Utilization of the earth's natural resources is fundamental to the survival and prosperity of any organism or society, including man and his activities. Removal of natural resources from one environment to utilization in another will impact both environments to some degree. Individuals as well as organizations of individuals should demonstrate respect for and concern with our environment. Man, in his ability to provide stewardship to the environment, should strive to minimize or mitigate the impacts of resource utilization to the extent reasonably feasible. Sound science should be the basis of environmental impact evaluation and mitigation.
Socioeconomic factors are a significant component of man's environment.
Costs for compliance with regulatory requirements, minimization and mitigation of environmental impacts, closure and reclamation will be included in project evaluations. Hecla will continue to seek, evaluate and use, when appropriate, new technologies and methodologies that enhance our ability to conduct our operations in a manner that reduces environmental impacts. To the extent economically and technically feasible, Hecla will minimize the generation of solid and hazardous wastes. Conservation of both renewable and nonrenewable natural resources will be considered in all of Hecla's activities. Hecla will continue its historic record of being community oriented.