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. Hecla is the oldest U.S.-based precious metals mining company in North America and a low-cost primary silver producer. Headquartered in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, this international, publicly traded company is 118 years old.

In early 2008, Hecla acquired 100% ownership of the fifth largest silver mine in the world – the Greens Creek joint venture in Alaska. This transaction will dramatically increase Hecla’s annual silver production by 2009, while maintaining a low cash cost per ounce of silver, relative to its peers.

In 2007, Hecla was the lowest-cost primary silver producer in North America, producing 5.6 million ounces of silver at an average total cash cost of negative $2.81 per ounce. Hecla also produced 107,708 ounces of gold. The company has exploration properties and operating mines in the U.S. and Mexico. Hecla has proven operating expertise and highly prospective exploration opportunities.

Hecla mines, processes and explores for silver and gold in the U.S. and Mexico. Hecla currently produces silver from two silver mines, Greens Creek and Lucky Friday. In 2007, the Greens Creek mine in Alaska contributed 2.6 million ounces of silver to Hecla’s account (Hecla owned just 29.37% at that time), and the Lucky Friday mine in northern Idaho produced 3.0 million ounces.

Hecla has long been well known in the United States as a quality producer of silver and gold. The name “Hecla” is commonly associated with precious metals by investors. Hecla’s common stock has been traded on the New York Stock Exchange for over 40 years under the symbol “HL.”