1.6 636 
  GC5035 82/-14 368.0 374.7 6.6 11.1 0.18 18.0 6.0 542 
  GC5053 46/-1 353.0 356.3 3.0 22.0 0.16 6.2 3.1 618 
  GC5056 46/-10 343.0 344.3 1.3 15.2 0.16 10.5 6.7 569 
  GC5058 39/13 400.0 407.0 6.1 38.5 0.11 7.4 3.5 704 
  GC5061 39/4 366.2 369.2 2.6 26.0 0.14 2.7 1.4 641 
  GC5072 79/11 418.0 422.5 4.1 13.4 0.41 18.4 3.5 710 
  GC5074 35/14 403.0 412.0 8.0 20.6 0.08 2.0 1.1 719 
  GC5075 51/17 410.4 418.0 6.4 11.3 0.36 31.4 19.8 736 
  GC5084 48/20 443.0 449.3 5.6 30.1 0.20 17.6 9.8 772 
  GC5089 36/-6 354.0 355.0 1.0 37.3 0.28 11.3 5.4 593 
  GC5090 36/-6 367.5 372.0 4.3 28.7 0.22 5.8 2.7 648 
  GC5094 247/35 308.0 313.0 4.8 28.6 0.26 9.9 4.6 533 
  GC5096 51/-31 296.0 304.5 8.4 29.5 0.11 3.6 1.3 486 
  GC5100 27/-26 280.5 285.5 4.6 18.2 0.32 2.4 1.1 507 
                      

Casa Berardi (Quebec)

                  
Zone Drill Hole Number Drill Hole Section Drill Hole Azm/Dip Sample From Sample To True Width (feet) Gold (oz/ton) 

Depth From
Mine Surface
(feet)

 
Lower 123 – 710-790 Area CBP-0750-017 12107 270/16 108.0 111.0 8.5 0.12 2402 
123 CBP-0750-017 12099 270/16 115.5 118.5 8.5 0.29 2396 
123 CBP-0750-017 12094 270/16 120.8 124.6 10.8 0.39 2392 
123 CBP-0750-018 12180 260/-18 35.7 36.0 0.8 0.41 2523 
123 CBP-0750-018 12129 260/-18 90.0 90.7 1.8 0.27 2580 
123 CBP-0750-020 12139 246/-15 81.0 87.0 8.9 0.35 2553 
Lower 123 – 970-1010 Area CBP-0970-037 12500 182/21 171.5 174.5 7.1 0.12 3104 
123 CBP-0970-038 12511 183/9 203.0 204.6 3.7 0.16 3217 
123 CBP-0970-041 12532 179/-6 226.8 228.4 3.3 0.18 3299 
123 CBP-0970-043 12463 172/43 152.6 160.9 22.5 0.18 3141 
Upper Principal 124 CBP-0766 12785 180/-19 70.8 73.5 8.5 0.10 1007 
East Mine 160 – 210-270 Area CBE-0122 15892 22/27 231.0 235.6 7.9 0.12 703 
160 CBE-0122 15896 22/27 243.2 245.0 2.7 0.20 687 
160 CBE-0122 15901 22/27 254.2 258.5 6.6 0.12 677 
160 CBE-0122 15907 22/27 267.0 271.5 6.8 0.11 666 
160 CBE-0122 15923 22/27 308.0 311.4 8.5 0.13 633 
160 CBE-0123 15856 22/19 209.7 213.0 8.1 0.31 793 
160 CBE-0123 15891 22/19 215.2 223.5 19.9 0.16 785 
160 CBE-0124 15827 3/10 187.5 196.2 26.2 0.10 882 
160 CBE-0124 15834 3/10 220.5 223.7 9.2 0.12 870 
160 CBE-0124 15836 3/10 231.0 232.5 4.3 0.14 867 
160 CBE-0124 15840 3/10 249.0 252.0 8.6 0.13 861 
160 CBE-0124 15848 3/10 285.0 288.0 8.5 0.12 851 
160 CBE-0125 15747 340/18 183.3 187.0 10.6 0.09 809 
160 CBE-0125 15723 340/18 286.5 287.7 20.3 0.21 731 
160 CBE-0127 15708 327/10 207.0 208.0 3.1 0.14 873 
160 CBE-0127 15703 327/10 222.9 223.7 2.5 0.15 867 
WMCP Pit CBF-105-017 11149 180/-61 221.4 242.0 33.1 0.03 664 
105-111 CBF-105-018 11052 360/-47 146.3 161.8 37.7 0.02 366 
105-111 CBF-105-019 11055 180/-60 159.0 174.7 23.9 0.03 489 
105-111 CBF-105-019 11056 180/-60 181.5 188.4 9.8 0.12 542 
105-111 CBF-105-020 11054 180/-56 137.0 183.0 80.0 0.05 450 
105-111 CBF-105-022 11159 180/-45 128.2 132.0 9.2 0.03 311 
105-111 CBF-105-022 11158 180/-45 165.0 168.0 7.2 0.04 394 
Lower 118 CBP-0757 11954 6/-60 247.7 254.0 13.1 0.63 3862 
118 CBP-0757 11954 6/-60 247.7 248.7 2.6 1.11 3855 
118 CBP-0757 11954 6/-60 248.7 249.7 2.6 2.69 3858 
118 CBP-0757 11957 6/-60 271.0 281.0 20.7 0.11 3925 
118 CBP-0757 11957 6/-60 271.0 272.0 2.6 0.35 3914 
Upper 124-128 CBP-0771 12848 180/-32 72.3 75.0 7.9 0.11 1053 
124-128 CBP-0771 12848 180/-32 90.0 93.0 8.5 0.11 1078 
124-128 CBP-0771 12810 180/-32 439.8 440.4 2.0 0.32 1335 
124-128 CBP-0771 12808 180/-32 449.1 450.8 4.9 0.19 1338 
Principal 128 CBS-18-882 12811 360/-55 418.5 421.5 7.5 0.11 995 
128 CBS-18-883 12797 360/-56 552.8 557.5 10.2 0.35 1334 
128 CBS-18-883 12796 360/-56 552.8 553.5 1.6 1.25 1152 
128 CBS-18-884 12795 360/-52 511.6 513.6 5.6 0.20 1092 
128 CBS-18-884 12795 360/-52 511.6 512.6 2.6 0.36 1151 
128 CBS-18-885 12777 360/-55 653.7 657.0 6.2 0.28 1539 
128 CBS-18-885 12777 360/-55 653.7 654.3 1.3 0.90 1538 
128 CBS-18-885 12775 360/-55 684.7 686.2 3.9 0.17 1599 
                  
 

San Sebastian (Mexico)

                        
Zone Drill Hole Number Sample From (ft) Sample To (ft) Width (feet) True Width (feet) Gold (oz/ton) Silver (oz/ton) Zinc (%) Lead (%) Copper (%) 

Depth From

Mine Surface
(feet)

 
El Toro Vein SS-1687 217.6 223.1 5.5 5.4 0.04 6.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 147 
  SS-1693 275.2 285.8 10.5 10.0 0.13 4.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 192 
  SS-1706 164.6 176.4 11.8 11.3 0.13 9.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 117 
Middle Vein SS-MV-101-002 131.6 138.8 7.2 5.8 0.22 66.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 356 
  SS-MV-101-004 111.9 119.8 8.0 6.4 0.11 29.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 344 
  SS-MV-101-007 158.6 164.7 6.1 3.7 0.05 25.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 247 
  SS-MV-101-008 184.5 191.9 7.3 4.4 0.03 10.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 417 
  SS-MV-101-012 146.3 153.0 6.6 5.3 0.33 18.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 643 
  SS-MV-101-015 172.5 180.3 7.8 4.7 0.11 42.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 713 
  SS-MV-101-016 144.2 151.3 7.1 4.2 0.13 22.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 639 
  SS-MV-101-018 158.7 166.8 8.1 4.9 0.16 24.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 673 
West Francine Vein SS-1669 874.0 876.0 2.0 1.4 0.02 9.5 0.1 0.0 0.0 652 
                        
 

Fire Creek (Nevada)

 
Zone Drill Hole Number Drill Hole Azm/Dip Sample From (feet) Sample To (feet) Width (feet) True Width (feet) Gold (oz/ton) Silver (oz/ton) 

Depth From
Mine Portal
(feet)

 
Spiral 3 FCU-1010 110/18 15 18 3 2.7 0.19 0.3 -383 
  FCU-1010 110/18 76 79 3 2.7 0.13 0.3 -364 
  FCU-1010 110/18 300 306 6 5.3 0.10 0.3 -294 
  FCU-1010 110/18 334 339.5 5.5 5.0 0.76 1.3 -284 
  includes 334 338.5 4.5 3.1 0.30 0.3 -284 
  includes 338.5 339.5 1 0.7 2.79 5.9 -283 
  FCU-1010 110/18 348 357.5 9.5 6.6 0.19 1.1 -279 
  FCU-1011 103/25 8.1 11 2.9 2.7 0.41 1.2 -384 
  FCU-1011 103/25 16.5 21.5 5 4.6 0.19 0.6 -380 
  FCU-1011 103/25 197.9 199 1.1 Unknown 0.13 0.3 -304 
  FCU-1011 103/25 277 298 21 19.3 0.15 0.4 -266 
  FCU-1011 103/25 317.2 319.5 2.3 1.7 0.19 0.3 -253 
  FCU-1011 103/25 321.6 322.2 0.6 0.4 0.13 0.3 -252 
  FCU-1011 103/25 341.5 345.6 4.1 3.0 0.35 0.7 -243 
  FCU-1012 84/35 0 7.6 7.6 7.3 0.12 0.3 -386 
  FCU-1012 84/35 30.5 34 3.5 3.2 0.26 0.3 -370 
  FCU-1012 84/35 30.5 31 0.5 0.5 0.16 0.3 -370 
  FCU-1012 84/35 31 34 3 2.7 0.27 0.3 -369 
  FCU-1012 84/35 82 85 3 2.8 0.12 0.3 -340 
  FCU-1012 84/35 183 187 4 3.6 0.24 0.3 -282 
  FCU-1018 110/9 12.8 16 3.2 2.9 0.12 0.3 -386 
  FCU-1018 110/9 22 27 5 4.5 0.18 0.3 -384 
  FCU-1019 102/14 10 13 3 2.9 0.13 0.3 -385 
  FCU-1019 102/14 13.5 15.2 1.7 1.6 0.16 0.3 -385 
  FCU-1019 102/14 67 70.5 3.5 3.3 0.31 0.3 -371 
  FCU-1019 102/14 252 259.5 7.5 Unknown 0.20 0.3 -326 
  FCU-1019 102/14 292 295 3 2.9 0.35 0.6 -317 
  includes 292 293.5 1.5 1.4 0.11 0.3 -317 
  includes 293.5 295 1.5 1.4 0.59 0.8 -317 
  FCU-1019 102/14 335.5 337.8 2.3 1.8 0.20 0.8 -307 
  FCU-1019 102/14 352 352.6 0.6 0.5 0.10 0.3 -303 
  FCU-1019 102/14 353.2 354.4 1.2 0.9 0.12 0.3 -302 
  FCU-1026 93/25 20 21 1 Unknown 0.11 0.3 -379 
  FCU-1026 93/25 57 64.5 7.5 Unknown 0.16 0.3 -362 
  FCU-1030 110/9 13.6 20 6.4 Unknown 0.18 0.5 -385 
  FCU-1030 110/9 128.7 131 2.3 1.8 0.12 0.3 -368 
  FCU-1030 110/9 268.2 269 0.8 0.7 0.28 0.3 -346 
  FCU-1030 110/9 271.4 272 0.6 Unknown 0.11 0.3 -345 
  FCU-1030 110/9 307.5 309.8 2.3 Unknown 4.08 2.9 -340 
  includes 307.5 308.5 1 0.9 1.58 1.5 -340 
  includes 308.5 309.3 0.8 0.7 9.69 6.2 -340 
  FCU-1030 110/9 309.3 309.8 0.5 Unknown 0.12 0.3 -340 
  FCU-1030 110/9 325.5 329.5 4 2.8 0.16 0.3 -337 
  FCU-1030 110/9 336.2 337.5 1.3 0.9 0.11 0.3 -335 
  FCU-1030 110/9 366 377 11 7.8 0.64 0.4 -330 
  includes 366 370 4 2.8 1.10 0.7 -330 
  includes 370 373 3 2.1 0.19 0.3 -330 
  includes 373 377 4 2.8 0.52 0.3 -329 
Spiral 4 FCU-1006 105/-30 93 98 5 4.4 0.11 0.3 -233 
  FCU-1006 105/-30 103 105.5 2.5 2.2 0.10 0.3 -238 
  FCU-1006 105/-30 136 140.3 4.3 3.3 0.20 1.7 -255 
  FCU-1007 99/-48 72 74.8 2.8 2.1 0.15 0.3 -241 
  FCU-1007 99/-48 222.6 223.4 0.8 0.6 0.11 0.3 -352 
  FCU-1007 99/-48 289 303.5 14.5 10.0 0.22 0.4 -407 
  includes 289 290 1 0.5 1.48 1.6 -402 
  FCU-1007 99/-48 360.9 362 1.1 0.6 0.17 0.3 -455 
  FCU-1007 99/-48 379 382 3 1.5 0.10 0.3 -469 
  FCU-1007 99/-48 397 401 4 Unknown 0.12 0.3 -483 
  FCU-1020 76/-36 497 499 2 Unknown 0.10 0.3 -387 
  FCU-1020 76/-36 566 567 1 0.9 0.22 0.3 -427 
  FCU-1020 76/-36 576 577 1 0.9 0.21 0.3 -433 
  FCU-1020 76/-36 600.3 601.2 0.9 0.7 0.23 0.8 -447 
  FCU-1020 76/-36 663.8 666.5 2.7 Unknown 0.22 1.0 -485 
  FCU-1020 76/-36 672 674 2 Unknown 0.11 0.3 -490 
  FCU-1020 76/-36 692 694 2 1.5 0.10 0.3 -501 
  FCU-1020 76/-36 743 745 2 Unknown 0.09 0.8 -531 
  FCU-1020 76/-36 752 755 3 2.4 0.10 0.8 -537 
  FCU-1024 69/-24 516.2 518.5 2.3 Unknown 0.21 0.3 -304 
  FCU-1026 93/25 16 21 5 Unknown 0.16 0.3 -380 
  FCU-1026 93/25 16 20 4 Unknown 0.17 0.3 -380 
Zeus FCC-0128 248/-56 887.6 893 5.4 2.0 0.21 0.2 -39 
  FCC-0128 248/-56 900 903.6 3.6 2.3 0.18 0.1 -49 
  FCC-0112 102/-57 1178.4 1182 3.6 2.4 0.10 0.1 -54 
  FCC-0113 69/-55 1544.5 1549 4.5 4.5 0.17 0.2 -331 
  FCC-0117 240/-51 1669.5 1676.3 6.8 3.1 0.15 0.1 -681 
                    

Hollister (Nevada)

                    
Zone Drill Hole Number Drill Hole Azm/Dip Sample From (feet) Sample To (feet) Width (feet) True Width (feet) Gold (oz/ton) Silver (oz/ton) 

Depth From
Mine Surface
(feet)

 
East Clementine HUC-00036 025/39 407.7 411.0 3.3 2.4 0.23 0.1 -137 
  HUC-00059 002/07 91.0 92.7 1.7 1.7 1.78 7.5 -388 
  HUC-00060 315/-17 68.0 68.7 0.7 0.5 0.40 3.3 -423 
  HUC-00060 047/-18 150.6 151.8 1.2 0.8 2.05 7.5 -450 
  HUC-00063 016/49 228.3 233.0 4.7 3.6 0.16 0.3 -226 
  HUC-00063 016/49 310.0 315.0 5.0 5.0 0.60 0.10 -164 
  HUC-00063 016/49 319.0 322.0 3.0 2.3 2.07 0.6 -158 
  Including 319.0 320.2 1.2 0.9 4.42 1.1 -158 
  Including 320.2 322.0 1.8 1.4 0.51 0.3 -159 
Gwenivere HUC-00018 036/06 113.0 116.5 3.5 Unknown 1.35 0.3 -159 
West Gloria HUC-00068 285/00 300.7 302.3 1.6 0.6 0.07 32.1 -292 
  HUC-00068 285/00 380.4 381.3 0.9 0.4 0.13 40.0 -292 
  HUC-00070A 000/-02 114.4 126.0 11.6 11.6 0.32 6.1 -296 
  HUC-00070B 000/-02 111.0 116.5 5.5 5.5 0.25 10.2 -296 
  Including 111.0 113.0 2.0 2.0 0.18 1.9 -296 
  Including 113.0 114.0 1.0 1.0 0.05 1.9 -296 
  Including 114.0 115.0 1.0 1.0 0.80 5.0 -296 
  Including 115.0 116.5 1.5 1.5 0.11 30.3 -296 
  HUC-00073 50/28 121.5 124.8 3.3 1.5 0.77 10.9 -231 
  Including 121.5 123.5 2.0 0.9 0.28 5.8 -231 
  Including 123.5 124.8 1.3 0.6 1.53 18.7 -231 
Surface Hatter Graben HSC-00005 17/-62 1100.5 1103.0 2.5 Unknown 0.00 13.1 -896 
  HSC-00006 321/-49 1543.1 1544.0 0.9 0.6 0.10 10.8 -955 
  HSC-00006 321/-49 1657.2 1658.0 0.8 0.5 0.11 0.1 -1041 
  HSC-00006 321/-49 1970.3 1970.8 0.5 0.3 0.28 0.8 -1277 
  HSC-00006 321/-49 2267.3 2268.0 0.7 0.5 0.12 0.2 -1501 
  HSC-00006 321/-49 2270.6 2273.5 2.9 2.1 0.19 1.7 -1505 
  Including 2272.6 2273.5 0.9 0.6 0.52 3.8 -1505 
                  

 

Mike Westerlund
Vice President – Investor Relations
800-HECLA91 (800-432-5291)
Investor Relations
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.hecla-mining.com

Source: Hecla Mining Company

Original Article: http://ir.hecla-mining.com/file/Index?KeyFile=396739250

 

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Maza Drilling is a Mexican company established in 2007 in Mazatlán, Sinaloa. Our Canadian founder, Mr. Guy de Launiere, has over 20 years of international experience managing diverse drilling operations. Maza Drilling strives to compete at the highest levels in terms of recovery, effectiveness, efficiency, and affordability at every project while keeping at the forefront of technology to meet our customer’s needs in this demanding market.