EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 719413
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 719413_10-K_2021_0001437749-21-003217.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
For information regarding the organization of our business segments and our significant customers, see Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Information set forth in Items 1A and 2 below are incorporated by reference into this Item 1.
Introduction
Hecla Mining Company and its subsidiaries have provided precious and base metals to the U.S. and worldwide since 1891 (in this report, “we” or “our” or “us” refers to Hecla Mining Company and our affiliates and subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise). We discover, acquire and develop mines and other mineral interests and produce and market (i) concentrates containing silver, gold (in the case of Greens Creek), lead and zinc, (ii) carbon material containing silver and gold, and (iii) unrefined doré containing silver and gold. In doing so, we intend to manage our business activities in a safe, environmentally responsible and cost-effective manner.
The lead, zinc and bulk concentrates and carbon material we produce are sold to custom smelters, metal traders and third-party processors, and the unrefined doré we produce is sold to refiners or further refined before sale of the metals to traders. We are organized and managed in five segments that encompass our operating units: the Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, Casa Berardi, San Sebastian and Nevada Operations units.
The map below shows the locations of our operating units and our exploration and pre-development projects, as well as our corporate offices located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Vancouver, British Columbia and Val d'Or, Quebec.
Our current business strategy is to focus our financial and human resources in the following areas:
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Rapidly responding to the threats from the COVID-19 pandemic to protect our workforce, operations and communities while maintaining liquidity.
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Operating our properties in a safe, environmentally responsible and cost-effective manner.
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Maintaining and investing in exploration and pre-development projects in the vicinities of nine mining districts and projects we believe to be under-explored and under-invested: our Greens Creek unit on Alaska's Admiralty Island located near Juneau; North Idaho's Silver Valley in the historic Coeur d'Alene Mining District; the silver-producing district near Durango, Mexico; the Abitibi region of northwestern Quebec, Canada; our projects in Nevada; the Rock Creek and Montanore projects in northwestern Montana; the Creede district of southwestern Colorado; the Kinskuch project in British Columbia, Canada; and the Republic mining district in Washington state.
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Improving operations at each of our units, which includes incurring costs for new technologies and equipment.
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Expanding our proven and probable reserves and production capacity at our units.
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Conducting our business with financial stewardship to preserve our financial position in varying metals price and operational environments.
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Advancing permitting of the Rock Creek and Montanore projects.
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Continuing to seek opportunities to acquire and invest in mining and exploration properties and companies.
Metals Prices
Our operating results are substantially dependent upon the prices of silver, gold, lead and zinc, which can fluctuate widely. The volatility of such prices is illustrated in the following table, which sets forth our average realized prices and the high, low and average daily closing market prices for silver, gold, lead and zinc for each of the last three years. The sources for the market prices are the London Market Fixing prices from the London Bullion Market Association for silver and gold and the Cash Official prices from the London Metals Exchange for lead and zinc.
Silver (per oz.):
Realized average
$ 21.15
$ 16.65
$ 15.63
Market average
$ 20.51
$ 16.20
$ 15.71
Market high
$ 28.89
$ 19.31
$ 17.52
Market low
$ 12.01
$ 14.38
$ 13.97
Gold (per oz.):
Realized average
$ 1,757
$ 1,413
$ 1,265
Market average
$ 1,770
$ 1,392
$ 1,269
Market high
$ 2,067
$ 1,546
$ 1,355
Market low
$ 1,474
$ 1,270
$ 1,178
Lead (per lb.):
Realized average
$ 0.84
$ 0.91
$ 1.04
Market average
$ 0.83
$ 0.91
$ 1.02
Market high
$ 0.96
$ 1.03
$ 1.22
Market low
$ 0.72
$ 0.80
$ 0.85
Zinc (per lb.):
Realized average
$ 1.03
$ 1.14
$ 1.27
Market average
$ 1.03
$ 1.16
$ 1.33
Market high
$ 1.29
$ 1.37
$ 1.64
Market low
$ 0.80
$ 1.00
$ 1.04
Our results of operations are significantly impacted by fluctuations in the prices of silver, gold, lead and zinc, which are affected by numerous factors beyond our control. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - A substantial or extended decline in metals prices would have a material adverse effect on us for information on a number of the factors that can impact prices of the metals we produce. Our average realized prices for silver and gold were higher, while the average realized prices for zinc and lead were lower, in 2020 compared to 2019 and in 2019 compared to 2018. Market metal price trends are a significant factor in our operating and financial performance. We are unable to predict fluctuations in prices for metals and have limited control over the timing of our concentrate shipments which impacts our realized prices. However, we utilize financially-settled forward contracts for the metals we produce with the objective of managing the exposure to changes in prices of those metals contained in our concentrate shipments between the time of sale and final settlement. In addition, at times we utilize a similar program to manage the exposure to changes in prices of zinc and lead (but not silver and gold) contained in our forecasted future concentrate shipments. In June 2019, we also began utilizing financially-settled put option contracts to manage the exposure of our forecasted future gold and silver sales to potential declines in market prices for those metals. See Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on our base and precious metal forward and put option contract programs.
A comprehensive discussion of our financial results for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, individual operating unit performance and other significant items can be found in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial Condition and Results of Operations, as well as the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.
Products and Segments
Our segments are differentiated by geographic region. We produce zinc, lead and bulk flotation concentrates at our Greens Creek unit and lead and zinc flotation concentrates at our Lucky Friday unit, each of which we sell to custom smelters and metal traders. The flotation concentrates produced at our Greens Creek and Lucky Friday units contain payable silver, zinc and lead, and at Greens Creek they also contain payable gold. At Greens Creek, we also produce gravity concentrate containing payable silver, gold and lead. Unrefined bullion (doré) is produced from the gravity concentrate by a third-party processor, and shipped to a refiner before sale of the metals to precious metal traders. We also produce unrefined gold and silver bullion bars (doré), loaded carbon and precipitates at our Casa Berardi, San Sebastian and Nevada Operations units, which are shipped to refiners before sale of the metals to precious metal traders. At times, we sell loaded carbon and precipitates directly to refiners. Payable metals are those included in our products which we are paid for by smelters, metal traders and refiners. Our segments as of December 31, 2020 included:
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The Greens Creek unit located on Admiralty Island, near Juneau, Alaska. Greens Creek is 100% owned and has been in production since 1989, with a temporary care and maintenance period from April 1993 through July 1996.
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The Lucky Friday unit located in northern Idaho. Lucky Friday is 100% owned and has been a producing mine for us since 1958. Unionized employees at Lucky Friday were on strike from mid-March 2017 until early January 2020, resulting in limited production during that time. Re-staffing of the mine and ramp-up activities have been substantially completed, and the mine has returned to full production starting in the fourth quarter of 2020.
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The Casa Berardi unit located in the Abitibi region of northwestern Quebec, Canada. Casa Berardi is 100% owned and was acquired on June 1, 2013 with the purchase of all issued and outstanding common shares of Aurizon Mines Ltd. ("Aurizon"). Aurizon had operated and produced from the Casa Berardi mine since late 2006.
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The San Sebastian unit located in the state of Durango, Mexico. San Sebastian is 100% owned, and had previously produced for us from both underground mines and open pits at various dates from 2001. Mine production was completed in the third quarter of 2020, with milling of remaining ore completed in the fourth quarter of 2020. We have continued to advance additional exploration targets near our operations at San Sebastian.
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The Nevada Operations unit located in northern Nevada. Nevada Operations is 100% owned and was acquired on July 20, 2018 with the purchase of all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Klondex Mines Ltd ("Klondex"). Nevada Operations consists of four land packages in northern Nevada totaling approximately 110 square miles and containing operating or previously-operating mines with a history of high-grade gold production: Fire Creek, Hollister and Midas. As discussed in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial Condition and Results of Operations - The Nevada Operations Segment, in the second quarter of 2019, we ceased development to access new production areas at our Nevada Operations until completion of studies and test work, including the results of the mining and processing of a bulk sample of refractory ore through a third party ore processing agreement in the first quarter of 2021, resulting in, among other changes, an anticipated suspension of production in the first half of 2021.
The contributions to our consolidated sales by our operating units in 2020 were 47.4% from Greens Creek, 30.2% from Casa Berardi, 9.1% from Lucky Friday, 8.5% from Nevada Operations and 4.8% from San Sebastian.
The following table illustrates our metal quantities produced and sold for the last three years:
Year Ended December 31,
Silver -
Ounces produced
13,542,957
12,605,234
10,369,503
Payable ounces sold
12,305,917
11,548,373
9,254,385
Gold -
Ounces produced
208,962
272,873
262,103
Payable ounces sold
202,694
275,060
247,528
Lead -
Tons produced
34,127
24,210
20,091
Payable tons sold
29,108
19,746
16,214
Zinc -
Tons produced
63,112
58,857
56,023
Payable tons sold
46,349
39,381
39,273
Governmental Regulation
The following is a summary of governmental regulation compliance areas which we believe are significant to our business and may have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements, earnings and/or competitive position.
Health and Safety
We are subject to the regulations of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) in the United States, the Commission of Labor Standards, Pay Equity and Occupational Health and Safety in Quebec, and the Mexico Ministry of Economy and Mining, and work with these agencies to address issues outlined in any investigations and inspections and continue to evaluate our safety practices. We strive to achieve excellent mine safety and health performance, and attempt to implement reasonable best practices with respect to mine safety and emergency preparedness. Achieving and maintaining compliance with regulations will be challenging and may increase our operating costs. See Human Capital - Health and Safety below and Item 1A. Risk Factors - We face substantial governmental regulation, including the Mine Safety and Health Act, various environmental laws and regulations and the 1872 Mining Law.
Environmental
Our operations are subject to various environmental laws and regulations at the federal and state/provincial level. Compliance with environmental regulations, and litigation based on environmental laws and regulations, involves significant costs and can threaten existing operations or constrain expansion opportunities. Mine closure and reclamation regulations impose substantial costs on our operations and include requirements that we provide financial assurance supporting those obligations. We have over $180 million of financial assurances, primarily in the form of surety bonds, for reclamation company-wide. We anticipate approximately $6 million in expenditures in 2021 for idle property management and environmental permit compliance. We also plan to invest approximately $3 million in 2021 in on-going reclamation works at the former Troy Mine in Montana; the projected remaining cost for reclamation at the site is included in our accrued reclamation and closure costs liability. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - We face substantial governmental regulation, including the Mine Safety and Health Act, various environmental laws and regulations and the 1872 Mining Law; Our operations are subject to complex, evolving and increasingly stringent environmental laws and regulations; Compliance with environmental regulations, and litigation based on such regulations, involves significant costs and can threaten existing operations or constrain expansion opportunities; Our environmental and asset retirement obligations may exceed the provisions we have made; and New federal and state laws, regulations and initiatives could impact our operations.
Licenses, Permits and Claims/Concessions
We are required to obtain various licenses and permits to operate our mines and conduct exploration and reclamation activities. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - We are required to obtain governmental permits and other approvals in order to conduct mining operations. The El Toro area at San Sebastian, the Rock Creek and Montanore projects, and our planned open pits at Casa Berardi can only be developed if we are successful in obtaining the necessary permits. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - We are required to obtain governmental permits and other approvals in order to conduct mining operations and Legal challenges could prevent the Rock Creek or Montanore projects from ever being developed. In addition, our operations and exploration activities at our Casa Berardi and San Sebastian units are conducted pursuant to claims or concessions granted by the host government, and otherwise are subject to claims renewal and minimum work commitment requirements, which are subject to certain political risks associated with foreign operations. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - Our foreign activities are subject to additional inherent risks.
Taxes and Royalties
We are subject to various taxes and government royalties in the jurisdictions where we operate, including those specific to mining activities. These include: federal income taxes; state/provincial income taxes; county property taxes and sales and use tax in the U.S.; goods and services tax in Canada; value added tax in Mexico; mining-specific taxes in Alaska, Nevada and Quebec; and mining royalties in Mexico. Accrual and payment of taxes and accounting for deferred taxes can involve significant estimates and assumptions and can have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Tax rates and the calculations of taxes can change significantly and are influenced by changes in political administrations and other factors. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - Our accounting and other estimates may be imprecise; Our ability to recognize the benefits of deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carryforwards and other items is dependent on future cash flows and taxable income; Our foreign activities are subject to additional inherent risks; and We face substantial governmental regulation, including the Mine Safety and Health Act, various environmental laws and regulations and the 1872 Mining Law. Also, see Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on income taxes.
Physical Assets
Our business is capital intensive and requires ongoing capital investment for the replacement, modernization and expansion of equipment and facilities and to develop new ore reserves. At December 31, 2020, the book value of our properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net of accumulated depreciation, was approximately $2.3 billion. For more information see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. We maintain insurance policies against property loss and business interruption. However, such insurance contains exclusions and limitations on coverage, and there can be no assurance that claims would be paid under such insurance policies in connection with a particular event. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - Our operations may be adversely affected by risks and hazards associated with the mining industry that may not be fully covered by insurance.
Human Capital Management
As of December 31, 2020, we employed approximately 1,600 people, of which approximately 900 were employed in the United States, 650 in Canada, and 50 in Mexico. The vast majority of our employees are full-time. Approximately 15% of our employees were covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
One of our greatest resources is our people, with the attraction, development and retention of talent critical to delivering our business strategy. Key areas of focus for us include:
Health and Safety
The safety and health of our employees is of paramount importance, and we go to great lengths to keep employees safe. We continue to invest in effective ways to operate our mines more safely. Our goal is to achieve world-class safety and health performance by promoting a deeply rooted value-based culture of safety and utilizing technology and innovation to continually improve safe operations. We know that instilling the behavior of safety awareness is fundamental to making our workplace as safe as possible. So, we invest in our people with training and the latest technology and workforce development programs that focus on safety first. All employees receive training that complies with or exceeds the applicable safety and health regulations as set by the governing body in the jurisdiction in which each operation is located. As part of our commitment to safety, we track a variety of safety performance indicators, including injuries, near misses, observations, and equipment damages. Our goal is to reduce safety incidents and improve upon the previous year’s performance. Company-wide, our All Injury Frequency Rate ("AIFR"), calculated as the number of incidents in the period multiplied by 200,000 hours and divided by the number of hours worked in the period, dropped 70% from 2014 to 2019. In 2020, we reduced our AIFR by 24% to 1.22, the lowest level in our history and 46% below the U.S. national average for MSHA's "metal and nonmetal" category.
During fiscal year 2020, we launched a proactive response to the escalating COVID-19 outbreak and temporarily suspended operations at our Casa Berardi mine, starting at the end of March, and at our San Sebastian mine, in early April, due to government mandated closures. Those sites returned to full operations in mid-April and early-May, respectively. To mitigate the impact of COVID-19, we have taken precautionary measures, including implementing very detailed corporate and site-specific plans in February and early March 2020. Our plans included being flexible and quickly adapting to changing circumstances and government mandates. Even before mining was deemed an essential industry in the United States, we implemented procedures and policies to help keep our workers safe and ensure our supply chain, such as limiting site access, adopting social distancing, enhanced cleaning practices, implementing temperature testing, and quarantining protocols. We also commenced remote work protocols for those employees who wished to work remotely and could effectively do so. We took these actions to secure the safety of our employees, our vendors, and the communities in which our team members live and work, and to adhere to Center for Disease Control recommendations.
Compensation and Benefits
We are often among the largest private-sector employers in the communities in which we operate. We strive to provide a compensation and benefits package that succeeds in attracting, motivating, and retaining employees. For many decades, we have been at the forefront of offering competitive wages and among the highest valued benefits in the communities where we operate. The competitive wage and benefit package has been key to the strong retention of our employees. In addition to competitive base wages, we offer retirement benefits, health insurance benefits, incentive plans, and paid time off. We believe our retirement benefits in particular, which include both defined benefit and defined contribution plans, set us apart from many other employers.
Retention and Employee Development
A key element of our employee retention has been our culture. Maintaining a work environment in which our employees are provided the tools they need to grow and succeed and supporting the communities in which our mines and offices are located has been part of our culture for over a century. Our employees benefit from company-sponsored health and wellness programs that cover education, health interventions and disease management. Our responsibility to ensure a safe workplace extends to providing opportunities for employee wellness. In combination with the Hecla Foundation, we support employees both at the work site and in the communities in which we operate.
We are committed to hiring talented people, developing effective leaders and providing an inclusive workplace. The mining workforce of the future, like all industries, will see a continual change in the jobs and skill sets required as we adopt new technologies and make our workplace safer and more efficient. We are also committed to helping employees update their skills. For example, we are working with North Idaho College’s Career Training Center to develop a training curriculum to update the worker skill sets necessary to meet the changing mining workforce dynamic. In addition, we have long supported the Pathways to Mining Careers program, a career training partnership with the University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau. We also offer a reimbursement program to assist with educational expenses for employees who are interested in furthering their education. Advanced education can improve job performance and increase advancement opportunities for the employee, while providing flexibility to our company by increasing the employee’s knowledge base and skill set.
Annual employee surveys are conducted to gauge employee concerns and morale. The results of the surveys, and any responsive measures, are shared with our board of directors. Strategic talent reviews and succession planning reviews are conducted periodically across all business areas, and our training programs are adapted accordingly. The CEO, senior level company leadership and board of directors regularly review top talent across the organization. Creating more opportunities for women, indigenous people and minorities are among our priorities for employee development. We also strive to maintain an inclusive workplace, and provide periodic training to employees to help meet that goal. Our employees are required to abide by our Code of Conduct, which is available on our website, to promote the conduct of our business in a consistently legal and ethical manner. Among other provisions, the Code of Conduct reflects that it is our policy and practice not to discriminate against any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or physical or other disability. We expect our leaders to set the example by being positive role models and good mentors for our employees.
We employ our Vice President-Human Resources who is responsible for developing and executing our human capital strategy. The position is an executive-level position to reflect the priority we place on utilizing our human capital resources to meet our business strategy.
Available Information
Hecla Mining Company is a Delaware corporation. Our current holding company structure dates from the incorporation of Hecla Mining Company in 2006 and the renaming of our subsidiary (previously Hecla Mining Company) as Hecla Limited. Our principal executive offices are located at 6500 N. Mineral Drive, Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83815-9408. Our telephone number is (208) 769-4100. Our web site address is www.hecla-mining.com. We file our annual, quarterly and current reports and any amendments to these reports with the SEC, copies of which are available on our website or from the SEC free of charge (www.sec.gov or 800-SEC-0330). Our restated certificate of incorporation, bylaws, charters of our audit, compensation, and corporate governance and directors nominating committees, as well as our Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers and our Code of Conduct, are also available on our website. In addition, any amendments to our Code of Ethics or waivers granted to our directors and executive officers will be posted on our website. Each of these documents may be periodically revised, so you are encouraged to visit our website for any updated terms. We will provide copies of these materials to stockholders upon request using the above-listed contact information, directed to the attention of Investor Relations, or via e-mail request sent to hmc-info@hecla-mining.com.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The following risks and uncertainties, together with the other information set forth in this report, should be carefully considered by those who invest in our securities. Any of the following material risk factors could adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results and could decrease the value of our common or preferred stock or other outstanding securities. These are not all of the risks we face, and other factors not presently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial may also affect our business if they occur.
Financial Risks
A substantial or extended decline in metals prices would have a material adverse effect on us.
Our revenue is derived primarily from the sale of concentrates and doré containing silver, gold, lead and zinc and, as a result, our earnings are directly related to the prices of these metals. Silver, gold, lead and zinc prices fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors, including:
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speculative activities;
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relative exchange rates of the U.S. dollar;
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global and regional demand and production;
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political instability;
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inflation, recession or increased or reduced economic activity; and
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other political, regulatory and economic conditions.
These factors are largely beyond our control and are difficult to predict. If the market prices for these metals fall below our production, exploration or development costs for a sustained period of time, we will experience losses and may have to discontinue exploration, development or operations, or incur asset write-downs at one or more of our properties. See Item 1. Business - Introduction for information on the average, high, and low daily closing prices for silver, gold, lead and zinc for the last five years. February 16, 2021, the closing prices for silver, gold, lead and zinc were $27.57 per ounce, $1,794 per ounce, $0.96 per pound and $1.28 per pound, respectively.
An extended decline in metals prices, an increase in operating or capital costs, mine accidents or closures, increasing regulatory obligations, or our inability to convert exploration potential to reserves may cause us to record write-downs, which could negatively impact our results of operations.
When events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of our long-lived assets may not be recoverable, we review the recoverability of the carrying value by estimating the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. Impairment must be recognized when the carrying value of the asset exceeds these cash flows. Recognizing impairment write-downs could negatively impact our results of operations. Metal price estimates are a key component used in the evaluation of the carrying values of our assets, as the evaluation involves comparing carrying values to the average estimated undiscounted cash flows resulting from operating plans using various metals price scenarios. Our estimates of undiscounted cash flows for our long-lived assets also include an estimate of the market value of the exploration potential beyond the current operating plans.
We determined that there were no events or change in circumstances indicating the carrying value of our long-lived assets may not be recoverable as of December 31, 2020. For more discussion, see Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and the below risk factors, “We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits from our acquisitions, including our acquisition of Klondex” and “The issues we have faced at our Nevada Operations unit could require us to write-down the associated long-lived assets. We could face similar issues at our other operations. Such write-downs may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.” If the prices of silver, gold, zinc and lead decline for an extended period of time, if we fail to control production or capital costs, if regulatory issues increase costs or decrease production, or if we do not realize the mineable ore reserves or exploration potential at our mining properties, we may be required to recognize asset write-downs in the future. In addition, the perceived market value of the exploration potential of our properties is dependent upon prevailing metals prices as well as our ability to discover economic ore. A decline in metals prices for an extended period of time or our inability to convert exploration potential to reserves could significantly reduce our estimates of the value of the exploration potential at our properties and result in asset write-downs.
We have a substantial amount of debt that could impair our financial health and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under our existing and future indebtedness.
As of December 31, 2020, we had total indebtedness of approximately $523.0 million, primarily in the form of our Senior Notes. Our level of debt and our debt service obligations may have adverse effects on our business, financial condition, cash flows or results of operations, including:
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making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the Senior Notes;
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reducing the amount of funds available to finance our operations, capital expenditures and other activities;
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increasing our vulnerability to economic downturns and industry conditions;
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limiting our flexibility in responding to changing business and economic conditions;
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jeopardizing our ability to execute our business plans;
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placing us at a disadvantage when compared to our competitors that have less debt;
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increasing our cost of borrowing; and
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limiting our ability to borrow additional funds.
We and our subsidiaries may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. Although the indenture governing our Senior Notes contains restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of significant qualifications and exceptions and, under certain circumstances, the amount of additional indebtedness that could be incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. In July 2018, we entered into our $250 million senior credit facility. Like the indenture, the credit agreement governing the revolving credit facility also has restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness but with a number of significant qualifications and exceptions. If new debt is added to our and our subsidiaries’ existing debt levels, the risks associated with such debt that we currently face would increase. In addition, the indenture governing the Senior Notes does not prevent us from incurring additional indebtedness under the indenture.
We have had losses that could reoccur in the future.
We have experienced volatility in our net (loss) income reported in the last five years, as shown in Item 6. Selected Financial Data, including net losses of $16.8 million in 2020, $99.6 million in 2019, $26.6 million in 2018 and $28.5 million in 2017, and net income of $61.6 million in 2016. A comparison of operating results over the past three years can be found in Results of Operations in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Many of the factors affecting our operating results are beyond our control, including, but not limited to, the volatility of metals prices; smelter terms; rock and soil conditions; seismic events; availability of hydroelectric power; diesel fuel prices; interest rates; foreign exchange rates; global or regional political or economic policies; inflation; availability and cost of labor; economic developments and crises; governmental regulations; continuity of orebodies; ore grades; recoveries; performance of equipment; price speculation by certain investors; and purchases and sales by central banks and other holders and producers of gold and silver in response to these factors. We cannot assure you that we will not experience net losses in the future.
Our accounting and other estimates may be imprecise.
Preparing consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and related disclosure of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reporting periods. The more significant areas requiring the use of management assumptions and estimates relate to:
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mineral reserves, mineralized material, and other resources that are the basis for future income and cash flow estimates and units-of-production depreciation, depletion and amortization calculations;
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future ore grades, throughput and recoveries;
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future metals prices;
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future capital and operating costs;
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environmental, reclamation and closure obligations;
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permitting and other regulatory considerations;
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asset impairments;
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valuation of business combinations;
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future foreign exchange rates, inflation rates and applicable tax rates;
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reserves for contingencies and litigation; and
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deferred tax asset valuation allowance.
Future estimates and actual results may differ materially from these estimates as a result of using different assumptions or conditions. For additional information, see Critical Accounting Estimates in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and the risk factors set forth below: “Our costs of extending existing reserves or development of new orebodies and other capital costs may be higher and provide less return than we estimated,” “Our ore reserve estimates may be imprecise,” “We are currently involved in ongoing legal disputes that may materially adversely affect us,” and “Our environmental and asset retirement obligations may exceed the provisions we have made.”
Commodity and currency risk management activities could prevent us from realizing possible revenues or lower costs or expose us to losses.
We periodically enter into risk management activities to manage the exposure to changes in prices of silver, gold, lead and zinc contained in our concentrate shipments between the time of sale and final settlement. We also utilize such programs to manage the exposure to changes in the prices of metals contained in our forecasted future shipments. Such activities are utilized in an attempt to partially insulate our operating results from changes in prices for those metals. However, such activities may prevent us from realizing revenues in the event that the market price of a metal exceeds the price stated in a contract, and may also result in significant mark-to-market fair value adjustments, which may have a material adverse impact on our reported financial results. In addition, we are exposed to credit risk with our counterparties, and we may experience losses if a counterparty fails to purchase under a contract when the contract price exceeds the spot price of a commodity.
In 2016, we also initiated financially-settled forward contract programs to manage exposure to fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar (“USD”) and the Canadian dollar (“CAD”) and the Mexican peso (“MXN”) and the impact on our future operating costs denominated in CAD and MXN. As with our metals derivatives, such activities may prevent us from realizing possible lower costs on a USD-basis in the event that the USD strengthens relative to the CAD or MXN compared to the exchange rates stated in the forward contracts, and also expose us to counterparty credit risk.
See Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on these forward contract programs.
Our ability to recognize the benefits of deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carryforwards and other items is dependent on future cash flows and taxable income.
We recognize the expected future tax benefit from deferred tax assets when the tax benefit is considered to be more likely than not of being realized. Otherwise, a valuation allowance is applied against deferred tax assets, reducing the value of such assets. Assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets requires management to make significant estimates related to expectations of future taxable income. Estimates of future taxable income are based on forecasted income from operations and the application of existing tax laws in each jurisdiction. Metal price and production estimates are key components used in the determination of our ability to realize the expected future benefit of our deferred tax assets. To the extent that future taxable income differs significantly from estimates as a result of a decline in metals prices or other factors, our ability to realize the deferred tax assets could be impacted. Additionally, significant future issuances of common stock or common stock equivalents, or changes in the direct or indirect ownership of our common stock or common stock equivalents, could limit our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards pursuant to Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. Future changes in tax law or changes in ownership structure could limit our ability to utilize our recorded tax assets. Due to the changes to tax laws under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in December 2017, we determined it is more likely than not we will not realize the net deferred tax assets in the “Hecla U.S. tax group,” our U.S. consolidated tax group which is exclusive of our U.S. consolidated tax group located in Nevada (“Nevada U.S. tax group”). We currently do not have valuation allowances for certain amounts related to the Nevada U.S. tax group and certain foreign deferred tax assets, and our deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2020 were $233.0 million, net of $77.2 million in valuation allowances. See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of our deferred tax assets.
Returns for investments in pension plans and pension plan funding requirements are uncertain.
We maintain defined benefit pension plans for most U.S. employees, which provide for defined benefit payments after retirement for those employees. Canadian and Mexican employees participate in public retirement systems for those countries and are not eligible to participate in the defined benefit pension plans that we maintain for U.S. employees. The ability of the pension plans maintained for U.S. employees to provide the specified benefits depends on our funding of the plans and returns on investments made by the plans. Returns, if any, on investments are subject to fluctuations based on investment choices and market conditions. In addition, we have a supplemental executive retirement plan which was unfunded as of December 31, 2020. A sustained period of low returns or losses on investments, or future benefit obligations that exceed our estimates, could require us to fund the pension plans to a greater extent than anticipated. See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on our pension plans.
Operation, Development, Exploration and Acquisition Risks
Natural disasters, public health crises (including COVID-19), political crises, and other catastrophic events or other events outside of our control may materially and adversely affect our business or financial results.
If any of our facilities or the facilities of our suppliers, third-party service providers, or customers is affected by natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, fires, power shortages or outages, public health crises, such as pandemics and epidemics, political crises, such as terrorism, war, political instability or other conflict, or other events outside of our control, our operations or financial results could suffer. Any of these events could materially and adversely impact us in a number of ways, including through decreased production, increased costs, decreased demand for our products due to reduced economic activity or other factors, or the failure by counterparties to perform under contracts or similar arrangements.
For example, the current pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus COVID-19 has resulted in travel restrictions and business slowdowns or shutdowns in affected areas. In late March 2020, the Government of Quebec ordered the mining industry to reduce to minimum operations as part of the fight against the COVID-19 virus, causing us to suspend our Casa Berardi operations from approximately March 24 until April 15, when limited mining operations resumed. And in early April, the Government of Mexico issued a similar order causing us to suspend our San Sebastian operations through April 30, and the order was subsequently extended to May 30. In addition, restrictions imposed by the State of Alaska in late March have caused us to revise the normal operating procedures for staffing operations at Greens Creek. At Casa Berardi and San Sebastian, suspension costs in 2020 totaled $1.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively. In addition, we incurred costs of approximately $2.3 million in 2020 related to quarantining employees at Greens Creek, which started in late March 2020. COVID-19 also negatively impacted our gold production at Casa Berardi in 2020 by approximately 11,700 ounces. It is possible that the changes at Casa Berardi, San Sebastian or Greens Creek (or at any other operation) could continue to have an adverse impact on operations or 2021 financial results, including materially so, if restrictions continue longer than anticipated or become broader.
The additional protocols implemented at our mine sites and other restrictions in response to the pandemic have limited the access of our contractors, consultants and other third-party service providers to our operations. As a result, less exploration and confirmation drilling has occurred at some of our operations and exploration properties which in turn has limited reserve and resource conversion in 2020. It is possible restrictions and procedures related to the pandemic could continue to limit access of contractors and others to our operations and have a negative impact on our recognition of reserves and resources or other areas.
We continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation and guidance from federal, state, local and foreign governments and public health authorities and may take additional actions based on their recommendations. The extent of the impact of COVID-19 and any subsequent variants on our business and financial results will also depend on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak within the markets in which we operate and the related impact on prices, demand, creditworthiness and other market conditions and governmental reactions, all of which are highly uncertain.
COVID-19 virus pandemic may heighten other risks.
To the extent that the COVID-19 virus pandemic adversely affects our business and financial results, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other Risk Factors described herein, including, but not limited to, risks related to commodity prices and commodity markets, commodity price fluctuations, our indebtedness, information systems and cyber security and risks relating to our mining operations such as risks related to mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, production forecasts, impacts of governmental regulations, international operations, availability of infrastructure and employees and challenging global financial conditions.
Mining accidents or other adverse events at an operation could decrease our anticipated production or otherwise adversely affect our operations.
Production may be reduced below our historical or estimated levels for many reasons, including, but not limited to, mining accidents; unfavorable ground or shaft conditions; work stoppages or slow-downs; lower than expected ore grades; unexpected regulatory actions; if the metallurgical characteristics of ore are less economic than anticipated; or because our equipment or facilities fail to operate properly or as expected. Our mines are subject to risks relating to ground instability, including, but not limited to, pit wall failure, crown pillar collapse, stope failure or the breach or failure of a tailings impoundment. Both the Lucky Friday and Casa Berardi mines have a history of ground instability underground and related incidents which in the past have resulted in loss of production at these facilities and some of the other effects described below. The occurrence of an event such as those described above could result in loss of life or temporary or permanent cessation of operations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Other closures or impacts on operations or production may occur at any of our mines at any time, whether related to accidents, changes in conditions, changes to regulatory policy, or as precautionary measures.
In addition, our operations are typically in remote locations, where conditions can be inhospitable, including with respect to weather, surface conditions, interactions with wildlife or otherwise in or near dangerous conditions. In the past we have had employees, contractors, or employees of contractors get injured, sometimes fatally, while working in such challenging locations. An accident or injury to a person at or near one of our operations could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our operations may be adversely affected by risks and hazards associated with the mining industry that may not be fully covered by insurance.
Our business is capital intensive, requiring ongoing investment for the replacement, modernization or expansion of equipment and facilities. Our mining and milling operations are subject to risks of process disruptions and equipment malfunctions. Equipment and supplies may from time to time be unavailable on a timely basis. Our business is subject to a number of other risks and hazards including:
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environmental hazards;
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unusual or unexpected geologic formations;
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rock bursts, ground falls, pit wall failures, or tailings impoundment breaches or failures;
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seismic activity;
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underground fires or floods;
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unanticipated hydrologic conditions, including flooding and periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions;
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political and country risks;
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civil unrest or terrorism;
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Changes in interpretation or enforcement of regulatory and permitting requirements;
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industrial accidents;
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disruption, damage or failure of technology systems related to operation of equipment and other aspects of our mine operations;
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labor disputes or strikes; and
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our operating mines have tailing ponds which could fail or leak as a result of seismic activity, unusual weather or for other reasons.
Such risks could result in:
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personal injury or fatalities;
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damage to or destruction of mineral properties or producing facilities;
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environmental damage and financial penalties;
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delays in exploration, development or mining;
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monetary losses;
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inability to meet our financial obligations;
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asset impairment charges;
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legal liability; and
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temporary or permanent closure of facilities.
We maintain insurance to protect against losses that may result from some of these risks, such as property loss and business interruption, in amounts we believe to be reasonably consistent with our historical experience, industry practice and circumstances surrounding each identified risk. Such insurance, however, contains exclusions and limitations on coverage, particularly with respect to environmental liability, political risk and seismic events. We cannot assure you that claims would be paid under such insurance policies in connection with a particular event. Insurance specific to environmental risks is generally either unavailable or, we believe, too expensive for us, and we therefore do not maintain environmental insurance. Occurrence of events for which we are not insured may have an adverse effect on our business.
Our costs of extending existing reserves or development of new orebodies and other capital costs may be higher and provide less return than we estimated.
Capitalized development projects may cost more and provide less return than we estimate. If we are unable to realize a return on these investments, we may incur a related asset write-down that could adversely affect our financial results or condition.
Our ability to sustain or increase our current level of metals production partly depends on our ability to develop new orebodies and/or expand existing mining operations. Before we can begin a development project, we must first determine whether it is economically feasible to do so. This determination is based on estimates of several factors, including:
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ore reserves;
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expected ore grades and recovery rates of metals from the ore;
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future metals prices;
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facility and equipment costs;
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availability of adequate staffing;
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availability of affordable sources of power and adequacy of water supply;
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exploration and drilling success;
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capital and operating costs of a development project;
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environmental and closure, permitting and other regulatory considerations and costs;
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adequate access to the site, including competing land uses (such as agriculture);
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applicable tax rates;
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foreign currency fluctuation and inflation rates; and
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availability and cost of financing.
Many of these estimates are based on geological and other interpretive data, which may be imprecise. As a result, actual operating and capital costs and returns from a development project may differ substantially from our estimates, and, as such, it may not be economically feasible to continue with a development project.
Our ore reserve estimates may be imprecise.
Our ore reserve figures and costs are primarily estimates and are not guarantees that we will recover the indicated quantities of these metals. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on estimates of reserves (or mineralized material or other resource estimates). Reserves are estimates made by our professional technical personnel of the amount of metals that they believe could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination. No assurance can be given that the estimated amount of metal or the indicated level of recovery of these metals will be realized. Reserve estimation is an interpretive process based upon available data and various assumptions. Our reserve estimates may change. Reserves are valued based on estimates of costs and metals prices, which may not be consistent among our properties or across the industry. The estimated quantities and economic value of ore reserves may be adversely affected by:
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declines in the market price of the various metals we mine;
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increased production or capital costs;
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reduction in the grade or tonnage of the deposit;
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decrease in throughput;
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increase in the dilution of the ore;
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future foreign currency rates, inflation rates and applicable tax rates;
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reduced metal recovery; and
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changes in environmental, permitting or other regulatory requirements.
Short-term operating factors relating to our ore reserves, such as the need to sequentially develop orebodies and the processing of new or different ore grades, may adversely affect our cash flow.
If the prices of metals that we produce decline substantially below the levels used to calculate reserves for an extended period, we could experience:
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delays in new project development;
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net losses;
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reduced cash flow;
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reductions in reserves;
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write-downs of asset values; and
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mine closure.
Additionally, the term “mineralized material” does not indicate proven and probable reserves as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or our standards. Estimates of mineralized material are subject to further exploration and development, and are, therefore, subject to considerable uncertainty. Despite our history of converting mineralized material to reserves through additional drilling and study work, we cannot be certain that any part or parts of the mineralized material deposit will ever be confirmed or converted into reserves as defined by the SEC or that mineralized material can be economically or legally extracted.
Efforts to expand the finite lives of our mines may not be successful or could result in significant demands on our liquidity, which could hinder our growth.
One of the risks we face is that mines are depleting assets. Thus, in order to maintain or increase production we must continually replace depleted ore reserves by locating and developing additional ore. Our ability to expand or replace ore reserves primarily depends on the success of our exploration programs. Mineral exploration, particularly for silver and gold, is highly speculative and expensive. It involves many risks and is often non-productive. Even if we believe we have found a valuable mineral deposit, it may be several years before production from that deposit is possible. During that time, it may become no longer feasible to produce those minerals for economic, regulatory, political or other reasons. As a result of high costs and other uncertainties, we may not be able to expand or replace our existing ore reserves as they are depleted, which would adversely affect our business and financial position in the future. For example, the additional protocols implemented at our mine sites and other restrictions in response to the pandemic have also limited the access of our contractors, consultants, and other third-party service providers to our operations. As a result, less exploration and confirmation drilling has occurred at some of our operations and exploration properties, which in turn has limited reserve and resource conversion in 2020.
Our ability to market our metals production depends on the availability of smelters and/or refining facilities and our operations and financial results may be affected by disruptions or closures or the unavailability of smelters and/or refining facilities for other reasons.
We sell our metals products to smelters and metal traders. Our doré bars are sent to refiners for further processing before being sold to metal traders. Access to refiners and smelters on economical terms is critical to our ability to sell our products to buyers and generate revenues. If smelters or refiners are unavailable or unwilling to accept our products, or we are otherwise unable to sell our products to customers on acceptable commercial and legal terms, our operations and financial results could be adversely affected. See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the distribution of our sales and our significant customers.
We derive a significant amount of revenue from a relatively small number of customers and occasionally enter into concentrate spot market sales with metal traders.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, the four largest customers accounted for approximately 33%, 16%, 14% and 13%, respectively, of our total revenues. Given our operations produce unique qualities of concentrates, which a limited number of smelters can process effectively, we enter into long-term benchmark contracts for a majority of our total concentrates production. We expose lesser portions of our concentrates production to spot market sales to metal traders to benefit from favorable spot market sales terms from time to time. Our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely affected if one or more of our long-term customers were to decide to interrupt or curtail their activities, terminate their contracts with us or fail to renew existing contracts. Additionally, if spot market conditions deteriorate rapidly, we could have difficulty selling a portion of our concentrates, and metal traders could refuse to perform under existing contracts, which could also result in materially adverse effects on our results of operations, financial conditions and cash flows. See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the distribution of our sales and our significant customers.
Shortages of critical parts and equipment may adversely affect our operations and development projects.
We have been impacted, from time to time, by increased demand for critical resources such as input commodities, drilling equipment, trucks, shovels and tires. These shortages have, at times, impacted the efficiency of our operations, and resulted in cost increases and delays in construction of projects; thereby impacting operating costs, capital expenditures and production and construction schedules.
Our foreign activities are subject to additional inherent risks.
We currently have foreign operations in Mexico and Canada, and we expect to continue to conduct operations there and possibly other international locations in the future. Because we conduct operations internationally, we are subject to political, social, legal and economic risks such as:
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the effects of local political, labor and economic developments and unrest;
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significant or abrupt changes in the applicable regulatory or legal climate;
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significant changes to regulations or laws or the interpretation or enforcement of them, including with respect to tax and profit-sharing matters arising out of the use of outsourced labor and other services at our San Sebastian operation in Mexico;
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exchange controls and export restrictions;
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expropriation or nationalization of assets with inadequate compensation;
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unfavorable currency fluctuations, particularly in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar and Mexican Peso;
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repatriation restrictions;
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invalidation and unavailability of governmental orders, permits or agreements;
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property ownership disputes;
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renegotiation or nullification of existing concessions, licenses, permits and contracts;
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criminal activity, corruption, demands for improper payments, expropriation, and uncertain legal enforcement and physical security;
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failure to maintain compliance with corruption and transparency statutes, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act;
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disadvantages of competing against companies from countries that are not subject to U.S. laws and regulations;
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fuel or other commodity shortages;
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illegal mining;
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laws or policies of foreign countries and the United States affecting trade, investment and taxation;
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opposition to our presence, operations, properties or plans by governmental or non-governmental organizations or civic groups;
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civil disturbances, war and terrorist actions; and
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seizures of assets.
The occurrence of any one or combination of these events, many of which are beyond our control, could materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
Our operations and properties in Canada expose us to additional political risks.
Our properties in Canada may be of particular interest or sensitivity to one or more interest groups, including aboriginal groups (which are generally referred to as “First Nations”). We have mineral projects in Quebec and British Columbia that are or may be in areas with a First Nations presence. It is our practice to work closely with and consult with First Nations in areas in which our projects are located or which could be impacted by our activities. However, there is no assurance that relationships with such groups will be positive. Accordingly, it is possible that our production, exploration or development activities on these properties could be interrupted or otherwise adversely affected in the future by political uncertainty, native land claims entitlements, expropriations of property, changes in applicable law, governmental policies and policies of relevant interest groups, including those of First Nations. Any changes in law or relations or shifts in political conditions may be beyond our control, or we may enter into agreements with First Nations, all of which may adversely affect our business and operations and if significant, may result in the impairment or loss of mineral concessions or other mineral rights, or may make it impossible to continue our mineral production, exploration or development activities in the applicable area, any of which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Certain of our mines and exploration properties are located on land that is or may become subject to traditional territory, title claims and/or claims of cultural significance, and such claims and the attendant obligations of the federal government to those tribal communities and stakeholders may affect our current and future operations.
Indigenous interests and rights as well as related consultation issues may impact our ability to pursue exploration, development and mining at certain of our properties in Nevada, Montana, Alaska, British Columbia and Quebec. There is no assurance that claims or other assertion of rights by tribal communities and stakeholders or consultation issues will not arise on or with respect to our properties or activities. These could result in significant costs and delays or materially restrict our activities. Opposition by Indigenous Nations and stakeholders to our presence, operations or development on land subject to their traditional territory or title claims or in areas of cultural significance could negatively impact us in terms of permitting delay, public perception, costly legal proceedings, potential blockades or other interference by third parties in our operations, or court-ordered relief impacting our operations. In addition, we may be required to, or may voluntarily, enter into certain agreements with such Indigenous Nations in order to facilitate development of our properties, which could reduce the expected earnings or income from any future production.
We may be subject to a number of unanticipated risks related to inadequate infrastructure.
Mining, processing, development, exploration and other activities depend on adequate infrastructure. Reliable roads, bridges, ports, power sources, internet access and water supply are important to our operations, and their availability and condition affect capital and operating costs. Unusual, infrequent or extreme weather phenomena, sabotage, amount or complexity of required investment, or other interference in the maintenance or provision of such infrastructure, or government intervention, could adversely affect our mining operations.
We face inherent risks in acquisitions of other mining companies or properties that may adversely impact our growth strategy.
We are actively seeking to expand our mineral reserves by acquiring other mining companies or properties. Although we are pursuing opportunities that we feel are in the best interest of our stockholders, these pursuits are costly and often unproductive.
There is a limited supply of desirable mineral properties available in the United States and foreign countries where we would consider conducting exploration and/or production activities. For those that exist, we face strong competition from other mining companies, many of which have greater financial resources than we do. Therefore, we may be unable to acquire attractive companies or mining properties on terms that we consider acceptable.
Furthermore, there are inherent risks in any acquisition we may undertake which could adversely affect our current business and financial condition and our growth. For example, we may not realize the expected value of the companies or properties that are acquired due to declines in metals prices, lower than expected quality of orebodies, inability to achieve the expected or minimum level of operating performance, failure to obtain permits, labor problems, changes in regulatory environment, failure to achieve anticipated synergies, an inability to obtain financing, and other factors described in these risks factors. Acquisitions of other mining companies or properties may also expose us to new legal, geographic, political, operating, and geological risks.
See the risk factor below, “We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits from our acquisitions, including our acquisition of Klondex,” for developments at our Nevada Operations unit.
We may be unable to successfully integrate the operations of the properties we acquire.
Integration of the businesses or the properties we acquire with our existing business is a complex, time-consuming and costly process. Failure to successfully integrate the acquired properties and operations in a timely manner may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The difficulties of combining the acquired operations with our existing business include, among other things:
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operating a larger organization;
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operating in multiple legal jurisdictions;
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coordinating geographically and linguistically disparate organizations, systems and facilities;
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adapting to additional political, regulatory, legal and social requirements;
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integrating corporate, technological and administrative functions; and
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diverting management’s attention from other business concerns.
The process of integrating operations could cause an interruption of, or a slowdown in, the activities of our business. Members of our senior management may be required to devote considerable amounts of time to this integration process, which will decrease the time they will have to manage other parts of our business. If our senior management is not able to effectively manage the integration process, or if any business activities are interrupted as a result of the integration process, our business could suffer.
The issues we have faced at our Nevada Operations unit could require us to write-down the associated long-lived assets. We could face similar issues at our other operations. Such write-downs may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We review our long-lived assets for recoverability pursuant to the Financial Accounting Standard Board’s Accounting Standards Codification Section 360. Under that standard, we review the recoverability of our long-lived assets, such as our mining properties, upon a triggering event. Such review involves comparing an asset’s carrying value to its fair value. When the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value (which is based on estimating the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset), an impairment must be recognized. We conduct a review of the financial performance of our mines in connection with the preparation of our financial statements for each reported period and determine whether any triggering events are indicated.
As disclosed in Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, we determined that there were no triggering events to indicate the carrying value of our long-lived assets in Nevada or at our other operating, pre-development or exploration properties were not recoverable as of December 31, 2020. However, we determined that changes to our plans in Nevada during the second quarter of 2019 represented a triggering event requiring an assessment of recoverability of the carrying value of our long-lived assets in Nevada. Although we concluded the carrying value assessment indicated no impairment at our Nevada Operations unit, at that time, such analysis was, and any future analysis will be, based on estimates, judgments and assumptions which may turn out to be incorrect or inaccurate.
The estimates, judgments and assumptions we use in any fair value/impairment assessment of our long-lived assets relate to factors impacting the future cash flows estimated at any of our operations, including, but not limited to: (i) metals to be extracted and recovered from proven and probable ore reserves and, to some extent, identified mineralization beyond proven and probable reserves, (ii) future operating and capital costs, and (iii) future metals prices. These estimates, judgments and assumptions are made in good faith and using management's best judgments; however, there can be no assurance that any of them will prove to be accurate. Evaluation of the possibility of a future impairment loss, as well as the calculation of the amount of any impairment loss, involve significant estimates, judgment and assumptions, and no assurance can be given as to whether or not we will recognize an impairment loss in the future, or if the amount of loss would be within any estimated range we may disclose. As a result, in future periods we could face another triggering event which could lead to an impairment charge, and any such impairment charge could be material.
We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits from our acquisitions, including our acquisition of Klondex.
We may not realize all (or any) of the anticipated benefits from any acquisition, such as increased earnings, cost savings and revenue enhancements, for various reasons, including difficulties integrating operations and personnel, higher than expected acquisition and operating costs or other difficulties, unknown liabilities which may be significant, inaccurate reserve estimates, unrealized exploration potential, ore grades or mill recoveries that are lower than required for portions of the orebodies to be economic, and fluctuations in market prices.
At our Nevada Operations unit acquired via the Klondex acquisition in July 2018, total capital and production costs exceeded revenues in 2018 and the first half of 2019. As a result, in the second quarter of 2019 we conducted a review of those operations and ceased all development to access new production areas. Production at Fire Creek is expected to continue during the first half of 2021, and then be subsequently suspended as we continue studies of hydrology, mining and milling. See the risk factors above, “An extended decline in metals prices, an increase in operating or capital costs, mine accidents or closures, increasing regulatory obligations, or our inability to convert exploration potential to reserves may cause us to record write-downs, which could negatively impact our results of operations,” and “The issues we have faced at our Nevada Operations unit could require us to write-down the associated long-lived assets. We could face similar issues at our other operations. Such write-downs may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.”
The properties we may acquire may not produce as expected, and we may be unable to determine reserve potential, identify liabilities associated with the acquired properties or obtain protection from sellers against such liabilities.
The properties we acquire in any acquisition, including our Nevada Operations unit, may not produce as expected, may be in an unexpected condition and we may be subject to increased costs and liabilities, including environmental liabilities. Although we review properties prior to acquisition in a manner consistent with industry practices, such reviews are not capable of identifying all existing or potential adverse conditions. Generally, it is not feasible to review in depth every individual property involved in each acquisition. Even a detailed review of records and properties may not necessarily reveal existing or potential problems or permit a buyer to become sufficiently familiar with the properties to fully assess their condition, any deficiencies, and development potential. See the risk factors above, “We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits from our acquisitions, including our acquisition of Klondex,” and “An extended decline in metals prices, an increase in operating or capital costs, mine accidents or closures, increasing regulatory obligations, or our inability to convert exploration potential to reserves may cause us to record write-downs, which could negatively impact our results of operations.”
We face risks relating to transporting our products from our mines, as well as transporting employees and materials at Greens Creek.
Certain of the products we ship to our customers are subject to regulatory requirements regarding shipping, packaging, and handling of products that may be considered dangerous to human health or the environment. Although we believe we are currently in compliance with all material regulations applicable to shipping, packaging, and handling our products, the chemical properties of our products or existing regulations could change and cause us to fall out of compliance or force us to incur substantial additional expenditures to maintain compliance with applicable regulations. Further, we do not ship our own products but instead rely on third party carriers to ship our products to our customers. To the extent that any of our carriers are unable or unwilling to ship our products in accordance with applicable regulations, including because of difficulty in obtaining, or increased cost of, insurance, or are involved in accidents during transit, we could be forced to find alternative shipping arrangements, assuming such alternatives would be available, and we could face liability as a result of any accident. Any such changes to our current shipping arrangements or accidents involving the shipment of our products could have a material adverse impact on our operations and financial results.
In addition, Greens Creek operates on an island and is substantially dependent on various forms of marine transportation for the transportation of employees and materials to the mine and for the export of its products from the mine. Any disruption to these forms of marine transportation could adversely impact mine operations, and possible effects could include suspension of operations.
Legal, Regulatory and Compliance Risks
We face substantial governmental regulation, including the Mine Safety and Health Act, various environmental laws and regulations and the 1872 Mining Law.
Our business is subject to extensive U.S. and foreign federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations governing environmental protection, natural resources, prospecting, development, production, post-closure reclamation, taxes, labor standards and occupational health and safety laws and regulations, including mine safety, toxic substances and other matters. The costs associated with compliance with such laws and regulations are substantial. Possible future laws and regulations, or more restrictive interpretations of current laws and regulations by governmental authorities, could cause additional expense, capital expenditures, restrictions on or suspensions of operations and delays in the development of new properties.
U.S. surface and underground mines like those at our Lucky Friday, Greens Creek and Nevada Operations units are continuously inspected by MSHA, which inspections often lead to notices of violation under the Mine Safety and Health Act. Any of our U.S. mines could be subject to a temporary or extended shutdown as a result of a violation alleged by MSHA.
In addition, we have been and are currently involved in lawsuits or regulatory actions in which allegations have been made of our causing environmental damage, being responsible for environmental damage caused by others, violating environmental laws, or violating environmental permits, and we may be subject to similar lawsuits or actions in the future. Moreover, such environmental matters have involved both our current and historical operations as well as the historical operations of entities and properties we have acquired. See the risk factors below titled “Our operations are subject to complex, evolving and increasingly stringent environmental laws and regulations,” “Compliance with environmental regulations, and litigation based on such regulations, involves significant costs and can threaten existing operations or constrain expansion opportunities,” and “Our environmental and asset retirement obligations may exceed the provisions we have made.”
Some mining laws prevent mining companies that have been found to engage in bad conduct from obtaining future permits until remediation or restitution has occurred. If we are found to be responsible for any such conduct, our ability to operate existing projects or develop new projects might be impaired until we satisfy costly conditions.
We cannot assure you that we will at all times be in compliance with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements. Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in lawsuits or regulatory actions, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, which may require corrective measures including capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment or remedial actions. Any one or more of these liabilities could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition.
In addition to existing regulatory requirements, legislation and regulations may be adopted, regulatory procedures modified, or permit limits reduced at any time, any of which could result in additional exposure to liability, operating expense, capital expenditures or restrictions and delays in the mining, production or development of our properties. Mining accidents and fatalities or toxic waste releases, whether or not at our mines or related to metals mining, may increase the likelihood of additional regulation or changes in law or enhanced regulatory scrutiny. In addition, enforcement or regulatory tools and methods available to regulatory bodies such as MSHA or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), which have not been or have infrequently been used against us or the mining industry, in the future could be used against us or the industry in general.
From time to time, the U.S. Congress considers proposed amendments to the 1872 Mining Law, which governs mining claims and related activities on federal lands. The extent of any future changes is not known and the potential impact on us as a result of U.S. Congressional action is difficult to predict. Changes to the 1872 Mining Law, if adopted, could adversely affect our ability to economically develop mineral reserves on federal lands.
Our operations are subject to complex, evolving and increasingly stringent environmental laws and regulations. Compliance with environmental regulations, and litigation based on such regulations, involves significant costs and can threaten existing operations or constrain expansion opportunities.
Our operations, both in the United States and internationally, are subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations governing wastewater discharges; remediation, restoration and reclamation of environmental contamination; the generation, storage, treatment, transportation and disposal of hazardous substances; solid waste disposal; air emissions; protection of endangered and protected species and designation of critical habitats; mine closures and reclamation; and other related matters. In addition, we must obtain regulatory permits and approvals to start, continue and expand operations. New or revised environmental regulatory requirements are frequently proposed, many of which result in substantially increased costs for our business. See the risk factor above, “We are required to obtain governmental permits and other approvals in order to conduct mining operations” and the risk factor below, “Mine closure and reclamation regulations impose substantial costs on our operations, and include requirements that we provide financial assurance supporting those obligations. These costs could significantly increase.”
Our U.S. operations are subject to the Clean Water Act, which requires permits for certain discharges into waters of the United States. Such permitting has been a frequent subject of litigation and enforcement activity by environmental advocacy groups and the EPA, respectively, which has resulted in declines in such permits or extensive delays in receiving them, as well as the imposition of penalties for permit violations. In 2015, the regulatory definition of “waters of the United States” that are protected by the Clean Water Act was expanded by the EPA, thereby imposing significant additional restrictions on waterway discharges and land uses. However, in 2018, implementation of the relevant rule was suspended for two years, and in December 2019 a revised definition that narrows the 2015 version was implemented. Even with the recently narrowed rule, it is possible that in the future the definition could again be expanded, or states could take action to address a perceived fall-off in protection under the Clean Water Act, either of which could increase litigation involving water discharge permits, which may result in delays in, or in some instances preclude, the commencement or continuation of development or production operations. Enforcement actions by the EPA or other federal or state agencies could also result. Adverse outcomes in lawsuits challenging permits or failure to comply with applicable regulations or permits could result in the suspension, denial, or revocation of required permits, or the imposition of penalties, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our cash flows, results of operations, or financial condition. See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Some of the mining wastes from our U.S. mines currently are exempt to a limited extent from the extensive set of EPA regulations governing hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”). If the EPA were to repeal this exemption, and designate these mining wastes as hazardous under RCRA, we would be required to expend additional amounts on the handling of such wastes and to make significant expenditures to construct hazardous waste storage or disposal facilities. In addition, if any of these wastes or other substances we release or cause to be released into the environment cause or has caused contamination in or damage to the environment at a U.S. mining facility, that facility could be designated as a “Superfund” site under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”). Under CERCLA, any present owner or operator of a Superfund site or the owner or operator at the time of contamination may be held jointly and severally liable regardless of fault and may be forced to undertake extensive remedial cleanup action or to pay for the cleanup efforts. The owner or operator also may be liable to federal, state and tribal governmental entities for the cost of damages to natural resources, which could be substantial. Additional regulations or requirements also are imposed on our tailings and waste disposal areas in Alaska under the federal Clean Water Act. See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Legislative and regulatory measures to address climate change and greenhouse gas emissions are in various phases of consideration. If adopted, such measures could increase our cost of environmental compliance and also delay or otherwise negatively affect efforts to obtain permits and other regulatory approvals with regard to existing and new facilities. Proposed measures could also result in increased cost of fuel and other consumables used at our operations, including the diesel generation of electricity at our Greens Creek operation, used when we are unable to access hydroelectric power. Climate change legislation may also affect our smelter customers that burn fossil fuels, resulting in fewer customers or increased costs to us, and may affect the market for the metals we produce with effects on prices that are not possible for us to predict.
Adoption of these or similar new environmental regulations or more stringent application of existing regulations may materially increase our costs, threaten certain operating activities and constrain our expansion opportunities.
Some of our facilities are located in or near environmentally sensitive areas such as salmon fisheries, endangered species habitats, wilderness areas, national monuments and national forests, and we may incur additional costs to mitigate potential environmental harm in such areas.
In addition to evolving and expanding environmental regulations providing governmental authorities with the means to make claims against us, private parties have in the past and may in the future bring claims against us based upon damage to property and injury to persons resulting from the environmental, health and safety impacts of prior and current operations (including for exposure to or contamination by lead). Laws in the U.S. such as CERCLA and similar state laws may expose us to joint and several liability or claims for contribution made by the government (state or federal) or private parties. Moreover, exposure to these liabilities arises not only from our existing but also from closed operations, operations sold to third parties, or operations in which we had a leasehold, joint venture, or other interest. Because liability under CERCLA is often alleged on a joint and several basis against any property owner or operator or arranger for the transport of hazardous waste, and because we have been in operation since 1891, our exposure to environmental claims may be greater because of the bankruptcy or dissolution of other mining companies which may have engaged in more significant activities at a mining site than we but which are no longer available for governmental agencies or other claimants to make claims against or obtain judgments from. Similarly, there is also the potential for claims against us based on agreements entered into by certain affiliates and predecessor companies relating to the transfer of businesses or properties, which contained indemnification provisions relating to environmental matters. In each of the types of cases described in this paragraph, the government (federal or state) or private parties could seek to hold Hecla Limited or Hecla Mining Company liable for the actions of their subsidiaries or predecessors.
The laws and regulations, changes in such laws and regulations, and lawsuits and enforcement actions described in this risk factor could lead to the imposition of substantial fines, remediation costs, penalties and other civil and criminal sanctions against us. Further, substantial costs and liabilities, including for restoring the environment after the closure of mines, are inherent in our operations. There is no assurance that any such law, regulation, enforcement or private claim, or reclamation activity, would not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Mine closure and reclamation regulations impose substantial costs on our operations and include requirements that we provide financial assurance supporting those obligations. These costs could significantly increase and we might not be able to provide financial assurance.
We are required by U.S. federal and state laws and regulations and by laws and regulations in the foreign jurisdictions in which we operate to reclaim our mining properties. The specific requirements may change and vary among jurisdictions, but they are similar in that they aim to minimize long term effects of exploration and mining disturbance by requiring the control of possible deleterious effluents and re-establishment to some degree of pre-disturbance land forms and vegetation. In some cases, we are required to provide financial assurances as security for reclamation costs, which may exceed our estimates for such costs. Conversely, our reclamation costs may exceed the financial assurances in place and those assurances may ultimately be unavailable to us.
The EPA and other state, provincial or federal agencies may also require financial assurance for investigation and remediation actions that are required under settlements of enforcement actions under CERCLA or equivalent state regulations. Currently there are no financial assurance requirements for active mining operations under CERCLA, and a lawsuit filed by several environmental organizations which sought to require the EPA to adopt financial assurance rules for mining companies with active mining operations was dismissed by a federal court. In the future, financial assurance rules under CERCLA, if adopted, could be financially material and adverse to us. See the risk factors, “Our operations are subject to complex, evolving and increasingly stringent environmental laws and regulations. Compliance with environmental regulations, and litigation based on such regulations, involves significant costs and can threaten existing operations or constrain expansion opportunities” and “We are required to obtain governmental permits and other approvals in order to conduct mining operations."
We are required to obtain governmental permits and other approvals in order to conduct mining operations.
In the ordinary course of business, mining companies are required to seek governmental permits and other approvals for continuation or expansion of existing operations or for the commencement of new operations. Obtaining the necessary governmental permits is a complex, time-consuming and costly process. The duration and success of our efforts to obtain permits are contingent upon many variables not within our control. Obtaining environmental permits, including the approval of reclamation plans, may increase costs and cause delays or halt the continuation of mining operations depending on the nature of the activity to be permitted and the interpretation of applicable requirements established by the permitting authority. Interested parties, including governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations or civic groups, may seek to prevent issuance of permits and intervene in the process or pursue extensive appeal rights. Past or ongoing violations of laws or regulations involving obtaining or complying with permits could provide a basis to revoke existing permits, deny the issuance of additional permits, or commence a regulatory enforcement action, each of which could have a material adverse impact on our operations or financial condition. In addition, evolving reclamation or environmental concerns may threaten our ability to renew existing permits or obtain new permits in connection with future development, expansions and operations. We cannot assure you that all necessary approvals and permits will be obtained and, if obtained, that the costs involved will not exceed those that we previously estimated. It is possible that the costs and delays associated with the compliance with evolving standards and regulations could become such that we would not proceed with a particular development or operation.
Specific examples of where we face permitting risk include the following:
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Continued extension of the planned life of mine at Greens Creek will require future expansion of the tailings storage facility. This will involve federal permitting under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and either an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. While efforts are underway in Congress to streamline the federal permitting process, e.g. including mining under the FAST-41 regulatory process, our experience suggests this permitting process could be lengthy. Thus, we plan to initiate the permitting process in the near term even though tailings capacity at Greens Creek is estimated to remain sufficient for the next 10 years.
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At Casa Berardi, obtaining permits and modifications to the mine license area will be required to successfully develop the planned open pit extensions at the site and for long term management of tailings and waste rock generated through mining operations.
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At San Sebastian, regulatory approvals and landowner consents are required to successfully develop new mineralization.
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At Hollister in Nevada, state approvals will be required for waste rock management from development of the Hatter Graben or other mine expansions. This permitting will require coordination with the Western Shoshone who have long-standing ties to this land area.
See the risk factors above, “Certain of our mines and exploration properties are located on land that is or may become subject to traditional territory, title claims and/or claims of cultural significance by certain Indigenous Nations, and such claims and the attendant obligations of the federal government to those tribal communities and stakeholders may affect our current and future operations.” and “Legal challenges could prevent the Rock Creek or Montanore projects from ever being developed.”
We are often required to post surety bonds or cash collateral to secure our reclamation obligations and we may be unable to obtain the required surety bonds or may not have the resources to provide cash collateral, and the bonds or collateral may not fully cover the cost of reclamation and any such shortfall could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition. Further, when we use the services of a surety company to provide the required bond for reclamation, the surety companies often require us to post collateral with them, including letters of credit. Currently we utilize letters of credit issued under our revolving credit facility as the source of such collateral, and as a result, there are less funds available for us to borrow under the facility for other purposes. In the event that we are unable to obtain necessary bonds or to post sufficient collateral, we may experience a material adverse affect on our operations or financial results. See the risk factors below, “Our Senior Notes and the guarantees thereof are effectively subordinated to any of our and our guarantors’ secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing that indebtedness, “Any downgrade in the credit ratings assigned to us or our debt securities could increase future borrowing costs, adversely affect the availability of new financing and may result in increased collateral requirements under our existing surety bond portfolio,” and “Mine closure and reclamation regulations impose substantial costs on our operations, and include requirements that we provide financial assurance supporting those obligations. These costs could significantly increase.”
We are currently involved in ongoing legal disputes that may materially adversely affect us.
There are several ongoing legal disputes in which we are involved, including putative class action and derivative lawsuits filed against us involving our Nevada Operations unit, and additional actions may be filed against us and our board and certain officers. We may be subject to future claims, including additional claims relating to our Nevada Operations unit. Further, we have experienced in the past, and could experience in the future, claims regarding environmental damage or compliance, safety conditions or other matters at our mines. The outcomes of these pending and potential claims are uncertain. We may not resolve these claims favorably. Depending on the outcome, these actions could cause adverse financial effects or reputational harm to us. If any of these disputes result in a substantial monetary judgment against us, are settled on terms unfavorable to us, or otherwise impact our operations (such as by limiting our ability to obtain permits or approvals), our financial results or condition could be materially adversely affected. For a description of some of the lawsuits and other claims in which we are involved, see Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Our environmental and asset retirement obligations may exceed the provisions we have made.
We are subject to significant environmental obligations. At December 31, 2020, we had accrued $116.0 million as a provision for environmental and asset retirement obligations. We cannot assure you that we have accurately estimated these obligations, and in the future our accrual could materially change and we could voluntarily incur expenditures in excess of our accrual. Our environmental and asset retirement obligations and voluntary expenditures could have a material adverse impact on our cash flows, results of operations, or financial condition. For information on our potential environmental liabilities and asset retirement obligations, see Note 5 and Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
New federal and state laws, regulations and initiatives could impact our operations.
In recent years there have been several proposed or implemented ballot initiatives that sought to directly or indirectly curtail or eliminate mining in certain states, including Alaska, where our Greens Creek mine operates, and Montana, where we are seeking to develop the Montanore and Rock Creek projects. While both a salmon initiative in Alaska and a water treatment initiative in Montana were defeated by voters in November 2018, in the future similar or other initiatives that could impact our operations may be on the ballot in these states or other jurisdictions (including local or international) in which we currently or may in the future operate. To the extent any such initiative was passed and became law, there could be a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Legal challenges could prevent the Rock Creek or Montanore projects from ever being developed.
The proposed development of our Rock Creek project has been challenged by several regional and national conservation groups at various times since the U.S. Forest Service (“USFS”) issued its initial Record of Decision (“ROD”) in 2003 approving Revett Mining Company’s plan of operation (Revett is now our wholly-owned subsidiary, named Hecla Montana, Inc.). Some of these challenges have alleged violations of a variety of federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to water rights and permitting activities at Rock Creek, including the Endangered Species Act, NEPA, the 1872 Mining Law, the Federal Land Policy Management Act, the Wilderness Act, the National Forest Management Act, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Forest Service Organic Act of 1897, and the Administrative Procedure Act. As a result of litigation challenging the ROD, in May 2010, the USFS was directed by the Montana Federal District Court to produce a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (“SEIS”) to address NEPA procedural deficiencies that were identified by the court. The new SEIS was prepared and in August 2018, a new final ROD was issued. In early 2019, a group of environmental groups and other organizations filed a lawsuit challenging the ROD. We have updated and the USFS has partially approved its Plan of Operations to reflect the new final ROD. In April 2020, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality ("DEQ") approved modifications to the existing exploration license to match the ROD. We cannot predict how any future challenges will be resolved or if they will continue to delay the planned development at Rock Creek. Even if the ROD is successfully defended, we would still be required to comply with a number of requirements and conditions as Rock Creek development progresses, failing which could make us unable to continue with development activities.
A joint final Environmental Impact Statement with respect to our Montanore project was issued in December 2015 by the USFS and DEQ, and each agency issued a ROD in February 2016 providing approval for development of the Montanore project. However, private conservation groups have taken and may in the future take actions to oppose or delay the Montanore project. On May 30, 2017, the Montana Federal District Court issued Opinions and Orders in three lawsuits challenging previously granted environmental approvals for the Montanore project. The Orders overturned the approvals for the project granted by the USFS and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and in each case remanded the ROD and associated planning documents for further review by the agencies consistent with the Court’s Opinions. In June 2017, the Court vacated the agencies’ approvals for the project. As a result, additional work must be performed by the agencies to address the deficiencies in the ROD and associated planning documents identified by the Court, and new approvals must be granted, before the project may proceed beyond certain preliminary actions. The USFS has issued a draft SEIS for the evaluation phase for public comment. A final SEIS and ROD is expected later in 2021. In addition, Montanore’s updated water discharge permit under Montana law was found to be invalid by the Montana Supreme Court in November 2020. As a result, the site is operating under the previously issued permit as authorized by law.
In March 2018, each of Hecla Mining Company and our CEO was notified by the DEQ of alleged violations of Montana’s mine reclamation statutes and related regulations due to our CEO having been an officer of a mining company that declared bankruptcy in 1998, together with the fact that subsequently, proceeds from that company’s sureties were insufficient to fully fund reclamation at that company’s mine sites in Montana. To date, no action has been taken to revoke or deny any permits held by our subsidiaries, however, those subsidiaries have commenced litigation challenging the DEQ’s assertion. The DEQ in turn initiated litigation against Hecla Mining Company and our CEO in an effort to halt the development of the Montanore and Rock Creek projects. The lawsuit was dismissed in August 2020, but the plaintiffs are seeking a rehearing. It is possible that the litigation may be resolved unfavorably, which could have the effect of delaying, increasing the costs of, or preventing exploration and development efforts at the two projects.
The titles to some of our properties may be defective or challenged.
Unpatented mining claims constitute a significant portion of our undeveloped property holdings in the United States. For our operations in Canada and Mexico, we hold mining claims, mineral concession titles and mining leases that are obtained and held in accordance with the laws of the respective countries, which provide Hecla the right to exploit and explore the properties. The validity of the claims, concessions and leases could be uncertain and may be contested. Although we have conducted title reviews of our property holdings, title review does not necessarily preclude third parties (including governments) from challenging our title. In accordance with mining industry practice, we do not generally obtain title opinions until we decide to develop a property. Therefore, while we have attempted to acquire satisfactory title to our undeveloped properties, some titles may be defective.
Risks Relating to Our Common Stock and Our Indebtedness
We may be unable to generate sufficient cash to service all of our debt and meet our other ongoing liquidity needs and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations, which may be unsuccessful.
Our ability to make scheduled payments or to refinance our debt obligations and to fund our planned capital expenditures and other ongoing liquidity needs depends on our financial and operating performance, which is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. There can be no assurance that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that borrowings will be available to us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our debt or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our debt on or before maturity. We may be unable to refinance any of our debt on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
In addition, we conduct substantially all of our operations through our subsidiaries, certain of which are not guarantors of our debt. Accordingly, repayment of our debt is dependent on the generation of cash flow by our subsidiaries and their ability to make such cash available to us, by dividend, debt repayment or otherwise. Unless they are guarantors of our debt, our subsidiaries do not have any obligation to pay amounts due on our debt or to make funds available for that purpose. Our subsidiaries may not be able to, or may not be permitted to, make distributions to enable us to make payments in respect of our debt. Each subsidiary is a distinct legal entity and, under certain circumstances, legal and contractual restrictions may limit our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries. While the credit agreement governing our revolving credit facility and the indenture governing our Senior Notes limit the ability of our subsidiaries to incur consensual restrictions on their ability to pay dividends or make other intercompany payments to us, these limitations are subject to qualifications and exceptions. In the event that we do not receive distributions from our subsidiaries, we may be unable to make required principal and interest payments on our debt.
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures or to sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our debt. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. The terms of existing or future debt instruments and the indenture governing our Senior Notes may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. Further, these alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. In addition, any failure to make payments of interest and principal on our outstanding debt on a timely basis would likely result in a reduction of our credit rating, which could harm our ability to incur additional debt.
The price of our stock has a history of volatility and could decline in the future.
Shares of our common and outstanding preferred stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). The market price for our stock has been volatile, often based on:
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changes in metals prices, particularly silver and gold;
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our results of operations and financial condition as reflected in our public news releases or periodic filings with the SEC;
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fluctuating proven and probable reserves;
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factors unrelated to our financial performance or future prospects, such as global economic developments, market perceptions of the attractiveness of particular industries, or the reliability of metals markets;
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market prices of our publicly traded debt;
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political and regulatory risk;
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the success of our exploration, pre-development, and capital programs;
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ability to meet production estimates;
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environmental, safety and legal risk;
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the extent and nature of analytical coverage concerning our business; and
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the trading volume and general market interest in our securities.
The market price of our stock at any given point in time may not accurately reflect our value, and may prevent stockholders from realizing a profit on, or recovering, their investment.
Our Series B preferred stock has a liquidation preference of $50 per share or $7.9 million.
If we were liquidated, holders of our preferred stock would be entitled to receive approximately $7.9 million (plus any accrued and unpaid dividends) from any liquidation proceeds before holders of our common stock would be entitled to receive any proceeds, but after holders of all notes issued under the indenture governing our Senior Notes received any proceeds.
We may not be able to pay common or preferred stock dividends in the future.
Since January 2010, we have paid all regular quarterly dividends on our Series B preferred stock. The annual dividend payable on the Series B preferred stock is currently $0.6 million. Prior to 2010, there were numerous occasions when we did not declare dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock, but instead deferred them. We cannot assure you that we will continue to pay preferred stock dividends in the future.
Our board of directors adopted a common stock dividend policy that has two components: (1) a dividend that links the amount of dividends on our common stock to our average quarterly realized silver price in the preceding quarter, and (2) a minimum annual dividend of $0.015 per share of common stock, in each case payable quarterly, when declared. See Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on our common stock dividend policy.
From the fourth quarter of 2011 through and including the fourth quarter of 2020, our board of directors has declared a common stock dividend under the policy described above (although in most cases only a minimum dividend was declared and none relating to the average realized price of silver due to the prices not meeting the policy threshold). The declaration and payment of common stock dividends, whether pursuant to the policy or in addition thereto, is at the sole discretion of our board of directors, and we cannot assure you that we will continue to declare and pay common stock dividends in the future. In addition, the indenture governing our Senior Notes limits our ability to pay dividends.
Our existing stockholders are effectively subordinated to the holders of our Senior Notes.
In the event of our liquidation or dissolution, stockholders’ entitlement to share ratably in any distribution of our assets would be subordinated to the holders of our Senior Notes. Any rights that a stockholder may have in the event of bankruptcy, liquidation or a reorganization of us or any of our subsidiaries, and any consequent rights of stockholders to realize on the proceeds from the sale of any of our or our subsidiaries’ assets, will be effectively subordinated to the claims of the holders of our Senior Notes.
The issuance of additional shares of our preferred or common stock in the future could adversely affect holders of common stock.
The market price of our common stock may be influenced by any preferred or common stock we may issue. Our board of directors is authorized to issue additional classes or series of preferred stock without any action on the part of our stockholders. This includes the power to set the terms of any such classes or series of preferred stock that may be issued, including voting rights, dividend rights and preferences over common stock with respect to dividends or upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the business and other terms. If we issue preferred stock in the future that has preference over our common stock with respect to the payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or if we issue preferred stock with voting rights that dilute the voting power of our common stock, the rights of holders of the common stock or the market price of the common stock could be adversely affected.
The provisions in our certificate of incorporation, our by-laws and Delaware law could delay or deter tender offers or takeover attempts.
Certain provisions in our restated certificate of incorporation, our by-laws and Delaware law could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, even if that transaction could be beneficial to stockholders. These impediments include:
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the classification of our board of directors into three classes serving staggered three-year terms, which makes it more difficult to quickly replace board members;
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the ability of our board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock with rights as it deems appropriate without stockholder approval;
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a provision that special meetings of our board of directors may be called only by our chief executive officer or a majority of our board of directors;
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a provision that special meetings of stockholders may only be called pursuant to a resolution approved by a majority of our board of directors;
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a prohibition against action by written consent of our stockholders;
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a provision that our board members may only be removed for cause and by an affirmative vote of at least 80% of the outstanding voting stock;
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a provision that our stockholders comply with advance-notice provisions to bring director nominations or other matters before meetings of our stockholders;
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a prohibition against certain business combinations with an acquirer of 15% or more of our common stock for three years after such acquisition unless the stock acquisition or the business combination is approved by our board prior to the acquisition of the 15% interest, or after such acquisition our board and the holders of two-thirds of the other common stock approve the business combination; and
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a prohibition against our entering into certain business combinations with interested stockholders without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of voting stock.
In addition, amendment of most of the provisions described above requires approval of at least 80% of the outstanding voting stock.
Our Senior Notes and the guarantees thereof are effectively subordinated to any of our and our guarantors’ secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing that indebtedness.
Our Senior Notes and the guarantees thereof are not secured by any of our assets or the assets of our subsidiaries. The indenture governing the Senior Notes permits us to incur secured debt up to specified limits. As a result, the Senior Notes and the guarantees thereof are effectively subordinated to our and our subsidiary guarantors’ future secured indebtedness with respect to the collateral that secures such indebtedness, including any borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Upon a default in payment on, or the acceleration of, any of our secured indebtedness, or in the event of a bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or other insolvency proceeding involving us or such guarantor, the proceeds from the sale of collateral securing any secured indebtedness will be available to pay obligations on the Senior Notes only after such secured indebtedness has been paid in full. As a result, the holders of the Senior Notes may receive less, ratably, than the holders of secured debt in the event of a bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or other insolvency proceeding involving us or such guarantor.
Any draw-downs on our $250 million revolving credit facility would be secured debt. We did not have a balance drawn on the revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2020, but utilized $20.3 million of the facility with letters of credit. See the risk factor above “We are required to obtain governmental permits and other approvals in order to conduct mining operations” for more information.
The terms of our debt impose restrictions on our operations.
The indenture governing our Senior Notes includes several significant covenants. These covenants could adversely affect us by limiting our ability to plan for or react to market conditions or to meet our capital needs. These covenants, among other things:
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make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the Senior Notes and our other debt;
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limit our ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other general corporate requirements, or require us to make divestitures;
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require a substantial portion of our cash flows to be dedicated to debt service payments instead of other purposes, thereby reducing the amount of cash flows available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;
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increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
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limit our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in the industry in which we compete;
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place us at a disadvantage compared to other, less leveraged competitors; and
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increase our cost of borrowing additional funds.
These restrictions may affect our ability to grow in accordance with our strategy. Further, our financial results, our substantial indebtedness and our credit ratings could adversely affect the availability and terms of any financing.
In addition, our revolving credit facility requires us to comply with various covenants, including certain financial ratios, that restrict management’s discretion to operate our business in certain circumstances. For example, these restrictions include limitations that could affect our ability to incur additional indebtedness, place liens or mortgages on our assets, sell assets or release collateral. These restrictions could make it more difficult for us to obtain additional financing or take advantage of business opportunities. Furthermore, a breach of any of these covenants could result in an event of default under the agreement governing our revolving credit facility that, if not cured or waived, could give the holders of the defaulted debt the right to terminate commitments to lend and cause all amounts outstanding with respect to the debt to be due and payable immediately. Acceleration of any of our debt could result in cross-defaults under our other debt instruments, including the indenture governing our Senior Notes, as well as certain forward sales contracts which may be outstanding from time to time. Our assets and cash flow may be insufficient to repay borrowings fully under all of our outstanding debt instruments if any of our debt instruments are accelerated upon an event of default, which could force us into bankruptcy or liquidation. In such an event, we may be unable to repay our debt obligations. In addition, in some instances, this would create an event of default under the indenture governing our Senior Notes.
Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our indebtedness service obligations to increase significantly.
Borrowings under our credit facility are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, and our net income and cash flows, including cash available for servicing our indebtedness, would correspondingly decrease. Assuming all revolving loans currently available to us were fully drawn, each one percentage point change in interest rates would result in a $2.3 million change in annual cash interest expense on our credit facility.
Key terms of the Senior Notes will be suspended if the Senior Notes achieve investment grade ratings and no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing.
Many of the covenants in the indenture governing the Senior Notes will be suspended if the Senior Notes are rated investment grade by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s provided at such time no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing, including those covenants that restrict, among other things, our ability to pay dividends, incur debt and to enter into certain other transactions. We cannot assure you that the Senior Notes will ever be rated investment grade. However, suspension of these covenants would allow us to engage in certain transactions that would not be permitted while these covenants were in force, and the effects of any such transactions will be permitted to remain in place even if the Senior Notes are subsequently downgraded below investment grade.
We may be unable to repurchase Senior Notes in the event of a change of control as required by the indenture.
Upon the occurrence of certain kinds of change of control events specified in the indenture, holders of the Senior Notes will have the right to require us to repurchase all of the Senior Notes at a repurchase price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase. Any change of control also would constitute a default under our revolving credit facility. Therefore, upon the occurrence of a change of control, the lenders under our revolving credit facility would have the right to accelerate their loans and, if so accelerated, we would be required to repay all of our outstanding obligations under such facility. We may not be able to pay the Senior Note holders the required price for their notes at that time because we may not have available funds to pay the repurchase price. In addition, the terms of other existing or future debt may prevent us from paying the Senior Note holders. We cannot assure you that we would be able to repay such other debt or obtain consents from the holders of such other debt to repurchase the Senior Notes. Any requirement to offer to purchase any outstanding Senior Notes may result in us having to refinance our outstanding indebtedness, which we may not be able to do. In addition, even if we were able to refinance our outstanding indebtedness, such financing may be on terms unfavorable to us.
Holders of the Senior Notes may not be able to determine when a change of control giving rise to their right to have the Senior Notes repurchased has occurred following a sale of “substantially all” of our assets.
The definition of change of control in the indenture governing the Senior Notes includes a phrase relating to the sale of “all or substantially all” of our assets. There is no precise established definition of the phrase “substantially all” under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a holder of Senior Notes to require us to repurchase its notes as a result of a sale of less than all our assets to another person may be uncertain.
Federal and state fraudulent transfer laws may permit a court to void the Senior Notes or any of the guarantees thereof, and if that occurs, holders of the Senior Notes may not receive any payments on the notes.
Federal and state fraudulent transfer and conveyance statutes may apply to the issuance of the Senior Notes and the incurrence of any guarantees of the Senior Notes. Under federal bankruptcy law and comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer or conveyance laws, which may vary from state to state, the Senior Notes or any guarantees thereof could be voided as a fraudulent transfer or conveyance if we or any existing or future subsidiary guarantors, as applicable, (a) issued the Senior Notes or incurred such guarantee with the intent of hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors or (b) received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration in return for either issuing the Senior Notes or incurring the guarantee and, in the case of (b) only, one of the following is also true at the time thereof:
•
we or the subsidiary guarantor, as applicable, were insolvent or rendered insolvent by reason of the issuance of the Senior Notes or the incurrence of the guarantee;
•
the issuance of the Senior Notes or the incurrence of the guarantee left us or the subsidiary guarantor, as applicable, with an unreasonably small amount of capital or assets to carry on the business; or
•
we or the subsidiary guarantor intended to, or believed that we or such subsidiary guarantor would, incur debts beyond our or such subsidiary guarantor’s ability to pay as they mature.
As a general matter, value is given for a transfer or an obligation if, in exchange for the transfer or obligation, property is transferred or a valid antecedent debt is satisfied. A court would likely find that any subsidiary guarantor did not receive reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration for its guarantee to the extent such subsidiary guarantor did not obtain a reasonably equivalent benefit from the issuance of the Senior Notes.
We cannot be certain as to the standards a court would use to determine whether or not we or any subsidiary guarantor was insolvent at the relevant time or, regardless of the standard that a court uses, whether the Senior Notes or any guarantees would be subordinated to our or any subsidiary guarantor’s other debt. In general, however, a court would deem an entity insolvent if:
•
the sum of its debts, including contingent and unliquidated liabilities, was greater than the fair saleable value of all of its assets;
•
the present fair saleable value of its assets was less than the amount that would be required to pay its probable liability on its existing debts, including contingent liabilities, as they become absolute and mature; or
•
it could not pay its debts as they became due.
The subsidiary guarantees contain a “savings clause” intended to limit the subsidiary guarantor’s liability to the maximum amount that it could incur without causing the incurrence of obligations under its subsidiary guarantee to be a fraudulent transfer. This provision may not be effective to protect any subsidiary guarantees from being avoided under fraudulent transfer law. Furthermore, in Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of TOUSA, Inc. v Citicorp North America, Inc., the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of Florida held that a savings clause similar to the savings clause used in the indenture was unenforceable. As a result, the subsidiary guarantees in that case were found to be fraudulent conveyances. The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit affirmed the liability findings of the Bankruptcy Court without ruling directly on the enforceability of savings clauses generally. If the TOUSA decision were followed by other courts, the risk that the guarantees would be deemed fraudulent conveyances would be significantly increased.
To the extent that any subsidiary guarantee is avoided, then, as to that subsidiary, the guaranty would not be enforceable.
If a court were to find that the issuance of the Senior Notes or the incurrence of any guarantee was a fraudulent transfer or conveyance, the court could (1) void the payment obligations under the Senior Notes or such guarantee, (2) subordinate the Senior Notes or such guarantee to presently existing and future indebtedness of ours or of the related subsidiary guarantor or (3) require the holders of the Senior Notes to repay any amounts received with respect to such guarantee. In the event of a finding that a fraudulent transfer or conveyance occurred, holders of the Senior Notes may not receive any repayment on the Senior Notes. Further, the avoidance of the Senior Notes could result in an event of default with respect to our and our subsidiaries’ other debt that could result in acceleration of that debt.
General Risk Factors
Global financial events or developments impacting major industrial or developing countries may have an impact on our business and financial condition in ways that we currently cannot predict.
The 2020 pandemic and 2008 credit crisis and related turmoil in the global financial system and ensuing recession had an impact on our business and financial position, and similar events in the future could also impact us. The re-emergence of a financial crisis or recession or reduced economic activity in the United States, China, India and other industrialized or developing countries, or disruption of key sectors of the economy such as oil and gas, may have a significant effect on our results of operations or limit our ability to raise capital through credit and equity markets. The prices of the metals that we produce are affected by a number of factors, and it is unknown how these factors may be impacted by a global financial event or developments impacting major industrial or developing countries.
Tariffs, other potential changes to tariff and import/export regulations, and ongoing trade disputes between the United States and other jurisdictions may have a negative effect on global economic conditions and our business, financial results and financial condition.
In 2018, the United States imposed and enacted tariffs on certain items. Since their enactment, there have been ongoing discussions and activities regarding changes to other U.S. trade policies and treaties. In response, a number of markets, including China, into which we have in the past and may in the future sell our products, have implemented tariffs on U.S. imports, or are threatening to impose tariffs on U.S. imports or to take other measures in response to these U.S. actions. These developments may have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, and they may significantly reduce global trade and, in particular, trade between China and the United States. Any of these factors could depress economic activity, restrict our access to customers and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, any actions by foreign markets to implement further trade policy changes, including limiting foreign investment or trade, increasing regulatory scrutiny or taking other actions which impact U.S. companies’ ability to obtain necessary licenses or approvals could negatively impact our business.
In September 2018, in response to tariffs on Chinese goods implemented by the United States, China imposed a 10% tariff on lead concentrates and a 20% tariff on silver concentrates, which we produce and ship to China and from time to time. However, tariff exemptions were granted to a number of smelters in China in 2020, and we sold silver concentrates to China representing approximately 10% of our total revenues for the year which were not subject to tariffs due to the exemptions. We sold no lead or silver concentrates to China in 2019. While to date the direct impact of tariffs has been immaterial on our sales and treatment charges, they may also have an impact on our sales and treatment charges outside of China, and there can be no assurance that the tariff exemptions will continue.
These tariffs are relatively recent and are subject to a number of uncertainties as they are implemented, including future adjustments and changes in the countries excluded from such tariffs. The ultimate reaction of other countries, and businesses in those countries, and the impact of these tariffs or other actions on the United States, China, the global economy and our business, financial condition and results of operations, cannot be predicted at this time, nor can we predict the impact of any other developments with respect to global trade.
Our profitability could be affected by the prices of other commodities.
Our profitability is sensitive to the costs of commodities such as fuel (in particular as used at Greens Creek to generate electricity when hydropower is unavailable), steel, and cement. While the recent prices for such commodities have been stable or in decline, prices have been historically volatile, and material increases in commodity costs could have a significant effect on our results of operations.
Our business depends on availability of skilled miners and good relations with employees.
We are dependent upon the ability and experience of our executive officers, managers, employees, contractors and their employees, and other personnel, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to retain such employees or contractors. We compete with other companies both in and outside the mining industry in recruiting and retaining qualified employees and contractors knowledgeable about the mining business. From time to time, we have encountered, and may in the future encounter, difficulty recruiting skilled mining personnel at acceptable wage and benefit levels in a competitive labor market, and may be required to utilize contractors, which can be more costly. Temporary or extended lay-offs due to mine closures may exacerbate such issues and result in vacancies or the need to hire less skilled or efficient employees or contractors. The loss of skilled employees or contractors or our inability to attract and retain additional highly skilled employees and contractors could have an adverse effect on our business and future operations.
We or our contractors may experience labor disputes, work stoppages or other disruptions in production that could adversely affect our business and results of operations. The Lucky Friday mine is our only operation where some of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement, and the unionized employees were on strike from March 13, 2017 until January 7, 2020, when the union ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. The strike significantly impacted production at the Lucky Friday and caused significant costs and expenses during each year of the strike. Any future strikes or other labor or related disruptions could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our information technology systems may be vulnerable to disruption which could place our systems at risk from data loss, operational failure, or compromise of confidential information.
We rely on various information technology systems and on third party developers and contractors in connection with operations, including production, equipment operation and financial support systems. While we regularly monitor the security of our systems, they remain vulnerable to disruption, damage or failure from a variety of sources, including errors by employees or contractors, computer viruses, cyber-attacks including phishing, ransomware and similar malware, misappropriation of data by outside parties, and various other threats. Techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to or sabotage our systems are under continuous and rapid evolution, and we may be unable to detect efforts to disrupt our data and systems in advance. Breaches and unauthorized access carry the potential to cause losses of assets or production, operational delays, equipment failure that could cause other risks to be realized, inaccurate recordkeeping, or disclosure of confidential information, any of which could result in financial losses and regulatory or legal exposure, and could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, financial condition or results of operations.
Competition from other mining companies may harm our business.
We compete with other mining companies, some of which have greater financial resources than we do or other advantages, in various areas which include:
•
attracting and retaining key executives, skilled labor, and other employees;
•
for the services of other skilled personnel and contractors and their specialized equipment, components and supplies, such as drill rigs, necessary for exploration and development;
•
for contractors that perform mining and other activities and milling facilities which we lease or toll mill through; and
•
for rights to mine properties.
Additional issuances of equity securities by us would dilute the ownership of our existing stockholders and could reduce our earnings per share.
We may issue securities in the future in connection with raising capital, acquisitions, strategic transactions or for other purposes. To the extent we issue any additional equity securities (or securities convertible into equity), the ownership of our existing stockholders would be diluted and our earnings per share could be reduced.
If a large number of shares of our common stock are sold in the public market, the sales could reduce the trading price of our common stock and impede our ability to raise future capital.
We cannot predict what effect, if any, future issuances by us of our common stock or other equity will have on the market price of our common stock. Any shares that we may issue may not have any resale restrictions, and therefore could be immediately sold by the holders. The market price of our common stock could decline if certain large holders of our common stock, or recipients of our common stock, sell all or a significant portion of their shares of common stock or are perceived by the market as intending to sell these shares other than in an orderly manner. In addition, these sales could also impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional common stock in the capital markets.
Any downgrade in the credit ratings assigned to us or our debt securities could increase future borrowing costs, adversely affect the availability of new financing and may result in increased collateral requirements under our existing surety bond portfolio.
As of February 18, 2021, our Senior Notes were rated “B” with a stable outlook by Standard & Poor’s and “Caa1” with a stable outlook by Moody’s Investors Service. We cannot assure you that any rating currently assigned by Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s to us or our debt securities (including the Senior Notes) will remain unchanged for any given period of time or that a rating will not be lowered if, in that rating agency’s judgment, future circumstances relating to the basis of the rating so warrant. If we are unable to maintain our outstanding debt and financial ratios at levels acceptable to the credit rating agencies, or should our business prospects or financial results deteriorate, including as a result of declines in silver and gold prices or other factors beyond our control, our ratings could be downgraded by the rating agencies. Downgrading the credit rating of our debt securities or placing us on a watch list for possible future downgrading would likely adversely impact us, including our ability to obtain financing on favorable terms, if at all, increase borrowing costs, result in increased collateral requirements under our surety bond portfolio, and have an adverse effect on the market price of our securities, including our Senior Notes.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
OPERATING PROPERTIES
The Greens Creek Unit
Various of our subsidiaries collectively own 100% of the Greens Creek mine, located on Admiralty Island near Juneau in southeast Alaska. Admiralty Island is accessed by boat, float plane, or helicopter. On the island, the mine site and various surface facilities are accessed by 13 miles of all-weather gravel roads. The Greens Creek mine has been in production since 1989, with a temporary care and maintenance period from April 1993 through July 1996. Since the start of production, Greens Creek has been owned and operated through various joint venture arrangements. For approximately 15 years prior to April 16, 2008, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Hecla Alaska LLC, owned an undivided 29.7% joint venture interest in the assets of Greens Creek. On April 16, 2008, we completed the acquisition of all of the equity of two Rio Tinto subsidiaries holding a combined 70.3% joint venture interest in the Greens Creek mine, and which previously operated the mine, for approximately $758.5 million. The acquisition of these two joint venture participants gave us control of 100% of the joint venture that owns and operates the Greens Creek mine.
The Greens Creek orebody contains silver, zinc, gold and lead, and lies within the Admiralty Island National Monument, an environmentally sensitive area. The Greens Creek property includes 440 unpatented lode mining claims, 58 unpatented millsite claims, 17 patented lode claims and one patented millsite. In addition, the Greens Creek site includes properties under lease from the U.S. Forest Service ("USFS") for a road right-of-way, mine waste area and tailings storage facility. The USFS leases have varying expiration terms. Greens Creek also has title to mineral rights on 7,301 acres of federal land acquired through a land exchange with the USFS. We are currently exploring, but not mining, on such federal land. The claims and leases above comprise a total area of approximately 24 square miles.
The project consists of the mine, an ore concentrating mill, a tailings storage area, a ship-loading facility, camp facilities, a ferry dock, and other related infrastructure. The map below illustrates the location and access to Greens Creek:
The Greens Creek deposit is a polymetallic, stratiform, massive sulfide deposit. The host rock consists of predominantly marine sedimentary, and mafic to ultramafic volcanic and plutonic rocks, which have been subjected to multiple periods of deformation. These deformational episodes have imposed intense tectonic fabrics on the rocks. Mineralization occurs most often along the contact between a structural hanging wall of quartz mica carbonate phyllites and a structural footwall of graphitic and calcareous argillite. Major sulfide minerals are pyrite, sphalerite, galena, and tetrahedrite/tennanite.
Pursuant to a 1996 land exchange agreement, the joint venture owning Greens Creek transferred private property equal to a value of $1.0 million to the USFS and received exploration and mining rights to approximately 7,300 acres of land with mining potential surrounding the existing mine. Any production from new ore discoveries on the exchanged lands will be subject to a federal royalty included in the land exchange agreement. The royalty is only due on any production from reserves that are not part of Greens Creek’s extralateral rights. Thus far, there has been no production triggering payment of the royalty. The royalty is 3% if the average value of the ore during a year is greater than approximately $161 per ton at December 31, 2020.
Greens Creek is an underground mine accessed by a ramp from surface which produces approximately 2,300 tons of ore per day. The primary mining methods are cut and fill and longhole stoping. The Greens Creek ore processing facility includes a SAG/ball mill grinding circuit to grind the run of mine ore to liberate the minerals and produce a slurry suitable for differential flotation of mineral concentrates. A gravity circuit recovers free gold that exists as electrum, a gold/silver alloy in the ore. Gravity concentrates are produced from this circuit prior to flotation. Three flotation concentrates are produced: a lead concentrate which contains most of the silver recovered; a zinc concentrate which is low in precious metals content; and a zinc-rich bulk concentrate that contains gold, silver, zinc, and lead and must be marketed to a smelter utilizing an Imperial Smelting Furnace (ISF) which can simultaneously produce both zinc and lead. Doré is produced from the gravity concentrate by a third-party processor and further refined and sold to precious metal traders. The concentrate products are sold to a number of smelters and traders worldwide. See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information on the significant customers for Greens Creek’s products. Concentrates are shipped from the Hawk Inlet marine terminal about nine miles from the mill.
In 2020, ore was processed at an average rate of approximately 2,236 tons per day and total mill recovery was approximately 82% for silver, 92% for zinc, 83% for lead and 73% for gold. The processing facility was originally constructed in 1988, with the first production commencing in 1989. Various modifications and upgrades have been made since that time. Changes to the flotation circuit have included: installation of regrind mills in 1992; mill recommissioning in 1996; expansion of concentrate cleaning equipment in 2000 and 2001; addition of a swing cell option in 2004, allowing for a reduction in bulk concentrate production; addition of an on-stream analyzer in 2006; expansion of lead rougher equipment in 2007; retrofit of two column sparge systems in 2010 and 2011; replacement of the carbon flotation columns complete with sparger upgrades in 2012 and 2013; installation of a replacement on-stream analyzer with an additional multiplexer in 2013 and 2014; and replacement of the sulfuric acid system with a carbon dioxide system for pH control in 2015. Significant changes to the grinding circuit since original construction have included a new motor, two stage screening, and various internal lining modifications for the SAG mill, and replacement of the primary cyclones and the addition of a trommel magnet in the ball mill. In 2017, the swing cells were replaced with Woodgrove staged flotation reactor cells.
Electricity for the Greens Creek unit is provided through the purchase of surplus hydroelectric power from Alaska Electric Light and Power Company (“AEL&P”), to the extent it is available after the power needs of Juneau and the surrounding area are met. When weather conditions are not favorable to maintain lake water levels sufficient to meet all of the power needs at Greens Creek by available hydroelectric power, the mine relies on power provided by on-site diesel generators, which can supply the full electrical load of the operation.
The employees at Greens Creek are employees of Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company, our wholly-owned subsidiary, and are not represented by a bargaining agent. There were 443 employees at the Greens Creek unit at December 31, 2020.
Definition drilling during 2020, which was limited because the pandemic reduced drilling contractor access, focused on upgrading mineralized material at the 200 South, East Ore, Southwest, 9a, and Upper Plate zones. After applying economic analysis to these drilling results, we believe this mineralized material will likely be converted to reserves in the future, primarily in the East Ore, 200 South, Upper Plate, and 9a zones. Underground exploration activities at Greens Creek in 2020 identified mineralization along trend of the 200 South Zone, confirming mineralization is consistent along the upper trend for 350 feet between previously drilled areas, and mineralization occurs along the lower trend in line with, and 200 feet south of, previous drilling.
Planned activities to potentially add reserves in 2021 include additional drilling of the East Ore, West, 9A, Upper Plate, Southwest, Northwest West, 200 South, 5250, and Gallagher zones. Underground exploration targets in 2021 are expected to include the 200 South, Gallagher, and East Ore zones while surface exploration will test the Lil’Sore Trend and 5250 Zone target areas in the district. Development continues to advance two exploration drifts to the south, which we believe will enable definition and drilling of targets in the deepest areas of the 200 South Zone.
As of December 31, 2020, we have recorded a $42.7 million asset retirement obligation for reclamation and closure costs. We maintained a $92.2 million reclamation and long-term water treatment bond for Greens Creek as of December 31, 2020. The net book value of the Greens Creek unit property and its associated plant, equipment and mineral interests was approximately $569.3 million as of December 31, 2020.
The current mine plan at Greens Creek utilizes estimates of reserves and mineralized material for approximately 11 years of production. Information with respect to production, cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, average Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce, All-In Sustaining Costs ("AISC"), After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce, and proven and probable ore reserves for the past three years is set forth in the following table.
Years Ended December 31,
Production
Ore milled (tons)
818,408
846,076
845,398
Silver (ounces)
10,494,726
9,890,125
7,953,003
Gold (ounces)
48,491
56,625
51,493
Zinc (tons)
56,814
56,805
55,350
Lead (tons)
21,400
20,112
18,960
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization
$ 217,125
$ 211,719
$ 190,066
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce (1)
$ 5.49
$ 1.97
$ (1.13 )
AISC, After By-Product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)
$ 8.57
$ 5.99
$ 5.58
Proven Ore Reserves(2,3,4,5,6,7)
Total tons
3,200
7,200
6,200
Silver (ounces per ton)
21.8
14.8
13.8
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.10
0.08
0.10
Zinc (percent)
7.8
5.4
7.0
Lead (percent)
3.7
2.6
2.8
Contained silver (ounces)
70,100
106,200
85,800
Contained gold (ounces)
Contained zinc (tons)
Contained lead (tons)
Probable Ore Reserves(2,3,4,5,6,7)
Total tons
8,975,100
10,713,400
9,269,500
Silver (ounces per ton)
12.4
12.2
11.5
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.09
0.09
0.09
Zinc (percent)
7.3
7.3
7.6
Lead (percent)
2.8
2.8
2.8
Contained silver (ounces)
111,333,300
130,791,300
106,972,000
Contained gold (ounces)
827,300
931,600
839,500
Contained zinc (tons)
652,170
778,020
706,040
Contained lead (tons)
254,840
305,010
262,760
Total Proven and Probable Ore Reserves(2,3,4,5,6,7)
Total tons
8,978,300
10,720,600
9,275,700
Silver (ounces per ton)
12.4
12.2
11.5
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.09
0.09
0.09
Zinc (percent)
7.3
7.3
7.6
Lead (percent)
2.8
2.8
2.8
Contained silver (ounces)
111,403,400
130,897,500
107,057,800
Contained gold (ounces)
827,600
932,200
840,100
Contained zinc (tons)
652,420
778,410
706,480
Contained lead (tons)
254,960
305,190
262,940
(1)
Includes by-product credits from gold, lead and zinc production. Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce represent non-GAAP measurements that management uses to monitor and evaluate the performance of our mining operations. We believe these measurements provide indicators of economic performance and efficiency at each location and on a consolidated basis, as well as providing a meaningful basis to compare our results to those of other mining companies and other operating mining properties. A reconciliation of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the most comparable GAAP measure, to these non-GAAP measures can be found in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under Reconciliation of Costs of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP).
(2)
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, we 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 time frame consistent with our current mine plans.
(3)
Proven and probable ore reserves are calculated and reviewed in-house and are subject to periodic audit by others, although audits are not performed on an annual basis. Cutoff grade assumptions vary by ore body and are developed based on reserve metals price assumptions, anticipated mill recoveries and smelter payables, and cash operating costs. Due to multiple ore metals, and complex combinations of ore types, metal ratios and metallurgical performances at Greens Creek, the cutoff grade is expressed in terms of net smelter return (“NSR”), rather than metal grade. The cutoff grade at Greens Creek is $205 per ton NSR for all zones except Gallagher and additional small headings, which have cutoff grades of $210 and $240, respectively, per ton NSR. Our estimates of proven and probable reserves are based on the following metals prices:
December 31,
Silver (per ounce)
$ 16.00
$ 14.50
$ 14.50
Gold (per ounce)
$ 1,300
$ 1,300
$ 1,200
Lead (per pound)
$ 0.90
$ 0.90
$ 0.90
Zinc (per pound)
$ 1.15
$ 1.15
$ 1.15
(4)
Reserves are in-place materials that incorporate estimates of the amount of waste that must be mined along with the ore and expected mining recovery. The 2020 reserve model assumes average total mill recoveries of 82% for silver, 72% for gold, 92% for zinc and 84% for lead.
(5)
The change in reserves in 2020 versus 2019 was due to continued depletion of the deposit through production and limitations on drilling activities due to COVID-19. The change in reserves in 2019 versus 2018 was due to data from new drill holes, new density measurements, new resource modeling techniques and various design changes made to reduce dilution, partially offset by continued depletion of the deposit through production.
(6)
Probable reserves at the Greens Creek unit are based on average drill spacing of 50 to 100 feet. Proven reserves typically require that mining samples are partly the basis of the ore grade estimates used, while probable reserve grade estimates can be based entirely on drilling results. The proven reserves reported for Greens Creek for 2020 represent stockpiled ore.
(7)
Greens Creek reserve estimates were prepared by Paul Jensen, Chief Geologist, Joshua Pritts, Resource Geologist, and Kyle Mehalek, Chief Mine Engineer, at the Greens Creek unit and reviewed by Keith Blair, Chief Geologist, and Kurt Allen, Director of Exploration, at Hecla Limited.
The Lucky Friday Unit
Since 1958, we have owned and operated the Lucky Friday mine, a deep underground silver, lead and zinc mine located in the Coeur d’Alene Mining District in northern Idaho. Lucky Friday is one-quarter mile east of Mullan, Idaho, and is adjacent to U.S. Interstate 90. The mine site and various surface facilities are accessed by paved roads from U.S. Interstate 90.
The Lucky Friday mine is comprised of 710 acres of patented mining claims and fee lands and 535 acres of unpatented mining claims. We also own or control approximately 26 square miles of mineral interests, which include patented mining and millsite claims, fee lands, and unpatented mining claims, that are adjacent to the Lucky Friday mine property. On November 6, 2008, we, through the Silver Hunter Mining Company (“Silver Hunter”), completed the acquisition of substantially all the assets of Independence Lead Mines Company, which held an interest in the Gold Hunter property. The acquisition included all future interests or royalty obligations to Independence and the mining claims pertaining to the operating agreement with Hecla Limited that was assigned to Silver Hunter. Below is a map illustrating the location and access to the Lucky Friday unit:
There have been two ore-bearing structures mined at the Lucky Friday unit. The first, mined through 2001, was the Lucky Friday Vein, a fissure vein typical of many in the Coeur d’Alene Mining District. The ore body is located in the Revett Formation, which is known to provide excellent host rocks for a number of ore bodies in the Coeur d’Alene Mining District. The Lucky Friday Vein strikes northeasterly and dips steeply to the south with an average width of six to seven feet. Its principal ore minerals are galena and tetrahedrite with minor amounts of sphalerite and chalcopyrite. The ore occurs as a single continuous ore body in and along the Lucky Friday Vein. The major part of the ore body has extended from 1,200 feet to 6,020 feet below surface.
The second ore-bearing structure is known as the Lucky Friday Expansion Area, or Gold Hunter. It is located about 5000 feet northwest of the Lucky Friday workings and was discovered by Hecla in 1991. It was put into production pursuant to an operating agreement with Silver Hunter, our wholly owned subsidiary. High grade silver mineralization occurs in steeply dipping veins hosted in a 200-foot thick siliceous lens within the Wallace Formation that transitions to the St. Regis Formation at about 5,900 feet below surface. We currently are mining at approximately 6,300 feet below surface. The veins are sub-parallel and strike west-northwest with a dip of 85 degrees to the south. The strike length of the mineralized package is approximately 2,150 feet. The 30 Vein, which contains higher silver grades, is the primary producer and represents approximately 57% of our current proven and probable ore reserve tonnages, while the remaining 43% of our reserves are contained in various intermediate veins having lower silver grades than 30 Vein. The width of 30 Vein ranges from approximately 0.5 feet to 15.4 feet, with an average width of approximately 7.4 feet.
Access to the mining horizons from the surface is by shaft access. Once underground, trackless drifts and ramps are utilized to reach the mining areas. An internal, hoisting shaft was completed in 2017 to extend access at depth in the Gold Hunter area. The principal mining methods in use at the Lucky Friday unit consist of underhand systems with integral paste fill and varying degrees of mechanization. The most prevalent system in use in 2020 was underhand cut and fill. This method utilizes rubber-tired equipment to access the veins through ramps developed outside of the ore body. Once a cut is taken along the strike of the vein, it is backfilled with cemented tailings and the next cut is accessed below from the ramp system. In 2020, we began testing a new underhand method that has the potential for increased mechanization. It is akin to longhole stoping but is conducted over shorter vertical intervals and without an undercut. Work has been underway since 2017 to develop a fully mechanized underhand method which would utilize a remote vein miner for mechanical excavation. Fabrication of the remote vein miner was completed in 2019. Testing and modification of the machine at the manufacturer's facilities proceeded in 2020 but has been delayed by COVID-19. Delivery to Lucky Friday is expected in 2021.
Ore at the Lucky Friday unit is processed using a conventional lead/zinc flotation flowsheet. Run of mine ore is crushed in a conventional three stage crushing plant consisting of a primary jaw crusher, followed by secondary and tertiary cone crushing circuits. Crushed ore is ground in a ball mill, and the ground slurry reports to the lead flotation circuit. The lead circuit tailings report to the zinc flotation circuit. Lead and zinc concentrates are thickened and filtered, and concentrate products are shipped to smelters for final processing. The original flotation mill was constructed in 1960 and had a capacity of 750 tons per day. Various modifications and upgrades have been made since that time, and the plant capacity currently is estimated at 1,000 tons per day. Total mill recovery was approximately 96% for silver, 95% for lead and 91% for zinc during 2020. All lead and zinc concentrate sales during 2020 were shipped to Teck Resources Limited's smelter in Trail, British Columbia, Canada.
Avista Corporation supplies electrical power to the Lucky Friday unit.
At December 31, 2020, there were 327 employees at Lucky Friday. The United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial, and Service Workers International Union is the bargaining agent for Lucky Friday’s 241 hourly employees as of December 31, 2020. The current labor agreement expires on January 6, 2023. Re-staffing of the mine and ramp-up activities, following a strike that started in March 2017 and ended in early January 2020, have been substantially completed, with a return to full production starting in the fourth quarter of 2020.
The net book value of the Lucky Friday unit property and its associated plant, equipment and mineral interests was approximately $495.6 million as of December 31, 2020. The vintage of the facilities at Lucky Friday ranges from the 1950s to 2020.
The current mine plan at Lucky Friday utilizes estimates of reserves and mineralized material for approximately 17 years of production.
There was no exploration at Lucky Friday in 2020, and no exploration activities are planned in 2021.
Information with respect to the Lucky Friday unit’s production, cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, average Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce, AISC, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce, and proven and probable ore reserves for the past three years is set forth in the table below.
Years Ended December 31,
Production
Ore milled (tons)
179,208
57,091
17,309
Silver (ounces)
2,031,874
632,944
169,041
Lead (tons)
12,727
4,098
1,131
Zinc (tons)
6,298
2,052
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization
$ 56,706
$ 16,621
$ 9,750
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce (1)
$ 9.34
$ -
$ -
AISC, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce (1)
$ 18.22
$ -
$ -
Proven Ore Reserves(2,3,4,5,6)
Total tons
4,392,500
4,184,700
4,230,200
Silver (ounces per ton)
14.2
15.4
15.4
Lead (percent)
8.8
9.6
9.6
Zinc (percent)
4.1
4.1
4.1
Contained silver (ounces)
62,290,100
64,505,700
65,234,100
Contained lead (tons)
386,210
401,020
406,080
Contained zinc (tons)
180,060
172,880
174,630
Probable Ore Reserves(2,3,4,5,6)
Total tons
1,371,900
1,386,300
1,386,600
Silver (ounces per ton)
10.7
11.4
11.4
Lead (percent)
7.2
7.6
7.6
Zinc (percent)
3.9
3.7
3.7
Contained silver (ounces)
14,701,600
15,815,400
15,815,300
Contained lead (tons)
99,170
104,720
104,720
Contained zinc (tons)
53,190
50,640
50,640
Total Proven and Probable Ore Reserves(2,3,4,5,6)
Total tons
5,764,400
5,571,000
5,616,800
Silver (ounces per ton)
13.4
14.4
14.4
Lead (percent)
8.4
9.1
9.1
Zinc (percent)
4.0
4.0
4.0
Contained silver (ounces)
76,991,700
80,321,100
81,049,400
Contained lead (tons)
485,380
505,740
510,800
Contained zinc (tons)
233,250
223,520
225,270
(1)
Includes by-product credits from lead and zinc production. Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce, represent non-GAAP measurements that management uses to monitor and evaluate the performance of our mining operations. We believe these measurements provide indicators of economic performance and efficiency at each location and on a consolidated basis, as well as providing a meaningful basis to compare our results to those of other mining companies and other operating mining properties. Costs of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization is presented for the full year of 2020. However, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits and AISC, After By-product Credits only reflect results for the fourth quarter of 2020, as production was ramped-up during the first three quarters of 2020 following the end of the strike. A reconciliation of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the most comparable GAAP measure, to these non-GAAP measures can be found in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under Reconciliation of Costs of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP).
(2)
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, we 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 time frame consistent with our current mine plans.
(3)
Proven and probable ore reserves are calculated and reviewed in-house and are subject to periodic audit by others, although audits are not performed on an annual basis. Cutoff grade assumptions vary by ore body and are developed based on reserve metals price assumptions, anticipated mill recoveries and smelter payables, and cash operating costs. Due to multiple ore metals, and complex combinations of ore types, metal ratios and metallurgical performances at Lucky Friday, the cutoff grade is expressed in terms of net smelter return (“NSR”), rather than metal grade. The cutoff grade at Lucky Friday ranges from $216 per ton NSR to $231 per ton NSR. Our estimates of proven and probable reserves are based on the following metals prices:
December 31,
Silver (per ounce)
$ 16.00
$ 14.50
$ 14.50
Lead (per pound)
$ 0.90
$ 0.90
$ 0.90
Zinc (per pound)
$ 1.15
$ 1.15
$ 1.15
(4)
Reserves are in-place materials that incorporate estimates of the amount of waste that must be mined along with the ore and expected mining recovery. The 2020 reserve model assumes average total mill recoveries of 96% for silver, 94% for lead and 92% for zinc.
(5)
The change in reserves in 2020 from 2019 was due to inclusion of definition drilling information, partially offset by depletion of the deposit through production. The change in reserve in 2019 from 2018 was because of depletion of the deposit through production.
(6)
Lucky Friday reserve estimates were prepared by Ben Chambers, Mine Geologist and Wes Johnson, Technical Services Manager, at the Lucky Friday unit. The estimates were reviewed by Joshua Pritts, Resource Geologist, Keith Blair, Chief Geologist, and Kurt Allen, Director of Exploration, at Hecla Limited.
The Casa Berardi Unit
In 2013, as a result of our acquisition of Aurizon, we acquired the Casa Berardi operation, located 95 kilometers north of La Sarre in the Abitibi Region of northwestern Quebec, Canada. The property borders Ontario to the west and covers parts of Casa Berardi, Dieppe, Raymond, D'Estrees, and Puiseaux townships. The project area extends east-west for more than 37 kilometers and reaches 3.5 kilometers north-south. The Casa Berardi mine gold deposits are located along a 5 kilometer east-west mineralized corridor.
Aurizon acquired the claims, leases and infrastructure comprising the Casa Berardi mine project in 1998 from TVX Gold Inc. Aurizon engaged in exploration programs beginning in 1998, and production began in late 2006.
The nearest commercial airport to the Casa Berardi mine is located at Rouyn-Noranda. La Sarre can be reached from Rouyn-Noranda via provincial roads 101 and 111. A 38 kilometer all-season gravel road accesses the mine from the paved Route des Conquérants road, which runs north from its intersection with road 393 north of La Sarre and passes through the village of Villebois. The mine access road intersection is approximately 21 kilometers north of Villebois. A gravel road links the East Mine and the West Mine (which roughly represent the east-west boundaries of the mining lease), and a number of forestry roads provide access to the rest of the project area, from east and west.
Hecla Quebec Inc., Hecla’s wholly owned subsidiary, owns a 100% interest in the mineral titles and mining leases comprising the current Casa Berardi operations. It is composed of 69 contiguous claims, covering 3,148.3 hectares (7,779.6 acres) and two mining leases covering 481.4 hectares (1,189.7 acres). The total area of the Casa Berardi property is 3,629.75 hectares (8,969.3 acres or approximately 14 square miles), and all the claims and leases are in good standing. We own an additional approximately 45 square miles of exploration property located adjacent to the current Casa Berardi operations and comprised of approximately 230 claims, most of which are subject to a 1% NSR royalty in favor of Lake Shore Gold Corp.
Under the Quebec Mining Act, claims are required to be renewed every two years. Statutorily prescribed minimum work commitments apply to all claims and leases. As of December 31, 2020, the claims and leases comprising part of the Casa Berardi mine have excess work credits of CAD$17.1 million. Claims and leases for our other projects in Quebec have excess work credits of CAD$29.5 million as of December 31, 2020. We also hold a non-exclusive lease for a sand and gravel pit, a tailings lease, and an additional 12 acres of land contiguous to a mining lease for rock waste material storage.
The mine and mill complex are permitted to process 1,600,000 dry metric tonnes (approximately 1,764,000 tons) of ore per year (4,900 tons per day). The mining operations consist of underground and open pit mines. The surface infrastructures include a cyanidation processing mill (carbon-in-leach), tailings impoundment areas, and other support facilities and infrastructure. The map below illustrates the location and access to Casa Berardi:
Prior to Aurizon’s ownership, the Casa Berardi underground mine operated from 1988 to 1997, producing approximately 3.9 million tons of ore at an average gold grade of 0.2 ounces per ton from the West Mine and the East Mine.
Casa Berardi can be classified as an Archean sedimentary-hosted orogenic gold deposit. Mineralization is found in large low-sulphide quartz veins developed against the Casa Berardi fault, and in disseminated sulfides and stockworks lenses associated with strongly carbonate-sericite altered ductile deformation zones obliquely oriented to the Casa Berardi fault, and extending a few hundred meters on both sides of the fault following northwest and northeast orientations. Gold mineralization emplacement was coeval with the fault`s evolution and shows a strong structural control and vertical extension, even if other factors such as the nature of some host rocks and lithological contacts seem to have favored gold deposition. The mineralization system is composed of large, low-sulfide quartz veins and low-grade stockworks and carbonate-mica replacement zones forming in the West Mine and Principal area.
Current reserves at the Casa Berardi mine comprise eight zones at the West Mine, spread over a moderate horizontal distance from each other and located at different mine elevations, plus open pit and underground areas at the East Mine.
The ore at Casa Berardi is extracted using a combination of underground and open pit mining methods. The underground mines at Casa Berardi are trackless and are accessed by a combination of ramps and a production shaft. The mining method is longhole stoping using a combination of traverse and longitudinal orientations depending upon the widths of the zone. The combined ore production rate from the underground zones is in the range of 2,000 to 2,200 tons per day.
Open pit mining is used to extract near surface mineralization, both above the existing underground mining horizons and in areas without economic underground resources. At present, one open pit mine is in production and another is being developed. Three additional pits are anticipated. The combined ore production rate from the open pit zones is highly variable depending on the mining sequence and ore release rates. Open pit ore is fed to the plant roughly in equal proportion to the underground ore and any surplus is stockpiled.
The mill utilizes a combination of gravity recovery for coarse gold and cyanidation for fine gold. The ore is crushed and ground to produce a slurry suitable for the subsequent recovery processes. Crushing and grinding is accomplished by a jaw crusher followed by a SAG mill and ball mill. Coarse gold reports to the gravity circuit consisting of Knelson concentrators followed by high intensity leaching and electrowinning. Fine gold reports to the cyanide leach train. Due to the presence of naturally occurring organic carbon in the ore, the Carbon-In-Leach ("CIL") approach is used in cyanidation circuit. Gold is adsorbed onto carbon in the leach train and later desorbed for electrowinning. Sludge from the electrowinning cells is melted in a furnace to produce doré, the final product produced at Casa Berardi. In 2020, the mill processed 1,283,701 tons, for an average of 3,699 tons per day.
Power supply to the site is provided by a 55 kilometer, 120kV power line from the Hydro-Québec transformation station located in the town of Normétal.
The employees at Casa Berardi are employees of Hecla Quebec Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, and are not represented by a bargaining agent. There were 646 employees at the Casa Berardi unit at December 31, 2020. We also utilize third-party contractors, which use their employees and equipment, for some of the mining activities at Casa Berardi.
The current mine plan at Casa Berardi utilizes estimates of reserves and mineralized material for approximately 13 years of production, and includes anticipated production from the underground and open pit mine areas.
In-stope and definition underground drilling during 2020 concentrated within the 113, 118, 119, 123, 128, 148, and 152 zones to refine orebody shapes and gold grade distributions for mine planning and reserves. Underground exploration drilling of the 113, 118, 123, and 128 zones in the West Mine focused on expanding mineralization down-plunge and testing extensions to the west and to the east of each zone. Drilling of the 148 and 152 zones in the East Mine tested extensions of the previously identified high grade mineralization down plunge. Surface definition and exploration drilling continues to define limits for the 160 Pit and expands the 159 zone to the east which is open for expansion.
The currently contemplated underground in-stope and definition drilling programs for 2021 are expected to appraise the high-grade ore shoots of the 113, 118, 124, 123, 128, and 134 zones in the western part of the mine and high-grade extensions of the 146 and 148 zones in the East Mine. Surface definition drilling planned for 2021 is expected to focus on the 160 and WMCP zones. Exploration drilling from underground is currently expected to evaluate extensions of the 113, 118 and 128 zones in the western part of the mine and the 148, 152, and 157 zones in the East Mine, while surface drilling is expected to evaluate the high-grade potential of the western extension of the WMCP mineralized lenses at depth and to the west and the eastern extensions of the 160 and 159 zone lenses at depth and to the east.
Hecla acquired Aurizon on June 1, 2013 for approximately CAD$740.8 million (US$714.5 million), and has operated the Casa Berardi mine since the acquisition. The net book value of the Casa Berardi unit property and its associated plant, equipment and mineral interests was approximately $635.8 million as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, we have recorded an $11.7 million asset retirement obligation for reclamation and closure costs. We maintain a surety bond as financial guarantee for future reclamation and closure work.
Information with respect to the Casa Berardi unit’s production, cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, average Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce, AISC, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce, and proven and probable ore reserves for the past three years is set forth in the table below.
Year Ended December 31,
Production
Ore milled (tons)
1,283,701
1,378,065
1,375,718
Gold (ounces)
121,492
134,409
162,744
Silver (ounces)
24,142
31,540
38,086
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization
$ 203,434
$ 217,682
$ 199,402
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce (1)
$ 1,131
$ 1,051
$
AISC, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce (1)
$ 1,436
$ 1,354
$ 1,080
Proven Ore Reserves(2,3,4,5,6)
Total tons
5,474,900
6,847,000
6,789,700
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.10
0.09
0.08
Contained gold (ounces)
567,400
603,500
563,400
Probable Ore Reserves(2,3,4,5,6)
Total tons
11,295,600
13,780,400
16,953,500
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.09
0.08
0.08
Contained gold (ounces)
974,600
1,114,300
1,343,300
Total Proven and Probable Ore Reserves(2,3,4,5,6)
Total tons
16,770,500
20,627,400
23,743,200
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.09
0.08
0.08
Contained gold (ounces)
1,542,000
1,717,800
1,906,700
(1)
Includes by-product credits from silver production. Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce represent non-GAAP measurements that management uses to monitor and evaluate the performance of our mining operations. We believe these measurements provide indicators of economic performance and efficiency at each location and on a consolidated basis, as well as providing a meaningful basis to compare our results to those of other mining companies and other operating mining properties. A reconciliation of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the most comparable GAAP measure, to these non-GAAP measures can be found in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP).
(2)
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, we 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 time frame consistent with our current mine plans.
(3)
Proven and probable ore reserves are calculated and reviewed in-house and are subject to periodic audit by others, although audits are not performed on an annual basis. Cutoff grade assumptions vary by ore body and are developed based on reserve metals price assumptions, anticipated mill recoveries and refiner payables, and cash operating costs. The cutoff grade at Casa Berardi is assumed to be 0.101 ounces per ton for underground reserves and 0.025 ounces per ton for open pit reserves. Our estimates of proven and probable reserves are based on the prices of $1,300 per gold ounce for 2020 and 2019 and $1,200 per gold ounce for underground reserves and $1,225 for open pit reserves for 2018.
(4)
Reserves are in-place materials that incorporate estimates of the amount of waste that must be mined along with the ore and expected mining recovery. The 2020 reserve model assumes average total mill recoveries for gold of approximately 83% for underground reserves and 85% for open pit reserves.
(5)
The changes in reserves in 2020 compared to 2019 and in 2019 compared to 2018 resulted from depletion of the deposit through production, partially offset by inclusion of definition drilling information.
(6)
Casa Berardi reserve estimates were prepared by Real Parent, Principal Resource Geologist, Frederic Pare, Geology Superintendent, and Herman De Los Rios, Engineering Superintendent, at the Casa Berardi unit. Casa Berardi resource estimates were reviewed by Keith Blair, Chief Geologist, and Kurt Allen, Director of Exploration, at Hecla Limited.
The San Sebastian Unit
The San Sebastian mine is located approximately 60 miles northeast of the city of Durango, Mexico, on concessions acquired in 1999. Access to San Sebastian is via Mexico highway 40, approximately 6 miles east of Guadalupe Victoria, and then approximately 15 miles of paved rural road through the towns of Ignacio Allende and Emiliano Zapata.
Our concession holdings cover approximately 160 square miles, including the Francine Vein, East Francine Vein, Middle Vein, North Vein, and the Andrea Vein and multiple outlying active exploration areas. Mineral concession titles are obtained and held under the laws of Mexico, and are valid for 50 years with the possibility of extending another 50 years. There are work assessment and tax requirements that are variable and increase with the time that the concession is held. The map below illustrates the location and access to San Sebastian:
Mineralization at the project occurs as low and intermediate sulfidation epithermal veins within the Saladillo valley area. Historically, the most important veins at the project have been the Francine, East Francine, Middle and North veins located at the north end of the Saladillo valley and the Andrea Vein located 4 miles to the south. The veins are hosted within a series of shales with interbedded fine-grained sandstones interpreted to belong to the Cretaceous Caracol Formation. Most of the veins strike to the west-northwest and vein dips vary from steep toward the west to shallow toward the east. True vein widths range from 5 to 30 feet, and the average true width of the veins in the district is 8 feet.
Mineralization occurs in an epithermal setting at various paleo-depths. High-grade gold and silver occur both in the very shallow environment in the upper 1,000 feet of the crust and in deep silver-gold-lead-zinc root zones of the system at depths between 2,000 and 3,500 feet below the paleo-water table. Hypogene minerals include sphalerite, galena, argentite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, native silver and gold in electrum. The veins are oxidized down to approximately 300 feet below surface and the oxidized portions of the veins contain limonite, hematite, silver halides and various copper carbonates. Matrix minerals include fine-grained to coarsely crystalline quartz bands and chlorite-quartz-adularia bands and late calcite fill. Mineralization within the vein structures is generally deposited in high-grade “shoots” bound both laterally and horizontally by sharp gradients in grade-thickness.
Hecla operated the San Sebastian underground mine from 2001 to 2005. The life-of-mine production from the Francine and Don Sergio veins over four years was 11.2 million ounces of silver and 155,937 ounces of gold.
Hecla again operated San Sebastian using open pit and underground methods from 2015 to 2020. Production began with open pit mining and underground mining was added by 2018. The historical production during this period was 77.7 million ounces of silver and 1.4 million ounces of gold. Access to the underground workings was through ramps from the surface connecting one or more levels. Ore was mined by the cut-and-fill stoping method and extracted from the stopes using rubber-tired equipment and hauled to the surface in trucks. In the fourth quarter of 2020, San Sebastian was placed into care and maintenance upon depletion of the known economic resource. Exploration is ongoing.
Run of mine ore was hauled in trucks by contractors to a toll processing facility near Velardeña, Durango, Mexico, which is located approximately 60 miles from the San Sebastian mine site. Before completion of production, processing of ore averaged approximately 474 tons per day in 2020, with recovery of approximately 91% for silver and 82% for gold.
Electric power is purchased from Comisiòn Federal de Electricidad (a Mexico federal electric company).
There was a total of 30 employees at the San Sebastian unit as of December 31, 2020, with most of them employed by our subsidiary that provides certain specialized services to another subsidiary that owns the mine. These employees are not represented by a bargaining agent. We have primarily used third-party contractors for mining and operation of the processing facility. The hourly employees of the owner of the processing facility are represented by the Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores Mineros, Metalúrgicos, Siderúrgicos y Similares de la República Mexicana (a Mexico national union) as bargaining agent.
At December 31, 2020, the net book value of the San Sebastian unit property and its associated plant and equipment was $7.8 million. Infrastructure includes the underground mine portal and development, a water supply system, maintenance shop, warehouse, laboratory, leased mill and related improvements, and various offices. Equipment and facilities are in good condition. As of December 31, 2020, $6.9 million has been accrued for reclamation and closure costs. All permits required for current mining of the open pits and the underground mine and operation of the mill are in place.
In late 2018 and early 2019, a new vein, called the El Toro Vein, was discovered approximately 1.3 miles south of the San Sebastian Mine Area under thick soil cover. Drilling throughout 2019 at the El Toro Vein area defined oxide mineralization over 1.3 miles of strike length and 900 feet downdip. In late 2019 infill drilling was conducted on key portions of the El Toro Vein. With the recent El Toro discovery, we believe the combined strike length of the primary veins at the project (Francine, Andrea, Middle, North and El Toro) is over 6 miles.
Exploration activities in 2020 consisted primarily of core drilling at two recently discovered veins, referred to as the El Bronco and El Tigre Veins, discovered under soil cover through our 2020 Short Vertical Reverse Circulation ("SVRC") drilling program. SVRC drilling has proven to be an effective method for exploring for new veins under thick soil cover.
For 2021, additional core drilling is planned at the El Bronco and El Tigre Vein target areas. The 2021 SVRC drilling program is expected to focus on the soil covered areas located south and west of the San Sebastian Mine; an area that we believe to be highly prospective for the discovery of new veins. A new generation high resolution airborne spectral survey is also planned to be flown at the San Sebastian unit in 2021 for detail mapping of hydrothermal alteration.
Information with respect to the San Sebastian unit’s production, cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, average Cash Cost, After By-Product Credits, Per Silver Ounce, AISC, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce, and proven and probable ore reserves for the past three years is set forth in the table below.
Year Ended December 31,
Production
Ore milled (tons)
131,859
174,713
156,733
Silver (ounces)
954,772
1,868,884
2,037,072
Gold (ounces)
7,223
15,673
14,979
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization
$ 24,104
$ 50,509
$ 41,815
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce (1)
$ 4.92
$ 8.02
$ 9.69
AISC, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce (1)
$ 5.68
$ 12.10
$ 14.68
Proven Ore Reserves(2,3,4,5,6)
Total tons
-
34,500
21,500
Silver (ounces per ton)
-
4.8
3.9
Gold (ounces per ton)
-
0.08
0.08
Contained silver (ounces)
-
165,800
84,700
Contained gold (ounces)
-
2,700
1,800
Probable Ore Reserves(2,3,4,5,6)
Total tons
-
65,500
206,100
Silver (ounces per ton)
-
10.9
13.1
Gold (ounces per ton)
-
0.07
0.10
Contained silver (ounces)
-
715,600
2,704,800
Contained gold (ounces)
-
4,900
20,700
Total Proven and Probable Ore Reserves(2,3,4,5,6)
Total tons
-
100,000
227,600
Silver (ounces per ton)
-
8.8
12.3
Gold (ounces per ton)
-
0.08
0.10
Contained silver (ounces)
-
881,400
2,789,500
Contained gold (ounces)
-
7,600
22,500
(1)
Includes by-product credits from gold production. Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce represent non-GAAP measurements that management uses to monitor and evaluate the performance of our mining operations. We believe these measurements provide indicators of economic performance and efficiency at each location and on a consolidated basis, as well as providing a meaningful basis to compare our results to those of other mining companies and other operating mining properties. A reconciliation of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the most comparable GAAP measure, to these non-GAAP measures can be found in Item 7. - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP).
(2)
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, we 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 time frame consistent with our current mine plans.
(3)
Proven and probable ore reserves are calculated and reviewed in-house and are subject to periodic audit by others, although audits are not performed on an annual basis. Cutoff grade assumptions vary by ore body and are developed based on reserve metals price assumptions, anticipated mill recoveries and refiner payables, and cash operating costs. Due to multiple ore metals, and complex combinations of ore types, metal ratios and metallurgical performances at San Sebastian, the cutoff grade is expressed in terms of net smelter return, rather than metal grade. The average prices used for the San Sebastian unit were:
December 31,
Silver (per ounce)
$ 14.50
$ 14.50
Gold (per ounce)
$ 1,300
$ 1,200
(4)
Reserves are in-place materials that incorporate estimates of the amount of waste that must be mined along with the ore. Metal recoveries vary by mine zone and ore grade.
(5)
The changes in silver and gold reserves in 2020 compared to 2019 and 2019 compared to 2018 were the result of depletion of the deposit through production.
(6)
San Sebastian reserve estimates were prepared by Joshua Pritts, Resource Geologist, and Alberto Ramos, Mining Engineer, at Hecla Limited, and reviewed by Keith Blair, Chief Geologist and Kurt Allen, Director of Exploration, at Hecla Limited.
The Nevada Operations Unit
As a result of our acquisition of Klondex in July 2018, we obtained 100% ownership of the Fire Creek mine, Hollister mine, Midas mine and milling facility, Aurora mine and milling facility, and various other mineral interests comprising a total land position of approximately 110 square miles in north central Nevada and the Walker Lane.
The employees at the Nevada Operations unit are employees of Klondex Gold & Silver Mining Company, our wholly-owned subsidiary, and are not represented by a bargaining agent. There were 76 employees at the Nevada Operations unit at December 31, 2020.
As of December 31, 2020, the total net book value of the properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests at the Nevada Operations unit was approximately $474.3 million.
As of December 31, 2020, we recorded a $26.1 million asset retirement obligation for reclamation and closure costs at the Nevada Operations unit. We maintain a surety bond as financial guarantee for future reclamation and closure work.
Additional information on the Nevada Operations properties is below.
Fire Creek
In 1975, Klondex acquired the property as a very early stage exploration project. Fire Creek is located in north-central Nevada in Lander County, and to a lesser extent Eureka County, approximately 16 miles south of a major highway (Interstate 80) near other large gold deposits and mines which are owned and operated by major mining companies. Access to Fire Creek from Interstate 80 is by State Road 306, a good-quality road. Company-maintained mine and exploration roads provide access throughout the property. Fire Creek is a high-grade, epithermal vein deposit, and the land package covers approximately 18,755 acres (approximately 20.7 square miles), consisting of approximately 831 unpatented mining claims, and both leased and owned private fee lands. Our unpatented claims occupy public lands, administered by the United States Bureau of Land Management ("BLM"). Property fees are paid annually to the county in which they are held. To maintain our unpatented claims, we must file an annual notice of intent to maintain the claims within the county they are located and pay the annual mineral claim maintenance fees to the BLM. Certain of Fire Creek's claims are subject to various net smelter return ("NSR") royalties and have no expiration date. In addition, Fire Creek is subject to a 2.5% NSR royalty for all production commencing in 2019, which also has no expiration date. Fire Creek consists of an underground, mechanized narrow vein mine, related mine support infrastructure, mining equipment, and administrative buildings, all of which are in operating condition. The map below illustrates the location and access to Fire Creek:
Mineralization at Fire Creek occurs in steeply dipping epithermal veins within Tertiary basalt flows and intrusive rocks. The mineralized basaltic rocks are a suite of mafic, extrusive rocks associated with the regional north-northwest-trending Northern Nevada Rift ("NNR") structural zone.
The deposit is a low-sulfidation epithermal deposit vertically-zoned within high-angle northwest striking structures, hosted in a mid-Miocene basalt package. Mineralization occurs as shallow structurally-controlled fault hosted gold mineralization in variably altered Tertiary basalts and as native gold in steeply dipping quartz-calcite veins or structures. A package of middle Miocene basalt and basaltic andesite flow has been cut by high-angle normal faults related to both NNR and Basin and Range extension that form grabens and half-grabens which are the structural controls in the district.
High-grade mineralization has been delineated between approximately 4,900 feet and 5,700 feet above sea level and is open both up and down dip as well as along strike.
The Fire Creek mine is a trackless mine accessed by a decline, and historically produced approximately 350 tons of ore per day. The mining method is primarily longhole stoping, with ramp access. Oxide ore mined at Fire Creek is trucked approximately 165 miles to the Midas mill for processing, which is discussed in the Midas section below. Processing of a bulk sample of refractory material at a third-party facility is in progress.
Fire Creek receives electrical power provided by NV Energy, a major Nevada power company.
The developed oxide resources at Fire Creek will be depleted in the first quarter of 2021. Mining of a 30,000 ton bulk test of refractory (Type 2) ore occurred in the latter half of 2020. The bulk test demonstrated that larger scale, more productive methods could be applied successfully to this material. Ground conditions were as good or better than expected and water in the test area was readily managed. The bulk test demonstrated that larger scale, more productive mining methods could be applied successfully to this material. The bulk test refractory ore is being processed by a third party through a tolling agreement. While the processing is not yet complete, the recovery information to date is following the grade-recovery curve established through bench testing. Metal prices increased significantly since the tolling agreement was signed, and it is no longer attractive for the third party to displace their own feed to toll. Discussions are underway with another processor. With the developed oxide resource depleted and no immediate alternative for the refractory material, Fire Creek is expected to be placed into care and maintenance in the second quarter of 2021.
In 2020, definition drilling at Fire Creek focused on infill drilling the Titan Zone inferred resource area, with smaller definition drilling programs offsetting two high-grade drill intercepts, one below Spiral 4 and one in the upper Spiral 4 areas. Geologic modeling of these zones is in progress and we believe all assay results should be received in the first quarter of 2021.
At the Fire Creek mine, the 2021 exploration program is currently expected to be limited to detailed mapping, sampling and alteration mineral spectroscopy designed to evaluate vein targets within our extensive property.
Hollister
The Hollister property has been operated since the 1900s by various mining companies which mined mercury in the early 1900s and gold and silver in the late part of the century. Hecla was in an earn-in arrangement for an ownership interest in Hollister from 2002 to 2007, when Hecla sold its interest. Klondex acquired the property in October 2016. Hollister is a fully-permitted past producing underground and open pit operation. It is located in north-central Nevada in Elko County, approximately 61.5 miles east-northeast of Winnemucca, Nevada and 17 miles southeast from the Midas mine. Hollister is accessed by all-weather paved and gravel county roads. Hollister is comprised of 1,005 unpatented lode claims and 11 unpatented mill site claims that cover an area in excess of 15,000 acres, and an additional 209 unpatented lode claims through agreements covering approximately 4,320 acres. Our unpatented claims occupy public lands administered by the BLM. To maintain our unpatented claims in good standing, we must file an annual notice of intent to maintain the claims with the county and pay the annual mineral claim filing fees to the BLM. Certain claims and areas of Hollister are subject to royalties, including seven separate NSR royalties ranging from 1% to 5%, and a 1% NSR royalty after 500,000 ounces of gold production occurring from October 3, 2016, when Klondex acquired the property. There is no expiration date on the aforementioned royalties. Hollister includes an underground mine, former open pit mines, related mine support infrastructure, mining equipment, and administrative buildings, all of which are in operating condition. The map below illustrates the location and access to Hollister:
The Hollister mine is located along the NNR, and is on trend with the north-western end of the Carlin Trend, which is approximately 5 miles wide and 40 miles long. Mineralization is related to the Miocene period of magmatic activity associated with the NNR while gold mineralization on the Carlin Trend has been dated to late Eocene/early Oligocene magmatism.
The Hollister property also includes the Hatter Graben vein system, which is located approximately 2,500 feet east of the Hollister mine's underground development and has been down dropped approximately 800 feet lower than the current mine resource. The system of mineralized veins has a known vertical extent of 1,400 feet and strike length of 2,000 feet. This East-West trending zone is open along strike to the east and west and at depth and mineralization is strengthening in the east as historic high-grade intersections occur up to 4,000 feet along strike to the east. The first surface holes were initiated at Hatter Graben in the third quarter of 2018 with the intent to extend the current identified mineralized material east and west. Drill holes at 300-foot intervals have intersected swarms with multiple veins and mineralized breccias at the anticipated distance. Development of a drift from the Hollister mine's underground workings to the Hatter Graben area commenced in the third quarter of 2018 and was suspended in the second quarter of 2019.
The Hollister mine is a trackless mine accessed by a decline. Due to variability within the Hollister mine material, a selective mining approach is employed by matching mining methodology to stope characteristics. As discussed below, ore mined at Hollister was trucked to the Midas mill for processing, and the resulting loaded carbon was stripped at the Aurora mill. The Hollister mine is not in production.
Hollister receives electrical power provided by NV Energy.
With Fire Creek moving into care and maintenance, the focus will shift to exploring the Hatter Graben vein system in 2021. Crews and equipment will be redeployed to resume the exploration decline, and underground drilling will commence as drill platforms are established. Detailed mapping, sampling, alteration mineral spectroscopy, and geophysical surveys will be used to further define targets on the property.
Midas
The Midas mining district has historic gold production dating as early as 1907. Since modern mining began in 1998, 2.2 million ounces of gold and 26.9 million ounces of silver have been produced by three previous owners prior to Klondex acquiring the property. Klondex acquired the fully-permitted Midas mine and ore milling facility in February 2014. Midas is located in north-central Nevada in Elko County and lies about 58 miles east of Winnemucca on Nevada State Highway 789, and one mile from the town of Midas, Nevada. Midas is a high-grade, epithermal vein deposit, and the land package covers approximately 30,000 acres (~47 square miles), which includes fee lands, federal unpatented mining claims, seven mining leases, BLM rights-of-way, general agreements, easements, and surface use agreements, with varied terms and annual payments. Within the land package, there are 1,489 federal unpatented mining claims, of which 1,456 are owned and 33 are leased. Owned and leased fee lands comprise approximately 2,985 acres of the land package which is a mix of surface-mineral rights and surface rights only. Our unpatented claims occupy public lands, administered by the BLM. Property fees on fee lands are paid annually to the county in which they are held. To maintain our unpatented claims, an annual notice of intent must be filed with the respective county, in addition to paying the annual mineral claim maintenance fees to the BLM. Certain of the Midas claims are subject to a royalty. Midas is also subject to a 2.5% NSR royalty from all production commencing in 2019, and there is no expiration date on the royalty. Midas includes an underground, mechanized narrow vein mine, related mine support infrastructure, mining equipment, a Merrill-Crowe refining facility, a milling circuit, and administrative buildings, all of which are in operating condition.
The map below illustrates the location and access to Midas:
Gold and silver mineralization at Midas is hosted in several northwest-striking veins. The veins are divided into four principal groups based on their location and orientation. The two principal groups that host the majority of the identified mineralized material are the Main Veins and East Veins. The Main Veins dip easterly and are gold dominant, while the East Veins dip to the west and contain higher silver content than the Main Veins. The Main Veins produced more than 2.2 million ounces of gold and 26.9 million ounces of silver between 1998 and 2013, principally from the Colorado Grande and Gold Crown Veins. Initial development and production from the East Veins began in 2012. The third group of veins is comprised of the Queen and Trinity Veins located to the south of the existing workings and south of the regional South Owyhee Fault. They are defined by limited underground and surface drilling and there has been no mine production from them to date. The Queen Vein and Trinity Vein systems represent high-priority, near-mine exploration targets.
Mineralized material has been identified on the Main and East veins and other veins near the recently active mine workings. Active drill testing has recently taken place in these areas and has been prioritized based on ounce expectations, accessibility from existing development and geotechnical, ventilation, and hydrological considerations.
The Midas mine is a modern, mechanized narrow vein mine. The veins at Midas can vary in thickness from a few inches to over ten feet. Production at the Midas mine was suspended in the fourth quarter of 2019.
In 2020, surface exploration efforts through the first three quarters of the year focused on target definition within the district through detailed mapping, sampling, alteration mineral spectroscopy, and CSAMT geophysical surveys. This early field work defined 7 high-priority drill targets (Green Racer Sinter, SV1, North Block, Elko Prince, Southern Cross, Jackknife Ridge and G3) that were drill tested in the fourth quarter of 2020. All assay results from this drilling are expected in the first quarter of 2021, but assay results received to date show high-grade intersections from 4 of the 7 targets drilled.
At Midas, the 2021 exploration program is expected to consist primarily of additional detailed mapping, sampling, and alteration mineral spectroscopy to define additional drill targets and core drilling to offset the high-grade intersections from the 2020 drilling program.
Midas Mill
Oxide ore from the Fire Creek, Midas and Hollister mines historically has been processed at the Midas mill, which has a design capacity of 1,200 tons per day. Fire Creek and Midas ore previously was processed using a counter current decantation ("CCD") circuit, with Hollister ore processed using a CIL circuit. However, all ore was subsequently processed using the CIL circuit beginning in April 2019. Run-of-mine ore is crushed to 100% passing one-half inch in a conventional two-stage crushing circuit which utilizes a primary jaw crusher and a secondary cone crusher with the circuit closed by a double deck vibrating screen. The crushed product reports to the grinding circuit consisting of an 800 horsepower overflow ball mill and a 250 horsepower verti-mill. The circuit is closed using a bank of four (three operating, one standby) 10-inch cyclones. A portion of the cyclone underflow is sent to a gravity concentrator to remove coarse gold. The gravity concentrate is leached using an Acacia intense cyanidation unit with the gravity tail returned to the grinding circuit for further processing. The ground product is thickened before being leached with cyanide for 72 hours in a series of eight leach tanks. Thickener underflow is pumped to the first in a series of four CIL tanks. The pregnant solution from the Acacia reactor also reports to the first CIL tank. Sodium cyanide is added to the first tank to enable gold leaching. Each of the four tanks are equipped with a carbon retention screen and a carbon advance pump. The first and fourth tanks also have a loaded carbon screen on the top of the tanks. The slurry flows through the retention screens to the next successive tank and is ultimately pumped to cyanide detoxification and to the tailings facility. New carbon is added to the fourth tank and is pumped counter current to the slurry flow from the fourth tank, progressively upstream, until loaded carbon is pumped over the screen on the first tank and into carbon transport bags. The carbon transport bags are then loaded on a truck and shipped for sale to third-party processors, or hauled to the Aurora mill where they are stripped. The sludge from stripping at the Aurora mill is collected and shipped to the Midas refinery to be poured into doré bars. The bars are shipped off site for further refining by a third party.
When the CCD circuit is utilized for Fire Creek and Midas ore, the leached slurry from the leach tanks reports to a conventional five-stage counter current decantation circuit with the overflow solution from the first thickener, together with the pregnant solution from the Acacia reactor, reporting to the Merrill-Crowe circuit where zinc dust is used to precipitate the precious metal from solution. The underflow from the fifth thickener is treated to eliminate the remaining cyanide and pumped to the tailings storage facility. The precipitate is retorted to remove mercury before being smelted and poured into doré bars. The bars are shipped off site for further refining by a third party.
For 2020, total mill recovery of gold and silver was approximately 92% and 79%, respectively. The Midas mill was used for batch processing of Fire Creek oxide ore and is on standby to process the stockpiled Fire Creek ore in the first quarter of 2021. The mill will be placed into care and maintenance when that processing is complete.
Midas receives electrical power provided by NV Energy.
Aurora
Gold was discovered in 1860 on the Aurora property and since that time various companies have mined from this location. Klondex acquired the property in October 2016. The Aurora project includes fully-permitted past producing underground mine and open pit mine operations, which are currently inactive. Aurora is located in west central Nevada 10 miles from the California border in Mineral County, approximately 20 miles west of Hawthorne, Nevada. Access is provided by all-weather paved and gravel county roads. Aurora consists of 92 patented mining claims, 944 acres of fee lands, and 448 unpatented lode-mining claims, totaling approximately 9,928 contiguous acres that encompass the entire district. Patented claims occupy private lands and our unpatented claims occupy public lands, administered by the BLM. To maintain our patented claims in good standing, we must pay the annual property fee payments to the county in which the claims are held. To maintain our unpatented claims in good standing, we must file an annual notice of intent to maintain the claims with the county and pay the annual mineral claim filing fees to the BLM. A portion of the patented and unpatented claims owned or leased by us and the leased fee lands are subject to underlying royalties, including a 3% royalty that would be split among two companies.
Aurora includes an underground mine, former open pit mines, related mine support infrastructure, mining equipment, a milling circuit with permitted tailings storage facility, and administrative buildings, all of which are in operating condition. Aurora is not in production.
The site has access to three-phase overland power from Nevada Energy.
The map below illustrates the location and access to Aurora:
Aurora is located within the Walker Lane structural belt of western Nevada. The Walker Lane is characterized by northwest-trending en echelon right-lateral strike slip faults that have tilted and rotated structural blocks since mid-Miocene through the Quaternary. Mineralization at Aurora occurs as low-sulfidation epithermal veins, breccias, and stockwork zones in Miocene intermediate to felsic composition volcanic rocks.
The Aurora mill is a traditional crush-grind-CIL (Carbon in Leach) processing facility. Run of mine ore is sized through a jaw crusher. The sized ore is fed to a SAG mill followed by two ball mills operating in parallel to produce slurry for the CIL train which consists of nine tanks followed by a detox tank. Depleted slurry reports to the tailings storage facility. Active carbon moves through the CIL circuit counter-current to the slurry flow. Loaded carbon is stripped, regenerated, and returned to the circuit. The gold rich strip solution proceeds to electrowinning cells where it is precipitated and recovered. The precipitate is retorted to remove mercury and then melted with flux in a furnace to produce doré. The doré is sold to refiners. As mentioned previously, the carbon strip and electrowinning circuits at Aurora were used to process carbon from the Midas mill in some instances. The Aurora mill was placed on care-and-maintenance in 2020.
In 2020, exploration efforts at Aurora focused on an exploration potential data review of the district followed by hyperspectral, LiDAR, airborne magnetic/radiometric, gravity, and CSAMT geophysical surveys of the property. In 2021, we expect our exploration focus at Aurora to be on detailed mapping, sampling, and alteration mineral spectroscopy to follow up on targets generated by the review and surveys generated in 2020.
Information with respect to the Nevada Operation unit’s production, cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, average Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce, AISC, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce, and proven and probable ore reserves for the last three years is set forth in the table below.
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
July 20 Through
December 31,
Production
Ore milled (tons)
27,984
210,397
116,383
Gold (ounces)
31,756
66,166
32,887
Silver (ounces)
37,443
181,741
172,301
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization
$ 44,801
$ 153,336
$ 47,005
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce (1)
$
$ 1,096
$ 1,221
AISC, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce (1)
$
$ 1,527
$ 1,950
Proven Ore Reserves(2,3,4,5,6)
Total tons
Fire Creek
62,400
22,100
23,900
Hollister
-
-
2,400
Total Nevada Operations
62,400
22,100
26,300
Gold (ounces per ton)
Fire Creek
0.5
1.5
1.2
Hollister
-
-
0.7
Total Nevada Operations
0.5
1.5
1.2
Silver (ounces per ton)
Fire Creek
0.4
1.2
1.1
Hollister
-
-
0.7
Total Nevada Operations
0.4
1.2
1.7
Contained gold (ounces)
Fire Creek
30,100
33,200
28,900
Hollister
-
-
1,700
Total Nevada Operations
30,100
33,200
30,600
Contained silver (ounces)
Fire Creek
27,900
27,500
27,100
Hollister
-
-
16,500
Total Nevada Operations
27,900
27,500
43,600
Probable Ore Reserves(2,3,4,5,6)
Total tons
Fire Creek
37,100
91,200
Hollister
-
-
9,100
Total Nevada Operations
37,100
100,300
Gold (ounces per ton)
Fire Creek
0.7
0.6
0.4
Hollister
-
-
0.7
Total Nevada Operations
0.7
0.6
0.5
Silver (ounces per ton)
Fire Creek
0.9
0.6
0.3
Hollister
-
-
7.2
Total Nevada Operations
0.9
0.6
1.0
Contained gold (ounces)
Fire Creek
20,900
40,400
Hollister
-
-
5,900
Total Nevada Operations
20,900
46,300
Contained silver (ounces)
Fire Creek
23,200
29,800
Hollister
-
-
65,900
Total Nevada Operations
23,200
95,700
Total Proven and Probable Ore Reserves(2,3,4,5,6)
Total tons
Fire Creek
63,100
59,200
115,100
Hollister
-
-
11,500
Total Nevada Operations
63,100
59,200
126,600
Gold (ounces per ton)
Fire Creek
0.5
0.9
0.6
Hollister
-
-
0.7
Total Nevada Operations
0.5
0.9
0.6
Silver (ounces per ton)
Fire Creek
0.5
0.9
0.5
Hollister
-
-
7.2
Total Nevada Operations
0.5
0.9
1.1
Contained gold (ounces)
Fire Creek
30,600
54,100
69,300
Hollister
-
-
7,600
Total Nevada Operations
30,600
54,100
76,900
Contained silver (ounces)
Fire Creek
28,500
50,700
56,900
Hollister
-
-
82,400
Total Nevada Operations
28,500
50,700
139,300
(1)
Includes by-product credits from silver production. Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce represent non-GAAP measurements that management uses to monitor and evaluate the performance of our mining operations. We believe these measurements provide indicators of economic performance and efficiency at each location and on a consolidated basis, as well as providing a meaningful basis to compare our results to those of other mining companies and other operating mining properties. A reconciliation of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the most comparable GAAP measure, to these non-GAAP measures can be found in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP).
(2)
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, we 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 time frame consistent with our current mine plans.
(3)
Proven and probable ore reserves are calculated and reviewed in-house and are subject to periodic audit by others, although audits are not performed on an annual basis. Cutoff grade assumptions vary by ore body and are developed based on reserve metals price assumptions, anticipated mill recoveries and refiner payables, and cash operating costs. The cutoff grade assumption is 0.482 gold-equivalent ounces per ton at Fire Creek. Our estimates of proven and probable reserves are based on prices of $1,300 per ounce for gold and $16.00 per ounce for silver for 2020, $1,300 per ounce for gold and $14.50 per ounce for silver for 2019 and $1,200 per ounce for gold and $14.50 per ounce for silver for 2018.
(4)
Reserves are in-place materials that incorporate estimates of the amount of waste that must be mined along with the ore and expected mining recovery. The 2020 reserve model assumes average total mill recoveries for gold and silver of approximately 91% and 63%, respectively, for Fire Creek.
(5)
The changes in gold and silver reserves in 2020 compared to 2019 and 2019 compared to 2018 were the result of depletion of the deposit through production.
(6)
Fire Creek resource and reserve estimates were prepared by Agapito Orozco, Senior Resource Geologist, Sarah Bull, Senior Mining Engineer, and Bryan Farbridge, Chief Engineer, at the Nevada Operations unit and reviewed by Keith Blair, Chief Geologist, and Kurt Allen, Director of Exploration, at Hecla Limited.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
For a discussion of our legal proceedings, see Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
The information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in exhibit 95 to this report.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Shares of our common stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. under the symbol "HL." As of February 16, 2021, there were 3,373 stockholders of record of our common stock.
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2020 regarding our compensation plans under which equity securities are authorized for issuance:
Number of
Securities To
Be Issued
Upon Exercise of
Outstanding
Options,
Warrants and
Rights
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options
Number of
Securities
Remaining
Available For
Future Issuance
Under Equity
Compensation
Plans
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders:
2010 Stock Incentive Plan
-
N/A
12,443,518
Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors
-
N/A
2,476,644
Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan
-
N/A
228,624
Total
-
N/A
15,148,786
See Note 9 and Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the above plans.
On November 20, 2020, we issued 89,109 unregistered shares of our common stock to the Lucky Friday Pension Plan Trust and 554,455 shares to the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan Trust in private placements in order to satisfy the funding requirements for those defined benefit pension plans. The private placements were exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act") pursuant to section 4(a)(2) of that Act. We did not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the shares. The shares had a value of approximately $3.3 million at the time of issuance.
On August 18, 2020, we issued 405,186 unregistered shares of our common stock to the Lucky Friday Pension Plan Trust and 1,653,160 shares to the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan Trust in private placements in order to satisfy the funding requirements for those defined benefit pension plans. The private placements were exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to section 4(a)(2) of that Act. The shares were subsequently registered for resale on a registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on September 23, 2020. We did not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the shares. The shares had a value of approximately $12.4 million at the time of issuance.
On April 9, 2020, we issued 119,048 unregistered shares of our common stock to the Lucky Friday Pension Plan Trust and 47,619 shares to the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan Trust in private placements in order to satisfy the funding requirements for those defined benefit pension plans. The private placements were exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to section 4(a)(2) of that Act. The shares were subsequently registered for resale on a registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on April 9, 2020. We did not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the shares. The shares had a value of approximately $0.4 million at the time of issuance.
On December 18, 2019, we issued 10,654,856 unregistered shares of our common stock pursuant to an Exchange Agreement as prepayment of CAD$40 million (approximately US$30.5 million as of December 18, 2019) in aggregate principal amount of our Series 2018-A Senior Notes due May 1, 2021 previously held by Ressources Québec. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. The issuance of shares pursuant to the Exchange Agreement was exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to section 3(a)(9) of that Act. We did not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the shares. The shares had a total value of approximately USD$33.5 million at the time of issuance.
On May 17, 2019, we issued 629,140 unregistered shares of our common stock to the Lucky Friday Pension Plan Trust and 1,754,967 shares to the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan Trust in private placements in order to satisfy the funding requirements for those defined benefit pension plans. The private placements were exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to section 4(a)(2) of that Act. The shares were subsequently registered for resale on a registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on May 17, 2019. We did not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the shares. The shares had a value of approximately $3.6 million at the time of issuance.
On November 30, 2018, we issued 349,174 unregistered shares of our common stock to the Lucky Friday Pension Plan Trust and 516,529 shares to the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan Trust in private placements in order to satisfy the funding requirements for those defined benefit pension plans. The private placements were exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to section 4(a)(2) of that Act. The shares were subsequently registered for resale on a registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on November 30, 2018. We did not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the shares. The shares had a value of approximately $2.1 million at the time of issuance.
On September 12, 2018, we issued 1,870,749 unregistered shares of our common stock in a private placement to the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan Trust in order to satisfy the funding requirements for that defined benefit pension plan. The private placement was exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to section 4(a)(2) of that Act. The shares were subsequently registered for resale on a registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on September 12, 2018. We did not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the shares. The shares had a value of approximately $5.5 million at the time of issuance.
On July 20, 2018, we issued 75,276,176 unregistered shares of common stock to the former holders of common stock of Klondex to partially fund the acquisition of Klondex (see Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). The shares were not registered under the Securities Act pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 3(a)(10) of such act. The shares had a value of approximately $242.4 million at the time of issuance.
The following performance graph compares the performance of our common stock during the period beginning December 31, 2015 and ending December 31, 2020 to the S&P 500 and the S&P 500 Gold Index. The graph assumes a $100 investment in our common stock and in each of the indexes since the beginning of the period, and a reinvestment of dividends paid on such investments on a quarterly basis throughout the period.
Date
Hecla Mining
S&P 500
S&P 500
Gold Index
December 2015
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
December 2016
$ 277.88
$ 111.96
$ 190.11
December 2017
$ 210.96
$ 136.40
$ 210.83
December 2018
$ 125.81
$ 130.42
$ 197.89
December 2019
$ 181.72
$ 171.49
$ 258.29
December 2020
$ 348.65
$ 203.04
$ 362.34
The stock performance information above is “furnished” and shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or subject to Rule 14A of the Exchange Act, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date of this report and irrespective of any general incorporation by reference language in any such filing, except to the extent that it specifically incorporates the information by reference.
On May 8, 2012, we announced that our board of directors approved a stock repurchase program. Under the program, we are authorized to repurchase up to 20 million shares of our outstanding common stock from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions. See Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. We made no purchases of our outstanding common stock during the quarter and year ended December 31, 2020.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following table (in thousands, except per share amounts, common shares issued, stockholders of record, and employees) sets forth selected historical consolidated financial data as of and for each of the years ended December 31, 2016 through 2020, and is derived from our audited financial statements (except for stockholders of record and employees). The data set forth below should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, our Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto.
Sales of products
$ 691,873
$ 673,266
$ 567,137
$ 577,775
$ 645,957
Net (loss) income
$ (16,790 )
$ (99,557 )
$ (26,563 )
$ (28,520 )
$ 61,569
Preferred stock dividends (1)
$ (552 )
$ (552 )
$ (552 )
$ (552 )
$ (552 )
(Loss) income applicable to common stockholders
$ (17,342 )
$ (100,109 )
$ (27,115 )
$ (29,072 )
$ 61,017
Basic (loss) income per common share
$ (0.03 )
$ (0.20 )
$ (0.06 )
$ (0.07 )
$ 0.16
Diluted (loss) income per common share
$ (0.03 )
$ (0.20 )
$ (0.06 )
$ (0.07 )
$ 0.16
EBITDA (2)
$ 196,940
$ 129,264
$ 148,585
$ 156,922
$ 236,373
Total assets
$ 2,667,724
$ 2,637,308
$ 2,703,944
$ 2,345,158
$ 2,355,795
Accrued reclamation & closure costs
$ 116,048
$ 108,374
$ 108,389
$ 86,045
$ 85,580
Non-current portion of debt and finance/capital leases
$ 516,516
$ 511,943
$ 540,670
$ 508,422
$ 506,817
Cash dividends paid per common share
$ 0.02
$ 0.01
$ 0.01
$ 0.01
$ 0.01
Common shares issued and outstanding
531,666,371
522,895,723
482,603,937
399,176,425
395,286,875
Stockholders of record
3,398
3,637
3,617
3,784
4,197
Employees
1,591
1,622
1,714
1,431
1,396
(1)
For all years presented, we declared and paid all four quarterly dividends totaling $0.6 million annually on our Series B preferred shares.
(2)
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA") is a non-GAAP measurement. EBITDA is used by management, and we believe is useful to investors, for evaluating our operational performance. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to net income (loss), the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) (GAAP) to Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (non-GAAP).

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
Established in 1891 in northern Idaho’s Silver Valley, we believe we are the oldest operating precious metals mining company in the United States and the largest silver producer in the United States. Our corporate offices are in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and Vancouver, British Columbia. Our production profile includes:
•
concentrates containing silver, gold (in the case of Greens Creek), lead and zinc, which is shipped to various smelters or sold to metal traders;
•
unrefined doré containing gold and silver, which is sold to refiners or further refined before sale of the metals to traders; and
•
carbon material containing gold and silver, which is sold to third-party processors.
Our operating properties comprise our five business segments for financial reporting purposes: the Greens Creek operating unit on Admiralty Island in Alaska, the Lucky Friday operating unit in Idaho, the Casa Berardi operating unit in Quebec, Canada, the San Sebastian operating unit in Durango, Mexico, and the Nevada Operations unit in northern Nevada. Since our operating mines are located in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, we believe they have low or relatively moderate political risk, and less economic risk than mines located in other parts of the world. Our exploration interests are also in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and are primarily located in historical mining districts.
Our operating and strategic framework is based on expanding our production and locating and developing new resource potential. In 2020, we:
•
Continued our trend of improved safety performance, as we reduced our All Injury Frequency Rate by 24% to 1.22, the lowest level in our history and 46% below the U.S. national average for MSHA's "metal and nonmetal" category.
•
Mitigated the impacts of COVID-19 through early response and implementation of operational plans and procedures to protect our workforce, operations and communities while maintaining liquidity.
•
Reported sales of products of $691.9 million, which was the highest in our history despite the Lucky Friday unit only reaching full production in the fourth quarter of 2020.
•
Generated $180.8 million in net cash flows from operating activities. See the Financial Liquidity and Capital Resources section below for further discussion.
•
Refinanced our previously outstanding 2021 Senior Notes with issuance of our Senior Notes for total principal of $475 million due in 2028 and Notes issue to Investissement Québec for total principal of CAD$48.2 million due in 2025. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statement for more information on our debt arrangements.
•
Produced the most silver at our Greens Creek unit since obtaining 100% ownership of it in 2008 due to high grades and consistent ore throughput.
•
Returned to full production levels at Lucky Friday following a strike which ended in early January 2020.
•
Made capital expenditures (including lease additions and other non-cash items) of approximately $99.9 million, including $40.9 million at Casa Berardi, $28.8 million at Greens Creek, $25.7 million at Lucky Friday, $4.0 million at Nevada Operations and $0.5 million at San Sebastian.
•
Performed exploration and pre-development activities at our land packages in Alaska, Idaho, Nevada, British Columbia, Quebec and Mexico.
•
Achieved the above while increasing our cash balance to $129.8 million, which was $67.4 million higher compared to December 31, 2019, with no amount drawn on our revolving credit facility, as of December 31, 2020.
Our average realized silver and gold prices increased, while lead and zinc prices decreased, in 2020 compared to 2019. Average realized prices for silver and gold were higher, with prices for lead and zinc lower, in 2019 compared to their annual averages in 2018. See the Results of Operations section below for information on our average realized metal prices for 2020, 2019 and 2018. Lead and zinc represent important by-products at our Greens Creek and Lucky Friday segments, and gold is also a significant by-product at Greens Creek and San Sebastian.
See the Results of Operations section below for a discussion of the factors impacting income applicable to common stockholders for the three years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Key Issues
We intend to achieve our long-term objective of generating financial returns, improving operating performance, and expanding our proven and probable reserves by operating, developing and acquiring long-lived, low-cost mines with large land positions in politically stable jurisdictions. Our strategic plan requires that we manage multiple challenges and risks inherent in conducting mining, development, exploration and metal sales at multiple locations.
One such risk involves metals prices, over which we have no control except, on a limited basis, through the use of derivative contracts. As discussed in the Critical Accounting Estimates section below, metals prices are influenced by a number of factors beyond our control. While we believe global economic and industrial trends could result in continued demand for the metals we produce, prices have been volatile and there can be no assurance that current prices will continue.
Volatility in global financial markets poses a significant challenge to our ability to access credit and equity markets, should we need to do so, and to predict sales prices for our products. We utilize forward contracts to manage exposure to declines in the prices of (i) silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our concentrates that have been shipped but have not yet settled, and (ii) zinc and lead that we forecast for future concentrate shipments. We have also utilized put option contracts to manage exposure to declines in the prices of silver and gold in our forecasted future sales of those metals. In addition, we have $129.8 million of cash and cash equivalents and a $250 million revolving credit agreement, of which $20.3 million was used as of December 31, 2020 for letters of credit, leaving approximately $229.7 million available for borrowing.
The COVID-19 outbreak impacted our operations in 2020, including adversely impacting our expected production of gold at Casa Berardi and exploration drilling at Greens Creek. In addition, we incurred additional costs of approximately $2.3 million in 2020 related to quarantining employees at Greens Creek, which started in late March 2020. See each segment section below for information on how those operations have been impacted by COVID-19. To mitigate the impact of COVID-19, we have taken precautionary measures, including implementing operational plans and practices and increasing our cash reserves. As long as they are required, the operational practices implemented could continue to have an adverse impact on our operating results due to additional costs or deferred production and revenues. There is uncertainty related to the potential additional impacts COVID-19 and any subsequent variants could have on our operations and financial results for 2021. See Part II, Item IA. Risk Factors - Natural disasters, public health crises (including COVID-19), political crises, and other catastrophic events or other events outside of our control may materially and adversely affect our business or financial results and COVID-19 virus pandemic may heighten other risks for information on how restrictions related to COVID-19 have recently affected some of our operations.
We had total long-term debt as of December 31, 2020 of $507.2 million, comprised of (i) our Senior Notes having total principal of $475 million which are due in 2028 and bear interest at a rate of 7.25% per year and (ii) our Series 2020-A Senior Notes due July 9, 2025 (the “IQ Notes”) issued to Investissement Québec, a financing arm of the Québec government, which have total principal of CAD$48.2 million and bear interest at a rate of 6.515%. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on our debt arrangements. As discussed in the Financial Liquidity and Capital Resources section below, we believe that we will be able to meet the obligations associated with the Senior Notes, IQ Notes and amounts drawn on our revolving credit facility in the future, if any; however, a number of factors could impact our ability to meet the debt obligations and fund our other projects. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - We have a substantial amount of debt that could impair our financial health and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under our existing and future indebtedness.
We make our strategic plans in the context of significant uncertainty about future availability of ore to mine and process. To sustain operations, we must find new opportunities that require many years and substantial expenditures from discovery to production. We approach this challenge by investing in exploration and capital in districts with known mineralization. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain the permits required to develop or otherwise move forward with exploration projects such as Rock Creek and Montanore. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - Legal challenges could prevent the Rock Creek or Montanore projects from ever being developed.
We strive to achieve excellent mine safety and health performance. We seek to implement this goal by: training employees in safe work practices; establishing, following and improving safety standards; investigating accidents, incidents and losses to avoid recurrence; involving employees in the establishment of safety standards; and participating in the National Mining Association’s CORESafety program. We attempt to implement reasonable best practices with respect to mine safety and emergency preparedness. We work with the MSHA, the Commission of Labor Standards, Pay Equity and Occupational Health and Safety in Quebec, and the Mexico Ministry of Economy and Mining to address issues outlined in any investigations and inspections and continue to evaluate our safety practices. Achieving and maintaining compliance with regulations will be challenging and may increase our operating costs. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - We face substantial governmental regulation, including the Mine Safety and Health Act, various environmental laws and regulations and the 1872 Mining Law.
Another challenge for us is the risk associated with environmental litigation and ongoing reclamation activities. As described Item 1A. Risk Factors and in Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, it is possible that our estimate of these liabilities (and our ability to estimate liabilities in general) may change in the future, affecting our strategic plans. We are involved in various environmental legal matters and the estimate of our environmental liabilities and liquidity needs, as well as our strategic plans, may be significantly impacted as a result of these matters or new matters that may arise. We strive to ensure that our activities are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and attempt to resolve environmental litigation on terms as favorable to us as possible.
Reserve estimation is a major risk inherent in mining. Our reserve estimates, which underly (i) our mining and investment plans, (ii) the valuation of a significant portion of our long-term assets and (iii) depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, may change based on economic factors and actual production experience. Until ore is mined and processed, the volumes and grades of our reserves must be considered as estimates. Our reserves are depleted as we mine. Reserves can also change as a result of changes in economic and operating assumptions. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - Our ore reserve estimates may be imprecise.
Consolidated Results of Operations
Sales of products by metal for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Silver
$ 260,227
$ 192,235
$ 144,609
Gold
356,166
388,602
313,076
Lead
48,776
35,777
33,829
Zinc
95,065
89,656
99,800
Less: Smelter and refining charges
(68,361 )
(33,004 )
(24,177 )
Sales of products
$ 691,873
$ 673,266
$ 567,137
The fluctuations in sales for 2020 compared to 2019 and 2018 were primarily due to the following two factors:
•
Higher average realized silver and gold prices in 2020 were partially offset by lower average realized lead and zinc prices compared to 2019, and the same was true when comparing 2019 to 2018. These price variances are illustrated in the table below.
Average price for the year ended December 31,
Silver -
London PM Fix ($/ounce)
$ 20.51
$ 16.20
$ 15.71
Realized price per ounce
21.15
16.65
15.63
Gold -
London PM Fix ($/ounce)
1,770
1,392
1,269
Realized price per ounce
1,757
1,413
1,265
Lead -
LME Final Cash Buyer ($/pound)
0.83
0.91
1.02
Realized price per pound
0.84
0.91
1.04
Zinc -
LME Final Cash Buyer ($/pound)
1.03
1.16
1.33
Realized price per pound
1.03
1.14
1.27
Average realized prices differ from average market prices primarily because concentrate sales are generally recorded as revenues at the time of shipment at forward prices for the estimated month of settlement, which differ from average market prices. Due to the time elapsed between shipment of concentrates and final settlement with customers, we must estimate the prices at which sales of our metals will be settled. Previously recorded sales are adjusted to estimated settlement metal prices each period through final settlement. For 2020, we recorded net positive price adjustments to provisional settlements of $8.0 million compared to net positive price adjustments to provisional settlements of $0.6 million in 2019 and net negative adjustments of $3.8 million in 2018. The price adjustments related to silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our concentrate sales were largely offset by gains and losses on forward contracts for those metals for each year (see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information). The gains and losses on these contracts are included in revenues and impact the realized prices for silver, gold, lead and zinc. Realized prices are calculated by dividing gross revenues for each metal (which include the price adjustments and gains and losses on the forward contracts discussed above) by the payable quantities of each metal included in products sold during the period.
•
Higher quantities of silver, lead and zinc sold, partially offset by lower gold quantities sold, in 2020 compared to 2019. Silver, gold. zinc and lead volumes were higher in 2019 compared to 2018. See The Greens Creek Segment, The Lucky Friday Segment, The Casa Berardi Segment, The San Sebastian Segment, and The Nevada Operations Segment sections below for more information on metals production and sales volumes at each of our operating segments. Total metals production and sales volumes for each period are shown in the following table:
Year Ended December 31,
Silver -
Ounces produced
13,542,957
12,605,234
10,369,503
Payable ounces sold
12,305,917
11,548,373
9,254,385
Gold -
Ounces produced
208,962
272,873
262,103
Payable ounces sold
202,694
275,060
247,528
Lead -
Tons produced
34,127
24,210
20,091
Payable tons sold
29,108
19,746
16,214
Zinc -
Tons produced
63,112
58,857
56,023
Payable tons sold
46,349
39,381
39,273
The difference between what we report as "ounces/tons produced" and "payable ounces/tons sold" is attributable to the difference between the quantities of metals contained in our products versus the portion of those metals actually paid for by our customers according to the terms of our sales contracts. Differences can also arise from inventory changes incidental to shipping schedules, or variances in ore grades which impact the amount of metals contained in concentrates produced and sold.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, we reported a loss applicable to common stockholders of $17.3 million compared to losses of $100.1 million and $27.1 million in 2019 and 2018, respectively. The following factors contributed to those differences:
•
Variances in gross profit (loss) at our operating units as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Variance
2020 vs. 2019
2019 vs. 2018
Greens Creek
$ 110,695
$ 88,003
$ 75,584
$ 22,692
$ 12,419
Lucky Friday
6,319
-
-
6,319
-
Casa Berardi
5,790
(24,738 )
10,937
30,528
(35,675 )
San Sebastian
8,802
5,701
8,409
3,101
(2,708 )
Nevada
14,097
(45,567 )
(15,831 )
59,664
(29,736 )
Total gross profit
$ 145,703
$ 23,399
$ 79,099
$ 122,304
$ (55,700 )
See The Greens Creek Segment, The Lucky Friday Segment, The Casa Berardi Segment, The San Sebastian Segment, and The Nevada Operations Segment sections below.
•
Unrealized gains on investments of $10.3 million in 2020 compared to unrealized losses of $2.4 million in 2019 and $2.8 million in 2018 due to changes in the prices of shares in other publicly traded mining companies held by us.
•
Exploration and pre-development expense decreased to $18.3 million in 2020 from $19.1 million in 2019 and $40.6 million in 2018. Our activity in 2020 included a continuation of exploration work at our Greens Creek, San Sebastian, Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations units, but at lower spending levels. Pre-development expense was primarily related to advancement of our Montanore and Rock Creek projects.
•
Insignificant acquisition costs in 2020 and 2019 compared to $10.0 million in 2018 related to the acquisition of Klondex.
•
Research and development expense of $0.5 million in 2019 and $5.4 million in 2018 related to evaluation and development of technologies that would be new to our operations, with no research and development expense in 2020. The decrease in 2019 was due to capitalization and completion of fabrication of the remote vein miner.
•
Net foreign exchange loss of $4.6 million in 2020 compared to a loss of $8.2 million in 2019 and gain of $10.3 million in 2018 on translation of our monetary assets and liabilities at our Casa Berardi and San Sebastian units.
•
Loss on disposition of properties, plants, equipment, and mineral interests of $0.6 million and $4.6 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively, compared to a gain of $2.8 million in 2018. The loss in 2019 was related to disposition of our interest in the Fayolle exploration project in Quebec.
•
In June 2020, we gifted 650,000 shares of our common stock valued at $2.0 million at the time of the gift to the Hecla Charitable Foundation (the "Foundation"), and recognized expense for that amount. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) entity established in 2007 to provide grants and disburse funds for educational and charitable purposes to qualifying organizations in order to promote the social, environmental and economic sustainability and development of the communities where we have operations and activities.
•
Other operating expense of $8.9 million, $3.0 million and $1.6 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, with the increase in 2020 primarily due to costs for a project to identify and implement potential operational improvements at Casa Berardi.
•
Interest expense of $49.6 million, $48.4 million and $40.9 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The interest in 2020 was primarily related to our Senior Notes, and the interest in 2019 and 2018 was primarily related to our previously outstanding 2021 Notes (see Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Guarantor Subsidiaries below). The increase in 2020 was primarily due to (i) interest recognized on both the Senior Notes and 2021 Notes for an overlapping period of almost one month, as the Senior Notes were issued on February 19, 2020 and the 2021 Notes were redeemed on March 19, 2020, (ii) $1.7 million in unamortized initial purchaser discount on the 2021 Notes recognized as expense upon their redemption and (iii) higher interest related to amounts drawn on our revolving credit facility.
•
Ramp-up and suspension costs of $24.9 million in 2020 compared to $12.1 million in 2019 and $20.7 million in 2018, which included non-cash depreciation expense of $7.1 million, $4.3 million and $5.0 million, respectively. The increase in 2020 was due to (i) placement of the Midas and Hollister mines and Aurora mill in Nevada on care-and-maintenance and (ii) the temporary suspension of operations at Casa Berardi and San Sebastian in response to COVID-19, which lead to lower production at those operations, partially offset by (iii) lower ramp-up and suspension costs at Lucky Friday due to increased production there. The cost for 2018 included $1.1 million related to curtailment of production at the Midas mine, with the other costs for 2018 and all costs for 2019 related to suspension at the Lucky Friday mine resulting from the strike that ended in early January 2020. See The Lucky Friday Segment, The Nevada Operations Segment, The Casa Berardi Segment and The San Sebastian Segment sections below.
•
Net loss on metal derivative contracts of $22.1 million in 2020 compared to a net loss of $4.0 million in 2019 and gain of $40.3 million in 2018. During the third quarters of 2019 and 2018, we settled, prior to their maturity date, base metal forward contracts in a gain position for cash proceeds to us of approximately $6.7 million and $32.8 million, respectively, with no such settlements in 2020. These gains and losses are related to financially-settled forward contracts on forecasted production of zinc and lead (but not silver and gold) as part of a risk management program, and resulted from changes in zinc and lead prices during each period. From June 2019, we began utilizing put option contracts to provide a minimum price for our forecasted future gold and silver sales, resulting in net losses in 2020 and 2019of $9.3 million and $13.1 million. See Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
•
Income tax provision of $0.1 million in 2020 compared to a benefit of $24.1 million in 2019 and a benefit of $6.7 million in 2018. See Corporate Matters and Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
The Greens Creek Segment
Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)
Years Ended December 31,
Sales
$ 327,820
$ 299,722
$ 265,650
Cost of sales and other direct production costs
(167,433 )
(164,132 )
(143,555 )
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(49,692 )
(47,587 )
(46,511 )
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization
(217,125 )
(211,719 )
(190,066 )
Gross Profit
$ 110,695
$ 88,003
$ 75,584
Tons of ore milled
818,408
846,076
845,398
Production:
Silver (ounces)
10,494,726
9,890,125
7,953,003
Gold (ounces)
48,491
56,625
51,493
Zinc (tons)
56,814
56,805
55,350
Lead (tons)
21,400
20,112
18,960
Payable metal quantities sold:
Silver (ounces)
9,385,404
8,786,377
6,828,955
Gold (ounces)
42,407
47,934
43,135
Zinc (tons)
41,832
37,848
38,338
Lead (tons)
17,415
16,414
14,491
Ore grades:
Silver ounces per ton
15.65
14.64
12.16
Gold ounces per ton
0.08
0.10
0.09
Zinc percent
7.58
7.43
7.47
Lead percent
3.13
2.92
2.80
Total production cost per ton
$ 179.37
$ 174.28
$ 156.21
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce (1)
$ 5.49
$ 1.97
$ (1.13 )
AISC, After By-Product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)
$ 8.57
$ 5.99
$ 5.58
Capital additions
$ 28,797
$ 35,829
$ 46,864
(1)
A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found below in Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP). At Greens Creek, gold, zinc and lead are considered to be by-products of our silver production, and the values of those metals therefore offset operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce.
Restrictions imposed by the State of Alaska beginning in late March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the requirement for employees returning to Alaska to self-quarantine for 14 days (changed in June to 7 days), has caused us to revise the normal operating procedures and incur additional costs for staffing operations at Greens Creek. We incurred costs of approximately $2.3 million in 2020 related to quarantining employees at Greens Creek. These or other potential restrictions could have a material impact if they continue longer than anticipated or become broader.
The $22.7 million and $35.1 million increases in gross profit for 2020 compared to 2019 and 2018, respectively, were due to higher silver, zinc and lead sales volumes and higher average realized silver and gold prices, partially offset by lower gold volume and lower average realized zinc and lead prices. In addition, treatment charges expense for 2020 was 87% and 151% higher compared to 2019 and 2018, respectively, primarily due to unfavorable changes in smelter terms.
The increases in total production cost per ton in 2020 and 2019 compared to 2018 were due to higher costs for labor and equipment maintenance, with 2020 also impacted by COVID-19-related costs and lower mill throughput and 2019 impacted by higher costs for power and consumables. The lower mill throughput in 2020 was partially due to periods of mill downtime for (i) upgrades to mill components in November and (ii) an extreme rainfall event in early December which resulted in water handling issues and limited access caused by downed power lines and mudslides.
The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to the variances in Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce for 2020 compared to 2019 and 2018:
The following table summarizes the components of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:
Years Ended December 31,
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 22.85
$ 21.12
$ 22.88
By-product credits per silver ounce
(17.36 )
(19.15 )
(24.01 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 5.49
$ 1.97
$ (1.13 )
The following table summarizes the components of AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:
Years Ended December 31,
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 25.93
$ 25.14
$ 29.59
By-product credits per silver ounce
(17.36 )
(19.15 )
(24.01 )
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 8.57
$ 5.99
$ 5.58
Both Cash Costs and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce were higher in 2020 compared to 2019 and 2018 primarily due to lower by-product credits, partially offset by higher silver production, and in the case of AISC, lower capital and exploration spending.
Mining, milling and other costs decreased in 2020 compared to 2019 and 2018 on a per-ounce basis due primarily to higher silver production resulting from increased silver grades.
Treatment costs per ounce for 2020 were higher compared to 2019 and 2018 due to unfavorable changes in smelter terms and higher silver prices and production. Treatment costs are impacted by silver production and price variances, as treatment costs include the value of silver not payable to us through the smelting and refining processes. The silver not payable to us is either recovered by the smelters through further processing or ultimately not recovered and included in the smelters' waste material. Treatment costs also include a price adjustment component that fluctuates with changes in base metal prices.
By-product credits per ounce were lower in 2020 compared to 2019 and 2018 due to lower zinc and lead prices, and higher silver production also reduced the credit per silver ounce.
The difference between what we report as "production" and "payable metal quantities sold" is attributable to the difference between the quantities of metals contained in our products versus the portion of those metals actually paid for by our customers according to the terms of our sales contracts. Differences can also arise from inventory changes incidental to shipping schedules, or variances in ore grades which impact the amount of metals contained in our products.
While revenue from zinc, lead and gold by-products is significant, we believe that identification of silver as the primary product of the Greens Creek unit is appropriate because:
•
silver has historically accounted for a higher proportion of revenue than any other metal and is expected to do so in the future;
•
we have historically presented Greens Creek as a producer primarily of silver, based on the original analysis that justified putting the project into production, and believe that consistency in disclosure is important to our investors regardless of the relationships of metals prices and production from year to year;
•
metallurgical treatment maximizes silver recovery;
•
the Greens Creek deposit is a massive sulfide deposit containing an unusually high proportion of silver; and
•
in most of its working areas, Greens Creek utilizes selective mining methods in which silver is the metal targeted for highest recovery.
Likewise, we believe the identification of gold, lead and zinc as by-product credits is appropriate because of their lower economic value compared to silver and due to the fact that silver is the primary product we intend to produce. In addition, we have not consistently received sufficient revenue from any single by-product metal to warrant classification of such as a co-product.
We periodically review our revenues to ensure that reporting of primary products and by-products is appropriate. Because we consider zinc, lead and gold to be by-products of our silver production, the values of these metals offset operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce.
The Lucky Friday Segment
Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)
Years Ended December 31,
Sales
$ 63,025
$ 16,621
$ 9,750
Cost of sales and other direct production costs
(45,233 )
(15,446 )
(8,738 )
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(11,473 )
(1,175 )
(1,012 )
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization
(56,706 )
(16,621 )
(9,750 )
Gross profit
$ 6,319
$ -
$ -
Tons of ore milled
179,208
57,091
17,309
Production:
Silver (ounces)
2,031,874
632,944
169,041
Lead (tons)
12,727
4,098
1,131
Zinc (tons)
6,298
2,052
Payable metal quantities sold:
Silver (ounces)
1,866,883
517,074
275,469
Lead (tons)
11,692
3,332
1,723
Zinc (tons)
4,517
1,532
Ore grades:
Silver ounces per ton
11.85
11.83
10.78
Lead percent
7.49
7.86
7.19
Zinc percent
3.88
4.25
4.20
Total production cost per ton
$ 251.49
$ -
$ -
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce (1)
$ 9.34
$ -
$ -
AISC, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce (1)
$ 18.22
$ -
$ -
Capital additions
$ 25,749
$ 8,989
$ 14,236
(1)
A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found below in Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP). At Lucky Friday, lead and zinc are considered to be by-products of our silver production, and the values of those metals therefore offset operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce.
The increase in gross profit and production for 2020 compared to 2019 and 2018 was due to a ramp-up of operations leading up to a return to full production starting in the fourth quarter of 2020 following the strike by unionized employees that started in mid-March 2017 and ended in early January 2020, discussed further below.
The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to the variances in Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce for the fourth quarter of 2020. Total production cost per ton, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits per Silver Ounce are not presented for 2019 and 2018 and the first three quarters of 2020, as production was limited due to the strike and results are not comparable. The total production cost per ton, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits per Silver Ounce amounts presented for 2020 are for activity for the fourth quarter only, and the results for that period may not be indicative of future operating results under full production.
The following table summarizes the components of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:
Three Months
Ended
December 31,
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 24.63
By-product credits per silver ounce
(15.29 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 9.34
The following table summarizes the components of AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:
Three Months
Ended
December 31,
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 33.51
By-product credits per silver ounce
(15.29 )
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 18.22
Similar to the Greens Creek segment, the difference between what we report as “production” and “payable metal quantities sold” is due essentially to the difference between the quantities of metals contained in the concentrates we produce versus the portion of those metals actually paid for by our customers according to the terms of our sales contracts. Differences can also arise from inventory changes incidental to the timing of concentrate shipments, or variances in ore grades which impact the amount of metals contained in concentrates produced and sold.
While value from lead and zinc is significant, we believe that identification of silver as the primary product of the Lucky Friday unit is appropriate because:
•
silver has historically accounted for a higher proportion of revenue than any other metal and is expected to do so in the future;
•
this mining district is long associated with silver production; and
•
selective mining methods target silver production.
Likewise, we believe the identification of lead and zinc as by-product credits is appropriate because of their low economic value compared to silver and due to the fact that silver is the primary product we intend to produce. In addition, we do not receive sufficient revenue from any single by-product metal to warrant classification of such as a co-product.
We periodically review our revenues to ensure that reporting of primary products and by-products is appropriate. Because we consider zinc and lead to be by-products of our silver production, the values of these metals offset operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce.
Many of the employees at our Lucky Friday unit are represented by a union, and the previous collective bargaining agreement with the union expired on April 30, 2016. The unionized employees were on strike from March 13, 2017 until January 7, 2020, when the union ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. Salaried personnel performed limited production and capital improvements from July 2017 until the end of the strike. Re-staffing of the mine commenced in the first quarter of 2020. We have substantially completed the re-staffing and ramp-up process, and the mine has returned to full production starting with the fourth quarter of 2020. Costs related to ramp-up activities totaled $8.0 million in 2020, and suspension-related costs during the strike in 2019 and 2018 totaled $12.1 million and $19.6 million, respectively, which include non-cash depreciation expense of $6.3 million, $4.3 million and $5.0 million, respectively, for those years, and are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations. These ramp-up and suspension costs are excluded from the calculation of gross profit, total production cost per ton, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce, when presented.
See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about a contingency related to ground water monitoring at the Lucky Friday mine in prior periods.
The Casa Berardi Segment
Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)
Years Ended December 31,
Sales
$ 209,224
$ 192,944
$ 210,339
Cost of sales and other direct production costs
(133,862 )
(143,722 )
(128,100 )
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(69,572 )
(73,960 )
(71,302 )
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization
(203,434 )
(217,682 )
(199,402 )
Gross (loss) profit
$ 5,790
$ (24,738 )
$ 10,937
Tons of ore milled
1,283,701
1,378,065
1,375,718
Production:
Gold (ounces)
121,492
134,409
162,744
Silver (ounces)
24,142
31,540
38,086
Payable metal quantities sold:
Gold (ounces)
117,671
137,444
165,208
Silver (ounces)
25,659
25,320
40,131
Ore grades:
Gold ounces per ton
0.117
0.120
0.136
Silver ounces per ton
0.02
0.03
0.03
Total production cost per ton
$ 105.71
$ 101.13
$ 93.26
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce (1)
$ 1,131
$ 1,051
$
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce (1)
$ 1,436
$ 1,354
$ 1,080
Capital additions
$ 40,853
$ 36,059
$ 40,710
(1)
A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found below in Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP). At Casa Berardi, silver is considered to be a by-product of our gold production, and the value of silver therefore offsets operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.
Gross profit increased in 2020 compared to 2019 due to higher average realized gold prices, partially offset by lower gold production and higher milling and administrative costs. Gross profit decreased in 2020 compared to 2018 primarily due to lower gold production, partially offset by higher gold prices. The decrease in gold volume in 2020 was primarily due to lower mill throughput, with lower ore grades also a factor when compared to 2018. The lower throughput was due to major mill maintenance activities that resulted in a longer period of mill down-time than anticipated and the impact of COVID-19 measures noted below. The higher milling costs resulted primarily from the maintenance activities and an increase in pre-crushing of open pit ore to aid in recovery, with the increase in administration costs resulting from COVID-19 mitigation. Gross profit (loss) for 2020 and 2019 was also impacted by stripping costs incurred on the EMCP pit extension, which was substantially complete in the fourth quarter of 2020. Gold production in 2020 was negatively impacted by approximately 11,700 ounces due to a government COVID-19-related order. In late March, the Government of Quebec ordered the mining industry to reduce to minimum operations as part of the fight against COVID-19, causing us to suspend our Casa Berardi operations from March 24 until April 15, 2020, when mining operations resumed. Production may continue to be adversely impacted by the COVID-19 mitigation practices in place until they are no longer required. Suspension-related costs totaling $1.6 million for the first half of 2020 are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, total production cost per ton, and Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.
The increases in total production cost per ton in 2020 and 2019 compared to 2018 were primarily due to inclusion of stripping costs for the EMCP pit extension in 2020 and 2019, with 2020 also impacted by lower mill throughput.
The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce for 2020, 2019 and 2018:
The following table summarizes the components of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce:
Years Ended December 31,
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$ 1,135
$ 1,055
$
By-product credits per gold ounce
(4 )
(4 )
(4 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$ 1,131
$ 1,051
$
The following table summarizes the components of AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce:
Years Ended December 31,
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$ 1,440
$ 1,358
$ 1,084
By-product credits per gold ounce
(4 )
(4 )
(4 )
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$ 1,436
$ 1,354
$ 1,080
The increase in both Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce for 2020 compared to 2019 and 2018 was due to lower gold production, partially offset, in the case of AISC, by lower sustaining capital and exploration spending.
The difference between what we report as "production" and "payable metal quantities sold" is mainly attributable to inventory changes incidental to the timing of sales of refined metals and shipping schedules.
We believe the identification of silver as a by-product credit is appropriate at Casa Berardi because of its lower economic value compared to gold and due to the fact that gold is the primary product we intend to produce there. In addition, we do not receive sufficient revenue from silver at Casa Berardi to warrant classification of such as a co-product. Because we consider silver to be a by-product of our gold production at Casa Berardi, the value of silver offsets operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.
The San Sebastian Segment
Years Ended December 31,
Sales
$ 32,906
$ 56,210
$ 50,224
Cost of sales and other direct production costs
(20,556 )
(40,737 )
(37,213 )
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(3,548 )
(9,772 )
(4,602 )
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization
(24,104 )
(50,509 )
(41,815 )
Gross profit
$ 8,802
$ 5,701
$ 8,409
Tons of ore milled
131,859
174,713
156,733
Production:
Silver (ounces)
954,772
1,868,884
2,037,072
Gold (ounces)
7,223
15,673
14,979
Payable metal quantities sold:
Silver (ounces)
982,807
2,006,076
1,985,230
Gold (ounces)
7,392
16,757
15,099
Ore grades:
Silver ounces per ton
7.94
11.78
14.07
Gold ounces per ton
0.067
0.106
0.110
Total production cost per ton
$ 120.32
$ 192.42
$ 232.10
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)
$ 4.92
$ 8.02
$ 9.69
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)
$ 5.68
$ 12.10
$ 14.68
Capital additions
$
$ 5,035
$ 6,219
(1)
A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found below in Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP). At San Sebastian, gold is considered to be a by-product of our silver production, and the value of gold therefore offsets operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce.
Mining at San Sebastian was completed in the third quarter, and milling was completed in the fourth quarter of 2020, with exploration and evaluation activities ongoing.
The increases in gross profit in 2020 compared to 2019 and 2018 were due to higher silver and gold prices and lower production costs, partially offset by lower silver and gold production due to lower ore throughput and grades.
The reduction in total production cost per ton in 2020 was due to lower contractor costs, partially offset by lower tonnage.
The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
The following table summarizes the components of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:
Years ended December 31,
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 18.10
$ 19.77
19.07
By-product credits per silver ounce
(13.18 )
(11.75 )
(9.38 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 4.92
$ 8.02
$ 9.69
The following table summarizes the components of AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:
Years Ended December 31,
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 18.86
$ 23.85
$ 24.06
By-product credits per silver ounce
(13.18 )
(11.75 )
(9.38 )
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 5.68
$ 12.10
$ 14.68
The decrease in Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce in 2020 compared to 2019 and 2018 was primarily due to lower mining costs and higher by-product credits on a per-ounce basis due to higher gold prices, partially offset by lower silver production. The decrease in AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce, was also attributable to lower capital and exploration spending.
The difference between what we report as "production" and "payable metal quantities sold" is mainly attributable to inventory changes incidental to the timing of sales of refined metals and shipping schedules.
We believe the identification of gold as a by-product credit is appropriate at San Sebastian because of its anticipated lower economic value compared to silver over the life of the mine. In addition, we do not receive sufficient revenue from gold at San Sebastian to warrant classification of such as a co-product. We periodically review our revenues to ensure that reporting of primary products and by-products is appropriate. Because we consider gold to be a by-product of our silver production at San Sebastian, the value of gold offsets operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce.
In early April 2020, the Government of Mexico issued an order to the mining industry to reduce operations to a minimum level until April 30 in response to COVID-19, and the order was subsequently extended until May 30, 2020. Our operations at San Sebastian were suspended during that time. Suspension-related costs totaling $1.8 million for 2020 are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, total production cost per ton, and Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.
The Nevada Operations Segment
On July 20, 2018, we completed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Klondex for total consideration of $413.9 million. See Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. The acquisition gives us 100% ownership of the Fire Creek, Midas and Hollister mines, where gold is the primary metal produced, the Midas and Aurora mills, and interests in various gold exploration properties, all located in Nevada. The tabular information below reflects our ownership of the Nevada Operations commencing on July 20, 2018.
Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)
Year Ended December 31,
Sales
$ 58,898
$ 107,769
$ 31,174
Cost of sales and other direct production costs
(21,956 )
(86,312 )
(36,388 )
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(22,845 )
(67,024 )
(10,617 )
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization
(44,801 )
(153,336 )
(47,005 )
Gross profit (loss)
$ 14,097
$ (45,567 )
$ (15,831 )
Tons of ore milled
27,984
210,397
116,383
Production:
Gold (ounces)
31,756
66,166
32,887
Silver (ounces)
37,443
181,741
172,301
Payable metal quantities sold:
Gold (ounces)
35,224
72,924
24,086
Silver (ounces)
45,164
213,526
124,600
Ore grades:
Gold ounces per ton
1.232
0.361
0.328
Silver ounces per ton
1.70
1.64
2.06
Total production cost per ton
$ 892.09
$ 332.06
$ 369.61
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce (1)
$
$ 1,096
$ 1,221
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce (1)
$
$ 1,527
$ 1,950
Capital additions
$ 4,003
$ 42,184
$ 32,587
(1)
A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found below in Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP). At Nevada Operations, silver is considered to be a by-product of our gold production, and the value of silver therefore offsets operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.
The higher gross profit in 2020 compared to 2019 and 2018 is primarily the result of higher gold prices and reduced production costs. In addition, cost of sales and other direct production costs for 2020 included write-downs totaling approximately $1.5 million of the values of stockpile, in-process and finished goods inventory to their net realizable value, compared to write-downs of $37.1 million in 2019 and $8.2 million for the period from July 20 to December 31, 2018. The write-downs in 2019 and 2018 were primarily attributed to development costs incurred at the Fire Creek mine, which ceased in the second quarter of 2019 when the decision was made to limit near-term production to areas of the mine where development was already completed.
During the second half of 2020, all ore mined at Nevada Operations was stockpiled, with no ore milled and no production reported during the period. Mining of non-refractory ore at Fire Creek in areas where development has already been performed was completed in the fourth quarter of 2020. As discussed below, we have mined and stockpiled a bulk sample of refractory ore for processing at a third-party facility, and transporting of the stockpiled ore to the third-party facility started in the fourth quarter of 2020. The results from the bulk sample test are expected in the first quarter of 2021.
The increase in total production cost per ton in 2020 is primarily due to lower tonnage.
The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce for 2020, 2019 and 2018:
The following table summarizes the components of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce:
Year Ended December 31,
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$
$ 1,140
$ 1,297
By-product credits per gold ounce
(20 )
(44 )
(76 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$
$ 1,096
$ 1,221
The following table summarizes the components of AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce:
Year Ended December 31,
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$
$ 1,571
$ 2,026
By-product credits per gold ounce
(20 )
(44 )
(76 )
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$
$ 1,527
$ 1,950
The decrease in Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce in 2020 compared to 2019 and 2018 was a result of higher ore grades, with the decrease in AISC After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce also attributed to lower exploration and capital spending.
We believe the identification of silver as a by-product credit is appropriate at the Nevada Operations because of its lower economic value compared to gold and due to the fact that gold is the primary product we intend to produce there. In addition, we do not receive sufficient revenue from silver at the Nevada Operations to warrant classification of such as a co-product. Because we consider silver to be a by-product of our gold production at the Nevada Operations, the value of silver offsets operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.
Activities since our acquisition of the Nevada Operations have included underground development and rehabilitation at the Fire Creek mine, construction of a new tailings dam, installation of a carbon-in-leach circuit in order to improve recoveries at the Midas mill, where ore from each of the mines has been processed, and start of development of a new drift to the Hatter Graben area at Hollister.
A review of our Nevada operations, including the relevant carrying value of our long-term assets there, was conducted during the second quarter of 2019 to address poor operational performance since acquisition. The review led to a plan to limit near-term mining at Fire Creek and temporarily suspend production and development of the Hatter Graben project adjacent to Hollister and resulted in lower subsequent production and capitalized development costs. Production at the Midas mine and Aurora mill was also suspended in late 2019. Suspension-related costs totaling $13.5 million in 2020, including non-cash depreciation expense of $5.6 million, are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, total production cost per ton, and Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.
There were no subsequent events or changes in circumstances during the latter half of 2019 or 2020 that indicated the carrying value of our long-term assets in Nevada was not recoverable as of December 31, 2020. We have entered into a third-party ore processing arrangement for a bulk sample of refractory ore. Mining of the bulk sample material commenced in the second quarter of 2020, with costs for mining the material totaling $7.7 million, along with $11.5 million for costs related to mining non-refractory ore, included in stockpiled ore inventory as of December 31, 2020. The bulk test demonstrated that larger scale, more productive mining methods could be applied successfully to this material. The bulk test refractory ore is being processed by a third party through a tolling agreement. While the processing is not yet complete, the recovery information to date is following the grade-recovery curve established through bench testing. Metal prices increased significantly since the tolling agreement was signed, and it is no longer attractive for the third party to displace their own feed to toll. Discussions are underway with another processor. The carrying value of our properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests in Nevada as of December 31, 2020 was $474.3 million, of which $382.2 million related to value beyond proven and probable reserves.
Corporate Matters
Employee Benefit Plans
Our defined benefit pension plans provide a significant benefit to our employees, but represent a significant liability to us. During 2020, the underfunded status of our plans changed from a liability of $56.8 million at the first of the year to a liability of $44.9 million at the end of the year. The decreased liability was attributable to contributions to the plans and returns on plan assets that, combined, exceeded service costs and interest costs, collectively. During 2020, we contributed a total of approximately $16.0 million in shares of our common stock, and contributed $6.0 million in cash, to the plans. We do not expect to be required to contribute to our defined benefit plans in 2021, but we may choose to do so. In January 2021, we contributed $16.8 million in shares of our common stock to the supplemental executive retirement plan, and expect to contribute another $0.8 million in cash in 2021. See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. While the economic variables which will determine future cash requirements are uncertain, we expect contributions to increase in future years under current plan provisions, and we periodically examine the plans for affordability and competitiveness.
Income Taxes
Each reporting period we assess our deferred tax balance based on a review of long-range forecasts and quarterly activity. In 2018, through the acquisition of Klondex Mines Ltd., we acquired the Nevada U.S. Group that did not join the Hecla U.S. tax group. We recognized a full valuation allowance on our separate Hecla U.S. net deferred tax assets at the end of 2017 based on results of tax law changes and maintain a full valuation allowance on Hecla U.S. net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2020.
Our net U.S. deferred tax liability for the Nevada U.S. Group at December 31, 2020 was $33.9 million compared to the $38.3 million net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2019. The $4.4 million decrease is for current period activity in Nevada. The deferred tax liability is primarily related to the excess of the carrying value of the mineral resource assets over the tax bases of those assets for U.S. tax reporting.
Our net Canadian deferred tax liability at December 31, 2020 was $98.6 million, a decrease of $1.3 million from the $99.9 million net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2019. The decrease was due to current period activity and the impact of weakening of the CAD relative to the USD on remeasurement of the deferred tax liability balance. The deferred tax liability is primarily related to the excess of the carrying value of the mineral resource assets over the tax bases of those assets for Canadian tax reporting.
Our Mexican net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2020 was $2.9 million, a decrease of $0.6 million from the net deferred tax asset of $3.5 million at December 31, 2019. A $2.1 million valuation allowance remains on deferred tax assets in Mexico.
As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJ Act") enacted in December 2017, our remaining Alternative Minimum Tax ("AMT") credit carryforward of $11.4 million became partially refundable through 2020 and fully refundable in 2021. State and Federal AMT refunds of $0.8 million and $10.0 million were received in 2019 and 2020, respectively, leaving a net AMT state credit receivable of $0.6 million as of December 31, 2020. In March 2020, the U.S. government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, which allowed companies to claim immediate refunds of AMT credits. As a result, the remaining $0.6 million AMT state credit is classified as a current receivable as of December 31, 2020.
As discussed in Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, our effective tax rate for 2020 was (1)% compared to 19% for 2019. We are subject to income taxes in the United States and other foreign jurisdictions. The overall effective tax rate will continue to be dependent upon the geographic distribution of our earnings in different jurisdictions, the U.S. deduction for percentage depletion, and fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates. As a result, the 2021 effective tax rate could vary significantly from that of 2020. The other relevant provisions of the TCJ Act that became effective in 2018 consist of global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) tax and base erosion and anti-abuse tax (BEAT); however, these provisions have not materially impacted us.
Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP)
The tables below present reconciliations between the most comparable GAAP measure of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization to the non-GAAP measures of (i) Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, (ii) Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, (iii) AISC, Before By-product Credits and (iv) AISC, After By-product Credits for our operations at the Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, San Sebastian, Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations units and for the Company for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce are measures developed by precious metals companies (including the Silver Institute and the World Gold Council) in an effort to provide a uniform standard for comparison purposes. There can be no assurance, however, that these non-GAAP measures as we report them are the same as those reported by other mining companies.
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce is an important operating statistic that we utilize to measure each mine's operating performance. We use AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce as a measure of our mines' net cash flow after costs for exploration, pre-development, reclamation, and sustaining capital. This is similar to the Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce non-GAAP measure we report, but also includes on-site exploration, reclamation, and sustaining capital costs. Current GAAP measures used in the mining industry, such as cost of goods sold, do not capture all the expenditures incurred to discover, develop and sustain silver and gold production. Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce also allow us to benchmark the performance of each of our mines versus those of our competitors. As a silver and gold mining company, we also use these statistics on an aggregate basis, aggregating the Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and San Sebastian mines, to compare our performance with that of other silver mining companies, and aggregating Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations for comparison with other gold mining companies. Similarly, these statistics are useful in identifying acquisition and investment opportunities as they provide a common tool for measuring the financial performance of other mines with varying geologic, metallurgical and operating characteristics.
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and AISC, Before By-product Credits include all direct and indirect operating cash costs related directly to the physical activities of producing metals, including mining, processing and other plant costs, third-party refining expense, on-site general and administrative costs, royalties and mining production taxes. AISC, Before By-product Credits for each mine also includes on-site exploration, reclamation, and sustaining capital costs. AISC, Before By-product Credits for our consolidated silver properties also includes corporate costs for general and administrative expense, exploration and sustaining capital projects. By-product credits include revenues earned from all metals other than the primary metal produced at each unit. As depicted in the tables below, by-product credits comprise an essential element of our silver unit cost structure, distinguishing our silver operations due to the polymetallic nature of their orebodies.
In addition to the uses described above, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce provide management and investors an indication of operating cash flow and net cash flow, respectively, after consideration of the average price received from production. We also use these measurements for the comparative monitoring of performance of our mining operations period-to-period from a cash flow perspective.
The Casa Berardi, Nevada Operations and combined gold properties information below reports Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce for the production of gold, their primary product, and by-product revenues earned from silver, which is a by-product at Casa Berardi and the Nevada Operations. Only costs and ounces produced relating to units with the same primary product are combined to represent Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce. Thus, the gold produced at our Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations units is not included as a by-product credit when calculating Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce for the total of Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and San Sebastian, our combined silver properties. Similarly, the silver produced at our other three units is not included as a by-product credit when calculating the gold metrics for Casa Berardi and the Nevada Operations. As depicted in the tables below, by-product credits from the silver production at our primary gold properties comprise an element of our gold unit cost structure.
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Greens
Creek
Lucky
Friday(3)
San
Sebastian(4)
Corporate(5)
Total
Silver
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization
$ 217,125
$ 56,706
$ 24,104
$ 297,935
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(49,692 )
(11,473 )
(3,548 )
(64,713 )
Treatment costs
77,122
4,590
81,999
Change in product inventory
(3,144 )
2,340
(2,357 )
(3,161 )
Reclamation and other costs (1)
(1,608 )
(274 )
(1,198 )
(3,080 )
Lucky Friday cash costs excluded
-
(31,442 )
-
(31,442 )
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (2)
239,803
20,447
17,288
277,538
Reclamation and other costs
3,154
3,794
Exploration
-
-
1,788
2,142
Sustaining capital
28,797
7,154
36,288
General and administrative
-
-
-
33,759
33,759
AISC, Before By-product Credits (2)
272,108
27,823
18,005
35,585
353,521
By-product credits:
Zinc
(79,413 )
(4,273 )
(83,686 )
Gold
(74,615 )
-
(12,586 )
(87,201 )
Lead
(28,193 )
(8,421 )
(36,614 )
Total By-product credits
(182,221 )
(12,694 )
(12,586 )
(207,501 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits
$ 57,582
$ 7,753
$ 4,702
$ 70,037
AISC, After By-product Credits
$ 89,887
$ 15,129
$ 5,419
$ 35,585
$ 146,020
Divided by silver ounces produced
10,495
12,280
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 22.85
$ 24.63
$ 18.10
$ 22.60
By-product credits per ounce
(17.36 )
(15.29 )
(13.18 )
(16.90 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 5.49
$ 9.34
$ 4.92
$ 5.70
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 25.93
$ 33.51
$ 18.86
$ 28.79
By-product credits per ounce
(17.36 )
(15.29 )
(13.18 )
(16.90 )
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 8.57
$ 18.22
$ 5.68
$ 11.89
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Casa
Berardi(6)
Nevada
Operations(7)
Total
Gold
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization
$ 203,434
$ 44,801
$ 248,235
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(69,572 )
(22,845 )
(92,417 )
Treatment costs
2,591
2,636
Change in product inventory
2,226
15,869
18,095
Reclamation and other costs (1)
(773 )
(978 )
(1,751 )
Exclusion of Nevada Operations costs
-
(13,511 )
(13,511 )
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (2)
137,906
23,381
161,287
Reclamation and other costs
1,040
Exploration
2,231
-
2,231
Sustaining capital
34,431
1,600
36,031
AISC, Before By-product Credits (2)
174,954
25,635
200,589
By-product credits:
Silver
(499 )
(635 )
(1,134 )
Total By-product credits
(499 )
(635 )
(1,134 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits
$ 137,407
$ 22,746
$ 160,153
AISC, After By-product Credits
$ 174,455
$ 25,000
$ 199,455
Divided by gold ounces produced
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$ 1,135
$
$ 1,052
By-product credits per ounce
(4 )
(20 )
(7 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$ 1,131
$
$ 1,045
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$ 1,440
$
$ 1,309
By-product credits per ounce
(4 )
(20 )
(7 )
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$ 1,436
$
$ 1,302
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Total
Silver
Total Gold
Total
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization
$ 297,935
$ 248,235
$ 546,170
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(64,713 )
(92,417 )
(157,130 )
Treatment costs
81,999
2,636
84,635
Change in product inventory
(3,161 )
18,095
14,934
Reclamation and other costs (1)
(3,080 )
(1,751 )
(4,831 )
Cash costs excluded
(31,442 )
(13,511 )
(44,953 )
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (2)
277,538
161,287
438,825
Reclamation and other costs
3,794
1,040
4,834
Exploration
2,142
2,231
4,373
Sustaining capital
36,288
36,031
72,319
General and administrative
33,759
-
33,759
AISC, Before By-product Credits (2)
353,521
200,589
554,110
By-product credits:
Zinc
(83,686 )
-
(83,686 )
Gold
(87,201 )
-
(87,201 )
Lead
(36,614 )
-
(36,614 )
Silver
(1,134 )
(1,134 )
Total By-product credits
(207,501 )
(1,134 )
(208,635 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits
$ 70,037
$ 160,153
$ 230,190
AISC, After By-product Credits
$ 146,020
$ 199,455
$ 345,475
Divided by ounces produced
12,280
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce
$ 22.60
$ 1,052
By-product credits per ounce
(16.90 )
(7 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce
$ 5.70
$ 1,045
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce
$ 28.79
$ 1,309
By-product credits per ounce
(16.90 )
(7 )
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce
$ 11.89
$ 1,302
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Greens
Creek
Lucky
Friday(3)
San
Sebastian
Corporate(5)
Total
Silver
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization
$ 211,719
$ 16,621
$ 50,509
$ 278,849
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(47,587 )
(1,175 )
(9,772 )
(58,534 )
Treatment costs
48,487
2,884
52,131
Change in product inventory
(1,155 )
1,016
(2,953 )
(3,092 )
Reclamation and other costs
(2,523 )
-
(1,588 )
(4,111 )
Lucky Friday cash costs excluded
-
(19,346 )
-
(19,346 )
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (2)
208,941
-
36,956
245,897
Reclamation and other costs
2,949
-
3,441
Exploration
-
4,667
1,332
6,981
Sustaining capital
35,829
-
2,461
38,398
General and administrative
-
-
-
35,832
35,832
AISC, Before By-product Credits (2)
248,701
-
44,576
37,272
330,549
By-product credits:
Zinc
(91,435 )
-
(91,435 )
Gold
(69,391 )
-
(21,960 )
(91,351 )
Lead
(28,589 )
-
(28,589 )
Total By-product credits
(189,415 )
-
(21,960 )
(211,375 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits
$ 19,526
$ -
$ 14,996
$ 34,522
AISC, After By-product Credits
$ 59,286
$ -
$ 22,616
$ 37,272
$ 119,174
Divided by silver ounces produced
9,890
-
1,869
11,759
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 21.12
$ -
$ 19.77
$ 20.91
By-product credits per ounce
(19.15 )
-
(11.75 )
(17.98 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 1.97
$ -
$ 8.02
$ 2.93
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 25.14
$ -
$ 23.85
$ 28.11
By-product credits per ounce
(19.15 )
-
(11.75 )
(17.98 )
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 5.99
$ -
$ 12.10
$ 10.13
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Casa
Berardi
Nevada
Operations
Total
Gold
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization
$ 217,682
$ 153,336
$ 371,018
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(73,960 )
(67,024 )
(140,984 )
Treatment costs
1,876
2,034
Change in product inventory
(3,371 )
(9,008 )
(12,379 )
Reclamation and other costs
(515 )
(2,019 )
(2,534 )
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (2)
141,712
75,443
217,155
Reclamation and other costs
1,512
2,027
Exploration
3,450
2,333
5,783
Sustaining capital
36,825
24,652
61,477
AISC, Before By-product Credits (2)
182,502
103,940
286,442
By-product credits:
Silver
(508 )
(2,922 )
(3,430 )
Total By-product credits
(508 )
(2,922 )
(3,430 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits
$ 141,204
$ 72,521
$ 213,725
AISC, After By-product Credits
$ 181,994
$ 101,018
$ 283,012
Divided by gold ounces produced
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$ 1,055
$ 1,140
$ 1,083
By-product credits per ounce
(4 )
(44 )
(17 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$ 1,051
$ 1,096
$ 1,066
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$ 1,358
$ 1,571
$ 1,428
By-product credits per ounce
(4 )
(44 )
(17 )
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$ 1,354
$ 1,527
$ 1,411
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Total
Silver
Total Gold
Total
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization
$ 278,849
$ 371,018
$ 649,867
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(58,534 )
(140,984 )
(199,518 )
Treatment costs
52,131
2,034
54,165
Change in product inventory
(3,092 )
(12,379 )
(15,471 )
Reclamation and other costs
(4,111 )
(2,534 )
(6,645 )
Lucky Friday cash costs excluded
(19,346 )
-
(19,346 )
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (2)
245,897
217,155
463,052
Reclamation and other costs
3,441
2,027
5,468
Exploration
6,981
5,783
12,764
Sustaining capital
38,398
61,477
99,875
General and administrative
35,832
-
35,832
AISC, Before By-product Credits (2)
330,549
286,442
616,991
By-product credits:
Zinc
(91,435 )
-
(91,435 )
Gold
(91,351 )
-
(91,351 )
Lead
(28,589 )
-
(28,589 )
Silver
-
(3,430 )
(3,430 )
Total By-product credits
(211,375 )
(3,430 )
(214,805 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits
$ 34,522
$ 213,725
$ 248,247
AISC, After By-product Credits
$ 119,174
$ 283,012
$ 402,186
Divided by ounces produced
11,759
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce
$ 20.91
$ 1,083
By-product credits per ounce
(17.98 )
(17 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce
$ 2.93
$ 1,066
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce
$ 28.11
$ 1,428
By-product credits per ounce
(17.98 )
(17 )
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce
$ 10.13
$ 1,411
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Greens
Creek
Lucky
Friday(3)
San
Sebastian
Corporate(5)
Total
Silver
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization
$ 190,066
$ 9,750
$ 41,815
$ 241,631
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(46,511 )
(1,012 )
(4,602 )
(52,125 )
Treatment costs
38,174
39,820
Change in product inventory
3,087
(2,330 )
2,385
3,142
Reclamation and other costs
(2,911 )
-
(1,559 )
(4,470 )
Lucky Friday cash costs excluded
-
(7,247 )
(7,247 )
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (2)
181,905
-
38,846
220,751
Reclamation and other costs
3,397
-
3,816
Exploration
3,151
-
7,792
1,959
12,902
Sustaining capital
46,864
-
1,947
1,495
50,306
General and administrative
-
-
-
36,542
36,542
AISC, Before By-product Credits (2)
235,317
-
49,004
39,996
324,317
By-product credits:
Zinc
(103,096 )
-
-
(103,096 )
Gold
(57,316 )
-
(19,100 )
(76,416 )
Lead
(30,512 )
-
-
(30,512 )
Silver
-
-
-
Total By-product credits
(190,924 )
-
(19,100 )
(210,024 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits
$ (9,019 )
$ -
$ 19,746
$ 10,727
AISC, After By-product Credits
$ 44,393
$ -
$ 29,904
$ 39,996
$ 114,293
Divided by silver ounces produced
7,953
-
2,037
9,990
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 22.88
$ -
$ 19.07
$ 22.10
By-product credits per ounce
(24.01 )
-
(9.38 )
(21.02 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ (1.13 )
$ -
$ 9.69
$ 1.08
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 29.59
$ -
$ 24.06
$ 32.46
By-product credits per ounce
(24.01 )
-
(9.38 )
(21.02 )
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$ 5.58
$ -
$ 14.68
$ 11.44
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Casa
Berardi
Nevada
perations(8)
Total
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization
$ 199,402
$ 47,005
$ 246,407
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(71,302 )
(10,617 )
(81,919 )
Treatment costs
2,068
2,158
Change in product inventory
1,205
7,138
8,343
Reclamation and other costs
(558 )
(954 )
(1,512 )
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (2)
130,815
42,662
173,477
Reclamation and other costs
1,125
Exploration
4,277
6,345
10,622
Sustaining capital
40,711
17,079
57,790
AISC, Before By-product Credits (2)
176,361
66,653
243,014
By-product credits:
Silver
(597 )
(2,512 )
(3,109 )
Total By-product credits
(597 )
(2,512 )
(3,109 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits
$ 130,218
$ 40,150
$ 170,368
AISC, After By-product Credits
$ 175,764
$ 64,141
$ 239,905
Divided by gold ounces produced
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$
$ 1,297
$
By-product credits per ounce
(4 )
(76 )
(16 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$
$ 1,221
$
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$ 1,084
$ 2,026
$ 1,242
By-product credits per ounce
(4 )
(76 )
(16 )
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$ 1,080
$ 1,950
$ 1,226
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Total
Silver
Total
Gold
Total
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization
$ 241,631
$ 246,407
$ 488,038
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(52,125 )
(81,919 )
(134,044 )
Treatment costs
39,820
2,158
41,978
Change in product inventory
3,142
8,343
11,485
Reclamation and other costs
(4,470 )
(1,512 )
(5,982 )
Lucky Friday cash costs excluded
(7,247 )
-
(7,247 )
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (2)
220,751
173,477
394,228
Reclamation and other costs
3,816
1,125
4,941
Exploration
12,902
10,622
23,524
Sustaining capital
50,306
57,790
108,096
General and administrative
36,542
-
36,542
AISC, Before By-product Credits (2)
324,317
243,014
567,331
By-product credits:
Zinc
(103,096 )
-
(103,096 )
Gold
(76,416 )
-
(76,416 )
Lead
(30,512 )
-
(30,512 )
Silver
-
(3,109 )
(3,109 )
Total By-product credits
(210,024 )
(3,109 )
(213,133 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits
$ 10,727
$ 170,368
$ 181,095
AISC, After By-product Credits
$ 114,293
$ 239,905
$ 354,198
Divided by ounces produced
9,990
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce
$ 22.10
$
By-product credits per ounce
(21.02 )
(16 )
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce
$ 1.08
$
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce
$ 32.46
$ 1,242
By-product credits per ounce
(21.02 )
(16 )
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce
$ 11.44
$ 1,226
(1)
Excludes the discretionary portion of general and administrative costs for Greens Creek, Casa Berardi, Lucky Friday and corporate of $0.6 million, $0.4 million, $0.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively, for 2020.
(2)
Includes all direct and indirect operating costs related to the physical activities of producing metals, including mining, processing and other plant costs, third-party refining and marketing expense, non-discretionary on-site general and administrative costs, royalties and mining production taxes, before by-product revenues earned from all metals other than the primary metal produced at each unit. AISC, Before By-product Credits also includes on-site exploration, reclamation, and sustaining capital costs.
(3)
The unionized employees at Lucky Friday were on strike from March 2017 until January 2020, and production at Lucky Friday had been limited from the start of the strike until the ramp-up was substantially completed in the fourth quarter of 2020. Costs related to ramp-up activities totaling approximately $8.0 million in 2020, and suspension-related costs totaling approximately $12.1 million and $19.6 million during the strike in 2019 and 2018, respectively, which include $6.3 million, $4.3 million and $5.0 million, respectively, in non-cash depreciation expense for those periods, have been excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, AISC, Before By-product Credits, and AISC, After By-product Credits.
(4)
In early April 2020, the Government of Mexico issued an order to the mining industry to reduce operations to a minimum level until April 30 in response to COVID-19, and the order was subsequently extended until May 30. Our operations at San Sebastian were suspended during that time. Suspension-related costs totaling $1.8 million for 2020 are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, mining and milling cost per ton, and Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.
(5)
AISC, Before By-product Credits for our consolidated silver properties includes non-discretionary corporate costs for general and administrative expense, exploration and sustaining capital.
(6)
In late March 2020, the Government of Quebec ordered the mining industry to reduce to minimum operations as part of the fight against COVID-19, causing us to suspend our Casa Berardi operations from March 24 until April 15, when mining operations resumed, resulting in reduced mill throughput. Suspension-related costs totaling $1.6 million for 2020 are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization and Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.
(7)
Production was suspended at the Hollister mine in the third quarter of 2019 and at the Midas mine and Aurora mill in late 2019. Suspension-related costs at Hollister, Midas and Aurora totaling $13.5 million for 2020 are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization and Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce. During the second half of 2020, all ore mined at Nevada Operations was stockpiled, with no ore milled and no production reported during the period. As a result, costs incurred at Nevada Operations during the second half of 2020 were excluded from the calculations of Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.
(8)
The Nevada Operations were acquired on July 20, 2018 as a result of the acquisition of Klondex (see Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statement for more information).
Reconciliation of Net (Loss) Income (GAAP) to Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (non-GAAP)
The non-GAAP measure of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA") is calculated as net (loss) income before the following items: interest expense, income tax provision (benefit), and depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense. Management believes that, when presented in conjunction with net loss (income), the most comparable GAAP measure, EBITDA is useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance. The table below presents reconciliations between the non-GAAP measure of EBITDA and the GAAP measure of net (loss) income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016 (in thousands).
Year ended December 31,
Net (loss) income (GAAP)
$ (16,790 )
$ (99,557 )
$ (26,563 )
$ (28,520 )
$ 61,569
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized
49,569
48,447
40,944
38,012
21,796
Income tax provision (benefit)
(24,101 )
(6,701 )
20,963
28,090
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
164,026
204,475
140,905
126,467
124,918
EBITDA
$ 196,940
$ 129,264
$ 148,585
$ 156,922
$ 236,373
Financial Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity overview
We have a disciplined cash management strategy of maintaining financial flexibility to execute our capital priorities and provide long-term value to our shareholders. Consistent with that strategy, we aim to reduce our net debt and maintain sufficient liquidity to fund debt service costs, operations, capital development and exploration projects, while returning cash to stockholders through dividends and potential share repurchases.
At December 31, 2020, we had $129.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, of which $13.4 million was held in foreign subsidiaries' local currency denominated accounts readily convertible to U.S. dollars that, if repatriated, may be subject to withholding taxes. We expect that there would be no additional tax burden upon repatriation after considering the cash cost associated with the withholding taxes. We believe that our liquidity and capital resources from our U.S. operations are adequate to fund our U.S. operations and corporate activities.
On February 19, 2020, we completed an offering of Senior Notes in the total principal amount of US$475 million. The Senior Notes are due February 15, 2028 and bear interest at a rate of 7.25% per year from the most recent payment date to which interest has been paid or provided for. The net proceeds from the Senior Notes were used, along with cash on hand, to redeem, in March 2020, our previously-outstanding 2021 Notes having a principal balance of $506.5 million. Also, in July 2018 we entered into a new $250 million revolving credit facility. Interest is payable on amounts drawn from the revolving credit facility at a rate of between 2.25% and 4.00% over the London Interbank Offered Rate, or between 1.25% and 3.00% over an alternative base rate, with interest payable on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year. As a precaution due to uncertainties of the duration, severity and scope of the COVID-19 outbreak, we drew $210.0 million on the facility in the first quarter of 2020. We repaid the $210.0 million during the second and third quarters of 2020, with no amount outstanding as of December 31, 2020. In July 2020, we agreed to issue our IQ Notes for CAD$50 million (approximately USD$36.8 million at the time of the transaction) in aggregate principal, which mature in July 2025 and bear interest at a rate of 6.515% per year. The IQ Notes were issued at a premium of 103.65%, implying an effective annual yield of 5.74% and an aggregate principal amount to be repaid of CAD$48.2 million. The IQ Notes were issued in four equal installments of CAD$12.5 million in July, August, September and October 2020, with the first installment issued net of CAD$0.6 million in fees. The net proceeds from the IQ Notes are available for general corporate purposes, including for open market purchases of a portion of the Senior Notes and to pay for capital expenditures at our Casa Berardi unit. Under the note purchase agreement for the IQ Notes and subject to a force majeure event, we are required to invest, in the aggregate, CAD$100 million at the Casa Berardi unit and other exploration and development projects in Quebec over the four-year period commencing on July 9, 2020. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on our debt arrangements.
On May 8, 2012, we announced that our board of directors approved a stock repurchase program. Under the program, we are authorized to repurchase up to 20 million shares of our outstanding common stock from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions, depending on prevailing market conditions and other factors. The repurchase program may be modified, suspended or discontinued by us at any time. Whether or not we engage in repurchases from time to time may depend on a variety of factors, including not only price and cash resources, but customary black-out restrictions, whether we are in possession of any material non-public information, limitations on share repurchases or cash usage that may be imposed by our credit agreement or in connection with issuances of securities, alternative uses for cash, applicable law, and other investment opportunities from time to time. As of December 31, 2020, 934,100 shares had been purchased in prior periods at an average price of $3.99 per share, leaving approximately 19.1 million shares that may yet be purchased under the program. The closing price of our common stock at February 16, 2021, was $6.13 per share.
Pursuant to our common stock dividend policy described in Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, our board of directors declared and paid dividends on common stock totaling $8.6 million in 2020, $4.9 million in 2019, and $4.4 million in 2018. Our dividend policy has a silver-price-linked component which ties the amount of declared common stock dividends to our realized silver price for the preceding quarter. Another component of our common stock dividend policy anticipates paying an annual minimum dividend. In September 2020, we increased our minimum annual dividend from $0.01 per share to $0.015 per share and reduced the realized silver price threshold for the silver-price-linked component from $30 per ounce to $25 per ounce beginning with the third quarter of 2020, and declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.00875 per share of common stock. In the fourth quarter of 2020 the realized price of $25.16 exceeded the new threshold. As a result, on February 16, 2021, our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.00875 per share of common stock, consisting of $0.005 per share for the silver price-linked component and $0.00375 for the minimum annual dividend component, payable in March 2021. The declaration and payment of dividends on common stock is at the sole discretion of our board of directors, and we cannot assure you that we will continue to declare and pay common stock dividends in the future.
We continue to address the COVID-19 outbreak and face uncertainty related to the potential additional impact it and any subsequent variants could have on our operations. It is possible that future restrictions at Casa Berardi, San Sebastian or Greens Creek (or at any other operation) could have an adverse impact on operations or financial results, including materially so, beyond 2020. We have taken precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, including implementing operational plans and practices and increasing our cash reserves through a temporary draw-down of our revolving credit facility, which has since been fully repaid. As long as they are required, the operational practices implemented could continue to have an adverse impact on our operating results due to deferred production and revenues or additional costs. If required, increasing or prolonged restrictions on our operations could require access to additional sources of liquidity, which may not be available to us. See Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors - Natural disasters, public health crises, political crises (including COVID-19), and other catastrophic events or other events outside of our control may materially and adversely affect our business or financial results and COVID-19 virus pandemic may heighten other risks for information on how restrictions related to COVID-19 have affected some of our operations.
We may defer some capital investment and/or exploration and pre-development activities, engage in asset sales or secure additional capital if necessary to maintain liquidity. We also may pursue additional acquisition opportunities, which could require additional equity issuances or other forms of financing. We cannot assure you that such financing will be available to us.
We believe as a result of our cash balances, the performance of our current and expected operations, current metals prices, proceeds from potential at-the-market sales of common stock, and availability of our revolving credit facility, we will be able to meet our obligations and other potential cash requirements during the next 12 months from the date of this report. Our obligations and other uses of cash may include, but are not limited to: debt service obligations related to the Senior Notes, IQ Notes and revolving credit facility (if amounts are drawn); care-and-maintenance and other costs related to addressing the impact of COVID-19 on our operations; capital expenditures at our operations; potential acquisitions of other mining companies or properties; regulatory matters; litigation; potential repurchases of our common stock under the program described above; and payment of dividends on common stock, if declared by our board of directors. We currently estimate that a total of approximately $110 million will be spent on capital expenditures, primarily for equipment, infrastructure, and development at our mines, in 2021. We also estimate that exploration and pre-development expenditures will total approximately $34.5 million in 2021. Our expenditures for these items and our related plans for 2021 may change based upon our financial position, metals prices, and other considerations. Our ability to fund the activities described above will depend on our operating performance, metals prices, our ability to estimate revenues and costs, sources of liquidity available to us, including the revolving credit facility, and other factors. A sustained downturn in metals prices, significant increase in operational or capital costs or other uses of cash, our inability to access the credit facility or the sources of liquidity discussed above, or other factors beyond our control could impact our plans. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - An extended decline in metals prices, an increase in operating or capital costs, mine accidents or closures, increasing regulatory obligations, or our inability to convert exploration potential to reserves may cause us to record write-downs, which could negatively impact our results of operations and We have a substantial amount of debt that could impair our financial health and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under our existing and future indebtedness..
Our liquid assets include (in millions):
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
Cash and cash equivalents held in U.S. dollars
$ 116.4
$ 50.3
$ 15.7
Cash and cash equivalents held in foreign currency
13.4
12.2
11.7
Total cash and cash equivalents
129.8
62.5
27.4
Marketable equity securities, current and non-current
19.3
6.2
6.6
Total cash, cash equivalents and investments
$ 149.1
$ 68.7
$ 34.0
Cash and cash equivalents increased by $67.3 million in 2020, discussed below. Cash and cash equivalents held in foreign currencies represents balances in CAD and MXN, and increased by $1.2 million in 2020 resulting from an increase in CAD held. The value of current and non-current marketable equity securities increased by $13.1 million (see Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information).
Year Ended December 31,
Cash provided by operating activities (in millions)
$ 180.8
$ 120.9
$ 94.2
Cash provided by operating activities increased by $59.9 million in 2020 compared to 2019. The increase was due to higher income, adjusted for non-cash items, partially offset by the impact of working capital and other operating asset and liability changes. Income, adjusted for non-cash items, was higher by $47.6 million primarily due to higher gross profit, which was mainly a result of higher realized silver and gold prices and higher silver production, partially offset by lower realized lead and zinc prices and higher treatment charges. Working capital and other operating asset and liability changes resulted in a net cash increase of $22.4 million in 2020 compared to an increase in cash of $10.1 million in 2019. Significant variances in working capital changes between 2020 and 2019 resulted from lower accounts receivable, higher accounts payable, and higher accruals for incentive compensation and taxes, partially offset by higher product inventory.
Cash provided by operating activities increased by $26.7 million in 2019 compared to 2018. The increase was due to working capital and other operating asset and liability changes that resulted in a net cash addition of $10.1 million in 2019 compared to a reduction in cash of $10.6 million in 2018. Significant variances in working capital changes between 2019 and 2018 resulted from lower product inventory and reduced payment of accrued incentive compensation in cash, partially offset by higher accounts receivable and lower accounts payable. In addition to the positive net working capital variance, income, adjusted for non-cash items, was higher by $6.0 million due to lower exploration spending and Lucky Friday suspension related costs, partially offset by lower gross profit (see The Greens Creek Segment, The Lucky Friday Segment, The Casa Berardi Segment, The San Sebastian Segment and The Nevada Operations Segment sections above) and lower cash proceeds from settlement of base metal derivative contracts prior to their maturity date.
Year Ended December 31,
Cash used in investing activities (in millions)
$ 92.9
$ 119.9
$ 236.5
Capital expenditures were $91.0 million in 2020, excluding non-cash lease additions of $9.1 million, which was $30.4 million lower than capital expenditures in 2019. The decrease was due to reduced spending at Nevada, Greens Creek and San Sebastian, partially offset by higher capital expenditures at Lucky Friday and Casa Berardi. We purchased marketable equity securities having a cost basis of $2.2 million and $0.4 million during 2020 and 2019, respectively, and sold marketable equity securities for proceeds of $1.8 million in 2019.
We had a cash outflow of $139.3 million for the acquisition of Klondex, net of the cash balance acquired, in July 2018, with no cash outflows for acquisitions in 2019. Capital expenditures were $121.4 million in 2019, excluding non-cash lease additions of $6.5 million, compared to $136.9 million, excluding $7.0 million in non-cash lease additions, in 2018. The decrease was primarily due to reduced spending at all of our operations with the exception of Nevada Operations. In 2018, we purchased bonds having maturities of greater than 90 days and less than 365 days with a cost basis of $31.2 million, and bonds valued at $64.9 million matured in 2018, with no such activity during 2019. We purchased marketable equity securities having a cost basis of $0.8 million in 2018. During 2018, we received $4.4 million in insurance proceeds related to the collapse of the mill building at the Troy mine in February 2017 due to snow.
Year Ended December 31,
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities (in millions)
$ (19.4 )
$ 33.2
$ (14.9 )
During 2019 and 2018, we received $49.0 million and $6.7 million, respectively, in net proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock under our at-the-market common stock sales program, with no such sales of shares in 2020. In 2020, 2019 and 2018, we had aggregate draws of $210.0 million, $279.5 million and $71.0 million, respectively, on our revolving credit facility, with repayments of the same amounts in those years. In addition, in 2020 we received $469.5 million and $36.8 million in net proceeds from the issuance of our Senior Notes and IQ Notes, respectively, and had debt repayments of $506.5 million for redemption of our 2021 Notes. In 2018, we had additional borrowings of $30.8 million for the issuance of the RQ Notes in March 2018, which were repaid in 2019 through the issuance of shares of our common stock. In July 2018, we repaid the $35.0 million revolving credit facility balance assumed in the acquisition of Klondex. In 2020, 2019 and 2018, we paid cash dividends on our common stock of $8.6 million, $4.9 million and $4.4 million, respectively. We also paid cash dividends of $0.6 million on our Series B preferred stock during each of those years. We made payments on our finance leases of $6.0 million, $7.2 million, and $7.3 million in 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. We also purchased shares of our common stock for $2.7 million, $2.2 million, and $2.7 million in 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively, as a result of our employees' election to utilize net share settlement to satisfy their tax withholding obligations related to incentive compensation paid in stock and vesting of restricted stock units. See Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso resulted in a decrease in our cash balance of $1.1 million during 2020, an increase of $0.9 million during 2019 and a decrease of $1.5 million in 2018.
Contractual Obligations and Contingent Liabilities and Commitments
The table below presents our fixed, non-cancelable contractual obligations and commitments primarily related to our Senior Notes, IQ Notes, revolving credit facility, outstanding purchase orders, certain service contract commitments and lease arrangements as of December 31, 2020 (in thousands):
Payments Due By Period
Less than
1 year
2-3 years
4-5 years
After
5 years
Total
Purchase obligations (1)
$ 7,419
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ 7,419
Contractual obligations (2)
-
-
-
Commitment fees (3)
1,722
1,902
-
-
3,624
Finance lease commitments (4)
7,053
7,917
1,849
-
16,819
Operating lease commitments (5)
3,811
5,391
1,081
2,339
12,622
Supplemental executive retirement plan (6)
1,642
2,447
7,352
12,199
Senior Notes (7)
34,438
68,875
68,875
548,179
720,367
IQ Notes (8)
2,468
4,937
41,640
-
49,045
Total contractual cash obligations
$ 57,747
$ 90,664
$ 115,892
$ 557,870
$ 822,173
(1)
Consists of open purchase orders of approximately $2.0 million at the Greens Creek unit, $4.2 million at the Lucky Friday unit, $0.7 million at the Casa Berardi unit, and $0.5 million at the Nevada Operations unit.
(2)
As of December 31, 2020, we were committed to approximately $0.1 million in expenditures for various items.
(3)
We have a $250 million revolving credit agreement under which we are required to pay a standby fee of between 0.5625% and 1.00% per annum on undrawn amounts and interest of between 2.25% and 4.00% over the London Interbank Offered Rate or between 1.25% and 3.00% over an alternative base rate on drawn amounts under the revolving credit agreement. We had $20.3 million in letters of credit outstanding as of December 31, 2020. The amounts in the table above assume no additional amounts will be drawn in future periods, and include only the standby fee on the current undrawn balance. For more information on our credit facility, see Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(4)
Includes scheduled finance lease payments of $15.6 million, $0.1 million, $0.7 million and $0.5 million (including interest), respectively, for equipment at our Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations units. These leases have fixed payment terms and contain bargain purchase options at the end of the lease periods. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
(5)
We enter into operating leases in the normal course of business. Substantially all lease agreements have fixed payment terms based on the passage of time. Some lease agreements provide us with the option to renew the lease or purchase the leased property. Our future operating lease obligations would change if we exercised these renewal options and if we entered into additional operating lease arrangements.
(6)
We sponsor defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all U.S. employees and provide certain post-retirement benefits for qualifying retired employees, along with a supplemental executive retirement plan ("SERP"). These amounts represent our estimate of the future benefit payment requirements for the next 10 years for the SERP as of December 31, 2020. However, in January 2021, we contributed $16.8 million in shares of our common stock to the SERP in order to fund future benefit payments. We believe we will have future funding requirements related to our defined benefit plans and benefit payment obligations for the SERP beyond 10 years; however, such funding requirements are not fixed in nature and are difficult to estimate, as they involve significant assumptions. See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
(7)
On February 19, 2020, we completed an offering of $475 million in aggregate principal amount of our Senior Notes due February 15, 2028. The Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 7.25% per year from the original date of issuance or the most recent payment date to which interest has been paid or provided for. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing August 15, 2020. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
(8)
On July 9, 2020, we entered into a note purchase agreement pursuant to which we issued our IQ Notes for CAD$50 million (approximately USD$36.8 million at the time of the transaction) in aggregate principal. The IQ Notes were issued at a premium of 103.65%, or CAD$1.8 million, implying an effective annual yield of 5.74% and an aggregate principal amount to be repaid of CAD$48.2 million. The IQ Notes were issued in four equal installments of CAD$12.5 million on July 9, August 9, September 9 and October 9, 2020. The IQ Notes bear interest on amounts outstanding at a rate of 6.515% per year, payable on January 9 and July 9 of each year, commencing January 9, 2021. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
We record liabilities for costs associated with mine closure, reclamation of land and other environmental matters. At December 31, 2020, our liabilities for these matters totaled $116.0 million. Future expenditures related to closure, reclamation and environmental expenditures at our other sites are difficult to estimate, although we anticipate we will incur expenditures relating to these obligations over the next 30 years. For additional information relating to our environmental obligations, see Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 1A. Risk Factors - Our environmental obligations may exceed the provisions we have made. As discussed in Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, we are involved in various other legal proceedings which may result in obligations in excess of provisions we have made.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At December 31, 2020, we had no existing off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined under SEC regulations, that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. As described in such Note 2, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and related disclosures of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. Our estimates are based on our experience and our interpretation of economic, political, regulatory, and other factors that affect our business prospects. Actual results may differ significantly from our estimates.
We believe that our most critical accounting estimates are related to future metals prices; obligations for environmental, reclamation, and closure matters; mineral reserves; accounting for business combinations; and assumptions used in accounting for our pension plans, as they require us to make assumptions that are highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimates are made and changes in them are reasonably likely to occur from period to period. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our board of directors, and the Audit Committee has reviewed the disclosures presented below. In addition, there are other items within our financial statements that require estimation, but are not deemed to be critical. However, changes in estimates used in these and other items could have a material impact on our financial statements.
Future Metals Prices
Metals prices are key components in estimates that determine the valuation of some of our significant assets and liabilities, including properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, deferred tax assets, and certain accounts receivable. Metals prices are also an important component in the estimation of reserves. As shown above in Item 1. - Business, metals prices have historically been volatile. Silver demand arises from investment demand, particularly in exchange-traded funds, industrial demand, and consumer demand. Gold demand arises primarily from investment and consumer demand. Investment demand for silver and gold can be influenced by several factors, including: the value of the U.S. dollar and other currencies, changing U.S. budget deficits, widening availability of exchange-traded funds, interest rate levels, the health of credit markets, and inflationary expectations. Uncertainty related to the political environment in the U.S., U.S. and global trading policies (including tariffs), a global economic recovery, recent uncertainty in China and from the current downturn and continued uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak and any subsequent variants, could result in continued investment demand for precious metals. Industrial demand for silver is closely linked to world Gross Domestic Product growth and industrial fabrication levels, as it is difficult to substitute for silver in industrial fabrication. Consumer demand is driven significantly by demand for jewelry and other retail products. We believe that long-term industrial and economic trends, including demand for metals to decarbonize the economy and urbanization and growth of the middle class in countries such as China and India, will result in continued consumer demand for silver and gold and industrial demand for silver. However, the global economy has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, with the ultimate severity and duration of the downturn is unknown. There can be no assurance whether these trends will continue or how they will impact prices of the metals we produce. In the past, we have recorded impairments to our asset carrying value because of low prices, and we can offer no assurance that prices will either remain at their current levels or increase.
Processes supporting valuation of our assets and liabilities that are most significantly affected by prices include analysis of asset carrying values, depreciation, reserves, and deferred income taxes. On at least an annual basis - and more frequently if circumstances warrant - we examine our depreciation rates, reserve estimates, and the valuation allowances on our deferred tax assets. We examine the carrying values of our assets as changes in facts and circumstances warrant. In our evaluation of carrying values and deferred taxes, we apply several pricing views to our forecasting model, including current prices, analyst price estimates, forward-curve prices, and historical prices (see Mineral Reserves, below, regarding prices used for reserve estimates). Using applicable accounting guidance and our view of metals markets, we use the probability-weighted average of the various methods to determine whether the values of our assets are fairly stated, and to determine the level of valuation allowances, if any, on our deferred tax assets. In addition, estimates of future metals prices are used in the valuation of certain assets in the determination of the purchase price allocations for our acquisitions (see Business Combinations below).
Sales of concentrates sold directly to customers are recorded as revenues upon completion of the performance obligations and transfer of control of the product to the customer (generally at the time of shipment) using estimated forward metals prices for the estimated month of settlement. Due to the time elapsed between shipment of concentrates to the customer and final settlement with the customer, we must estimate the prices at which sales of our metals will be settled. Previously recorded sales and trade accounts receivable are adjusted to estimated settlement prices until final settlement by the customer. Changes in metals prices between shipment and final settlement result in changes to revenues and accounts receivable previously recorded upon shipment. As a result, our trade accounts receivable balances related to concentrate sales are subject to changes in metals prices until final settlement occurs. For more information, see Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
We utilize financially-settled forward and put option contracts to manage our exposure to changes in prices for silver, gold, zinc and lead. See Item 7A. - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Commodity-Price Risk Management below for more information on our contract programs. These contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting and are therefore marked-to-market through earnings each period. Changes in silver, gold, zinc and lead prices between the dates that the contracts are entered into and their settlements will result in changes to the fair value asset or liability associated with the contracts, with a corresponding gain or loss recognized in earnings.
Obligations for Environmental, Reclamation and Closure Matters
Accrued reclamation and closure costs can represent a significant and variable liability on our balance sheet. We have estimated our liabilities under appropriate accounting guidance; however, the ranges of liability could exceed the liabilities recognized. If substantial damages were awarded, claims were settled, or remediation costs incurred in excess of our accruals, our financial results or condition could be materially adversely affected.
Mineral Reserves
Critical estimates are inherent in the process of determining our reserves. Our reserves are affected largely by our assessment of future metals prices, as well as by engineering and geological estimates of ore grade, accessibility and production cost. See Item 2. - Properties above for the metals price assumptions used in our estimates of reserves as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. Our assessment of reserves occurs at least annually, and periodically utilizes external audits.
Reserves are a key component in the valuation of our properties, plants and equipment. Reserve estimates are used in determining appropriate rates of units-of-production depreciation, with net book value of many assets depreciated over remaining estimated reserves. Reserves are also a key component in forecasts, with which we compare future cash flows to current asset values in an effort to ensure that carrying values are reported appropriately. Our forecasts are also used in determining the level of valuation allowances on our deferred tax assets. Reserves also play a key role in the valuation of certain assets in the determination of the purchase price allocations for acquisitions. Annual reserve estimates are also used to determine conversions of mineral assets beyond the known reserve resulting from business combinations to depreciable reserves, in periods subsequent to the business combinations (see Business Combinations below). Reserves are a culmination of many estimates and are not guarantees that we will recover the indicated quantities of metals or that we will do so at a profitable level.
Business Combinations
We are required to allocate the purchase price of acquired companies to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. The valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to long-lived assets (including mineral assets beyond the known reserve). These estimates include future metals prices and mineral reserves, as discussed above. Management may also be required to make estimates related to the valuation of deferred tax assets or liabilities as part of the purchase price allocation for business combinations. In some cases, we use third-party appraisers to determine the fair values of property and other identifiable assets. In addition, costs related to business combinations are included in earnings as incurred, and our financial results for periods in which business combinations are pursued could be adversely affected as a result.
Pension Plan Accounting Assumptions
We are required to make a number of assumptions in estimating the future benefit obligations for, and fair value of assets included in, our pension plans, which impact the amount of liability and net periodic pension cost recognized related to our plans. These include assumptions for applicable discount rates, the expected rate of return on plan assets and the rate of future employee compensation increases. See Note 9 for more information on the accounting for our pension plans and the related assumptions.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Updates Adopted
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The update changes how entities will record credit losses from an "incurred loss" approach to an "expected loss" approach. The update was adopted as of January 1, 2020, and its adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The update removes, modifies and makes additions to certain disclosure requirements with respect to fair value measurements. The update was adopted as of January 1, 2020, and its adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14 Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. The update removes several disclosure requirements, adds two new disclosure requirements, and clarifies other disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other post-retirement plans. The update is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The update was adopted as of December 31, 2020, and its adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04 Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The update provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The update is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Adoption of the update has not had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Standards Updates to Become Effective in Future Periods
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The update contains a number of provisions intended to simplify the accounting for income taxes. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact of this update on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06 Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity. The update is to address issues identified as a result of the complexity associated with applying generally accepted accounting principles for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years and with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact of this update on our consolidated financial statements.
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Presented below are Hecla’s condensed consolidating financial statements as required by Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, resulting from the guarantees by certain of Hecla's subsidiaries of the Senior Notes (see Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information). The Guarantors consist of the following of Hecla's 100%-owned subsidiaries: Hecla Limited; Silver Hunter Mining Company; Rio Grande Silver, Inc.; Hecla MC Subsidiary, LLC; Hecla Silver Valley, Inc.; Burke Trading, Inc.; Hecla Montana, Inc.; Revett Silver Company; RC Resources, Inc.; Troy Mine Inc.; Revett Exploration, Inc.; Revett Holdings, Inc.; Mines Management, Inc.; Newhi, Inc.; Montanore Minerals Corp.; Hecla Alaska LLC; Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company; Hecla Admiralty Company; Hecla Juneau Mining Company; Klondex Holdings Inc.; Klondex Gold & Silver Mining Co.; Klondex Midas Holdings Limited; Klondex Aurora Mine Inc.; Klondex Hollister Mine Inc.; and Hecla Quebec, Inc. We completed the offering of the Senior Notes on February 19, 2020 under our shelf registration statement previously filed with the SEC.
The condensed consolidating financial statements below have been prepared from our financial information on the same basis of accounting as the consolidated financial statements set forth elsewhere in this report. Investments in the subsidiaries are accounted for under the equity method. Accordingly, the entries necessary to consolidate Hecla, the Guarantors, and our non-guarantor subsidiaries are reflected in the intercompany eliminations column. In the course of preparing consolidated financial statements, we eliminate the effects of various transactions conducted between Hecla and its subsidiaries and among the subsidiaries. While valid at an individual subsidiary level, such activities are eliminated in consolidation because, when taken as a whole, they do not represent business activity with third-party customers, vendors, and other parties. Examples of such eliminations include the following:
•
Investments in subsidiaries. The acquisition of a company results in an investment in debt or equity capital on the records of the parent company and a contribution to debt or equity capital on the records of the subsidiary. Such investments and capital contributions are eliminated in consolidation.
•
Capital contributions. Certain of Hecla's subsidiaries do not generate cash flow, either at all or that is sufficient to meet their capital needs, and their cash requirements are routinely met with inter-company advances from their parent companies. Generally on an annual basis, when not otherwise intended as debt, the boards of directors of such parent companies declare contributions of capital to their subsidiary companies, which increase the parents' investment and the subsidiaries' additional paid-in capital. In consolidation, investments in subsidiaries and related additional paid-in capital are eliminated.
•
Debt. At times, inter-company debt agreements have been established between certain of Hecla's subsidiaries and their parents. The related debt liability and receivable balances, accrued interest expense (if any) and income activity (if any), and payments of principal and accrued interest amounts (if any) by the subsidiary companies to their parents are eliminated in consolidation.
•
Dividends. Certain of Hecla's subsidiaries which generate cash flow routinely provide cash to their parent companies through inter-company transfers. On at least an annual basis, the boards of directors of such subsidiary companies declare dividends to their parent companies, which reduces the subsidiaries' retained earnings and increases the parents' dividend income. In consolidation, such activity is eliminated.
•
Deferred taxes. Our ability to realize deferred tax assets and liabilities is considered for two consolidated tax groups of subsidiaries within the United States: The Nevada U.S. Group and the Hecla U.S. Group. Within each tax group, all subsidiaries' estimated future taxable income contributes to the ability of their tax group to realize all such assets and liabilities. However, when Hecla's subsidiaries are viewed independently, we use the separate return method to assess the realizability of each subsidiary's deferred tax assets and whether a valuation allowance is required against such deferred tax assets. In some instances, a parent company or subsidiary may possess deferred tax assets whose realization depends on the future taxable income of other subsidiaries on a consolidated-return basis, but would not be considered realizable if such parent or subsidiary filed on a separate stand-alone basis. In such a situation, a valuation allowance is assessed on that subsidiary's deferred tax assets, with the resulting adjustment reported in the eliminations column of the guarantor and parent's financial statements, as is the case in the financial statements set forth below. The separate return method can result in significant eliminations of deferred tax assets and liabilities and related income tax provisions and benefits. Non-current deferred tax asset balances are included in other non-current assets on the consolidating balance sheets and make up a large portion of that item, particularly for the guarantor balances.
Separate financial statements of the Guarantors are not presented because the guarantees by the Guarantors are joint and several and full and unconditional, except for certain customary release provisions, including: (1) the sale or disposal of all or substantially all of the assets of the Guarantor; (2) the sale or other disposition of the capital stock of the Guarantor; (3) the Guarantor is designated as an unrestricted entity in accordance with the applicable provisions of the indenture; (4) Hecla ceases to be a borrower as defined in the indenture; and (5) upon legal or covenant defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of the indenture.
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
As of December 31, 2020
Parent
Guarantors
Non-Guarantors
Eliminations
Consolidated
(in thousands)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 89,256
$ 11,402
$ 29,172
$ -
$ 129,830
Other current assets
4,041
147,065
3,818
(73 )
154,851
Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests - net
1,913
2,334,992
8,314
-
2,345,219
Intercompany receivable (payable)
(82,559 )
(408,391 )
213,126
277,824
-
Investments in subsidiaries
1,739,689
-
-
(1,739,689 )
-
Other non-current assets
306,124
20,695
(116,250 )
(172,745 )
37,824
Total assets
$ 2,058,464
$ 2,105,763
$ 138,180
$ (1,634,683 )
$ 2,667,724
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities
$ (191,865 )
$ 194,028
$ 5,540
$ 142,082
$ 149,785
Long-term debt
507,242
16,707
-
524,150
Non-current portion of accrued reclamation
-
103,579
6,887
-
110,466
Non-current deferred tax liability
-
169,551
-
(37,076 )
132,475
Other non-current liabilities
40,747
6,988
-
48,508
Stockholders' equity
1,702,340
1,614,910
124,779
(1,739,689 )
1,702,340
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$ 2,058,464
$ 2,105,763
$ 138,180
$ (1,634,683 )
$ 2,667,724
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Parent
Guarantors
Non-Guarantors
Eliminations
Consolidated
(in thousands)
Revenues
$ (16,380 )
$ 675,345
$ 32,908
$ -
$ 691,873
Cost of sales
(2,127 )
(366,344 )
(20,569 )
-
(389,040 )
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
-
(153,582 )
(3,548 )
-
(157,130 )
General and administrative
(12,294 )
(21,637 )
(1,630 )
-
(35,561 )
Exploration and pre-development
(25 )
(13,924 )
(4,346 )
-
(18,295 )
Research and development
-
-
-
-
-
Loss on derivative contracts
(22,074 )
-
-
-
(22,074 )
Acquisition costs
(20 )
-
-
-
(20 )
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
37,267
-
-
(37,267 )
-
Other (expense) income
(1,011 )
(66,605 )
3,842
(22,634 )
(86,408 )
(Loss) income before income taxes
(16,664 )
53,253
6,657
(59,901 )
(16,655 )
(Provision) benefit from income taxes
(126 )
(21,731 )
(912 )
22,634
(135 )
Net (loss) income
(16,790 )
31,522
5,745
(37,267 )
(16,790 )
Preferred stock dividends
(552 )
-
-
-
(552 )
(Loss) income applicable to common stockholders
(17,342 )
31,522
5,745
(37,267 )
(17,342 )
Net (loss) income
(16,790 )
31,522
5,745
(37,267 )
(16,790 )
Changes in comprehensive (loss) income
4,421
-
-
-
4,421
Comprehensive (loss) income
$ (12,369 )
$ 31,522
$ 5,745
$ (37,267 )
$ (12,369 )
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Parent
Guarantors
Non-Guarantors
Eliminations
Consolidated
(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities
$ 123,260
$ 202,180
$ 17,688
$ (162,335 )
$ 180,793
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests
-
(91,063 )
-
(91,016 )
Other investing activities, net
(102,887 )
(2,172 )
102,887
(1,885 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid to stockholders
(9,152 )
-
-
-
(9,152 )
Borrowings under debt arrangements
716,327
-
-
-
716,327
Repayments of debt
(716,500 )
(5,570 )
(383 )
-
(722,453 )
Other financing activity
44,458
(109,625 )
1,618
59,448
(4,101 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
-
(136 )
(971 )
-
(1,107 )
Changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents
55,506
(3,927 )
15,827
-
67,406
Beginning cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents
33,750
16,382
13,345
-
63,477
Ending cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents
$ 89,256
$ 12,455
$ 29,172
$ -
$ 130,883
Forward-Looking Statements
The foregoing discussion and analysis, as well as certain information contained elsewhere in this report, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created thereby. See the discussion in Special Note on Forward-Looking Statements included prior to Item 1.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The following discussion about our exposure to market risks and risk-management activities includes forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties, as well as summarizes the financial instruments held by us at December 31, 2020 which are sensitive to changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange rates and interest rates and are not held for trading purposes. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. In the normal course of business, we also face risks that are either non-financial or non-quantifiable (see Item 1A. Risk Factors above).
Metals Prices
Changes in the market prices of silver, gold, lead and zinc can significantly affect our profitability and cash flow. As discussed in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Estimates, metals prices can fluctuate due to numerous factors beyond our control. As discussed below, we utilize financially-settled forward and put option contracts to manage our exposure to changes in prices for silver, gold, zinc and lead.
Provisional Sales
Sales of all metals products sold directly to customers, including by-product metals, are recorded as revenues when performance obligations have been completed and the transaction price can be determined or reasonably estimated. For concentrate sales, revenues are generally recorded at the time of shipment at forward prices for the estimated month of settlement. Due to the time elapsed between shipment to the customer and the final settlement with the customer we must estimate the prices at which sales of our concentrates will be settled. Previously recorded sales are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices until final settlement by the customer. Changes in metals prices between shipment and final settlement will result in changes to revenues previously recorded upon shipment. Metals prices can and often do fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control (see Item 1A. Risk Factors - A substantial or extended decline in metals prices would have a material adverse effect on us). At December 31, 2020, metals contained in concentrate sales and exposed to future price changes totaled approximately 1.7 million ounces of silver, 4,516 ounces of gold, 26.4 million pounds of zinc, and 9.1 million pounds of lead. If the price for each metal were to change by 10%, the change in the total value of the concentrates sold would be approximately $9.5 million. However, as discussed in Commodity-Price Risk Management below, at times, subject to management's discretion, we utilize a program designed and intended to mitigate the risk of price adjustments with limited mark-to-market financially-settled forward contracts for our silver, gold, zinc and lead sales. Therefore, when the program is fully utilized, the impact of changes in prices on the value of concentrates sold would be substantially offset by a gain or loss on forward contracts.
Commodity-Price Risk Management
We may at times use commodity forward sales commitments, commodity swap contracts and commodity put and call option contracts to manage our exposure to fluctuation in the prices of certain metals we produce. Contract positions are designed to ensure that we will receive a defined minimum price for certain quantities of our production, thereby partially offsetting our exposure to fluctuations in market prices. Our risk management policy allows for up to 75% of our planned metals price exposure for five years into the future, with certain other limitations, to be covered under such programs that would establish a ceiling for prices to be realized on future sales. These instruments do, however, expose us to (i) credit risk in the event of non-performance by counterparties for contracts in which the contract price exceeds the spot price of a commodity and (ii) price risk to the extent that the spot price exceeds the contract price for quantities of our production covered under contract positions.
We are currently using financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our concentrate shipments between the time of shipment and final settlement. In addition, we are using financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of zinc and lead (but not silver and gold) contained in our forecasted future concentrate shipments. The following tables summarize the quantities of metals committed under forward sales contracts at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
December 31, 2020
Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)
Average price per ounce/pound
Silver
Gold
Zinc
Lead
Silver
Gold
Zinc
Lead
(ounces)
(ounces)
(pounds)
(pounds)
(ounces)
(ounces)
(pounds)
(pounds)
Contracts on provisional sales
2021 settlements
1,282
23,314
4,905
$ 25.00
$ 1,858
$ 1.19
$ 0.90
Contracts on forecasted sales
2021 settlements
-
-
41,557
30,876
N/A
N/A
$ 1.17
$ 0.88
2022 settlements
-
-
18,519
-
N/A
N/A
$ 1.28
N/A
December 31, 2019
Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)
Average price per ounce/pound
Silver
Gold
Zinc
Lead
Silver
Gold
Zinc
Lead
(ounces)
(ounces)
(pounds)
(pounds)
(ounces)
(ounces)
(pounds)
(pounds)
Contracts on provisional sales
2020 settlements
2,556
21,550
5,159
$ 17.20
$ 1,481
$ 1.04
$ 0.88
Contracts on forecasted sales
2020 settlements
-
-
11,740
N/A
N/A
$ 1.13
$ 0.98
In June 2019, we began using put option contracts to manage the exposure of our forecasted future gold and silver sales to potential declines in market prices for those metals. These put contracts give us the option, but not the obligation, to realize established prices on quantities of silver and gold to be sold in the future. The put contracts establish the minimum ("floor") prices we would expect to be able to realize, without limiting our ability to realize higher prices when market prices exceed the put exercise prices at the time the metals are sold. As of December 31, 2020, we had put contracts that provided average floor prices of $16.50 per ounce for silver and $1,650 per ounce for gold for a total of 1.1 million silver ounces and 12,992 gold ounces.
These forward and put option contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting and are marked-to-market through earnings each period.
At December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recorded the following balances for the fair value of the forward and put option contracts held at that time (in millions):
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
Balance sheet line item:
Contracts in an
asset position
Contracts in
a liability
position
Net asset
(liability)
Contracts in an
asset position
Contracts in a
liability
position
Net asset
(liability)
Other current assets
$ 0.2
$ (0.2 )
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Other non-current assets
0.5
(0.1 )
0.4
-
-
-
Current derivatives liability
0.1
(11.8 )
(11.7 )
2.1
(7.9 )
(5.8 )
We recognized a $16.4 million net loss during 2020 on the contracts utilized to manage exposure to prices of metals in our concentrate shipments, which is included in sales of products. The net loss recognized on the contracts offsets gains related to price adjustments on our provisional concentrate sales, both of which resulted from changes to silver, gold, lead and zinc prices between the time of sale and final settlement.
We recognized a $22.1 million net loss during 2020 on the contracts utilized to manage exposure to changes in prices for forecasted future sales. The net loss on these contracts is included as a separate line item under other income (expense), as they relate to forecasted future sales, as opposed to sales that have already taken place but are subject to final pricing (as discussed in the preceding paragraph). The net loss for 2020 is the result of increasing silver, gold, zinc and lead prices. During the third quarters of 2019 and 2018, we settled, prior to their maturity date, contracts in a gain position for cash proceeds to us of approximately $6.7 million and $32.8 million, respectively, with no such early settlements in 2020. These programs, when utilized and the contracts are not settled prior to their maturity, are designed to mitigate the impact of potential future declines in silver, gold, zinc and lead prices from the price levels established in the contracts (see average price information above). When those prices increase compared to the contract prices, we incur losses on the contracts.
Foreign Currency
We operate or have mining interests in Canada and Mexico, which exposes us to risks associated with fluctuations in the exchange rates between the USD and CAD and MXN, respectively. We have determined the functional currency for our Canadian and Mexican operations is the USD. As such, foreign exchange gains and losses associated with the re-measurement of monetary assets and liabilities from CAD and MXN to USD are recorded to earnings each period. For the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a net foreign exchange loss of $4.6 million. Foreign currency exchange rates are influenced by a number of factors beyond our control. A 10% change in the exchange rate between the USD and CAD from the rate at December 31, 2020 would have resulted in a change of approximately $10.6 million in our net foreign exchange gain or loss. A 10% change in the exchange rate between the USD and MXN from the rate at December 31, 2020 would have resulted in a change of approximately $0.1 million in our net foreign exchange gain or loss.
In April 2016, we initiated a program to manage our exposure to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the USD and CAD and the impact on our future operating costs denominated in CAD. In October 2016, we also initiated a similar program with respect to MXN, which was not in use as of December 31, 2020. The programs utilize forward contracts to buy CAD and MXN, and each contract is designated as a cash flow hedge. As of December 31, 2020, we had 143 forward contracts outstanding to buy a total of CAD$293.8 million having a notional amount of US$223.0 million. The CAD contracts are related to cash operating costs at Casa Berardi forecasted to be incurred from 2021 through 2024 and have CAD-to-USD exchange rates ranging between 1.2702 and 1.3785. There were no outstanding contracts for MXN as of December 31, 2020. Our risk management policy allows for up to 75% of our planned cost exposure for five years into the future to be covered under such programs, and for potential additional programs to manage other foreign currency-related exposure areas. These instruments do, however, expose us to (i) credit risk in the form of non-performance by counterparties for contracts in which the contract exchange rate exceeds the spot exchange rate of a currency and (ii) exchange rate risk to the extent that the spot exchange rate exceeds the contract exchange rate for amounts of our operating costs covered under contract positions.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recorded the following balances for the fair value of the contracts (in millions):
December 31,
Balance sheet line item:
Other current assets
$ 3.5
$ 0.6
Other non-current assets
4.2
0.6
Current derivatives liability
-
0.4
Other non-current assets
-
1.0
Net unrealized gains of approximately $7.6 million related to the effective portion of the hedges were included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of December 31, 2020, and are net of related deferred taxes. Unrealized gains and losses will be transferred from accumulated other comprehensive loss to current earnings as the underlying operating expenses are recognized. We estimate approximately $3.1 million in net unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of December 31, 2020 would be reclassified to current earnings in the next twelve months. Net realized losses of approximately $2.7 million on contracts related to underlying expenses which have been recognized were transferred from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included in cost of sales and other direct production costs in 2020. No net unrealized gains or losses related to ineffectiveness of the hedges were included in gain (loss) on derivatives contracts on our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Interest Rates
We have a $250 million credit facility, and amounts drawn on the facility are subject to variable rates of interest based on a spread over the London Interbank Offered Rate or an alternative base rate. Interest rates fluctuate due to economic factors beyond our control. We had no amount drawn under the facility as of December 31, 2020. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on our credit facility.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are included herein beginning on page. Financial statement schedules are omitted as they are not applicable or the information required in the schedule is already included in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The following table sets forth supplementary financial data (in thousands, except per share amounts) for each quarter for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, derived from our unaudited quarterly financial statements, with the total amounts for each year derived from our audited financial statements. The data set forth below should be read in conjunction with and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Fourth
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Second
Quarter
First
Quarter
Total
Sales of products
$ 188,890
$ 199,703
$ 166,355
$ 136,925
$ 691,873
Gross profit
$ 46,764
$ 53,488
$ 34,079
$ 11,372
$ 145,703
Net income (loss)
$
$ 13,628
$ (14,028 )
$ (17,185 )
$ (16,790 )
Preferred stock dividends
$ (138 )
$ (138 )
$ (138 )
$ (138 )
$ (552 )
Income (loss) income applicable to common stockholders
$
$ 13,490
$ (14,166 )
$ (17,323 )
$ (17,342 )
Basic income (loss) per common share
$ -
$ 0.03
$ (0.03 )
$ (0.03 )
$ (0.03 )
Diluted income (loss) per common share
$ -
$ 0.03
$ (0.03 )
$ (0.03 )
$ (0.03 )
Sales of products
$ 224,945
$ 161,532
$ 134,172
$ 152,617
$ 673,266
Gross profit
$ 25,318
$ 14,880
$ (20,243 )
$ 3,444
$ 23,399
Net loss
$ (7,976 )
$ (19,516 )
$ (46,532 )
$ (25,533 )
$ (99,557 )
Preferred stock dividends
$ (138 )
$ (138 )
$ (138 )
$ (138 )
$ (552 )
Loss applicable to common stockholders
$ (8,114 )
$ (19,654 )
$ (46,670 )
$ (25,671 )
$ (100,109 )
Basic loss per common share
$ (0.02 )
$ (0.04 )
$ (0.10 )
$ (0.05 )
$ (0.20 )
Diluted loss per common share
$ (0.02 )
$ (0.04 )
$ (0.10 )
$ (0.05 )
$ (0.20 )

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as required by Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) as of the end of the reporting period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, including controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us is accumulated and communicated to our management (including our CEO and CFO), were effective as of December 31, 2020 in assuring them in a timely manner that material information required to be disclosed in this report has been properly recorded, processed, summarized and reported.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting, which is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.
Because of its inherent limitations, any system of internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well designed, may not prevent or detect misstatements due to the possibility that a control can be circumvented or overridden or that misstatements due to error or fraud may occur that are not detected. Also, because of changes in conditions, internal control effectiveness may vary over time.
Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, using criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and concluded that we have maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on these criteria.
Our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 has been audited by BDO USA, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in the attestation report which is included herein.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Shareholders and Board of Directors
Hecla Mining Company
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Hecla Mining Company’s (the “Company’s”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO criteria”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and our report dated February 18, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Item 9A, Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ BDO USA, LLP
Spokane, Washington
February 18, 2021

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
PART III

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
In accordance with our restated certificate of incorporation, our board of directors is divided into three classes. The terms of office of the directors in each class expire at different times. The directors are elected for three-year terms. The Effective Dates listed below for each director indicate their current term of office. All officers are elected for a term which ordinarily expires on the date of the meeting of the board of directors immediately following the annual meeting of stockholders. The positions and ages listed below for our current directors and officers are as of the scheduled date of our next annual meeting of stockholders in May 2021. There are no arrangements or understandings between any of the directors or officers and any other person(s) pursuant to which such directors or officers were elected.
Age at
May 19, 2021
Position and Committee
Assignments
Effective Dates
Phillips S. Baker, Jr.
President and CEO,
Director (1)
5/20 - 5/21
5/20 - 5/23
Lindsay A. Hall*
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
5/20 - 3/21
Lauren M. Roberts
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
5/20 - 5/21
David C. Sienko
Vice President and General Counsel
5/20 - 5/21
Robert D. Brown
Vice President - Corporate Development
5/20 - 5/21
Ted Crumley
Director and Chairman of the Board (1,4)
5/20 - 5/22
Catherine J. Boggs
Director (2,3,4)
5/18 - 5/21
George R. Johnson
Director (2,3,5)
5/20 - 5/23
George R. Nethercutt, Jr.
Director (3,4,5)
5/18 - 5/21
Stephen F. Ralbovsky
Director (2,3)
5/18 - 5/21
Terry V. Rogers
Director (1,4,5)
5/19 - 5/22
Charles B. Stanley
Director (2,5)
5/19 - 5/22
* Mr. Hall will be retiring from the Company on March 31, 2021.
(1)
Member of Executive Committee
(2)
Member of Audit Committee
(3)
Member of Corporate Governance and Directors Nominating Committee
(4)
Member of Compensation Committee
(5)
Member of Health, Safety, Environmental and Technical Committee
Phillips S. Baker, Jr., has been our Chief Executive Officer since May 2003 and has served as our President and as a member of the Board of Directors since November 2001. Mr. Baker has served as a director for QEP Resources, Inc. (a natural gas and oil exploration and production company) since May 2010. He has served as a Board member of the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum (a federally-chartered non-profit national mining museum) since February 2012.
Lindsay A. Hall was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in July 2016. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Hall was Chief Financial Officer of Goldcorp Inc. (a leading gold producer) from April 2006 to March 2016, and Executive Vice President from March 2006 to March 2016. Mr. Hall will retire from the Company on March 31, 2021.
Lauren M. Roberts was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in August 2019. Prior that, Mr. Roberts was Chief Operating Officer for Kinross Gold Corporation from October 2016 to April 2019, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development from November 2015 to October 2016; and Regional Vice President, Americas from October 2013 to November 2015. He previously worked for Hecla in various roles from January 1989 to November 1996.
David C. Sienko was appointed Vice President and General Counsel in January 2010. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Sienko was a partner with the law firm K&L Gates LLP from 2004 to January 2010, where he specialized in securities, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance.
Robert D. Brown was appointed Vice President - Corporate Development in January 2016, and prior to that was a consultant for Hecla from March 2015 to December 2015. Prior to joining Hecla, Mr. Brown was President of Septemus Consulting Ltd. (a private consulting firm providing technical and corporate support for exploration, development, and production companies) from October 2011 to December 2015. He also served as a Vice President - Corporate Development for Fortuna Silver Mines (a Canadian silver mining company) from May 2012 to October 2014.
Ted Crumley has served as a director since 1995 and became Chairman of the Board in May 2006. Mr. Crumley served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of OfficeMax Incorporated (a distributor of office products) from January 2005 until his retirement in December 2005.
Catherine “Cassie” J. Boggs has served as a director since January 2017. Ms. Boggs was the General Counsel at Resource Capital Funds (a mining-focused private equity firm) from January 2011 until her retirement in February 2019. Since November 2019, she has been serving as an Intermittent Expert in mining with the US Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program. Ms. Boggs has been a board member of Funzeleo (a non-profit dedicated to inspiring and preparing youth for high-demand science and math-based careers) since January 2016, as well as serving as a board member and President of the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation (a non-profit organization dedicated to the study of laws and regulations relating to mining, oil and gas, energy, public lands, water, environmental and international law) from July 2011 to July 2015. She briefly served on the board of US Energy Corp. (an oil and gas company) from June 2019 to December 2019.
George R. Johnson has served as a director since March 2016. Mr. Johnson was Senior Vice President of Operations of B2Gold Corporation (a Canadian-based gold producing company) from August 2009 until his retirement in April 2015. He has served on the Board of Directors of B2Gold Corporation since March 2016.
George R. Nethercutt, Jr. has served as a director since February 2005. Mr. Nethercutt has served as Chairman of The George Nethercutt Foundation (a non-profit student leadership and civics education charity) since 2005, and served as Of Counsel to Lee & Hayes PLLC (a law firm) from September 2010 to June 2018. He has been a board member of Washington Policy Center (a public policy organization providing analysis on issues relating to the free market and government regulation) since January 2005; and a member of the Board of Chancellors, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (a charity and advocate of juvenile diabetes research worldwide) since June 2011. He was a board member of ARCADIS Corporation (an international company providing consultancy, engineering and management services) from May 2005 to April 2017.
Stephen F. Ralbovsky has served as a director since March 2016. Mr. Ralbovsky has been the founder and principal of Wolf Sky Consulting LLC (a tax consulting firm) since June 2014. Prior to that, he was a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (an accounting firm) from February 1987 until his retirement in June 2014, where he concentrated his practice on public companies operating in the mining industry. Mr. Ralbovsky is a part-time Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, where he teaches Global Mining Taxation, and is a member of several organizations, including AICPA, Arizona Society of CPAs, National Mining Association, and Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
Charles B. Stanley has served as a director since May 2007. Mr. Stanley is Managing Member of Cutthroat Energy, LLC (a private oil and gas producer). Prior to that, Mr. Stanley was Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of QEP Resources, Inc. (a natural gas and oil exploration and production company) from May 2010 until his retirement in January 2019, and Chairman of QEP's Board of Directors from May 2012 until his retirement in January 2019. He also served as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of QEP Midstream Partners, LP (a master limited partnership that owns, operates, acquires and develops midstream energy assets) from May 2013 to December 2014.
Terry V. Rogers has served as a director since May 2007. Mr. Rogers was the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Cameco Corporation (a uranium producer) from February 2003 until his retirement in June 2007. He also served as a Director for Centerra Gold Inc. (a Canadian gold mining company) and its predecessor company, Cameco Gold, from February 2003 to May 2018.
Information with respect to our directors is set forth under the caption “Proposal 1 - Election of Directors” in our proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for the annual meeting scheduled to be held on May 19, 2021 (the Proxy Statement), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Reference is made to the information set forth in the first paragraph under the caption “Report of Audit Committee,” and under the caption “Corporate Governance and Related Matters,” in the Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” in the Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption “Available Information” in Item 1 for information about the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which stockholders may recommend director nominees.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption “Compensation Discussion and Analysis;” the caption “Compensation of Named Executive Officers;” the caption “Compensation of Non-Management Directors;” the caption “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation;” and the caption “Compensation Committee Report” in the Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and the caption “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Reference is made to the information set forth under the captions "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" and "Director Independence" of the Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption “Audit and Non-Audit Fees” in the Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) (1) Financial Statements
See Index to Financial Statements on Page
(a) (1) Financial Statement Schedules
Not applicable
(a) (1) Exhibits
Hecla Mining Company and Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries
Form 10-K - December 31, 2019
Index to Exhibits
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant. Filed as exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2018 (File No. 1-8491), and incorporated herein by reference.
3.2
Bylaws of the Registrant as amended to date. Filed as exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 13, 2019 (File No. 1-8491), and incorporated herein by reference.
4.1
Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock of the Registrant. Included as Annex II to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant filed as exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2018 (File No. 1-8491), and incorporated herein by reference.
4.2
Indenture dated as of February 19, 2020, by and among Hecla Mining Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. Filed as exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 19, 2020 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference.
4.3
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 19, 2020, by and among Hecla Mining Company, the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. Filed as exhibit 4.2 to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on February 19, 2020 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference.
4.4
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 9, 2020, among Hecla Mining Company, as Issuer, and the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan Trust, which is the funding vehicle for the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan, a tax-qualified employee benefit pension plan sponsored by Hecla Mining Company, and the Lucky Friday Pension Plan Trust, which is the funding vehicle for the Lucky Friday Pension Plan. Filed as exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s registration statement on Form S-3ASR filed on April 10, 2020 (Registration No. 333-237631) and incorporated herein by reference.
4.5
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 18, 2020, among Hecla Mining Company, as Issuer, and the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan Trust, which is the funding vehicle for the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan, a tax-qualified employee benefit pension plan sponsored by Hecla Mining Company, and the Lucky Friday Pension Plan Trust, which is the funding vehicle for the Lucky Friday Pension Plan. Filed as exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s registration statement on Form S-3ASR filed on September 23, 2020 (Registration No. 333-248973) and incorporated herein by reference.
4.6
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 19, 2020, among Hecla Mining Company, as Issuer, and the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan Trust, which is the funding vehicle for the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan, a tax-qualified employee benefit pension plan sponsored by Hecla Mining Company, and the Lucky Friday Pension Plan Trust, which is the funding vehicle for the Lucky Friday Pension Plan. *
4.7
Form of 7.250% Senior Note due 2028. Filed as exhibit 4.2 to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on February 19, 2020 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference.
4.8
Description of Securities.*
10.1
Fourth Amendment to Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 7, 2020, by and among Hecla Mining Company, certain subsidiaries of Hecla Mining Company, the Bank of Nova Scotia, as the Administrative Agent for the Lenders, and various Lenders. Filed as exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2020 (File No. 1-8491), and incorporated herein by reference.
10.2
Supplement to Security Agreement dated October 7, 2020, by and among Hecla Mining Company, the Bank of Nova Scotia, as the Administrative Agent for the Lenders, and various Lenders. Filed as exhibit 10.6 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 8, 2020 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference.
10.3
Note Purchase Agreement, dated July 9, 2020, among Hecla Mining Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries of Hecla Mining Company, as Guarantors thereto, and Investissement Quebec. Filed as exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 10, 2020 (File No. 1-8491), and incorporated herein by reference.
10.4
Form of Change of Control Agreement entered into on March 5, 2015, between Registrant and each of Phillips S. Baker, Jr., and David C. Sienko, on February 19, 2016 with Robert D. Brown, on July 18, 2016 with Lindsay A. Hall, on August 5, 2019 with Lauren M. Roberts, and on March 1, 2020 with Michael L. Clary. Filed as exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (File No. 1-8491), and incorporated herein by reference. (1)
10.5
Form of Indemnification Agreement dated November 8, 2006, between Registrant and Phillips S. Baker, Jr., Ted Crumley and George R. Nethercutt, Jr. Identical Indemnification Agreements were entered into between the Registrant and Charles B. Stanley and Terry V. Rogers on May 4, 2007, David C. Sienko on January 29, 2010, Robert D. Brown on January 4, 2016, Stephen F. Ralbovsky and George R. Johnson on March 1, 2016, Lindsay A. Hall on July 18, 2016, Catherine J. Boggs on January 1, 2017, Lauren M. Roberts on August 5, 2019, and Michael L. Clary on March 1, 2020. Filed as exhibit 10.7 to Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2006 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)
10.6
Hecla Mining Company Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan. Filed as exhibit 10.4 to Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)
10.7
Hecla Mining Company 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated as of May 23, 2019). Filed as Appendix A to Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 9, 2019 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)
10.8
Hecla Mining Company Short-Term Incentive Plan. Filed as exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)
10.9
Hecla Mining Company Executive and Senior Management Long-Term Performance Payment Plan (as Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2017). Filed as exhibit 10.3 to Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 (File No. 8491) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)
10.10
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan for Employees and Supplemental Retirement and Death Benefit Plan. Filed as exhibit 10.17(a) to Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)
10.11
Supplemental Excess Retirement Master Plan Document. Filed as exhibit 10.5(b) to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)
10.12
Hecla Mining Company Nonqualified Plans Master Trust Agreement. Filed as exhibit 10.5(c) to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)
10.13
Hecla Mining Company Stock Plan for Nonemployee Directors, as amended. Filed as exhibit 10.3 to Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)
List of subsidiaries of Registrant. *
23.1
Consent of BDO USA, LLP. *
31.1
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *
31.2
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *
32.1
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *
32.2
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *
Mine safety information listed in Section 1503 of the Dodd-Frank Act. *
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document - The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. **
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema. **
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation. **
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition. **
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels. **
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation. **
Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
__________________________________
(1)
Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
*Filed herewith
**XBRL information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.