EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 719413
Filing Year: 2024
Filename: 719413_10-K_2024_0000950170-24-015673.json

---

ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
For information regarding the organization of our business segments and our significant customers, see Note 4 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 the world 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 and other metals, (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 silver, zinc and precious metals 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 mines and significant assets being Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, Keno Hill, Casa Berardi and the Nevada Operations.
Our current business strategy is to focus our financial and human capital in the following areas:
•Developing the Keno Hill properties located in the Yukon Territory, Canada
•Operating our properties safely, and in an environmentally responsible and cost-effective manner.
•Maintaining and investing in exploration and pre-development projects in the vicinities of mining districts and projects we believe to be under-explored and under-invested: Greens Creek 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; in the vicinity of our Casa Berardi mine and the Heva-Hosco project in the Abitibi region of northwestern Quebec, Canada; our projects in the Keno Hill mining district in the Yukon Territory, Canada; our projects located in three districts in Nevada; northwestern Montana; the Creede district of southwestern Colorado; the Kinskuch project in British Columbia, Canada; and the Republic mining district in Washington state.
•Improving operations at each of our mines, which includes incurring costs for new technologies and equipment.
•Expanding our proven and probable reserves, minerals resources and production capacity at our properties.
•Conducting our business with financial stewardship to preserve our financial position in varying metals price and operational environments.
•Advancing permitting at our Montana exploration project.
•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 over 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
$
23.33
$
21.53
$
25.24
Market average
$
23.39
$
21.75
$
25.17
Market high
$
26.03
$
26.36
$
28.48
Market low
$
20.09
$
17.81
$
21.53
Gold (per oz.):
Realized average
$
1,939
$
1,803
$
1,796
Market average
$
1,943
$
1,801
$
1,800
Market high
$
2,049
$
2,053
$
1,940
Market low
$
1,811
$
1,622
$
1,684
Lead (per lb.):
Realized average
$
1.03
$
1.01
$
1.03
Market average
$
0.97
$
0.98
$
1.00
Market high
$
1.06
$
1.15
$
1.14
Market low
$
0.90
$
0.80
$
0.86
Zinc (per lb.):
Realized average
$
1.35
$
1.41
$
1.44
Market average
$
1.20
$
1.58
$
1.36
Market high
$
1.59
$
2.05
$
1.73
Market low
$
1.01
$
1.23
$
1.15
The prices of silver, gold, lead and zinc 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 2023 realized average prices for all metals we sold, except zinc, were higher compared to 2022. In 2022, realized average prices for all metals we sold, except gold, were lower compared to 2021. 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 contained in our forecasted future concentrate shipments. See Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on our base and precious metal forward contract programs.
A comprehensive discussion of our financial results for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, individual operation 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, silver and precious metals flotation concentrates at Greens Creek and silver and zinc flotation concentrates at Lucky Friday, each of which we sell to custom smelters and metal traders. The flotation concentrates produced at Greens Creek and Lucky Friday 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. While Keno Hill has not yet reached commercial productions levels, it is currently in ramp-up and producing silver and zinc flotation concentrates. We also produce unrefined gold and silver bullion bars (doré) and loaded carbon and precipitates at Casa Berardi, 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, 2023 included:
•Greens Creek located on Admiralty Island, near Juneau, Alaska. Greens Creek is 100% owned and has been in production since 1989.
•Lucky Friday located in northern Idaho. Lucky Friday is 100% owned and has been a producing mine for us since 1958.
•Keno Hill located in the Keno Hill Silver District in Canada's Yukon Territory. Keno Hill is 100% owned and was acquired as part of our acquisition of Alexco in September 2022. Production ramp-up commenced in June 2023.
•Casa Berardi located in the Abitibi region of northwestern Quebec, Canada. Casa Berardi is 100% owned and has been in production since late 2006.
•The Nevada Operations is located in northern Nevada. Nevada Operations is 100% owned and consists of four land packages in northern Nevada totaling approximately 110 square miles and containing four previously-operating mines with a history of high-grade gold production: Fire Creek, Hollister, Midas and Aurora. As discussed in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Nevada Operations, production was suspended in the second half of 2021. During 2022, we mined and sold remnant refractory underground ore from our stockpile.
San Sebastian in Mexico was also considered a segment prior to 2021. Production ceased in the fourth quarter of 2020, and exploration activities are currently ongoing. San Sebastian's activity for all periods presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is included in "other".
The contributions to our total metals sales by our significant operations in 2023 were 53.7% from Greens Creek, 24.9% from Casa Berardi, 16.3% from Lucky Friday and 5.0% from Keno Hill. Lucky Friday's production for 2023 was impacted by an underground fire in the secondary egress in August, which suspended production for the remainder of 2023.
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, Workers' Safety and Compensation Board in the Yukon 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. For example, since acquiring the Keno Hill mine in September 2022, the site has experienced permit exceedances involving the quality of water discharged into the environment. We are working to assess the existing infrastructure and implement improvements to the environmental management system that was put in place by the previous owners. As part of this process, we have submitted plans to the Yukon Department of Energy, Mines and Resources to upgrade the water treatment plan at the Bermingham mine within our Keno Hill operations. We are committed to making changes to ensure compliance with our authorizations and all environmental regulations. See Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on permit issues at Keno Hill.
Keno Hill is located at a site in the Yukon Territory where extensive historical mining activity occurred. The mining claims and rights that comprise our Keno Hill mine are owned by two of our indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries, Alexco Keno Hill Mining Company and Elsa Reclamation & Development Company Ltd. (“ERDC”). ERDC and Alexco are parties to the Amended and Restated Subsidiary Agreement (“ARSA”) dated July 18, 2013, among them and Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada (“Canada”) which addresses the pre-existing environmental condition and the environmental care and maintenance and reclamation of the historical Keno Hill site. Under the ARSA and related documents, ERDC, as a paid contractor for the Yukon Government, is responsible for the development and eventual implementation of the district wide reclamation and closure plan (“Reclamation Plan”) which addresses the historic environmental liabilities of the district from past mining activities pre-dating Alexco’s and Hecla’s acquisition of the Keno Hill project, as well as for carrying out care and maintenance at various locations within the historical Keno Hill site until the Reclamation Plan is implemented (Hecla’s predecessor, Alexco, previously deposited CDN$10 million in a trust which funds ERDC’s maximum contribution toward implementing the Reclamation Plan, and agreed to a 1.5% net smelter royalty capped at CAD$4 million, of which approximately CAD$1.2 million paid or accrued for as of December 31, 2023). ERDC receives agreed-to commercial contractor rates when retained by Canada to provide environmental services in the historical Keno Hill site outside the scope of care and maintenance and closure and reclamation planning under the ARSA (in the latter case, for which ERDC receives an annual fee of $900,000 from Canada, adjustable for material changes in scope). The potential liabilities associated with the pre-existing environmental conditions at Keno Hill are indemnified by Canada under the terms and conditions of the ARSA, subject to the requirement for ERDC to develop, permit, and implement the Reclamation Plan, or if Hecla and the Government agree to transfer portions of the historic area to active mining operations within the Keno Hill unit, then such indemnification ceases to the extent of such transferred area. Completing the Reclamation Plan is expected to take approximately 5 more years and is estimated to cost approximately $140 million over that time, for which we expect ERDC to be reimbursed for all material costs incurred. However, we are at risk for any variance in timing between expending funds by ERDC and reimbursement by Canada, as well as for any disputed or otherwise non-reimbursed costs (for example if ERDC were to act outside of the scope of the ARSA). In addition, ERDC is responsible for sharing with Canada (i) under certain circumstances, care and maintenance costs pending implementation of the Reclamation Plan, (ii) detailed design and engineering costs to support the Reclamation Plan and (iii) under certain circumstances, post active reclamation costs (i.e. in the event Hecla has brought a historical area with pre-existing environmental conditions into active operations at the Keno Hill unit), which, in each case and in the aggregate, we do not anticipate will have a material impact on our financial results as a whole.
Mine closure and reclamation regulations impose substantial costs on our operations and include requirements that we provide financial assurance supporting those obligations. We currently have $195.4 million of financial assurances, primarily in the form of surety bonds, for reclamation company-wide. We anticipate approximately $13.5 million in expenditures in 2024 for environmental permit compliance and idle property management. We also plan to invest approximately $5.5 million for 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. We can only engage in exploration at our San Sebastian (Mexico), Hatter Graben (Nevada) and Libby Exploration (Montana) projects if we are successful in obtaining necessary permits. Similarly, mining at our planned open pits at Casa Berardi requires permits we don't yet have. And in February 2022, we submitted letters to the United States Forest Service ("USFS") withdrawing from its consideration the former Plan of Operations for each of the Rock Creek and Libby Exploration (formerly known as Montanore) projects in Montana.
A new Plan of Operations for the Libby Exploration project limited to underground exploration and evaluation activities was submitted to the USFS is currently under an Environmental Assessment review (“EA”) under the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”). These actions reflect our consolidated ownership of the two projects and new ideas that we bring, rather than the separate ownership and ineffective strategies of the projects' prior owners. Upon successful completion of the EA process under the NEPA, and if subsequent data collection and analysis activities suggest development of a mine is feasible, then it is anticipated that a new Plan of Operations for the construction and development of a mine at the Libby Exploration site would be submitted for approval. While no activities beyond care and maintenance are currently proposed for Rock Creek, mineral and other property rights there should not be impacted by our current focus on evaluation of the Libby Exploration site.
We are party to a Comprehensive Cooperation and Benefits Agreement (“CCBA”) with the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun (“FNNND”) that recognizes the rights, obligations, and opportunities of the two parties. Individual chapters in the CCBA include Hecla’s ongoing obligations to consult with FNNND and annual financial contributions, including for FNNND expense reimbursement, education and training, and wealth sharing. The wealth sharing component has not yet been agreed to, but we expect to resume negotiations in the near future and/or upon Keno Hill reaching commercial production, and such arrangement could have a material impact on Keno Hill’s profitability.
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 our projects in Montana from ever being developed. In addition, our operations and exploration activities at Keno Hill and the Yukon, Casa Berardi and San Sebastian 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. , Our operations and properties in Canada expose us to additional political risksand 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.
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/city and bureau 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, Idaho, Nevada, Quebec and the Yukon; and mining royalties in Alaska, Nevada and Canada. 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 generating 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 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on income and mining 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 mineral reserves. At December 31, 2023, the book value of our properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net of accumulated depreciation, was approximately $2.7 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. And when we do experience insurable losses - such as with the fire at the Lucky Friday in August and September of 2023 - it can take a long period of time before we receive any or all insurance proceeds. 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
As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately 1,775 employees, of which approximately 990 were employed in the United States, 765 in Canada, and 20 in Mexico. The vast majority of our employees are full-time. Approximately 260 of our employees at the Lucky Friday were covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
The attraction, development and retention of people is 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. 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 the safety at our operations. We know that employees' and contractors' safety awareness is fundamental to making our workplace as safe as possible. Therefore, we invest in training and workforce development programs that focus on safety first. All employees and contractors 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. Our All Injury Frequency Rate (“AIFR”) is 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. Company-wide, our AIFR was 1.45 for 2023.
Compensation and Benefits
We are among the largest private-sector employers in the communities in which we operate providing a compensation and benefits package that attracts, motivates, and retains employees. In addition to competitive base wages and incentive compensation, we offer retirement benefits, health insurance plans and paid time off.
Retention and Employee Development
We are committed to hiring talented people, developing effective leaders, providing an inclusive workplace and retaining a large portion of the workforce for long periods of time. 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, in conjunction with a trade school in Val-d’Or, Quebec, the leadership at our Casa Berardi mine has developed a customized training program for new and existing supervisors to develop their skills in the areas of leadership, communications, roles and responsibilities, and health and safety. 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 Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), senior level company leadership and board of directors periodically review Hecla's top talent. Creating more opportunities for women and indigenous people 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 provided to employees upon being hired and thereafter annually, and 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 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 Senior Vice President - Chief Administrative Officer 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.com. Information on our web site is not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 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 governance and social responsibility 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.com.
We routinely post important information for investors on our web site, www.hecla.com, in the “Investors” section. We also may use our web site as a means of disclosing material, non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors should monitor the Investors section of our web site, in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, presentations and webcasts. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, our web site is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this document.

---

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:
•speculative activities;
•relative exchange rates of the U.S. dollar;
•global and regional demand and production;
•political instability;
•inflation, recession or increased or reduced economic activity; and
•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 or development costs for a sustained period of time, we will experience losses and may have to discontinue exploration, development or operations, and we may also 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 three years. On February 9, 2024, the closing prices for silver, gold, lead and zinc were $22.66 per ounce, $2,023.50 per ounce, $0.93 per pound and $1.04 per pound, respectively.
An extended decline in metals prices, an increase in operating or capital costs or treatment charges, mine accidents or closures, increasing regulatory obligations, or our inability to convert resources or exploration targets 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. Metals 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 resources and exploration targets beyond the current operating plans.
We determined no impairments were required for triggering events identified during 2023. For more discussion, see the below risk factors, “We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits from our acquisitions, including our 2022 acquisition of Alexco" and “Issues we have faced at certain segments could require us to write-down the carrying value of 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 mineral reserves, resources or exploration targets at our mining properties, we may be required to recognize asset write-downs in the future. In addition, the perceived market value of the resources and exploration targets 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 resources or exploration targets to reserves could significantly reduce our estimates of the value of the resources or exploration targets 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, 2023, we had total indebtedness of approximately $671.4 million, primarily in the form of our Senior Notes and Credit Agreement. Our level of debt, debt service obligations and covenant requirements may have adverse effects on our business, financial condition, cash flows or results of operations, including:
•making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the Senior Notes;
•reducing the amount of funds available to finance our operations, capital expenditures and other activities;
•increasing our vulnerability to economic downturns and industry conditions;
•limiting our flexibility in responding to changing business and economic conditions;
•jeopardizing our ability to execute our business plans;
•placing us at a disadvantage when compared to our competitors that have less debt;
•increasing our cost of borrowing; and
•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 2022, we entered into our $150 million revolving credit facility (with the option to increase to $225 million). 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 three years, as shown in our Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income, including net loss of $84.2 million in 2023, $37.3 million in 2022 and net income of $35.1 million in 2021. 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; cybersecurity attacks; 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; uninsured losses; 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:
•mineral reserves, resources, and exploration targets that are the basis for future income and cash flow estimates and units-of-production depreciation, depletion and amortization calculations;
•future ore grades, throughput and recoveries;
•future metals prices;
•future capital and operating costs;
•environmental, reclamation and closure obligations;
•permitting and other regulatory considerations;
•asset impairments;
•valuation of business combinations;
•insurance proceeds;
•future foreign exchange rates, inflation rates and applicable tax rates;
•reserves for contingencies and litigation; and
•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 mineral reserve and resource 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 lead and zinc 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.
We also use 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 impact on our future operating costs denominated in CAD. We use a similar program related to future development costs denominated in CAD. As with our metals derivatives, when utilized, 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 compared to the exchange rates stated in the forward contracts, and also expose us to counterparty credit risk.
See Note 10 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 generating 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 prices, reserve, production and cost estimates are key components to determine 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. We determined as of December 31, 2021, that we expect to realize an additional $58.4 million of the Hecla U.S. tax group deferred tax assets and released the valuation allowance by a corresponding amount, reflecting our current expectations. The Nevada U.S tax group and certain foreign jurisdictions have a valuation allowance on a portion of their deferred tax asset we have determined are more-likely-than-not to not be realized. Our deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2023 were $280.4 million, net of $100.9 million in valuation allowances. See Note 7 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 excess retirement plan which was funded as of December 31, 2023. 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 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on our pension plans.
Operation, Climate, Development, Exploration and Acquisition Risks
Natural disasters, public health crises, 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 COVID-19 pandemic impacted our operations and financial results between 2020 and 2022. Restrictions imposed by governments in Alaska, Quebec and Mexico caused us to temporarily suspend operations and revise operating procedures during that time period. COVID-19 is still a disease that is occurring throughout the world. In the event it were to flare up in a manner similar to the past, or worse, our operations and financial results could again be negatively impacted
Our operations are subject to a range of risks related to climate change and transitioning the business to meet regulatory, societal and investor expectations for operating in a low-carbon economy.
Climate change is expected to create more extreme weather patterns that can increase frequency or severity of forest fires (such as our Casa Berardi unit experienced in summer 2023) and droughts and sudden heavy rainfall (such as our Greens Creek unit has periodically experienced). These latter two events require careful water management. Potential key material physical risks to Hecla from climate change include, but are not limited to:
•increased volumes of mine contact water requiring storage and treatment;
•increased design requirements for stormwater diversion and associated water management systems;
•reduced freshwater availability due to potential drought conditions;
•damage to roads and other infrastructure at our sites due to extreme weather events including intense rainfalls and related events such as landslides; and
•unpermitted or otherwise non-compliant discharge of wastewater due to an increased frequency of extreme weather events exceeding the design capacity of existing tailings storage facilities and other stormwater management infrastructure.
Such events can temporarily slow or halt operations due to physical damage to assets, reduced worker productivity for safety protocols on site related to extreme weather events, worker aviation and bus transport to or from the site, and local or global supply route disruptions that may limit transport of essential materials and supplies. Additional financial impacts could include increased capital or operating costs to increase water storage and treatment capacity, obtain or develop maintenance and monitoring technologies, increase resiliency of facilities and establish supplier climate resiliency and contingency plans. The occurrence of weather and climate events have in the past and could in the future cause us to incur unplanned costs, which may be material, to address or prevent resulting damage.
In addition, we have identified opportunities and potential risks for Hecla as we shift toward a low-carbon economy. Technologies that support decarbonization include renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and energy storage, all of which require the metals we produce. However, renewable energies currently may not have the same reliability as conventional energy sources. Thus, as we transition toward renewable energy sources, we could experience a possible curtailment of our energy supply, and these new energy sources may cost more in the future than our current supplies, which could negatively impact our financial performance. Further, transitioning to a lower-carbon economy will require significant investment and may entail extensive policy, legal, technology, and market changes to address mitigation and adaptation requirements related to climate change. Depending on the nature, speed, focus and jurisdiction of these changes, transition risks may pose varying levels of financial and reputational risk to our business.
Policy and regulatory risk related to actual and proposed changes in climate and water-related laws, regulations and taxes developed to regulate the transition to a low-carbon economy may result in increased costs for our operations, third-party smelters and refiners and our suppliers, including increased energy, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs to comply with such regulations. Regulatory uncertainty may cause higher costs and lower economic returns than originally estimated for new development projects and operations, including closure reclamation and remediation obligations.
The development and deployment of technological improvements or innovations will be required to support the transition to a low-carbon economy, which could result in write-offs and early retirement of existing assets, increased costs to adopt and deploy new practices and processing including planning and design for mines, development of alternative power sources, site level efficiencies and other capital investments.
A failure to meet our climate strategy commitments and/or societal or investor expectations could also result in damage to our reputation, decreased investor confidence and challenges in maintaining positive community relations, which can pose additional obstacles to our ability to conduct our operations and develop our projects, which may result in a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and growth prospects.
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; fire, influx of water or other insured and uninsured events; work stoppages or slow-downs; lower than expected ore grades; cybersecurity attacks; 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, seismic events, backfill and 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.
At the Lucky Friday mine we are mining ever deeper deposits and have been utilizing our patented Underhand Closed Bench (“UCB”) mining method. See Item 2. Properties - Lucky Friday for a description of the UCB method. We started testing the UCB method in 2020 and it was used for approximately 87%, 88% and 86% of the tons mined at Lucky Friday in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The UCB method has not been used at other mines. Although we believe the testing has resulted in better management of the Lucky Friday mine’s seismicity, which increases as we mine deeper, we cannot predict unknown hazards that the UCB method or our deeper mining activities might cause.
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:
•environmental hazards;
•unusual or unexpected geologic formations;
•rock bursts, ground falls, pit wall failures, or tailings impoundment breaches or failures;
•seismic activity;
•shaft failure;
•road and bridge failures;
•underground floods or fires (such as we experienced in August 2023 when there was a fire deep within the #2 shaft at our Lucky Friday unit which caused production there to stop for approximately 5 months, before production resumed in January 2024, with the ramp up to full production ongoing);
•unanticipated hydrologic conditions, including flooding and periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions;
•civil unrest or terrorism;
•cybersecurity attacks;
•changes in interpretation or enforcement of regulatory and permitting requirements;
•industrial accidents;
•disruption, damage or failure of power, technology or other systems related to operation of equipment and other aspects of our mine operations;
•labor disputes or strikes; and
•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:
•personal injury or fatalities;
•damage to or destruction of mineral properties or producing facilities;
•environmental damage and financial penalties;
•delays in exploration, development or mining;
•monetary losses;
•inability to meet our financial obligations;
•asset impairment charges;
•legal liability; and
•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, cost prohibitive, 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:
•mineral reserves and resources;
•expected ore grades and recovery rates of metals from the ore;
•future metals prices;
•facility and equipment costs;
•availability of adequate staffing;
•availability of affordable sources of power and adequacy of water supply;
•exploration and drilling success;
•capital and operating costs of a development project;
•environmental and closure, permitting and other regulatory considerations and costs;
•adequate access to the site, including competing land uses (such as agriculture);
•applicable tax rates;
•foreign currency fluctuation and inflation rates; and
•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 mineral reserve and resource estimates may be imprecise.
Our mineral reserve figures 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 resource estimates or exploration targets). 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 and resource estimation is an interpretive process based upon available data and various assumptions. Our reserve and resource 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 mineral reserves may be adversely affected by:
•declines in the market price of the various metals we mine;
•increased production or capital costs;
•reduction in the grade or tonnage of the deposit;
•decrease in throughput;
•increase in the dilution of the ore;
•future foreign currency rates, inflation rates and applicable tax rates;
•reduced metal recovery; and
•changes in environmental, permitting or other regulatory requirements.
Furthermore, short-term operating factors relating to our mineral 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:
•delays in new project development;
•net losses;
•reduced cash flow;
•reductions in reserves and resources;
•write-downs of asset values; and
•mine closure.
Additionally, reserve estimates are subject to further development and preproduction drilling, resource estimates and exploration targets are subject to further exploration and development, and are, therefore, subject to considerable uncertainty. Despite our history of converting resources and exploration targets to reserves through additional drilling and study work, we cannot be certain that any part or parts of resources or exploration targets will ever be confirmed or converted into reserves as defined by the SEC.
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 mineral reserves by locating and developing additional ore. Our ability to expand or replace mineral 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 mineral reserves as they are depleted, which would adversely affect our business and financial position in the future.
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 terms which are economic is critical 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 4 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, 2023, our three largest customers accounted for approximately 24%, 16% and 16%, 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 4 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:
•the effects of local political, labor and economic developments and unrest;
•significant or abrupt changes in the applicable regulatory or legal climate;
•significant changes to regulations or laws or the interpretation or enforcement of them;
•exchange controls and export restrictions;
•expropriation or nationalization of assets with inadequate compensation;
•unfavorable currency fluctuations, particularly in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar and Mexican Peso;
•repatriation restrictions;
•invalidation and unavailability of governmental orders, permits or agreements;
•property ownership disputes;
•renegotiation or nullification of existing concessions, licenses, permits and contracts;
•criminal activity, corruption, demands for improper payments, expropriation, and uncertain legal enforcement and physical security;
•failure to maintain compliance with corruption and transparency statutes, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act;
•disadvantages of competing against companies from countries that are not subject to U.S. laws and regulations;
•fuel or other commodity shortages;
•illegal mining;
•laws or policies of foreign countries and the United States affecting trade, investment and taxation;
•opposition to our presence, operations, properties or plans by governmental or non-governmental organizations or civic groups;
•civil disturbances, war and terrorist actions; and
•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, the Yukon and British Columbia that are or may be in areas with a First Nations presence. The nature and extent of First Nation rights and title remains the subject of active debate, claims and litigation in Canada. Intergovernmental relations between First Nation authorities and federal, provincial and territorial authorities are evolving. 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 permitting activities, profitable production, exploration or development activities on our Canadian properties could be delayed, interrupted or otherwise adversely affected in the future by political uncertainty, native land claims entitlements, expropriations of property, financial arrangements, 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, the Yukon 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 tribal communities 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 tribal communities 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 evaluating opportunities to expand our mineral reserves and resources 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 risk 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 2022 acquisition of Alexco.”
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, including the Keno Hill project acquired as part of the Alexco acquisition in September 2022, 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:
•operating a larger organization;
•operating in multiple legal jurisdictions;
•coordinating geographically and linguistically disparate organizations, systems and facilities;
•adapting to additional political, regulatory, legal and social requirements;
•integrating corporate, technological and administrative functions; and
•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. See the risk factor below, “We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits from our acquisitions, including our 2022 acquisition of Alexco.”
Issues we have faced at certain segments could require us to write-down the carrying value of 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 or a market value approach), 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 reporting period and determine whether any triggering events are indicated.
We determined the continued suspension of production in Nevada and reduced 2024 budgeted exploration program represented a triggering event requiring an assessment of recoverability of the carrying value of our long-lived assets in Nevada. We also identified a triggering event for Casa Berardi in 2023. Although we concluded the carrying value assessment indicated no impairment at either segment at the time the analysis was undertaken, each 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 mineral 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 2022 acquisition of Alexco.
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 targets, 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, mine production at Fire Creek continued through the first half of 2021, and was then suspended as we continue studies of hydrology, mining and milling. Revenues exceeded total capital and production costs in 2020 and 2021. However, we anticipate incurring care-and-maintenance costs in the future unless and until we have enough exploration success and development to resume mining operations. In September 2022, we completed the acquisition of Alexco and gained ownership of the Keno Hill project in the Yukon Territory, Canada. Although we produced silver at that mine in 2023, achieving acceptable safety and environmental performance has prevented us from reaching anticipated production levels and has required capital expenditures higher than we anticipated. See the risk factors above, “An extended decline in metals prices, an increase in operating or capital costs or treatment charges, mine accidents or closures, increasing regulatory obligations, or our inability to convert resources or exploration targets to reserves may cause us to record write-downs, which could negatively impact our results of operations,” and “Issues we have faced at certain segments 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 Keno Hill, 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 2022 acquisition of Alexco” and “An extended decline in metals prices, an increase in operating or capital costs or treatment charges, mine accidents or closures, increasing regulatory obligations, or our inability to convert resources or exploration targets 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 our Greens Creek, Casa Berardi and Keno Hill sites.
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, each of Greens Creek, Casa Berardi and Keno Hill are in remote locations. 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. Further, Keno Hill requires its employees to fly in to its remote location and marine transportation depends on access to a limited number of ports. Casa Berardi can only be accessed by a long motor vehicle ride over a gravel road. Any disruption to these forms of marine, air and surface 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 in the United States 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. mines like those at our Lucky Friday, Greens Creek and Nevada Operations are inspected at least quarterly 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 that we caused environmental damage, are responsible for environmental damage caused by others, or violated environmental laws or 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 (i) have engaged in environmentally-harmful conduct or (ii) be responsible for environmentally-harmful conduct engaged in by affiliates or other third parties, including in other jurisdictions, from maintaining current or 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. For example, in June 2021, the State of Nevada passed a law that would limit an applicant’s ability to obtain an exploration or a mining operation permit from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection if the applicant, or each person who has a controlling interest in the applicant (if the applicant is a business entity), has either (1) defaulted on a reclamation obligation under Nevada law (including by forfeiting a surety or failing to pay the costs or penalties associated with reclamation) or (2) is otherwise not in good standing with a governmental agency in relation to reclamation of an exploration project or mining operation situated outside the State of Nevada. Although we believe this new statute does not currently apply to us or any of our affiliates, it is possible that it could cause us compliance issues in the future, including with respect to ongoing litigation in the State of Montana. See the risk factor below, “Legal challenges could prevent our projects in Montana from ever being developed.”
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. For example, from time to time the U.S. Congress debates imposing royalties on minerals extracted from federal lands. Although such legislation has not passed as of the date of this report, it is possible that in the future royalties or taxes will be imposed on mining operations conducted on federal land, which could adversely impact our financial results.
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 recent years, each of our Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and Keno Hill units have had compliance challenges and alleged violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”), the Clean Water Act (“CWA”) and similar Yukon regulations, respectively (some of which are not yet resolved). Failure to resolve pending or avoid future alleged permit exceedances or other legal violations could have a material negative impact on operations or financial performance.
In addition for continuing our current operations, we must obtain regulatory permits, permit modifications or other approvals to start 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 and we might not be able to provide financial assurance.”
Our U.S. operations are subject to the CWA, 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. 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 16 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 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 CWA. See Note 16 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:
•Continued extension of the planned life of mine at Greens Creek will require expansion of the tailings storage facility. The mine has received a draft record of decision from the United States Forest Service allowing for 12-18 years of additional tailings storage space. That dcision is currently in the objection period of the NEPA process and a final record of decision is expected in Q2 of 2024. Once the record of decision is final, it could be subject to litigation from parties who participated in the objection process. Additional federal, state and local permits will also be required before construction of the expanded facility can commence. The existing tailings storage facility currently contains enough space to support mine operations through September 2030 and our permitting and construction schedule for the expansion indicates that the additional authorized space will be available after that time.
•At Casa Berardi, obtaining new or modified 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.
•At San Sebastian, regulatory approvals and landowner consents are required to successfully develop new mineralization and to finalize ongoing reclamation.
•At Hollister in Nevada, state and federal approvals will be required for waste rock and underground water 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.
•At Lucky Friday, an expansion of the current tailings storage facility or new, separate tailings storage facility will be required to achieve the planned life of mine. We have begun site selection, permitting, and engineering in advance of need for the additional storage capacity.
•At Keno Hill, it is likely that permit modifications will be required for it to reach planned production levels in 2024 and possibly for long-term, uninterrupted and larger mining and milling operations. Such modification to existing permits or the requirement for new permits could be a lengthy process that will be required for profitable operations. There can be no assurance we will receive any such modified or new permits.
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, 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 our projects in Montana 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. 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 effect on our operations or financial results. See the risk factors below, “Our existing stockholders are effectively subordinated to the holders of our Senior Notes", “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 and we might not be able to provide financial assurance.”
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 a putative class action lawsuit filed against us and certain current and former directors and officers involving our Nevada Operations, and additional actions may be filed. We may be subject to future claims, including additional claims relating to our Nevada Operations. 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 16 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, 2023, we had accrued $120.5 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 16 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 explore at the Libby Exploration project, and possibly develop depending on the results of exploration activities, and may in the future seek to explore or develop the Rock Creek project. 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 our projects in Montana from ever being developed.
A joint final Environmental Impact Statement with respect to the Montanore site (now known as the Libby Exploration site), which is located in the state of Montana, was issued in December 2015 by the USFS and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”), and each agency issued a Record of Decision (“ROD”) in February 2016 providing approval for development of Montanore. However, private conservation groups have taken and may in the future take actions to oppose or delay activities at Montanore. On May 30, 2017, the Montana Federal District Court issued Opinions and Orders in three lawsuits challenging previously granted environmental approvals for the Libby Exploration project. The Orders overturned the approvals for the project granted by the USFS and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (“USFWS”), 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. In addition, the Libby Exploration Project'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 2022, our subsidiary withdrew the Plan of Operations for the Libby Exploration project from USFS consideration and submitted a new Plan of Operations proposing only underground exploration and evaluation activities at the site. In conjunction with this narrower scope of activity, the USFS withdrew its previously issued Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (“SEIS”). The proposed exploration activities are currently undergoing an EA under NEPA.
The proposed development of our Rock Creek site, also located in Montana, has been challenged by several regional and national conservation groups at various times since the USFS issued its initial ROD in 2003 approving Revett Mining Company’s plan of operation (Revett is now our wholly-owned subsidiary, named Hecla Montana, Inc.). In February 2022, our subsidiary withdrew the
Plan of Operations for Rock Creek from USFS consideration. . However, we report inferred mineral resources at Rock Creek below in Item 2. Properties and we expect that should we resume permitting at that project, it would again be met with litigation by non-governmental organizations.
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. The allegations of DEQ led to litigation between Hecla and certain of our subsidiaries and DEQ. However, on August 2, 2021, the DEQ voluntarily moved to dismiss the litigation, and on September 22, 2021, the Court dismissed the case. Certain environmental and other groups have sued the DEQ in an effort to attempt to force DEQ to re-initiate litigation against us, our subsidiaries or our CEO. In December 2022, the court in Montana largely, but not fully, dismissed the lawsuit, and it remains unclear what actions, if any, the plaintiffs may next take.
As a result of the legal challenges and other circumstances related to our Montana projects, we are now focused on obtaining the permits necessary to conduct underground exploration and evaluation activities at the Libby Exploration site and are not currently engaged in permitting activities for Rock Creek. Generally speaking, permitting has been delayed and further delays are likely, along with increased costs, and ultimately we may be prevented from ever fully permitting or further exploring or developing a project at either of the two sites.
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. Throughout 2023, we were in a negative cash position, which means the cash and cash equivalents disclosed on our consolidated balance sheets, including as at December 31, 2023, was the result of borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Absent price increases for the metals we produce or financing transactions such as asset sales or equity offerings, including under our “at-the-market” (ATM) equity program, it is likely that we will be in a negative cash position throughout 2024, and we will be dependent on borrowings under our revolving credit facility for our cash and cash equivalents balance on our consolidated balance sheets. See the below risk factor “The terms of our debt impose restrictions on our operations.” 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:
•changes in metals prices, particularly silver and gold;
•our results of operations and financial condition as reflected in our public news releases or periodic filings with the SEC;
•fluctuating proven and probable reserves;
•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;
•market prices of our publicly traded debt;
•political and regulatory risk;
•the success of our exploration, pre-development, and capital programs;
•ability to meet production estimates;
•environmental, safety and legal risk;
•ability to defend against cyber security attacks;
•the extent and nature of analytical coverage concerning our business; and
•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.
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 12 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 2023, our board of directors has declared a common stock dividend under the policy described above. 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:
•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;
•the ability of our board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock with rights as it deems appropriate without stockholder approval;
•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;
•a provision that special meetings of stockholders may only be called pursuant to a resolution approved by a majority of our board of directors;
•a prohibition against action by written consent of our stockholders;
•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;
•a provision that our stockholders comply with advance-notice provisions to bring director nominations or other matters before meetings of our stockholders;
•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
•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.
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:
•make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the Senior Notes and our other debt;
•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 divestiture;
•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;
•increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
•limit our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in the industry in which we compete;
•place us at a disadvantage compared to other, less leveraged competitors; and
•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 $2.2 million change in annual cash interest expense on our credit facility.
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 COVID-19 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 from time to time. However, tariff exemptions were granted to a number of smelters in China in 2023, 2022 and 2021, and we sold silver concentrates to China representing approximately 15%, 19%, and 6% of our total revenues for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, which were not subject to tariffs due to the exemptions. 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 inflation, including the prices of other commodities.
Our profitability is sensitive to cost inflation, including, but not limited 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, as well as other consumables and labor. Recently the prices we pay for commodities and consumables have increased which has increased the operating costs at our mine sites. In addition, labor costs have increased, including under the terms of our new labor agreement with the union at the Lucky Friday mine. Increased or persistent inflation or other upward pressures could continue to increase our costs, and could have a material impact 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 (“CBA”), which expired on January 6, 2023 (a new six year CBA was approved by the union in January 2023). 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. In particular, we make large use of cloud systems which could be vulnerable to external intrusions. 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.
We could also be adversely affected by system or network disruptions due to disasters or if new or upgraded information technology systems are defective, not installed properly or not properly integrated into our operations. Disaster recovery failure or system modification failures could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations and could, if not successfully implemented, adversely impact the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting.
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 9, 2024, our Senior Notes were rated “BB-” by Standard & Poor’s and “B2” 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.
Damage to our reputation may result in decreased investor confidence, challenges in maintaining positive community relations and can pose additional obstacles to our ability to develop our projects, which may result in a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and growth prospects.
Damage to our reputation can be the result of the actual or perceived occurrence of a variety of events and circumstances, and could result in negative publicity (for example, with respect to handling of environmental, safety and security matters, dealings with local community organizations or individuals, community commitments, handling of cultural sites or resources, and various other matters).
We have also provided greater transparency on environmental, social and governance performance in response to stakeholder engagement and requests in recent years, and provide supplemental disclosures in our annual Sustainability Report and other sustainability reports on our website in connection with stakeholder concerns and issues. Such increased transparency may result in greater scrutiny and impact how we are perceived.
The growing use of social media to generate, publish and discuss community news and issues and to connect with others has made it significantly easier, among other things, for individuals and groups to share their opinions of us and our activities, whether true or not. We do not have direct control over how we are perceived by others and any resulting loss of reputation could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.

---

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

---

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
Note on SEC Mining Disclosure Rules
Information concerning our mining properties in this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K. Subpart 1300 requires us to disclose our mineral resources, in addition to our mineral reserves, as of the end of our most recently completed fiscal year both in the aggregate and for each of our individually material mining properties.
You are cautioned that mineral resources do not have demonstrated economic value. Mineral resources are subject to further exploration and development, are subject to additional risks, and no assurance can be given that they will eventually convert to future reserves. Inferred Resources, in particular, have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and their economic and legal feasibility. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the Inferred Resource exists or is economically or legally mineable. See Item 1A, Risk Factors.
Sum mary
The map below shows the locations of our operations and our exploration projects, as well as our corporate offices located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Vancouver, British Columbia; Juneau, Alaska; Wallace, Idaho; Val d'Or, Quebec; Durango, Mexico and Whitehorse, Yukon.
The following table summarizes our aggregate metal quantities produced and sold for the last three years:
Year Ended December 31,
Silver -
Ounces produced
14,342,863
14,182,987
12,887,240
Payable ounces sold
12,955,006
12,311,595
11,633,802
Gold -
Ounces produced
151,259
175,807
201,327
Payable ounces sold
141,602
165,818
201,610
Lead -
Tons produced
40,347
48,713
43,010
Payable tons sold
35,429
41,423
36,707
Zinc -
Tons produced
60,579
64,748
63,617
Payable tons sold
43,050
43,658
43,626
A summary overview of our mining operations and exploration and pre-development projects is shown in the following table:
Location
Property
Country
State/Province
Ownership
Claims
Permit Conditions
Stage
Mine Type
Commodity
Mineralization Style
Greens Creek
United States
Alaska
100.0
%
440 unpatented lode claims, 58 unpatented millsite claims (8,072 acres), 21 patented lode claims and one patented millsite claim (328 acres); Land Exchange Properties (7,301 acres)
Private or USFS administered land, all required permits for production in place
Production
Underground
Ag, Au, Pb, Zn
Massive Sulfide
Lucky Friday
United States
Idaho
100.0
%
43 patented lode and millsite claims (710 acres); 53 unpatented lode claims (535 acres)
Private or USFS administered land, all required permits for production in place
Production
Underground
Ag, Pb, Zn
Vein
Casa Berardi
Canada
Quebec
100.0
%
394 claims; 48,704 acres (19,710 ha)
All required permits for production in place or in process
Production
Underground/Open Pit
Au
Vein/Shear Zone
Keno Hill
Canada
Yukon
100.0
%
703 quartz mining leases, 867 quartz mining claims, 2 Crown Grants; (238.12 km2 / 23,812 ha)
All required permits for production in place or in process
Development
Underground
Ag, Au, Pb, Zn
Vein/Fault Zone
San Sebastian
Mexico
Durango
100.0
%
31 mining concessions; 99,643 acres (40,324 ha)
All required permits for exploration in place
Exploration
Underground/Open Pit
Ag, Au, Cu, Pb, Zn
Vein
Fire Creek
United States
Nevada
100.0
%
890 unpatented lode claims (18,400 acres); leases (409 acres); private land (3,208 acres)
BLM administered land, Plan of Operations and other required State permits in place
Exploration
Underground
Au, Ag
Vein
Hollister
United States
Nevada
100.0
%
1,005 unpatented lode claims, 11 unpatented mill site claims; 17,960 acres total
BLM administered land, Plan of Operations and other required State permits in place
Exploration
Underground
Au, Ag
Vein
Midas
United States
Nevada
100.0
%
1,489 unpatented lode claims (27,583 acres); private land (2,417 acres)
BLM administered land, Plan of Operations and other required State permits in place
Exploration
Underground
Au, Ag
Vein
Heva - Hosco
Canada
Quebec
100.0
%
102 claims; 9,506 acres (3,857 ha)
Annual intervention permits for exploration in place along with authorization for road building
Exploration
Underground/Open Pit
Au
Vein/Shear Zone
San Juan Silver
United States
Colorado
100.0
%
131 patented lode or millsite claims, 704 unpatented lode claims; 13,645 total acres
7 Notice-of-Intent areas for Exploration, Mining Plan of Operations (USFS); 112-d2 mining permit (CO DRMS)
Exploration
Underground
Ag, Pb, Zn
Vein
Star
United States
Idaho
100.0
%
174 patented lode and millsite claims; 2,376 total acres
Private land, required permits in place for exploration
Exploration
Underground
Ag, Zn, Pb
Vein
Monte Cristo
United States
Nevada
100.0
%
344 unpatented lode claims (6,880 acres)
BLM administered land, Notice of Intent required
Exploration
Underground/Open Pit
Au, Ag
Vein
Rock Creek
United States
Montana
100.0
%
99 patented lode claims, 463 unpatented lode claims, 5 tunnel sites: 1,809 total acres; Private land: 754 acres
Private or USFS administered land. Some State permits in-place; no Federal permits.
Exploration
Underground
Ag, Cu
Sediment Hosted - Stratabound
Libby Exploration
United States
Montana
100.0
%
2 patented lode claims, 36.84 acres (22.33 in wilderness, 14.51 outside wilderness)
Private or USFS administered land. Some State permits in-place; no Federal permits.
Exploration
Underground
Ag, Cu
Sediment Hosted - Stratabound
Republic
United States
Washington
100.0
%
114 patented claims and private land; 2,095 acres surface rights, 3,177 acres of mineral rights
Private or BLM administered land
Exploration
Underground/Open Pit
Au, Ag
Vein
Silver Valley
United States
Idaho
100.0
%
Various exploration properties and claim holdings
Private or USFS administered land
Exploration
Underground
Ag, Zn, Pb
Vein
Aurora
United States
Nevada
100.0
%
506 unpatented lode claims, 92 patented lode claims, 25 private parcels; 9,928 total acres
Private or USFS administered land, permit work in progress for USFS lands
Exploration
Underground/Open Pit
Au, Ag
Vein
Kinskuch
Canada
British Columbia
100.0
%
156 claims; 146,780 acres
Multi-use area-based permit with expiry 31 March 2024
Exploration
Underground/Open Pit
Au, Ag, Cu, Pb, Zn
Vein, Massive Sulfide, Porphyry
Opinaca/Wildcat
Canada
Quebec
50% / 100%
Opinaca: 248 claims (50%; 32,064 acres (12,976 ha)); Wildcat: 235 claims (100%; 30,528 acres (12,354 ha))
Intervention permits for exploration updated every year
Exploration
Underground
Au
Vein/Shear Zone
Rackla - Tiger
Canada
Yukon
100.0
%
3,315 quartz mineral claims; 164,547 acres (66,590 ha)
Class 3 Quartz Mining Land Use Approval LQ00531; approved by Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board
Exploration
Open Pit/Undergournd
Au
Carbonate hosted/replacement - reduced intrusion related
Rackla - Osiris
Canada
Yukon
100.0%
1,478 quartz mineral claims; 74,576 acres (30,180 ha)
Class 4 Quartz Mining Land Use Approval LQ00444; approved by Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board
Exploration
Open Pit/Undergournd
Au
Carbonate hosted, dissemintated (Carlin-style)
Hecla is the operator at all mines and exploration properties. Mineral processing plants and related facilities are part of the infrastructure at each operating mine.
The following table summarizes the in-situ mineral reserves for all properties as of December 31, 2023:
Asset
Tons (000)
Silver (oz/ton)
Gold (oz/ton)
Lead %
Zinc %
Silver (000 oz)
Gold (000 oz)
Lead Tons
Zinc Tons
Proven Reserves: (1)
Greens Creek (2,3)
11.3
0.08
3.5
8.4
Lucky Friday (2,4)
5,299
12.8
-
8.0
3.8
67,595
-
424,080
201,280
Casa Berardi Underground (2,5)
-
0.12
-
-
-
-
-
Casa Berardi Open Pit(2,5)
4,240
-
0.09
-
-
-
-
-
Keno Hill(2,6)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total Proven
9,603
67,695
424,390
202,020
Probable Reserves: (7)
Greens Creek (2,3)
10,009
10.5
0.09
2.5
6.6
105,122
250,270
657,990
Lucky Friday (2,4)
10.8
-
7.1
2.9
10,411
-
68,320
28,100
Casa Berardi Underground (2,5)
-
0.15
-
-
-
-
-
Casa Berardi Open Pit(2,5)
11,384
-
0.08
-
-
-
-
-
Keno Hill(2,6)
2,069
26.6
0.01
2.8
2.5
55,068
58,170
52,380
Total Probable
24,603
170,601
1,778
376,760
738,470
Proven and Probable Reserves: (1,7)
Greens Creek (2,3)
10,018
10.5
0.09
2.5
6.6
105,222
-
250,580
-
658,730
Lucky Friday (2,4)
6,265
12.5
-
7.9
3.7
78,006
-
-
492,400
-
229,380
Casa Berardi Underground (2,5)
-
0.14
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Casa Berardi Open Pit(2,5)
15,624
-
0.08
-
-
-
1,238
-
-
Keno Hill(2,6)
2,069
26.6
0.01
2.8
2.5
55,068
58,170
52,380
Total Proven and Probable
34,206
238,296
2,165
801,150
940,490
(1)The term “reserve” means an estimate of tonnage and grade or quality of indicated and measured mineral resources that, in the opinion of the qualified person, can be the basis of an economically viable project. More specifically, it is the economically mineable part of a measured or indicated mineral resource, which includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that may occur when the material is mined or extracted. The term “proven reserves” means the economically mineable part of a measured mineral resource and can only result from conversion of a measured mineral resource. See footnotes 7 and 8 below.
(2)Mineral reserves are based on the following prices unless otherwise stated: $17.00/oz for silver, $1,650/oz for gold, $0.90/lb for lead and $1.15/lb for zinc. Underground mineral reserves at Casa Berardi were based on a gold price of $1,850/oz. All Mineral Reserves are reported in-situ with estimates of mining dilution and mining loss.
(3)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 reserve NSR cut-off values for Greens Creek are $230/ton for all zones except the Gallagher Zone at $235/ton; metallurgical recoveries (actual 2023): 80% for silver, 74% for gold, 82% for lead, and 89% for zinc.
(4)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 NSR, rather than metal grade. The reserve NSR cut-off values for Lucky Friday are $241.34 for the 30 Vein and $268.67 for the Intermediate Veins; metallurgical recoveries (actual 2023): 96% for silver, 95% for lead, and 85% for zinc.
(5)The average reserve cut-off grades at Casa Berardi are 0.11 oz/ton gold underground and 0.03 oz/ton gold for open pit. Metallurgical recovery (actual 2023): 85% for gold; US$/CAN$ exchange rate: 1:1.3.
(6)Due to multiple ore metals, and complex combinations of ore types, metal ratios and metallurgical performances at Keno Hill, the cutoff grade is expressed in terms of NSR, rather than metal grade. The reserve NSR cut-off value at Keno Hill is $244.24/ton (CAN$350/tonne), Metallurgical recovery: (actual 2023) 96% for silver, 93% for lead, 81% for zinc; US$/CAN$ exchange rate: 1:1.3.
(7)The term “probable reserves” means the economically mineable part of an indicated and, in some cases, a measured mineral resource. See footnotes 8 and 9 below.
The following table summarizes the in-situ mineral resources (8) for all properties, exclusive of mineral reserves, as of December 31, 2023:
Asset
Tons (000)
Silver (oz/ton)
Gold (oz/ton)
Lead %
Zinc %
Copper %
Silver (000 oz)
Gold (000 oz)
Lead Tons
Zinc Tons
Copper Tons
Measured Resources: (9)
Greens Creek (12,13)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Lucky Friday (12,14)
5,326
8.6
-
5.6
2.7
-
45,785
-
299,360
146,420
-
Casa Berardi Underground (12,15)
1,099
-
0.21
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Casa Berardi Open Pit (12,15)
-
0.03
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Keno Hill (12,16)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
San Sebastian - Oxide (17)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
San Sebastian - Sulfide (17)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Fire Creek (18,19)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Hollister (18,20)
4.9
0.59
-
-
-
-
-
-
Midas (18,21)
7.6
0.68
-
-
-
-
-
-
Heva (22)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Hosco (22)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Star (12,23)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Tiger Underground (29)
-
0.09
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Tiger Open Pit (29)
-
0.06
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Osiris Underground (30)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Osiris Open Pit (30)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total Measured
7,425
45,886
299,360
146,420
-
Tons (000)
Silver (oz/ton)
Gold (oz/ton)
Lead%
Zinc%
Copper%
Silver (000 oz)
Gold (000 oz)
Lead Tons
Zinc Tons
Copper Tons
Indicated Resources: (10)
Greens Creek (12,13)
8,040
13.9
0.10
3.0
8.0
-
111,526
239,250
643,950
-
Lucky Friday (12,14)
1,011
8.0
-
6.0
2.7
-
8,136
-
60,200
26,910
-
Casa Berardi Underground (12,15)
3,154
-
0.19
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Casa Berardi Open Pit (12,15)
-
0.03
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Keno Hill (12,16)
4,504
7.5
0.006
0.9
3.5
-
33,926
41,120
157,350
-
San Sebastian - Oxide (17)
1,453
6.5
0.09
-
-
-
9,430
-
-
-
San Sebastian - Sulfide (17)
1,187
5.5
0.01
1.9
2.9
1.2
6,579
22,420
34,100
14,650
Fire Creek (18,19)
1.0
0.46
-
-
-
-
-
-
Hollister (18,20)
1.9
0.58
-
-
-
-
-
-
Midas (18,21)
5.7
0.42
-
-
-
-
-
-
Heva (22)
1,266
-
0.06
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Hosco (22)
29,287
-
0.04
-
-
-
-
1,202
-
-
-
Star (12,23)
1,068
3.0
-
6.4
7.7
-
3,177
-
67,970
82,040
-
Tiger Underground (29)
3,116
-
0.10
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Tiger Open Pit (29)
-
0.08
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Osiris Underground (30)
5,135
-
0.12
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Osiris Open Pit (30)
-
0.13
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total Indicated
61,606
173,447
4,107
430,960
944,350
14,650
Tons (000)
Silver (oz/ton)
Gold (oz/ton)
Lead %
Zinc %
Copper %
Silver (000 oz)
Gold (000 oz)
Lead Tons
Zinc Tons
Copper Tons
Measured and Indicated Resources:
Greens Creek (12,13)
8,040
13.9
0.10
3.0
8.0
-
111,526
239,250
643,950
-
Lucky Friday (12,14)
6,337
8.3
-
5.8
2.7
-
53,921
-
359,560
173,330
-
Casa Berardi Underground (12,15)
4,253
-
0.20
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Casa Berardi Open Pit (12,15)
-
0.03
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Keno Hill (12,16)
4,504
7.5
0.006
0.9
3.5
-
33,926
41,120
157,350
-
San Sebastian - Oxide (17)
1,453
6.5
0.09
-
-
-
9,430
-
-
-
San Sebastian - Sulfide (17)
1,187
5.5
0.01
1.9
2.9
1.2
6,579
22,420
34,100
14,650
Fire Creek (18,19)
1.0
0.46
-
-
-
-
-
-
Hollister (18,20)
2.5
0.58
-
-
-
-
-
-
Midas (18,21)
5.7
0.43
-
-
-
-
-
-
Heva (22)
1,266
-
0.06
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Hosco (22)
29,287
-
0.04
-
-
-
-
1,202
-
-
-
Star (12,23)
1,068
3.0
-
6.4
7.7
-
3,177
-
67,970
82,040
-
Tiger Underground (29)
3,997
-
0.10
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Tiger Open Pit (29)
-
0.08
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Osiris Underground (30)
5,135
-
0.12
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Osiris Open Pit (30)
-
0.13
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total Measured and Indicated
69,031
219,333
4,431
730,320
1,090,770
14,650
Tons (000)
Silver (oz/ton)
Gold (oz/ton)
Lead %
Zinc %
Copper %
Silver (000 oz)
Gold (000 oz)
Lead Tons
Zinc Tons
Copper Tons
Inferred Resources: (11)
Greens Creek (12,13)
1,930
13.4
0.08
2.9
6.9
-
25,891
55,890
133,260
-
Lucky Friday (12,14)
3,600
7.8
-
5.9
2.8
-
27,934
-
211,340
100,630
-
Casa Berardi Underground (12,15)
1,475
-
0.22
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Casa Berardi Open Pit (12,15)
-
0.08
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Keno Hill (12,16)
2,836
11.2
0.003
1.1
1.8
-
31,791
32,040
51,870
-
San Sebastian - Oxide (17)
3,490
6.4
0.05
-
-
-
22,353
-
-
-
San Sebastian - Sulfide (17)
4.2
0.01
1.6
2.3
0.9
1,606
6,070
8,830
3,330
Fire Creek (18,19)
0.5
0.51
-
-
-
-
-
-
Fire Creek - Open Pit (24)
74,584
0.1
0.03
-
-
-
5,232
2,178
-
-
-
Hollister (18,20)
3.0
0.42
-
-
-
1,916
-
-
-
Midas (18,21)
1,232
6.3
0.50
-
-
-
7,723
-
-
-
Heva (22)
2,787
-
0.08
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Hosco (22)
17,726
-
0.04
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Star (12,23)
2,851
3.1
-
5.9
5.9
-
8,795
-
168,180
166,930
-
San Juan Silver (12,25)
2,570
14.9
0.01
1.4
1.1
-
38,203
49,400
39,850
-
Monte Cristo (26)
0.3
0.14
-
-
-
-
-
-
Rock Creek (12,27)
100,086
1.5
-
-
-
0.7
148,736
-
-
-
658,680
Libby Exploration (12,28)
112,185
1.6
-
-
-
0.7
183,346
-
-
-
759,420
Tiger Underground (29)
-
0.05
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Tiger Open Pit (29)
-
0.07
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Osiris Underground (30)
5,919
-
0.09
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Osiris Open Pit (30)
4,398
-
0.12
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total Inferred
341,383
504,190
6,304
522,920
501,370
1,421,430
(8)The term "mineral resources" means a concentration or occurrence of material of economic interest in or on the Earth's crust in such form, grade or quality, and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for economic extraction. A mineral resource is a reasonable estimate of mineralization, taking into account relevant factors such as cut-off grade, likely mining dimensions, location or continuity, that, with the assumed and justifiable technical and economic conditions, is likely to, in whole or in part, become economically extractable. It is not merely an inventory of all mineralization drilled or sampled.
(9)The term "measured resources" means that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of conclusive geological evidence and sampling. The level of geological certainty associated with a measured mineral resource is sufficient to allow a qualified person to apply modifying factors in sufficient detail to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Because a measured mineral resource has a higher level of confidence than the level of confidence of either an indicated mineral resource or an inferred mineral resource, a measured mineral resource may be converted to a proven mineral reserve or to a probable mineral reserve.
(10)The term "indicated resources" means that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of adequate geological evidence and sampling. The level of geological certainty associated with an indicated mineral resource is sufficient to allow a qualified person to apply modifying factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Because an indicated mineral resource has a lower level of confidence than the level of confidence of a measured mineral resource, an indicated mineral resource may only be converted to a probable mineral reserve.
(11)The term "inferred resources" means that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. The level of geological uncertainty associated with an inferred mineral resource is too high to apply relevant technical and economic factors likely to influence the prospects of economic extraction in a manner useful for evaluation of economic viability. Because an inferred mineral resource has the lowest level of geological confidence of all mineral resources, which prevents the application of the modifying factors in a manner useful for evaluation of economic viability, an inferred mineral resource may not be considered when assessing the economic viability of a mining project, and may not be converted to a mineral reserve.
(12)Mineral resources for operating properties are based on $1,750/oz for gold, $21.00/oz for silver, $1.15/lb for lead, $1.35/lb for zinc and $3.00/lb for copper, unless otherwise stated. Mineral resources for non-operating resource projects are based on $1,700/oz for gold, $21.00/oz for silver, $1.15/lb for lead, $1.35/lb for zinc and $3.00/lb for copper, unless otherwise stated. Mineral resources are reported for all resource projects regardless of the percentage of total measured and indicated resource.
(13)The resource NSR cut-off values for Greens Creek are $230/ton for all zones except the Gallagher Zone at $235/ton; metallurgical recoveries (actual 2023): 80% for silver, 74% for gold, 82% for lead, and 89% for zinc.
(14)The resource NSR cut-off values for Lucky Friday are $200.57 for the 30 Vein, $227.90 for the Intermediate Veins and $198.48 for the Lucky Friday Vein; metallurgical recoveries (actual 2023): 96% for silver, 95% for lead, and 85% for zinc.
(15)The average resource cut-off grades at Casa Berardi are 0.12 oz/ton gold for underground and 0.03 oz/ton gold for open pit; metallurgical recovery (actual 2023) 85% for gold; US$/CAN$ exchange rate: 1:1.3.
(16)The resource NSR cut-off value at Keno Hill is $129.10/ton (CAN$185/tonne); using minimum width of 4.9 feet (1.5m); metallurgical recovery (actual 2023): 96% for silver, 93% for lead, 81% for zinc; US$/CAN$ exchange rate: 1:1.3.
(17)Indicated resources for most zones at San Sebastian based on $1,500/oz gold, $21.00/oz silver, $1.15/lb lead, $1.35/lb zinc and $3.00/lb copper using an NSR cut-off value of $90.72/ton ($100/tonne); $1,700/oz gold used for Toro, Bronco, and Tigre zones. Metallurgical recoveries based on grade dependent recovery curves: recoveries at the mean resource grade average 89% for silver and 84% for gold for oxide material and 85% for silver, 83% for gold, 81% for lead, 86% for zinc, and 83% for copper for sulfide material. Resources reported at a minimum mining width of 8.2 feet (2.5m) for Middle Vein, North Vein, and East Francine, 6.5ft (1.98m) for El Toro, El Bronco, and El Tigre, and 4.9 feet (1.5 m) for Hugh Zone and Andrea.
(18)Mineral resources for Fire Creek, Hollister and Midas are reported using $1,500/oz for gold and $21.00/oz for silver prices, unless otherwise noted. A minimum mining width is defined as four feet or the vein true thickness plus two feet, whichever is greater.
(19)Fire Creek mineral resources are reported at a gold equivalent cut-off grade of 0.283 oz/ton. Metallurgical recoveries: 90% for gold and 70% for silver.
(20)Hollister mineral resources, including the Hatter Graben are reported at a gold equivalent cut-off grade of 0.238 oz/ton. Metallurgical recoveries: 88% for gold and 66% for silver.
(21)Midas mineral resources are reported at a gold equivalent cut-off grade of 0.237 oz/ton. Metallurgical recoveries: 90% for gold and 70% for silver. A gold-equivalent cut-off grade of 0.1 oz/ton and a gold price of $1,700/oz used for Sinter Zone with resources undiluted.
(22)Measured, indicated and inferred resources at Heva and Hosco are based on $1,500/oz for gold. Resources are without dilution or material loss at a gold cut-off grade of 0.01 oz/ton (0.33 g/tonne) for open pit and 0.088 oz/ton (3.0 g/tonne) for underground. Metallurgical recovery: Heva: 95% for gold, Hosco: 88% for gold.
(23)Indicated and Inferred resources at the Star property are reported using a minimum mining width of 4.3 feet and NSR cut-off value of $150/ton; Metallurgical recovery: 93% for silver, 93% for lead, and 87% for zinc.
(24)Inferred open-pit resources for Fire Creek calculated November 30, 2017 using gold and silver recoveries of 65% and 30% for oxide material and 60% and 25% for mixed oxide-sulfide material. Indicated Resources reclassified as Inferred in 2019. Open pit resources are calculated at $1,400 for gold and $19.83 for silver and cut-off grade of 0.01 Au Equivalent oz/ton and is inclusive of 10% mining dilution and 5% ore loss. Open pit mineral resources exclusive of underground mineral resources.
(25)Inferred resources reported at a minimum mining width of 6.0 feet for Bulldog and an NSR cut-off value of $175/ton and 5.0 feet for Equity and North Amethyst veins at an NSR cut-off value of $100/ton; based on $1,700/oz for gold, $21.00/oz for silver, $1.15/lb for lead, and $1.35/lb for zinc. Metallurgical recoveries based on grade dependent recovery curves: recoveries at the mean resource grade average 89% for silver and 74% for lead and 81% zinc for the Bulldog and a constant 85% for gold and 85% for silver for North Amethyst and Equity.
(26)Inferred resource at Monte Cristo reported at a minimum mining width of 5.0 feet; resources based on $1,400/oz for gold, $26.50/oz for silver using a 0.06 oz/ton gold cut-off grade. Metallurgical recovery: 90% for gold and 90% for silver.
(27)Inferred resource at Rock Creek reported at a minimum thickness of 15 feet and an NSR cut-off value of $24.50/ton; Metallurgical recoveries: 88% for silver and 92% for copper. Resources adjusted based on mining restrictions as defined by USFS, Kootenai National Forest in the June 2003 'Record of Decision, Rock Creek Project'.
(28)Inferred resource at the Libby Exploration project reported at a minimum thickness of 15 feet and an NSR cut-off value of $24.50/ton; Metallurgical recoveries: 88% for silver and 92% for copper. Resources adjusted based on mining restrictions as defined by USFS, Kootenai National Forest, Montana DEQ in December 2015 'Joint Final EIS, Montanore Project' and the February 2016 U.S Forest Service - Kootenai National Forest 'Record of Decision, Montanore Project'.
(29)Resources at the Rackla-Tiger project are based on a gold price of $1,650/oz, metallurgical recovery of 95% for gold, and cut-off grades of 0.02 oz/ton gold for the open pit portion of the resources and 0.04 oz/ton gold for the underground portion of the resources.
(30)Resources at the Rackla-Osiris project are based on a gold price of $1,850/oz, metallurgical recovery of 83% for gold, and cut-off grade of 0.03 oz/ton gold for the open pit portion of the resources and 0.06 oz/ton gold for the underground portion of the resources.
Individual Properties
MATERIAL OPERATING PROPERTIES
Greens Creek
We own 100% of the Greens Creek mine, located on Admiralty Island near Juneau in southeast Alaska at 58° 4’57.00”N Latitude, 134°37’57.40”W Longitude (WGS84). 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. We report Greens Creek as a separate segment in our consolidated financial statements. See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Results of Operations - Greens Creek for information on its financial performance.
Greens Creek is within the Admiralty Island National Monument, an environmentally sensitive area. The Greens Creek property includes 440 unpatented lode mining claims, 58 unpatented millsite claims, 21 patented lode claims and one patented millsite. In addition, the Greens Creek site includes properties under lease from the 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 Greens Creek deposit is a volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit with a relatively high precious metal content compared to other deposits of its type. The host rock consists predominantly of marine sedimentary and mafic to ultramafic volcanic and plutonic rocks, which have been subjected to multiple periods of deformation. These deformational episodes imposed intense tectonic fabrics and folds within the rock. The deposits occur at the contact between Mississippian-age mafic meta-volcanic footwall and a hanging wall of Triassic-age argillite and basalt. Extensive hydrothermal alteration occurred within the meta-volcanic footwall prior to and during ore deposition, converting the basalts to sericite-rich, phyllitic schist. At ore deposition, thick and extensive lenses of base and precious metals, with pyrite and barite, formed at the footwall-hanging wall contact. Major sulfide minerals include pyrite, sphalerite, galena, and tetrahedrite/tennantite.
Greens Creek 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:
Greens Creek is an underground mine accessed by a ramp from surface which produces approximately 2,300 to 2,600 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 silver concentrate which contains most of the silver recovered; a zinc concentrate which is low in precious metals content; and a zinc-rich precious metals 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 4 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.
For more information, see Exhibit 96.1, the Technical Report Summary on the Greens Creek Mine, Alaska, U.S.A., prepared for the Company by the Qualified Person under Section 1300 of SEC Regulation S-K ("QP"), SLR International Corporation ("SLR") with an effective date of December 31, 2021.
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 512 employees at Greens Creek at December 31, 2023.
As of December 31, 2023, we have recorded a $39.9 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, 2023. The net book value of the Greens Creek property and its associated plant, equipment and mineral interests was approximately $522.6 million as of December 31, 2023. The vintage of the facilities at Greens Creek ranges from the 1980s to 2023.
The current mine plan at Greens Creek utilizes estimates of reserves and resources for approximately 14 years of production, through 2037.
Information with respect to Greens Creek's production, total cost of sales, 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 mineral reserves for the past three years is set forth in the following table.
Years Ended December 31,
Production
Ore milled (tons)
914,796
881,445
841,967
Silver (ounces)
9,731,752
9,741,935
9,243,222
Gold (ounces)
60,896
48,216
46,088
Zinc (tons)
51,496
52,312
53,648
Lead (tons)
19,578
19,480
19,873
Total cost of sales
$
259,895
$
232,718
$
213,113
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce (1)
$
2.53
$
0.70
$
(0.65
)
AISC, After By-Product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)
$
7.14
$
5.17
$
2.70
Proven Mineral Reserves(2,3,4,5)
Total tons
8,800
6,700
1,900
Silver (ounces per ton)
11.3
16.1
9.6
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.08
0.07
0.08
Zinc (percent)
8.4
5.4
4.5
Lead (percent)
3.5
2.3
1.7
Contained silver (ounces)
99,500
107,500
17,900
Contained gold (ounces)
Contained zinc (tons)
Contained lead (tons)
Probable Mineral Reserves(2,3,4,5)
Total tons
10,008,900
10,667,600
11,073,800
Silver (ounces per ton)
10.5
10.9
11.3
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.09
0.09
0.09
Zinc (percent)
6.6
6.5
6.6
Lead (percent)
2.5
2.5
2.5
Contained silver (ounces)
105,121,700
116,748,100
125,200,900
Contained gold (ounces)
879,700
934,700
945,600
Contained zinc (tons)
657,990
694,800
725,830
Contained lead (tons)
250,270
264,600
282,220
Total Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves(2,3,4,5)
Total tons
10,017,700
10,674,300
11,075,700
Silver (ounces per ton)
10.5
11.0
11.3
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.09
0.09
0.09
Zinc (percent)
6.6
6.5
6.6
Lead (percent)
2.5
2.5
2.5
Contained silver (ounces)
105,221,200
116,855,600
125,218,800
Contained gold (ounces)
880,400
935,100
945,700
Contained zinc (tons)
658,730
695,160
725,910
Contained lead (tons)
250,580
264,750
282,250
(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 Total Costs of Sales (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)Proven and probable mineral 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 NSR, rather than metal grade. The cut-off grade at Greens Creek is $230 per ton NSR for all zones except Gallagher, which has a cutoff grade of $235 per ton NSR. The cut-off grade calculations include costs associated with mining, processing, surface operations, environmental, general administrative, sustaining capital, and royalty charges, if any. Our estimates of proven and probable reserves are based on the following metals prices:
December 31,
Silver (per ounce)
$
17.00
$
17.00
$
17.00
Gold (per ounce)
$
1,600
$
1,600
$
1,600
Lead (per pound)
$
0.90
$
0.90
$
0.90
Zinc (per pound)
$
1.15
$
1.15
$
1.15
(3)Reserves are in-situ materials that incorporate estimates of the amount of waste that must be mined along with the ore and expected mining recovery. The 2023 reserve model assumes average total mill recoveries of 80% for silver, 74% for gold, 89% for zinc and 82% for lead.
(4)The change in reserves in 2023 versus 2022 was due to mining depletion and an increase in cut-off grade due to increased costs. These changes were partially offset by reserve increases from drilling with resources converting to reserves.The change in reserves in 2022 versus 2021 was due to due to data from new drill holes, partially offset by continued depletion of the deposit through production and reclassification of some material to indicated resource given proximity to previously mined areas.
(5)Probable reserves at Greens Creek are based on average drill spacing of 50 to 100 feet. Proven reserves typically require that mining samples for 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 2023 represent stockpiled ore.
Information on in-situ mineral resources for Greens Creek excluding reserves for the past three years is set forth in the following table.
Years Ended December 31,
Measured Resources (1,2,3)
Total tons
-
-
-
Silver (ounces per ton)
-
-
-
Gold (ounces per ton)
-
-
-
Zinc (percent)
-
-
-
Lead (percent)
-
-
-
Silver (ounces)
-
-
-
Gold (ounces)
-
-
-
Zinc (tons)
-
-
-
Lead (tons)
-
-
-
Indicated Resources (1,2,3)
Total tons
8,039,900
8,421,200
8,355,000
Silver (ounces per ton)
13.9
12.9
12.8
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.10
0.10
0.10
Zinc (percent)
8.0
8.0
8.4
Lead (percent)
3.0
2.9
3.0
Silver (ounces)
111,526,000
108,717,200
106,670,300
Gold (ounces)
800,000
810,300
835,900
Zinc (tons)
643,950
675,740
701,520
Lead (tons)
239,250
245,990
250,040
Measured and Indicated Resources (1,2,3)
Total tons
8,039,900
8,421,200
8,355,000
Silver (ounces per ton)
13.9
12.9
12.8
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.10
0.10
0.10
Zinc (percent)
8.0
8.0
8.4
Lead (percent)
3.0
2.9
3.0
Silver (ounces)
111,526,000
108,717,200
106,670,300
Gold (ounces)
800,000
810,300
835,900
Zinc (tons)
643,950
675,740
701,520
Lead (tons)
239,250
245,990
250,040
Inferred Resources (1,2,3)
Total tons
1,929,600
2,383,200
2,151,700
Silver (ounces per ton)
13.4
12.2
12.8
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.08
0.08
0.08
Zinc (percent)
2.9
6.9
6.8
Lead (percent)
6.9
2.8
2.8
Silver (ounces)
25,891,000
28,949,200
27,507,500
Gold (ounces)
154,000
178,100
163,700
Zinc (tons)
133,260
164,080
146,020
Lead (tons)
55,890
67,400
60,140
(1)Mineral resources are based on $1,750/oz for gold, $21.00/oz for silver, $1.15/lb for lead, $1.35/lb for zinc and are reported in-situ and exclusive of mineral reserves.
(2)The resource NSR cut-off grades for Greens Creek are $230/ton for all zones except the Gallagher Zone at $235/ton; metallurgical recoveries (actual 2022): 81% for silver, 72% for gold, 82% for lead and 89% for zinc.
(3)Measured resources were not defined for year-end 2023; indicated resources for silver increased 5% from 2022 given additions from drilling and reclassification of some previously defined reserve material; inferred resources for silver decreased 6% from 2022 given conversion to indicated resources of reserves due to drilling.
Lucky Friday
We have owned and operated the Lucky Friday mine since 1958, which we have wholly owned since 1964. Lucky Friday is a deep underground silver, lead and zinc mine located in the Coeur d’Alene Mining District in northern Idaho at 47°28'15.70”N Latitude, 115°47'0.44”W Longitude (WGS84). Lucky Friday is one-quarter mile east of Mullan, Idaho, and is adjacent to U.S. Interstate 90. We report Lucky Friday as a separate segment in our consolidated financial statements. See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Results of Operations - Lucky Friday for information on its financial performance.
The Lucky Friday mine is comprised of 710 acres consisting of 43 patented mining claims and fee lands and 535 acres consisting of 53 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. Below is a map illustrating the location and access to Lucky Friday:
The principal mineral-bearing structure at the Lucky Friday Mine through 1997 was the Lucky Friday Vein, a fissure vein typical of many in the Coeur d’Alene Mining District. The Revett Formation (quartzite) of late Precambrian age hosts the productive portion of the vein. The Lucky Friday Vein strikes northeast and dips nearly vertical 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 zone in, and along the Lucky Friday Vein. In 1991, Hecla discovered several mineralized veins containing some high-grade silver ores in the Gold Hunter property, located about 5,000 feet northwest of the Lucky Friday Vein workings. Hecla finished a feasibility study in 1997 and achieved full production in 1998. The Gold Hunter veins are hosted in a 200-foot-thick siliceous lens within the Wallace Formation (quartzite, limestone, and argillite) that transitions to the St Regis Formation (quartzite and argillite) below the 5900-level. The veins are sub-parallel, and perhaps ‘en-echelon’ along strike and dip. The strike of the vein system is west-northwest with a dip of 85 degrees to the south. While the veins share many characteristics with the Lucky Friday Vein, there are some mineralogical and rock mechanics differences that currently make mining at Gold Hunter more attractive.
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 Lucky Friday consist of underhand systems with integral paste fill and varying degrees of mechanization. In 2021, we tested and implemented the underhand closed bench ("UCB") mining method. The UCB method is a new and patented productive mining method developed by Hecla for proactive control of fault-slip seismicity in deep, high-stress, narrow-vein mining. The method uses bench drilling and blasting methods to fragment significant vertical and lateral extents of the vein beneath a top cut taken along the strike of the vein and under engineered backfill. The method is accomplished without the use of drop raises or lower mucking drives which may result in local stress concentrations and increased exposure to seismic events. Large blasts using up to 35,000 lbs. of pumped emulsion and programmable electronic detonators fragment up to 350 feet of strike length to a depth of approximately
30 feet. These large blasts proactively induce fault-slip seismicity at the time of the blast and shortly after it. This blasted corridor is then mined underhand for two cuts. As these cuts are mined, little to no blasting is done to advance them. Dilution is controlled by supporting the hanging wall and footwall as the mining progresses through the blasted ore. The entire cycle repeats and stoping advances downdip, under fill, and in a destressed zone. The method allows for greater control of fault-slip seismic events significantly improving safety. In conjunction, a notable productivity increase has been achieved by reducing seismic delays and utilizing bulk mining activities. In 2023, 2022 and 2021, 87%, 88% and 86%, respectively of the tons mined were produced through the UCB method. The underhand cut and fill method was also utilized in 2023, 2022 and 2021. Under this method, 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. Both methods utilize rubber-tired equipment to access the veins through ramps developed outside of the ore body.
Ore at Lucky Friday is processed using a conventional lead/zinc flotation flowsheet, and the plant capacity currently is estimated at 1,165 tons per day. During August 2023, the mine was suspended while repairing an unused station in the #2 ventilation shaft, which is also the secondary egress. The operation remained suspended due to a fire at the unused station. By early September, the fire had been extinguished, normal ventilation was reestablished and the workforce recalled. Following evaluation of alternatives, it was determined that in order to safely bring the mine back into production in the most rapid and cost effective way, a new secondary egress would be developed to bypass the damaged portion of the #2 shaft. The new egress includes extension of an existing ramp 1,600 feet, installation of a 290-foot-long manway raise, and development of an 850 foot ventilation raise. Prior to the suspension, ore was processed at an average rate of approximately 1,056 tons per day, and total mill recovery was approximately 96% for silver, 95% for lead and 85% for zinc during 2023.
For more information, see Exhibit 96.2, the Technical Report Summary on the Lucky Friday Mine, Idaho, U.S.A., prepared for the Company by the QP, SLR, with an effective date of December 31, 2021.
At December 31, 2023, there were 386 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 275 hourly employees as of December 31, 2023. During early January 2023, the bargaining agent ratified a six year labor agreement that expires in May 2029. Following a strike that started in March 2017 and ended in early January 2020, re-staffing of the mine and ramp-up activities were completed during 2020, with a return to full production starting in the fourth quarter of 2020.
As of December 31, 2023, we have recorded a $12.0 million asset retirement obligation for reclamation and closure costs. The net book value of the Lucky Friday property and its associated plant, equipment and mineral interests was approximately $562.3 million as of December 31, 2023. The vintage of the facilities at Lucky Friday ranges from the 1950s to 2023.
The current mine plan at Lucky Friday utilizes estimates of reserves and resources for approximately 19 years of production, through 2042.
Information with respect to the Lucky Friday’s production, total cost of sales, average Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce, AISC, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce, and proven and probable in -situ mineral reserves for the past three years is set forth in the table below.
Years Ended December 31,
Production
Ore milled (tons)
231,129
356,907
321,837
Silver (ounces)
3,086,119
4,412,764
3,564,128
Lead (tons)
19,543
29,233
23,137
Zinc (tons)
7,944
12,436
9,969
Total cost of sales
$
84,185
$
116,598
$
97,538
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce (1)
$
5.51
$
5.06
$
6.60
AISC, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce (1)
$
12.21
$
12.86
$
14.34
Proven Mineral Reserves(2,3,4)
Total tons
5,298,600
4,734,200
4,690,700
Silver (ounces per ton)
12.8
13.8
13.9
Lead (percent)
8.0
8.6
8.4
Zinc (percent)
3.8
3.7
3.4
Contained silver (ounces)
67,594,600
64,637,800
65,313,300
Contained lead (tons)
424,080
404,160
395,290
Contained zinc (tons)
201,280
174,510
159,360
Probable Mineral Reserves(2,3,4)
Total tons
965,500
840,100
765,400
Silver (ounces per ton)
10.8
12.8
12.3
Lead (percent)
7.1
8.1
7.5
Zinc (percent)
2.9
3.2
2.8
Contained silver (ounces)
10,410,500
9,978,200
9,386,000
Contained lead (tons)
68,320
63,510
57,160
Contained zinc (tons)
28,100
25,030
21,650
Total Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves(2,3,4)
Total tons
6,264,100
5,574,300
5,456,100
Silver (ounces per ton)
12.5
13.4
13.7
Lead (percent)
7.9
8.4
8.3
Zinc (percent)
3.7
3.6
3.3
Contained silver (ounces)
78,005,100
74,616,000
74,699,300
Contained lead (tons)
492,400
467,670
452,450
Contained zinc (tons)
229,380
199,540
181,010
(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 Total cost of sales (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)Proven and probable mineral 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 NSR, rather than metal grade. The reserve NSR cut-off values for Lucky Friday are $241.34/ton for the 30 Vein and $268.67/ton for the Intermediate Veins. The cut-off grade calculations include costs associated with mining, processing, surface operations, environmental, general administrative, and sustaining capital. Our estimates of proven and probable reserves are based on the following metals prices:
December 31,
Silver (per ounce)
$
17.00
$
17.00
$
17.00
Lead (per pound)
$
0.90
$
0.90
$
0.90
Zinc (per pound)
$
1.15
$
1.15
$
1.15
(3)Reserves are in-situ materials that incorporate estimates of the amount of waste that must be mined along with the ore and expected mining recovery. The 2023 reserve model was based on the Net Smelter Return values incorporating smelter terms and metal recoveries to the various concentrates. The average total mill recoveries for 2023 were 96% for silver, 95% for lead and 85% for zinc.
(4)The change in reserves in 2023 from 2022 was due to mining depletion offset by drilling increases on the 30 Vein off the 7500 level and drilling and reinterpretation of the mineral zone across the silver along the western edge of the Gold Hunter zone. The change in reserves in 2022 from 2021 was due to inclusion of definition drilling information and additional reserve optimization and resource conversion, partially offset by depletion of the deposit through production and changes due to increases to the NSR cut-off value given increased operating costs.
Information on in-situ mineral resources excluding mineral reserves for Lucky Friday for the past three years is set forth in the following table.
Years Ended December 31,
Measured Resources (1,2,3)
Total tons
5,325,500
6,237,300
8,652,500
Silver (ounces per ton)
8.6
7.8
7.6
Lead (percent)
5.6
5.4
4.9
Zinc (percent)
2.8
2.6
2.5
Silver (ounces)
45,784,900
48,550,600
65,752,300
Lead (tons)
299,360
335,850
425,100
Zinc (tons)
146,420
161,000
213,480
Indicated Resources (1,2,3)
Total tons
1,011,000
1,193,800
1,840,500
Silver (ounces per ton)
8.1
8.0
7.6
Lead (percent)
6.0
5.4
5.1
Zinc (percent)
2.7
2.2
2.4
Silver (ounces)
8,135,700
9,581,300
14,010,000
Lead (tons)
60,200
64,390
93,140
Zinc (tons)
26,910
26,200
44,120
Measured and Indicated Resources (1,2,3)
Total tons
6,336,500
7,431,100
10,493,000
Silver (ounces per ton)
8.5
7.8
7.6
Lead (percent)
5.7
5.4
4.9
Zinc (percent)
2.7
2.5
2.5
Silver (ounces)
53,920,600
58,131,900
79,762,300
Lead (tons)
359,560
400,240
518,240
Zinc (tons)
173,330
187,200
257,600
Inferred Resources (1,2,3)
Total tons
3,600,000
3,591,600
5,376,900
Silver (ounces per ton)
7.8
8.7
7.8
Lead (percent)
5.9
6.3
5.8
Zinc (percent)
2.8
2.4
2.4
Silver (ounces)
27,933,900
31,263,800
41,871,500
Lead (tons)
211,340
224,670
311,850
Zinc (tons)
100,630
84,700
129,600
(1)Mineral resources are based on $21.00/oz for silver, $1.15/lb for lead, $1.35/lb for zinc and are reported in-situ and exclusive of mineral reserves.
(2)The resource NSR cut-off values for Lucky Friday are $200.57/ton for the 30 Vein, $227.90/ton for the Intermediate Veins and $198.48/ton for the Lucky Friday Vein; metallurgical recoveries (actual 2023): 96% for silver, 95% for lead and 85% for zinc. The cut-off grade calculations include costs associated with mining, processing, surface operations, environmental, general administrative, and sustaining capital.
(3)Measured and indicated resources for silver declined 7% from 2022 given conversion to mineral reserves; inferred silver resources decreased 11% from 2022 given some conversion to indicated resources and reserves.
Keno Hill
The Keno Hill unit is located in the central Yukon Territory, Canada, and covers an area of approximately 15,000 hectares in central Yukon (63° 54' 32" N, 135° 19’ 18” W; NTS 105M/14 and 105M/13). The operations are located in the traditional territory of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun (FNNND). We report Keno as a separate segment in our consolidated financial statements. See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Results of Operations - Keno Hill for information on its financial performance.
The total Hecla Keno Hill mineral claims as of December 31, 2023, covers an area of 238.12 km2 and comprises 717 quartz mining leases, 867 quartz mining claims and two Crown Grants. Below is a map illustrating the location and access to Keno Hill:
The Keno Hill property is a polymetallic silver-lead-zinc vein district with characteristics similar to other well-known mining districts in the world. Examples of this type of mineralization include the Kokanee Range (Slocan), British Columbia; Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Freiberg and the Harz Mountains, Germany; and Príbram, Czech Republic.
The local geology is dominated by the Mississippian Keno Hill Quartzite comprising the Basal Quartzite Member and conformably overlying Sourdough Hill Member. Silver predominantly occurs in argentiferous galena and argentiferous tetrahedrite (freibergite). In some assemblages, silver is also found as native silver, in polybasite, stephanite, and pyrargyrite. Lead occurs in galena and zinc in sphalerite. Other sulfides include pyrite, pyrrhotite, arsenopyrite, and chalcopyrite. In general, common gangue minerals include siderite and, to a lesser extent, quartz, and calcite.
Keno Hill ore is mined with a mechanized cut and fill method ("MCF"). Where the ore width is wider than can be safely extracted in one cut, the ore will be mined in adjacent drifts. Lenses are predominantly mined in a bottom-up sequence and filled with cemented rock fill ("CRF") with a 3%-8% binder content. CRF is used to introduce temporary sill levels or to fill initial drifts when multiple adjacent drifts are required. Temporary sill levels form a sequence interrupting pillar which allows for multiple mining fronts to be active on one lens at a time. The remainder of the lifts will be backfilled with unconsolidated rock fill ("URF"). This mining method was chosen due to the narrow steeply dipping nature of the mineral bodies and to maximize safety and productivity. The various deposits require the use of mining methods that can adequately support the vein and that are flexible and selective while minimizing the direct mining costs. In the MCF method, an attack ramp is developed from the main ramp at a gradient of -15%. Upon reaching the orebody, an intersection is developed, and a lift is developed in both directions along strike, following the geological contact of the orebody. At the end of the lens, the void is backfilled using a Load Haul Dump ("LHD") machine. The LHD utilizes a bulldozer-like plate to push waste tight to the back of the drift. Once the level has been completely backfilled, the next lift above the previously mined lift is accessed by slashing down the back of the attack ramp and working off the muck pile/horizon. MCF drift sizes are on average 3.5 meters high x 3.5 meters wide. For areas wider than development equipment, a second parallel drift will be mined beside the backfilled drift to fully extract the material prior to accessing the lift above. In this situation, the first drift will be completely backfilled with cemented rock fill to ensure a stable wall to allow adjacent mining activity. The lifts are generally sequenced from the bottom-up within each panel.
The Keno Hill mill is based on a conventional sequential flotation process producing silver and zinc concentrates. The silver concentrates are high in lead which typically accounts for approximately 90% to 95% of the mill feed silver values since given that is strongly associated with lead minerals. Overall, silver represents 70% to 80% of the value of the ores in the District.
For more information, see Exhibit 96.4, the Technical Report Summary on the Keno Hill Operations, Yukon, Canada, prepared for the Company by Mining Plus Canada Ltd. with an effective date of December 31, 2023.
At December 31, 2023, there were 255 employees at Keno Hill.
As of December 31, 2023, we have recorded a $3.4 million asset retirement obligation for reclamation and closure costs. The net book value of the Keno Hill property and its associated plant, equipment and mineral interests was approximately $335.7 million as of December 31, 2023. The active infrastructure in place at Keno Hill ranges from the 1980s to 2023.
The current mine plan at Keno Hill utilizes estimates of reserves and resources for approximately 11 years of production, through 2034.
Information with respect to the Keno Hill’s production and proven and probable in -situ mineral reserves for the past two years is set forth in the table below. Information with respect to Keno Hill’s average Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce, AISC, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce were not reported as the mine has not reached commercial production. At the time the mine reaches commercial production, these metrics will be reported, as until this time costs are allocated to total cost of sales to the extent there are sales.
Years Ended December 31,
Production
Ore milled (tons)
56,331
-
-
Silver (ounces)
1,502,577
-
-
Lead (tons)
1,225
-
-
Zinc (tons)
1,139
-
-
Proven Mineral Reserves(2,3,4)
Total tons
-
-
-
Silver (ounces per ton)
-
-
-
Gold (ounces per ton)
Lead (percent)
-
-
-
Zinc (percent)
-
-
-
Contained silver (ounces)
-
-
-
Contained gold (ounces)
-
-
-
Contained lead (tons)
-
-
-
Contained zinc (tons)
-
-
-
Probable Mineral Reserves(2,3,4)
Total tons
2,069,400
2,196,900
-
Silver (ounces per ton)
26.6
22.5
-
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.01
0.01
-
Lead (percent)
2.8
2.4
-
Zinc (percent)
2.5
2.2
-
Contained silver (ounces)
55,068,000
49,472,600
-
Contained gold (ounces)
13,400
13,000
-
Contained lead (tons)
58,170
52,530
-
Contained zinc (tons)
52,380
49,310
-
Total Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves(2,3,4)
Total tons
2,069,400
2,196,900
-
Silver (ounces per ton)
26.6
22.5
-
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.01
0.01
-
Lead (percent)
2.8
2.4
-
Zinc (percent)
2.5
2.2
-
Contained silver (ounces)
55,068,000
49,472,600
-
Contained gold (ounces)
13,400
13,000
-
Contained lead (tons)
58,170
52,530
-
Contained zinc (tons)
52,380
49,310
-
(1)Proven and probable mineral 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 Keno Hill, the cutoff grade is expressed in terms of NSR, rather than metal grade. The reserve NSR cut-off values for Keno Hill are $244.24/ton The cut-off grade calculations include costs associated with mining, processing, surface
operations, environmental, general administrative, and sustaining capital. Our estimates of proven and probable reserves are based on the following metals prices:
December 31,
Silver (per ounce)
$
17.00
Lead (per pound)
$
0.90
Zinc (per pound)
$
1.15
(2)Reserves are in-situ materials that incorporate estimates of the amount of waste that must be mined along with the ore and expected mining recovery. The 2023 reserve model assumes average total mill recoveries of 96% for silver, 93% for lead and 72% for zinc.
(3)The change in change in silver reserves in 2023 from 2022 was due to inclusion of definition drilling information and additional reserve optimization and resource conversion based on a new geological/mineral zone interpretation, partially offset by depletion of the deposit 	through production.
Information on in-situ mineral resources excluding mineral reserves for Keno Hill for the past two years is set forth in the following table.
Years Ended December 31,
Measured Resources (1,2,3)
Total tons
-
-
Silver (ounces per ton)
-
-
Gold (ounces per ton)
Lead (percent)
-
-
Zinc (percent)
-
-
Silver (ounces)
-
-
Gold (ounces)
Lead (tons)
-
-
Zinc (tons)
-
-
Indicated Resources (1,2,3)
Total tons
4,504,200
4,061,200
Silver (ounces per ton)
7.5
8.0
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.01
0.01
Lead (percent)
0.9
1.0
Zinc (percent)
3.5
4.0
Silver (ounces)
33,926,400
32,287,500
Gold (ounces)
26,200
28,500
Lead (tons)
41,120
39,540
Zinc (tons)
157,350
163,130
Measured and Indicated Resources (1,2,3)
Total tons
4,504,200
4,061,200
Silver (ounces per ton)
7.5
8.0
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.01
0.01
Lead (percent)
0.9
1.0
Zinc (percent)
3.5
4.0
Silver (ounces)
33,926,400
32,287,500
Gold (ounces)
26,200
28,500
Lead (tons)
41,120
39,540
Zinc (tons)
157,350
163,130
Inferred Resources (1,2,3)
Total tons
2,835,900
2,440,600
Silver (ounces per ton)
11.2
10.4
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.003
0.003
Lead (percent)
1.1
0.9
Zinc (percent)
1.8
2.1
Silver (ounces)
31,790,500
25,477,800
Gold (ounces)
8,600
7,900
Lead (tons)
32,040
22,380
Zinc (tons)
51,870
51,000
(1)Mineral resources are based on $21.00/oz for silver, $1.15/lb for lead, $1.35/lb for zinc and are reported in-situ and exclusive of mineral reserves.
(2)The resource NSR cut-off values for Keno Hill are $129.10/ton ; metallurgical recoveries (actual 2023): 95% for silver, 95% for lead and 88% for zinc. The cut-off grade calculations include costs associated with mining and processing.
(3)Measured and indicated resources for silver increased 5% and inferred silver resources increased 25% from 2022 given additional definition drilling and updated geology/mineral zone interpretation.
Casa Berardi
We have wholly owned and operated Casa Berardi since June 2013. Casa Berardi is located 95 kilometers north of La Sarre in the Abitibi Region of northwestern Quebec, Canada at 49°34'0.72”N Latitude, 79°15'56.05”W Longitude (WGS84). The property borders Ontario to the west and covers parts of Casa Berardi, Dieppe, Raymond, D'Estrees, and Puiseaux townships. We report Casa Berardi as a separate segment in our consolidated financial statements. See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Results of Operations - Casa Berardi for information on its financial performance.
The Casa Berardi Property is in the northern part of the Abitibi Sub province, a subdivision of the Superior Province, the Archean core of the Canadian Shield. The regional geology is characterized by a mixed assemblage of mafic volcanic rocks, flysch-type sedimentary rocks, iron formation, and graphitic mudstone that are limited by a large granodioritic to granitic batholith. Structurally, the property is enclosed in the Casa Berardi Tectonic Zone, a 15 km wide corridor that can be traced over 200 km. Mineralized zones are closely associated with the Casa Berardi Fault and are found on both sides of the fault and are currently restricted to a 500 m wide corridor. Gold mineralization is primarily located in quartz veining in the form of veins of 1 m to multi-meter widths, small-scale veins, or veinlet networks/stockworks. Veins contain only minor sulfides (1% to 3%); sulfides include arsenopyrite, pyrite, and traces of sphalerite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, tetrahedrite, galena, and gold. Arsenopyrite is the main gold-bearing sulfide present in all veins of the deposit
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:
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 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 a 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 2023, the mill processed 1,446,488 tons, for an average of 3,963 tons per day.
For more information, see Exhibit 96.3, the Technical Report Summary on the Casa Berardi Mine, Northwestern Québec, Canada, prepared for the Company by the QP, RESPEC with an effective date of December 31, 2023.
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 497 employees at Casa Berardi at December 31, 2023. 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 resources for approximately 14 years of production to 2037, and includes anticipated production from both the underground and open pit mine areas.
The net book value of the Casa Berardi property and its associated plant, equipment and mineral interests was approximately $624.5 million as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, we have recorded a $11.2 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’s production, total cost of sales, average Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce, AISC, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce, and proven and probable in-situ mineral reserves for the past three years is set forth in the table below.
Year Ended December 31,
Production
Ore milled (tons)
1,446,488
1,588,739
1,528,246
Gold (ounces)
90,363
127,590
134,511
Silver (ounces)
22,415
28,289
33,571
Total cost of sales
$
221,341
$
248,898
$
229,829
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce (1)
$
1,652
$
1,478
$
1,125
AISC, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce (1)
$
2,048
$
1,825
$
1,399
Proven Mineral Reserves(2,3,4)
Total tons
4,294,900
4,961,400
5,685,600
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.09
0.10
0.11
Contained gold (ounces)
386,100
512,300
596,300
Probable Mineral Reserves(2,3,4)
Total tons
11,559,400
13,422,600
15,065,800
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.08
0.08
0.08
Contained gold (ounces)
884,400
1,101,600
1,187,700
Total Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves(2,3,4)
Total tons
15,854,300
18,384,000
20,751,400
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.08
0.09
0.09
Contained gold (ounces)
1,270,500
1,613,900
1,784,000
(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)Proven and probable mineral 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 average cutoff grade at Casa Berardi is 0.11 ounces per ton for underground reserves and 0.03 ounces per ton for open pit reserves. Our estimates of proven and probable reserves are based on the prices of $1,650 per gold ounce for open pit and $1,850 per gold ounce for underground in 2023 and $1,600 per gold ounce for all reserves in 2022 and 2021.
(3)Reserves are in-situ materials that incorporate estimates of the amount of waste that must be mined along with the ore and expected mining recovery. The 2023 reserve model assumes average total mill recoveries for gold of approximately 85% for reserves.
(4)The significant change in reserves from 2023 compared to 2022 (-21%) was due to economic operational decisions to close the East Mine underground, economic re-evaluation of the underground reserves in the West Mine, and the initiation of the transition from underground to entirely open pit mine production. The change in reserves in 2022 compared to 2021 resulted from inclusion of definition drilling information, partially offset by depletion of the deposit through production and an increase of the cut-off grade given increased operating costs.
Information on in-situ mineral resources excluding minerals reserves for Casa Berardi for the past three years is set forth in the following table.
Years Ended December 31,
Measured Resources (1,2,3)
Total tons
1,166,300
2,922,400
2,368,100
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.20
0.19
0.15
Gold (ounces)
235,900
549,700
355,200
Indicated Resources (1,2,3)
Total tons
3,359,400
5,193,300
5,396,000
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.18
0.14
0.13
Gold (ounces)
607,400
707,800
699,200
Measured and Indicated Resources (1,2,3)
Total tons
4,525,700
8,115,700
7,764,100
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.19
0.16
0.14
Gold (ounces)
843,300
1,257,500
1,054,400
Inferred Resources (1,2,3)
Total tons
1,475,100
10,049,200
10,125,700
Gold (ounces per ton)
0.22
0.08
0.08
Gold (ounces)
331,600
819,800
790,500
(1)Mineral resources are based on $1,750/oz for gold and a USD/CAD exchange rate: 1:1.3 and are reported in-situ and exclusive of mineral reserves.
(2)The average resource cut-off grades at Casa Berardi are 0.12 oz/ton gold for underground and 0.03 oz/ton for open pit; metallurgical recovery (actual 2023): 85% for gold.
(3)Measured and indicated mineral gold resources decreased 33% and inferred gold resources decreased 60% over 2022 given economic operational decisions to backfill open pits in the East Mine with overburden materials and mill tailings and the resultant sterilization of resource materials beneath the open pits.
Internal Controls on Exploration and Development Drilling Programs
Exploration and development drilling programs are performed using Industry Standard quality control methods for drilling, sampling, and analytical procedures. Standard operating procedure manuals for geology logging, sampling, and assaying are kept at the operations and updated as required. A secure sample chain-of-custody is established to promote the security of samples during transport from the projects to the analytical facilities. All primary analytical laboratories are ISO 9001 certified and sample preparation and analytical procedures are Industry Standard methods for the metals of interest.
Sample batches sent for analysis are controlled by a system of reference samples of known grade inserted into the sample stream and other control samples. Coarse and fine ‘blank,’ sterile, sample materials are used to monitor contamination at the sample preparation
and analytical stages; Standard Reference Materials (“SRM”) of known grades are used to measure accuracy of the analytical results; and pulp duplicate samples and coarse reject duplicate samples are used to monitor precision of the analytical results. Blanks and SRM are inserted according to the analytical batch size and overall number of samples but normally result in a 1:10 to 1:20 insertion rate. Duplicate samples are inserted or requested using a similar 1:10 to 1:20 inclusion rate. As a final measure of assay quality, 5% to 10% of the original samples are sent to a second analytical laboratory for check analysis. Periodically, the Company retains experts to perform audits of the commercial laboratories used in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The main operating properties store data in SQL-based relational database utilities with built-in logic checks that are implemented as new data is imported. Accurate data entry into the database is confirmed by verification upon data entry/import and again before use in final geology interpretation and resource modeling with checks of new data collected during yearly drilling programs.
Geology and mineral control interpretations, grade estimation parameters, grade and density models, reserve estimation parameters, and modifying factors are peer reviewed within the company. Resource grade models are validated using Industry Standard methods and appropriate documentation and reporting are completed to summarize methods and results. All resource and reserve tabulations at the operations are approved by the local management, with their own sets of controls, and then are compiled by the corporate office which also performs its own set of checks on the final numbers.
All personnel responsible for the management of mineral resource and mineral reserve modeling and approval and reporting of mineral resource and mineral reserve statements are Qualified Persons with relevant experience in the type of mineralization and deposit under consideration and in the specific type of activity undertaken for the company. All are eligible members or licensees in good standing of a recognized professional organization based on their academic qualifications and experience and comply with professional standards of competence and ethics. We encourage continuing professional development and training for current Qualified Persons as well as others in the Company to develop other Qualified Persons within the various departments.
As projects advance toward development and production, data density and the geological understanding of the mineral deposit increases. The Company’s internal controls limit some risk in the resource estimation process, but there is inherent risk in resource modeling due to mineral deposit heterogeneity, sample size and distribution, mining style and mining factor assumptions, and mineral processing issues. Independent audits of reserve models from an outside specialist are arranged on a periodic basis for an operating property. The senior technical staff can also determine when changes in mineral resource and reserve models or negative mine reconciliations are material and recommend internal or external auditing of the models and modifying factors.

---

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
For a discussion of our legal proceedings, see Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

---

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

---

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 9, 2024, there were 2,859 stockholders of record of our common stock.
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2023 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
12,756,250
Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors
-
N/A
2,165,894
Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan
-
N/A
1,665,037
Total
-
N/A
16,587,181
See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the above plans.
For the years 2023, 2022 and 2021, we issued shares of our common stock on multiple occasions to three of our employee benefit plans in order to fund our obligations under those plans. Each issuance was made pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of that Act and, except for the October 16, 2023 and October 14, 2022 contributions, was followed by the filing of a shelf registration statement on SEC Form S-3 allowing for the public resales of those shares. We did not receive any cash proceeds from any of the above issuances of shares of common stock. The issuances were as follows:
Date
Purchaser
Number of Shares
Value of Shares at Issuance ($)
October 16, 2023
Hecla Mining Company Pre-2005 Supplemental Excess Retirement Plan and the Hecla Mining Company Post-2004 Supplemental Excess Retirement Plan ("SERP")
200,000
$0.8 million
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan Trust (“Hecla Plan”)
45,000
$0.2 million
Lucky Friday Pension Plan Trust (“Lucky Friday Plan”)
4,500
$0.0 million
October 14, 2022
SERP
1,000,000
$4.2 million
May 19, 2022
Hecla Plan
900,000
$4.2 million
Lucky Friday Plan
290,000
$1.3 million
September 22, 2021
Hecla Plan
900,000
$4.9 million
Lucky Friday Plan
100,000
$0.5 million
January 27, 2021
SERP
3,500,000
$16.8 million
The following performance graph compares the performance of our common stock during the period beginning December 31, 2018 and ending December 31, 2023 to the S&P 500 and the Philadelphia Gold and Silver Index. The graph assumes a $100 investment in our common stock and in each of the indexes at the beginning of the period, and a reinvestment of dividends paid on such investments on a quarterly basis throughout the period.
Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total Return
Among Hecla Mining Company, the S&P 500, and the Philadelphia Gold and Silver Index
Date
Hecla Mining
S&P 500
S&P 500
Gold Index
December 2018
$
100.00
$
100.00
$
100.00
December 2019
143.96
130.99
116.68
December 2020
275.87
151.99
109.46
December 2021
223.83
192.90
149.92
December 2022
239.37
155.57
162.99
December 2023
$
208.16
$
191.57
$
143.09
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 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. We made no purchases of our outstanding common stock during the year ended December 31, 2023.

---

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Res erved
Not applicable

---

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) provides information that management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Hecla Mining Company and its subsidiaries (collectively the “Company,” “our,” or “we”). We use certain non-GAAP financial performance measures in our MD&A. For a detailed description of these measures, please see “Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures” at the end of this item. This item should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in this annual report.
Overview
Established in 1891, we are the oldest operating precious metals mining company in the United States. We are the largest silver producer in the United States, producing over 45% of 2022 U.S. silver production at our Greens Creek and Lucky Friday operations. We also produce gold at our Casa Berardi and Greens Creek operations. In addition, we are developing the Keno Hill mine in the Yukon Territory, Canada which we acquired in September 2022. We began ramp-up of the Keno Hill mill during the second quarter of 2023, with production commencing in June 2023. Based upon the jurisdictions in which we operate, we believe we have lower political and economic risk compared to other mining companies whose mines are located in other parts of the world. Our current exploration interests are located in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Our operating and strategic framework is based on expanding our production and locating and developing new resource potential in a safe and responsible manner.
Acquisition of ATAC Resources Ltd.
On July 7, 2023, we completed the acquisition of ATAC Resources Ltd. ("ATAC"), a Canadian publicly traded company, for total consideration of approximately $19.4 million through the issuance of 3,676,904 shares of Hecla common stock to ATAC shareholders based on the share exchange ratio of 0.0166 Hecla share for each ATAC common share, and $0.6 million of acquisition costs. The acquisition was deemed to be an asset acquisition under GAAP as substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired was concentrated in a single asset group being mineral interests. The total consideration was assigned to the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with $18.1 million assigned to mineral interests. As part of the acquisition, we also acquired 5,502,956 units consisting of (i) shares of Cascadia Minerals Ltd. (“Cascadia”) representing a 19.9% stake, and (ii) full warrants with a five-year term for a CAD$2 million cash investment in Cascadia. Cascadia will be managed by the former management of ATAC, who will explore specific properties in the Yukon and British Columbia. We have the right to appoint two directors to Cascadia’s board.
2023 Highlights
Operational:
•Produced 14.3 million ounces of silver and 151,259 ounces of gold. See Consolidated Results of Operations below for information on total cost of sales and cash costs and AISC, after by-product credits, per silver and gold ounce for 2023, 2022 and 2021.
•Keno Hill produced 1.5 million ounces of silver, with the Bermingham deposit achieving the highest mined tonnage in December; initiated a safety action plan to build a strong operational foundation at the mine.
•Continued our trend of strong safety performance, as our All Injury Frequency Rate (“AIFR”) for 2023 was 1.45.
Financial:
•Reported sales of $720.2 million.
•Generated $75.5 million in net cash provided by operating activities. See the Financial Liquidity and Capital Resources section below for further discussion.
•Made capital expenditures (excluding lease additions and other non-cash items) of approximately $223.9 million, including $70.1 million at Casa Berardi, $43.5 million at Greens Creek, $65.3 million at Lucky Friday, and $44.7 million at Keno Hill.
•Returned $15.7 million to our stockholders through dividend payments.
Our average realized prices for silver, gold and lead increased in 2023 compared to 2022 while zinc decreased. Our average realized gold price increased while our realized price for silver, lead and zinc prices decreased in 2022 compared to 2021. See the Consolidated Results of Operations section below for information on our average realized metals prices for 2023, 2022 and 2021. 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.
See the Consolidated Results of Operations section below for a discussion of the factors impacting income applicable to common stockholders for the three years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Key Issues Impacting our Business
Our current business strategy is to focus our financial and human resources in the following areas:
•executing value enhancing transactions, such as with the recently completed ATAC acquisition;
•advancing the development and ramp up of the Keno Hill mine with the anticipation of commencement of commercial production before the end of 2024;
•operating our properties safely, in an environmentally responsible and cost-effective manner;
•maintaining and investing in exploration and pre-development projects in the vicinities of mining districts and projects we believe to be under-explored and under-invested: Greens Creek 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; in the vicinity of our Casa Berardi mine and the Heva-Hosco project in the Abitibi region of northwestern Quebec, Canada; our projects located in two districts in Nevada; our projects in the Keno Hill mining district in the Yukon Territory, Canada; northwestern Montana; the Creede district of southwestern Colorado; the Kinskuch project in British Columbia, Canada; and the Republic Mining District in Washington state;
•improving operations at each of our mines, which includes incurring costs for new technologies and equipment;
•expanding our proven and probable reserves, mineral resources and production capacity at our properties;
•conducting our business with financial stewardship to preserve our financial position in varying metals price and operational environments;
•advancing permitting of the Libby Exploration project in Montana; and
•seeking opportunities to acquire and invest in mining and exploration properties and companies.
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 seek to implement reasonable best practices with respect to mine safety and emergency preparedness. We respond to issues outlined in investigations and inspections by MSHA, the Commission of Labor Standards, Pay Equity and Occupational Health and Safety in Quebec, the Workers' Safety and Compensation Board in the Yukon and the Mexico Ministry of Economy and Mining and continue to evaluate our safety practices. There can be no assurance that our practices will mitigate or eliminate all safety risks. 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.
A number of key factors may impact the execution of our strategy, including regulatory issues, metals prices and inflationary pressures on input costs. Metals prices can be very volatile and are influenced by a number of factors beyond our control (except on a limited basis through the use of derivative contracts). See Item 7. Critical Accounting Estimates and Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. While we believe longer-term 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 and other factors can pose a significant challenge to our ability to access credit and equity markets, should we need to do so. 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) from time to time zinc and lead that we forecast for future concentrate shipments. In addition, we have in place a $150 million revolving credit agreement, with an option to be increased in an aggregate amount not to exceed $75 million. As of December 31, 2023, $6.9 million was used for letters of credit, and $128.0 million was drawn on the facility leaving approximately $15.1 million available for borrowing.
Another challenge for us is the risk associated with environmental litigation and ongoing reclamation activities. As described in Item 1A. Risk Factors and in Note 16 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 and resource estimation is a major risk inherent in mining. Our reserve and resource estimates, which underlie (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 and resources must be considered as estimates. Our reserves are depleted as we mine. Reserves and resources can also change as a result of changes in economic and operating assumptions. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - Our mineral reserve and resource estimates may be imprecise.
Consolidated Results of Operations
Total metal sales for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, and the approximate variances attributed to differences in metals prices, sales volumes and smelter terms, were as follows:
(in thousands)
Silver
Gold
Base metals
Less: smelter and refining charges
Total sales of products
$
293,646
$
362,037
$
200,723
$
(48,933
)
$
807,473
Variances - 2022 versus 2021:
Price
(45,590
)
(3,710
)
(1,270
)
(49,894
)
Volume
17,089
(63,719
)
9,428
(2,172
)
(39,374
)
Smelter terms
(91
)
(84
)
-
265,054
298,910
206,441
(51,973
)
718,432
Variances - 2023 versus 2022:
Price
19,682
18,044
(2,897
)
(624
)
34,205
Volume
17,548
(42,343
)
(14,586
)
(39,233
)
Smelter terms
-
-
-
1,540
1,540
$
302,284
$
274,611
$
188,958
$
(50,909
)
$
714,944
Average market and realized metals prices for 2023, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
Average price for the year ended December 31,
Silver
Realized price per ounce
$
23.33
$
21.53
$
25.24
London PM Fix ($/ounce)
23.39
21.75
25.17
Gold
Realized price per ounce
1,939
1,803
1,796
London PM Fix ($/ounce)
1,943
1,801
1,800
Lead
Realized price per pound
1.03
1.01
1.03
LME Final Cash Buyer ($/pound)
0.97
0.98
1.00
Zinc
Realized price per pound
1.35
1.41
1.44
LME Final Cash Buyer ($/pound)
$
1.20
$
1.58
$
1.36
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 metals prices each period through final settlement. For 2023 and 2021 we recorded positive price adjustments to provisional settlements of $18.2 million and $9.3 million, respectively, and $20.8 million in net negative price adjustments to provisional settlements in 2022. The price adjustments related to silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our concentrate sales were partially offset by gains and losses on forward contracts for those metals for each year (see Note 10 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.
Total metals production and sales volumes for each period are shown in the following table:
Year Ended December 31,
Silver -
Ounces produced
14,342,863
14,182,987
12,887,240
Payable ounces sold
12,955,006
12,311,595
11,633,802
Gold -
Ounces produced
151,259
175,807
201,327
Payable ounces sold
141,602
165,818
201,610
Lead -
Tons produced
40,347
48,713
43,010
Payable tons sold
35,429
41,423
36,707
Zinc -
Tons produced
60,579
64,748
63,617
Payable tons sold
43,050
43,658
43,626
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 pursuant to of our sales contract terms. 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.
Sales, total cost of sales, gross profit (loss), Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce (“Cash Cost”) (non-GAAP) and AISC (non-GAAP) at our operating units for 2023, 2022 and 2021 were as follows (in thousands, except for Cash Cost and AISC):
Silver
Gold
Greens Creek
Lucky Friday
Keno Hill
Other (3)
Total Silver (2)
Casa Berardi
Nevada Operations & Other (4)
Total Gold
2023:
Sales
$
384,504
$
116,284
$
35,518
-
$
536,306
$
177,678
$
6,243
$
183,921
Total cost of sales
(259,895
)
(84,185
)
(35,518
)
-
(379,598
)
(221,341
)
(6,339
)
(227,680
)
Gross profit (loss)
$
124,609
$
32,099
$
-
-
$
156,708
$
(43,663
)
$
(96
)
$
(43,759
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver or Gold Ounce (1)
$
2.53
$
5.51
$
3.23
$
1,652
$
1,652
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver or Gold Ounce (1)
$
7.14
$
12.21
$
11.76
$
2,048
$
2,048
2022:
Sales
$
335,062
$
147,814
$
-
$
-
$
482,876
$
235,136
$
$
236,029
Total cost of sales
(232,718
)
(116,598
)
-
-
(349,316
)
(248,898
)
(4,535
)
(253,433
)
Gross profit (loss)
$
102,344
$
31,216
$
-
$
-
$
133,560
$
(13,762
)
$
(3,642
)
$
(17,404
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver or Gold Ounce (1)
$
0.70
$
5.06
$
2.06
$
1,478
$
1,478
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver or Gold Ounce (1)
$
5.17
$
12.86
10.66
$
1,773
$
1,773
2021:
Sales
$
384,843
$
131,488
$
-
$
$
516,507
$
245,152
$
45,814
$
290,966
Total cost of sales
(213,113
)
(97,538
)
-
(247
)
(310,898
)
(229,829
)
(48,945
)
(278,774
)
Gross profit (loss)
$
171,730
$
33,950
$
-
$
(71
)
$
205,609
$
15,323
$
(3,131
)
$
12,192
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver or Gold Ounce (1)
$
(0.65
)
$
6.60
$
1.37
$
1,125
$
1,137
$
1,127
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver or Gold Ounce (1)
$
2.70
$
14.34
$
8.65
$
1,359
$
1,211
$
1,341
(1)A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to total cost of sales, the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found below in Reconciliation of Total Cost of Sales (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 calculation of AISC for our consolidated silver properties includes corporate costs for general and administrative expense and sustaining capital and production and related costs and sustaining capital expenditures for Lucky Friday until the suspension of production during August 2023 following an underground fire for the remainder of 2023
(3)Includes results for San Sebastian, which was an operating segment prior to 2021.
(4)Other includes $5.3 million of sales and total cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2023 and $0.5 million of sales and total cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2022, related to the environmental services business acquired as part of the Alexco acquisition.
While revenue from zinc, lead and gold by-products is significant, we believe that identification of silver as the primary product of Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, and Keno Hill 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 the Greens Creek and Lucky Friday units as primary silver producers, based on the original analysis that justified putting the project into production, and the same analysis applies to the Keno Hill unit, and further we 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, Lucky Friday and Keno Hill deposits are massive sulfide deposits containing an unusually high proportion of silver; and
•in most of their working areas, Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and Keno Hill utilize selective mining methods in which silver is the metal targeted for highest recovery.
Accordingly, we believe the identification of gold, lead and zinc as by-product credits at Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and Keno Hill 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 at those locations. 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 for Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and Keno Hill 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.
We believe the identification of silver as a by-product credit is appropriate at Casa Berardi and 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. In addition, we do not receive sufficient revenue from silver at the Casa Berardi or 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 Casa Berardi and 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.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we reported loss applicable to common stockholders of $84.8 million compared to a loss of $37.9 million and income of $34.5 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively. The following factors contributed to those differences:
•Variances in gross profit (loss) at our operations as illustrated in the table above. See the Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, Keno Hill, Casa Berardi, and Nevada Operations sections below.
•General and administrative costs were $42.7 million, $43.4 million and $34.6 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021 respectively. The decrease in 2023 of $0.7 million reflects lower incentive compensation accruals compared to 2022 partially offset by annual compensation adjustments effective July 1. The increase in 2022 of $8.8 million compared to 2021 reflects the acquisition of Alexco, higher incentive compensation accruals and annual incentive compensation adjustments.
•Exploration and pre-development expense was $32.5 million, $46.0 million and $47.9 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. In 2023 exploration and pre-development expense decreased by $13.5 million as exploration activities were focused primarily at Keno Hill, Casa Berardi, Greens Creek and Nevada Operations, with pre-development activities incurred at the Hatter Graben in Nevada and the Libby Exploration project in Montana.
•Provision for closed operations and environmental matters of $7.6 million in 2023 compared to $8.8 million in 2022 and $14.6 million in 2021. The decrease in 2023 compared to 2022 of $1.2 million is primarily due to less reclamation activities
at Johnny M in 2023 compared to 2022. The decrease in 2022 compared to 2021 of $5.8 million is primarily due to the settlement in 2021 of a lawsuit for $6.5 million related to a 1989 agreement entered into by our subsidiary, CoCa Mines, Inc. and its subsidiary, Creede Resources, Inc.
•Ramp-up and suspension costs were $76.3 million, $24.1 million and $23.0 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Ramp-up and suspension costs in 2023 include $29.8 million (2022: $2.3 million) related to the ramp up of Keno Hill, $25.5 million related to the suspension of production at Lucky Friday due to the underground fire that occurred in the #2 shaft and $2.2 million at Casa Berardi due its operations being suspended for 20 days in June, due to Quebec wildfires. During 2020, San Sebastian and Nevada were placed on care and maintenance and each of 2021, 2022 and 2023 include care and maintenance costs for these sites.
Year Ended December 31,
Keno Hill
$
29,793
$
2,254
$
-
Lucky Friday
25,548
-
-
Nevada
16,549
19,743
20,403
Casa Berardi
2,228
-
-
San Sebastian
2,134
2,117
2,609
Total ramp-up and suspension costs
$
76,252
$
24,114
$
23,012
•Other operating income of $1.4 million and expense of $6.3 million and $14.3 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The income in 2023 compared to the expense in 2022 was primarily due to the receipt of $5.9 million in insurance proceeds in May related to an insurance coverage lawsuit.
•Fair value adjustments, net resulted in gains of $2.9 million and losses of $4.7 million and $35.8 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The components for each period are summarized in the following table (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
Gain (loss) on derivative contracts
$
3,168
$
$
(32,655
)
Unrealized (loss) gain on investments in equity securities
(243
)
(5,632
)
(4,295
)
Gain on disposition or exchange of investments
-
1,158
Total fair value adjustments, net
$
2,925
$
(4,723
)
$
(35,792
)
Prior to November 1, 2021, we did not designate and account for any of our base metal derivative contracts as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes and accordingly any changes in fair value of our base metals derivative contracts were recognized in gain (loss) on derivative contracts. Subsequent to November 1, 2021, any gains or losses on base metals derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges are deferred in other comprehensive income until the transaction occurs.
•Net foreign exchange loss of $3.8 million in 2023, compared to a gain of $7.2 million and $0.4 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively, on translation of our monetary assets and liabilities at Casa Berardi, Keno Hill and San Sebastian.
•Interest expense of $43.3 million, $42.8 million and $41.9 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The interest in 2023, 2022 and 2021 was primarily related to our Senior Notes with 2023 also including interest expense of $2.8 million on amounts drawn on our revolving credit facility.
•Income and mining tax provision of $1.2 million compared to a benefit of $7.6 million and $29.6 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively, with the benefit in 2021 including $58.4 million for a reduction in the valuation allowance for U.S. deferred tax assets. See Corporate Matters and Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Greens Creek
Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)
Years Ended December 31,
Sales
$
384,504
$
335,062
$
384,843
Cost of sales and other direct production costs
(205,900
)
(183,807
)
(164,403
)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(53,995
)
(48,911
)
(48,710
)
Total cost of sales
(259,895
)
(232,718
)
(213,113
)
Gross Profit
$
124,609
$
102,344
$
171,730
Tons of ore milled
914,796
881,445
841,967
Production:
Silver (ounces)
9,731,752
9,741,935
9,243,222
Gold (ounces)
60,896
48,216
46,088
Zinc (tons)
51,496
52,312
53,648
Lead (tons)
19,578
19,480
19,873
Payable metal quantities sold:
Silver (ounces)
8,493,040
8,234,010
8,284,551
Gold (ounces)
49,790
35,508
40,149
Zinc (tons)
36,042
34,856
36,581
Lead (tons)
15,247
14,762
15,489
Ore grades:
Silver ounces per ton
13.31
13.64
13.51
Gold ounces per ton
0.09
0.08
0.08
Zinc percent
6.35
6.69
7.11
Lead percent
2.60
2.68
2.87
Total production cost per ton
$
204.20
$
196.73
$
177.30
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)
$
2.53
$
0.70
$
(0.65
)
AISC, After By-Product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)
$
7.14
$
5.17
$
2.70
Capital additions
$
43,542
$
36,898
$
23,883
(1)A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to total cost of sales, the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found below in Reconciliation of Total Cost of Sales (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.
Gross profit increased by $22.3 million to $124.6 million in 2023 from $102.3 million in 2022, as higher realized prices for all metals sold other than zinc and higher payable metal quantities for all metals sold compared to 2022, was offset by higher production costs reflecting more tons milled, and related higher labor, maintenance and consumables costs. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - Our profitability could be affected by inflation, including the prices of other commodities for a discussion of certain risks related to our operations profitability.
Gross profit decreased by $69.4 million to $102.3 million in 2022 from $171.7 million in 2021, as lower realized prices for all metals sold other than gold, and lower payable metal quantities sold compared to 2021, was further compounded by higher production costs reflecting inflationary pressures and more tons milled, and unfavorable changes in concentrate smelter terms.
Capital additions increased by $6.6 million in 2023 to $43.5 million compared to 2022. Significant components of the 2023 capital additions were development of $19.4 million, $9.8 million in mobile equipment, and $1.6 million in claims purchases.
The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to the variances in Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce for 2023 compared to 2022 and 2021:
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
$
24.85
$
23.20
$
21.33
By-product credits per silver ounce
(22.32
)
(22.50
)
(21.98
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$
2.53
$
0.70
$
(0.65
)
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
$
29.46
$
27.67
$
24.68
By-product credits per silver ounce
(22.32
)
(22.50
)
(21.98
)
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$
7.14
$
5.17
$
2.70
The increase in Cash Cost and AISC, each After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to higher production costs related to labor, maintenance and consumables and lower by-product credits. The increase in Cash Cost and AISC, each After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce in 2022 compared to 2021 was primarily due to higher production costs and sustaining capital expenditures, partially offset by higher by-product credits and production.
Lucky Friday
Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)
Years Ended December 31,
Sales
$
116,284
$
147,814
$
131,488
Cost of sales and other direct production costs
(59,860
)
(82,894
)
(70,692
)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(24,325
)
(33,704
)
(26,846
)
Total cost of sales
(84,185
)
(116,598
)
(97,538
)
Gross profit
$
32,099
$
31,216
$
33,950
Tons of ore milled
231,129
356,907
321,837
Production:
Silver (ounces)
3,086,119
4,412,764
3,564,128
Lead (tons)
19,543
29,233
23,137
Zinc (tons)
7,944
12,436
9,969
Payable metal quantities sold:
Silver (ounces)
3,020,116
4,039,435
3,288,261
Lead (tons)
19,079
26,660
21,218
Zinc (tons)
6,160
8,802
7,046
Ore grades:
Silver ounces per ton
14.00
13.00
11.64
Lead percent
8.90
8.70
7.60
Zinc percent
4.10
3.90
3.44
Total production cost per ton
$
218.45
$
223.55
$
191.50
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)
$
5.51
$
5.06
$
6.60
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)
$
12.21
$
12.86
$
14.34
Capital additions
$
65,337
$
50,992
$
29,885
(1)A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to total cost of sales, the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found below in Reconciliation of Total Cost of Sales (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, each After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce.
During August 2023, the production at the mine was suspended due to a fire that occured while repairing an unused station in the #2 ventilation shaft, which is also the secondary egress (required by MSHA regulations). By early September, the fire had been extinguished, normal ventilation was reestablished and the workforce recalled. Following evaluation of alternatives, it was determined that in order to safely bring the mine back into production in the most rapid and cost effective way, a new secondary egress needed to be developed to bypass the damaged portion of the #2 shaft. The new egress includes extension of an existing ramp 1,600 feet, installation of a 290-foot-long manway raise, and development of an 850 foot ventilation raise. Production was suspended for the remainder of 2023. Following an MSHA inspection on January 9, 2024, production was resumed.
The Company has property and business interruption insurance coverage with an underground sub-limit of $50.0 million. On January 3, 2024, the Company received a coverage letter from the insurance carrier establishing coverage up to the underground sub-limit of $50.0 million, less any applicable deductions. There can be no assurance as to the total amount or timing of when we will start receiving such proceeds.
Gross profit in 2023 of $32.1 million, was $0.9 million higher than 2022, due to higher grades, higher realized silver and lead prices and higher tons milled per day prior to the shutdown in August compared to 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2023, $25.5 million of site specific suspension costs were included within Ramp-up and suspension costs on our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.
Gross profit in 2022 of $31.2 million, was $2.7 million lower than 2021, due to lower realized prices and higher production costs in 2022 reflecting inflationary cost pressures and more tons milled. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - Our profitability could be affected by inflation, including the prices of other commodities for a discussion of certain risks related to our operations profitability.
Total capital additions increased by $14.3 million in 2023 to $65.3 million compared to 2022 as investments were made to support sustained higher throughput and costs were incurred to build the secondary egress following the August 2023 fire. Significant components related to development ($21.7 million), the service hoist ($8.3 million), coarse ore bunker ($6.6 million), shaft and related infrastructure ($4.4 million), drilling ($4.9 million) and underground mobile equipment ($4.6 million).
The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to the variances in Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce for 2023, 2022 and 2021.
The following table summarizes the components of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:
Year Ended December 31,
Year Ended December 31,
Three Months Ended December 31,
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$
21.45
$
23.23
24.12
By-product credits per silver ounce
(15.94
)
(18.17
)
(17.52
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$
5.51
$
5.06
$
6.60
The following table summarizes the components of AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:
Year Ended December 31,
Year Ended December 31,
Three Months Ended December 31,
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$
28.15
$
31.03
$
31.86
By-product credits per silver ounce
(15.94
)
(18.17
)
(17.52
)
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$
12.21
$
12.86
$
14.34
The increase in Cash Cost and AISC, each After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce in 2023 compared to 2022 was due to lower by-product credits in 2023. The decrease in Cash Cost and AISC, each After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce in 2022
compared to 2021 was due to increased silver production and higher by-product credits, partially offset by higher production costs and sustaining capital expenditures.
Keno Hill
We acquired our Keno Hill operations as part of the Alexco acquisition in September 2022, and have focused on development activities and began ramp-up of the mill during the second quarter. A number of safety related matters have slowed the ramp up as Hecla's injury-free standard drives the pace of production and development at Keno Hill. A safety action plan focusing on training, supervision, mining practices, and implementation of the safety processes has been initiated and should be executed during 2024. The average throughput during the ramp-up of the mill has been 230 tons per day, with silver grades milled of 27.7 ounces per ton. Tonnage mined was constrained by delays in infrastructure construction which has impacted development rates. Key underground infrastructure projects completed include the shotcrete plant and the cemented rockfill plant. Modifications to the secondary crushing circuit were also completed which are expected to increase crusher availability and efficiency.
Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)
Year Ended
December 31,
Sales
$
35,518
Cost of sales and other direct production costs
(31,241
)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(4,277
)
Total cost of sales
(35,518
)
Gross profit
$
-
Tons of ore milled
56,331
Production:
Silver (ounces)
1,502,577
Zinc (tons)
1,139
Lead (tons)
1,225
Payable metal quantities sold:
Silver (ounces)
1,419,173
Zinc (tons)
1,102
Lead (tons)
Ore grades:
Silver ounces per ton
27.7
Zinc percent
2.5
%
Lead percent
2.3
%
Capital additions
$
44,672
During the year ended December 31, 2023, Keno Hill recorded sales and total cost of sales of $35.5 million, related to the concentrate produced and sold during the ramp up. During the year ended December 31, 2023, $29.8 million of site specific ramp up costs were included within Ramp-up and suspension costs and $4.7 million of site specific exploration costs were included within Exploration and pre-development as reported on our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. During the year ended December 31, 2023, Keno Hill recorded capital additions of $44.7 million, of which $29.6 million related to mine development and $11.3 million to mobile equipment purchases, crusher modifications and camp upgrades.
Casa Berardi
Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)
Years Ended December 31,
Sales
$
177,678
$
235,136
$
245,152
Cost of sales and other direct production costs
(155,304
)
(187,936
)
(149,085
)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(66,037
)
(60,962
)
(80,744
)
Total cost of sales
(221,341
)
(248,898
)
(229,829
)
Gross (loss) profit
$
(43,663
)
$
(13,762
)
$
15,323
Tons of ore milled
1,446,488
1,588,739
1,528,246
Production:
Gold (ounces)
90,363
127,590
134,511
Silver (ounces)
22,415
28,289
33,571
Payable metal quantities sold:
Gold (ounces)
91,268
130,245
135,987
Silver (ounces)
22,566
31,788
30,022
Ore grades:
Gold ounces per ton
0.07
0.09
0.10
Silver ounces per ton
0.02
0.02
0.03
Total production cost per ton
$
104.75
$
117.89
$
98.60
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce (1)
$
1,652
$
1,478
$
1,125
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce (1)
$
2,048
$
1,773
$
1,359
Capital additions
$
70,056
$
39,667
$
49,617
(1)A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to total cost of sales, the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found below in Reconciliation of Total Cost of Sales (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, each After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.
As part of the Casa Berardi mine transition from an underground/open pit operation to an open pit only operation, the lower margin east mine underground operations were closed in July 2023 and only the better margin stopes of the west underground mine will be mined until mid-2024, at which time most underground activity will stop except for exploration. This strategic change resulted in production and sales decreasing significantly compared to the comparable periods in 2022 and 2021. Following the end of underground mining in mid-2024, Casa Berardi is expected to produce gold only from the 160 open pit, and at lower levels than historic production. We expect production from the 160 pit to halt in 2027, at which point we expect a gap in production from 2028 to 2030 when no ore is mined and our focus at that time will be on investing in infrastructure and equipment, stripping and permitting the expected additional open pits, Principal and West Mine Crown Pillar. From 2028 to 2030, there is not expected to be any cash flow from Casa Berardi to offset its operating and capital expenses, and instead our liquidity and capital resources are expected to come from our other operating segments. We expect to resume mining at Casa Berardi in 2030, and significant free cash flow is expected after 2030.
Gross loss increased by $29.9 million to $43.7 million in 2023 compared to $13.8 million in 2022 as higher average realized gold prices did not offset the impact of lower gold production. This increase in gross loss includes $12.7 million in product inventory net realizable value write downs due to a combination of higher direct production costs and higher depreciation, depletion and amortization expense effective July 2023, reflecting the accelerated amortization of the west underground mine. The increase in gross loss was also due to the processing of lower grade ore tonnage from both the underground and surface operations, higher costs related to mill maintenance and optimization activities, higher underground maintenance costs resulting from repairs and replacements of major components for the production fleet, and higher fuel and other consumables costs, compared to 2022. Suspension costs amounted to $2.2 million for 2023, as Casa Berardi's operations were suspended for 20 days in June, due to wildfires in Quebec which resulted in the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests closing certain forest lands and access roads. No production or sales took place during the suspension period. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - Our profitability could be affected by inflation, including the prices of other commodities for a discussion of certain risks related to our operation's profitability.
Gross profit decreased by $29.1 million to a gross loss of $13.8 million in 2022 compared to 2021 as higher average realized gold prices did not offset the impact of lower gold production and higher cost of sales. The higher cost of sales in 2022 resulted from increased production costs due to: (i) increase in ore tonnage by 4% compared to 2021 as more lower grade surface material was processed, (ii)
higher operating costs reflecting inflationary pressures particularly for labor and consumables, (iii) higher mill contractor costs related to maintenance and optimization activities, and (iv) higher underground maintenance costs resulting from repairs and replacements of major components for the production fleet. Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense was lower in 2022 compared to 2021 due to the impact of higher reserves in 2021 on units-of-production depreciation and lower asset additions and sales quantities. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - Our profitability could be affected by inflation, including the prices of other commodities for a discussion of certain risks related to our operation's profitability.
Total capital additions increased by $30.4 million in 2023 compared to 2022 primarily due to purchases of new surface fleet equipment as the mine transitions from an underground to an open pit operation and the construction of tailings storage facilities. Significant components of 2023 capital expenditures were tailings dam construction costs of $41.0 million, $18.2 million on machinery and equipment, and $11.2 million on development. Total capital additions decreased by $10.0 million in 2022 compared to 2021 primarily due to completion of the new 160 zone open pit mine development in 2021, which commenced ore production during the fourth quarter of 2021.
The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce for 2023, 2022 and 2021:
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
$
1,658
$
1,483
$
1,131
By-product credits per gold ounce
(6
)
(5
)
(6
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$
1,652
$
1,478
$
1,125
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
$
2,054
$
1,778
$
1,365
By-product credits per gold ounce
(6
)
(5
)
(6
)
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$
2,048
$
1,773
$
1,359
The increase in Cash Cost and AISC, each After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce for 2023 compared to 2022 and 2021 was primarily driven by lower gold production as Casa Berardi transitions from an underground/open pit operation to an open pit only operation, as discussed above.
Nevada Operations
Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)
Year Ended December 31,
Sales
$
$
$
45,814
Cost of sales and other direct production costs
(896
)
(3,709
)
(33,604
)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(140
)
(361
)
(15,341
)
Total cost of sales
(1,036
)
(4,070
)
(48,945
)
Gross (loss)
$
(76
)
$
(3,651
)
$
(3,131
)
Following the strategic decision to suspend the Nevada Operations in 2019, all development was suspended and production and related revenue was generated from previously developed areas. During 2023, revenue was generated from the sale of carbon. During 2022, mining of remnant refractory ore was undertaken during the third and fourth quarters, with the refractory ore sold to a third party. During 2021, production and revenue was generated from processing of the stockpiled non-refractory ore at the Midas mill and third-party processing of refractory ore in a roaster and autoclave facility, respectively. The gross loss in 2022 and 2021 resulted primarily from inventory write-downs. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - Our profitability could be affected by inflation, including the prices of other commodities" for a discussion of certain risks related to our operations profitability.
We spent $5.9 million on exploration activities and pre-development activities during 2023. Suspension-related costs are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of total cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, total production costs per ton and Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.
See Item 1A. Risk Factors - Operation, Development, Exploration and Acquisition Risks for a discussion of certain risks relating to our recent and ongoing analysis of the carrying value of the Nevada assets.
Corporate Matters
Employee Benefit Plans
Our defined benefit pension plans, while providing a significant benefit to our employees, have historically represented a significant liability to us. During 2023, the funded status of our plans assets increased slightly to $27.5 million at December 31, 2023 from $27.0 million at December 31, 2022. During 2023, we contributed a total of approximately $1.0 million in shares of our common stock to the plans (see Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities for more information). We do not expect to be required to contribute to our defined benefit plans in 2024, but we may choose to do so. See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. We periodically examine the defined benefit pension plans and supplemental excess retirement plan for affordability and competitiveness.
Income and Mining Taxes
Our deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the currently enacted tax rates that are expected to apply in years in which they are expected to be paid for or realized. Each reporting period we assess the realizability of our tax assets. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we evaluate all significant available positive and negative evidence, including historical operating results, estimates of future sources of taxable income, carry-forward periods available, the existence of prudent and feasible tax planning strategies and other relevant factors.
Our organizational structure requires us to have two U.S. tax groups that do not consolidate. Hecla Mining Company and subsidiaries (“Hecla U.S. Group”) has a net deferred tax asset of $2.9 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $21.0 million at December 31, 2022. The decrease of $18.1 million is primarily related to utilization of tax loss carryforward and reduction of deferred tax liabilities. In 2021 a release of valuation allowance of $58.4 million was recorded, based on a change in circumstances and weight of applicable evidence reviewed to support a more likely than not conclusion for utilization of the deferred tax assets. We are relying on all available evidence including reversal of deferred taxable temporary differences and a forecast of future taxable income along with a history of positive earnings to support the release.
Klondex Mines Ltd (“Klondex”) is a separate U.S. tax group (“Nevada U.S. Group”) that has a net deferred tax liability of $30.8 million and $30.7 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase of $0.1 million is due to the tax liability of indefinite life mineral property.
Our net Canadian deferred tax liability at December 31, 2023 was $74.1 million, a decrease of $21.1 million from the $95.2 million net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2022. The decrease was due to current period activity.
Our Mexican net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2023 remains at zero with no change from December 31, 2022. The valuation allowance increased $13.2 million due to inability to recognize the benefit of tax losses incurred related to exploration activities at our operations in Mexico.
As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) enacted in December 2017, under Internal Revenue Code Section 174, a requirement to capitalize and amortize research and experimental expenditures for tax years beginning after December 31, 2021 is now effective. This modification has not materially impacted us.
As discussed in Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, our effective tax rate for 2023 was negative 1%, reflecting a tax expense of $1.2 million on pre-tax loss of $83.0 million, compared to 17% for 2022, reflecting a tax benefit of $7.6 million on a pre-tax loss of $44.9 million. 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, fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates and deferred tax asset valuation allowance changes. As a result, the 2023 effective tax rate could vary significantly from that of 2022. The other relevant provisions of the TCJA that became effective in 2018 consist of global intangible low-taxed income tax and base erosion and anti-abuse tax; however, these provisions have not materially impacted us.
Reconciliation of Total Cost of Sales 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 total cost of sales 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 and for the Company for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
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 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 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 and Lucky Friday 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 reclamation and sustaining capital costs. AISC, Before By-product Credits for our consolidated silver properties also includes corporate costs for general and administrative expense and sustaining capital costs. 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, 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.
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, 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 and Nevada Operations and combined gold properties information below reports Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold 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 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 and Lucky Friday, our combined silver properties. Similarly, the silver produced at our other two units is not included as a by-product credit when calculating the gold metrics for Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations.
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Greens Creek
Lucky Friday(2)
Keno Hill
Corporate and Other(3)
Total Silver
Total cost of sales
$
259,895
$
84,185
$
35,518
$
-
$
379,598
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(53,995
)
(24,325
)
(4,277
)
-
(82,597
)
Treatment costs
40,987
10,981
1,070
-
53,038
Change in product inventory
(4,266
)
(5,164
)
-
-
(9,430
)
Reclamation and other costs
(748
)
(826
)
-
-
(1,574
)
Exclusion of Lucky Friday cash costs (8)
-
(851
)
-
-
(851
)
Exclusion of Keno Hill cash costs (6)
-
-
(32,311
)
-
(32,311
)
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)
241,873
64,000
-
-
305,873
Reclamation and other costs
2,889
-
-
3,560
Sustaining capital
41,935
39,019
-
81,882
Exclusion of Lucky Friday sustaining costs (8)
-
(19,702
)
-
-
(19,702
)
General and administrative
-
-
-
42,722
42,722
AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)
286,697
83,988
-
43,650
414,335
By-product credits:
Zinc
(83,454
)
(14,507
)
-
-
(97,961
)
Gold
(104,507
)
-
-
-
(104,507
)
Lead
(29,284
)
(34,620
)
-
-
(63,904
)
Exclusion of Lucky Friday by-product credits (8)
-
1,566
-
-
1,566
Total By-product credits
(217,245
)
(47,561
)
-
-
(264,806
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits
$
24,628
$
16,439
$
-
$
-
$
41,067
AISC, After By-product Credits
$
69,452
$
36,427
$
-
$
43,650
$
149,529
Ounces produced
9,732
3,086
12,818
Exclusion of Lucky Friday ounces produced (8)
-
(103
)
(103
)
Divided by silver ounces produced
9,732
2,983
12,715
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$
24.85
$
21.45
$
24.06
By-product credits per ounce
(22.32
)
(15.94
)
(20.83
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$
2.53
$
5.51
$
3.23
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$
29.46
$
28.15
$
32.59
By-product credits per ounce
(22.32
)
(15.94
)
(20.83
)
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$
7.14
$
12.21
$
11.76
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Casa Berardi
Nevada Operations and Other(4)
Total Gold
Total cost of sales
$
221,341
$
6,339
$
227,680
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(66,037
)
(140
)
(66,177
)
Treatment costs
1,109
-
1,109
Change in product inventory
(2,913
)
-
(2,913
)
Reclamation and other costs
(871
)
-
(871
)
Exclusion of Casa Berardi cash costs (3)
(2,851
)
-
(2,851
)
Exclusion of Nevada Operations and Other costs
-
(6,199
)
(6,199
)
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)
149,778
-
149,778
Reclamation and other costs
-
Sustaining capital
34,971
-
34,971
AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)
185,620
-
185,620
By-product credits:
Silver
(522
)
-
(522
)
Total By-product credits
(522
)
-
(522
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits
$
149,256
$
-
$
149,256
AISC, After By-product Credits
$
185,098
$
-
$
185,098
Divided by gold ounces produced
-
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$
1,658
$
-
$
1,658
By-product credits per ounce
(6
)
-
(6
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$
1,652
$
-
$
1,652
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$
2,054
$
-
$
2,054
By-product credits per ounce
(6
)
-
(6
)
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$
2,048
$
-
$
2,048
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Total Silver
Total Gold
Total
Total cost of sales
$
379,598
$
227,680
$
607,278
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(82,597
)
(66,177
)
(148,774
)
Treatment costs
53,038
1,109
54,147
Change in product inventory
(9,430
)
(2,913
)
(12,343
)
Reclamation and other costs
(1,574
)
(871
)
(2,445
)
Exclusion of Lucky Friday cash costs (8)
(851
)
-
(851
)
Exclusion of Keno Hill cash costs (6)
(32,311
)
-
(32,311
)
Exclusion of Casa Berardi cash costs (3)
-
(2,851
)
(2,851
)
Exclusion of Nevada Operations and Other costs
-
(6,199
)
(6,199
)
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)
305,873
149,778
455,651
Reclamation and other costs
3,560
4,431
Sustaining capital
81,882
34,971
116,853
Exclusion of Lucky Friday sustaining costs (8)
(19,702
)
-
(19,702
)
General and administrative
42,722
-
42,722
AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)
414,335
185,620
599,955
By-product credits:
Zinc
(97,961
)
-
(97,961
)
Gold
(104,507
)
-
(104,507
)
Lead
(63,904
)
-
(63,904
)
Silver
-
(522
)
(522
)
Exclusion of Lucky Friday by-product credits (8)
1,566
-
1,566
Total By-product credits
(264,806
)
(522
)
(265,328
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits
$
41,067
$
149,256
$
190,323
AISC, After By-product Credits
$
149,529
$
185,098
$
334,627
Ounces produced
$
12,818
$
Exclusion of Lucky Friday ounces produced (8)
(103
)
-
Divided by ounces produced
12,715
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce
$
24.06
$
1,658
By-product credits per ounce
(20.83
)
(6
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce
$
3.23
$
1,652
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce
$
32.59
$
2,054
By-product credits per ounce
(20.83
)
(6
)
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce
$
11.76
$
2,048
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Greens Creek
Lucky Friday(2)
Corporate and other (3)
Total Silver
Total cost of sales
$
232,718
$
116,598
$
-
$
349,316
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(48,911
)
(33,704
)
-
(82,615
)
Treatment costs
37,836
18,605
-
56,441
Change in product inventory
5,885
2,049
-
7,934
Reclamation and other costs (5)
(1,489
)
(1,034
)
-
(2,523
)
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)
226,039
102,514
-
328,553
Reclamation and other costs
2,821
1,128
-
3,949
Sustaining capital
40,705
33,306
74,345
General and administrative (5)
-
-
43,384
43,384
AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)
269,565
136,948
43,718
450,231
By-product credits:
Zinc
(113,835
)
(27,607
)
(141,442
)
Gold
(75,596
)
-
(75,596
)
Lead
(29,800
)
(52,568
)
(82,368
)
Total By-product credits
(219,231
)
(80,175
)
-
(299,406
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits
$
6,808
$
22,339
$
-
$
29,147
AISC, After By-product Credits
$
50,334
$
56,773
$
43,718
$
150,825
Divided by silver ounces produced
9,742
4,413
14,155
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$
23.20
$
23.23
$
23.21
By-product credits per ounce
(22.50
)
(18.17
)
(21.15
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$
0.70
$
5.06
$
2.06
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$
27.67
$
31.03
$
31.81
By-product credits per ounce
(22.50
)
(18.17
)
(21.15
)
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$
5.17
$
12.86
$
10.66
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Casa Berardi(6)
Nevada Operations(4)
Total Gold
Total cost of sales
$
248,898
$
4,535
$
253,433
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(60,962
)
(361
)
(61,323
)
Treatment costs
1,866
-
1,866
Change in product inventory
-
Reclamation and other costs (5)
(819
)
-
(819
)
Exclusion of Nevada Operations and Other costs
(4,174
)
(4,174
)
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)
189,169
-
189,169
Reclamation and other costs
-
Sustaining capital
36,883
-
36,883
AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)
226,871
-
226,871
By-product credits:
Silver
(610
)
-
(610
)
Total By-product credits
(610
)
-
(610
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits
$
188,559
$
-
$
188,559
AISC, After By-product Credits
$
226,261
$
-
$
226,261
Divided by gold ounces produced
-
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$
1,483
-
$
1,483
By-product credits per ounce
(5
)
-
(5
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$
1,478
$
-
$
1,478
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$
1,778
-
$
1,778
By-product credits per ounce
(5
)
-
(5
)
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$
1,773
$
-
$
1,773
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Total Silver
Total Gold
Total
Total cost of sales
$
349,316
$
253,433
$
602,749
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(82,615
)
(61,323
)
(143,938
)
Treatment costs
56,441
1,866
58,307
Change in product inventory
7,934
8,120
Exclusion of Nevada Operations and Other
-
(4,174
)
(4,174
)
Reclamation and other costs
(2,523
)
(819
)
(3,342
)
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)
328,553
189,169
517,722
Reclamation and other costs
3,949
4,768
Sustaining capital
74,345
36,883
111,228
General and administrative
43,384
-
43,384
AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)
450,231
226,871
677,102
By-product credits:
Zinc
(141,442
)
-
(141,442
)
Gold
(75,596
)
-
(75,596
)
Lead
(82,368
)
-
(82,368
)
Silver
-
(610
)
(610
)
Total By-product credits
(299,406
)
(610
)
(300,016
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits
$
29,147
$
188,559
$
217,706
AISC, After By-product Credits
$
150,825
$
226,261
$
377,086
Divided by ounces produced
14,155
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce
$
23.21
$
1,483
By-product credits per ounce
(21.15
)
(5
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce
$
2.06
$
1,478
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce
$
31.81
$
1,778
By-product credits per ounce
(21.15
)
(5
)
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce
$
10.66
$
1,773
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Greens Creek
Lucky Friday(2)
Corporate and other (3)
Total Silver
Total cost of sales
$
213,113
$
97,538
$
$
310,898
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(48,710
)
(26,846
)
(152
)
(75,708
)
Treatment costs
36,099
16,723
52,822
Change in product inventory
(406
)
-
(326
)
Reclamation and other costs
(3,466
)
(1,039
)
(95
)
(4,600
)
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)
197,116
85,970
-
283,086
Reclamation and other costs
3,390
1,056
4,446
Sustaining capital
27,582
26,517
54,309
General and administrative (5)
-
-
34,570
34,570
AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)
228,088
113,543
34,780
376,411
By-product credits:
Zinc
(100,214
)
(19,479
)
-
(119,693
)
Gold
(72,011
)
-
-
(72,011
)
Lead
(30,922
)
(42,966
)
-
(73,888
)
Total By-product credits
(203,147
)
(62,445
)
-
(265,592
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits
$
(6,031
)
$
23,525
$
-
$
17,494
AISC, After By-product Credits
$
24,941
$
51,098
$
34,780
$
110,819
Divided by silver ounces produced
9,243
3,564
12,807
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$
21.33
$
24.12
$
22.11
By-product credits per ounce
(21.98
)
$
(17.52
)
(20.74
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$
(0.65
)
$
6.60
$
1.37
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$
24.68
$
31.86
$
29.39
By-product credits per ounce
(21.98
)
$
(17.52
)
(20.74
)
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce
$
2.70
$
14.34
$
8.65
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Casa Berardi
Nevada Operations(4)
Total Gold
Total cost of sales
$
229,829
$
48,945
$
278,774
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(80,744
)
(15,341
)
(96,085
)
Treatment costs
1,513
1,731
3,244
Change in product inventory
2,439
(10,907
)
(8,468
)
Reclamation and other costs
(841
)
(541
)
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)
152,196
24,728
176,924
Reclamation and other costs
1,008
1,849
Sustaining capital
30,643
31,154
AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)
183,680
26,247
209,927
By-product credits:
Silver
(839
)
(1,152
)
(1,991
)
Total By-product credits
(839
)
(1,152
)
(1,991
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits
$
151,357
$
23,576
$
174,933
AISC, After By-product Credits
$
182,841
$
25,095
$
207,936
Divided by gold ounces produced
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$
1,131
$
1,193
$
1,140
By-product credits per ounce
(6
)
(56
)
(13
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$
1,125
$
1,137
$
1,127
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$
1,365
$
1,267
$
1,354
By-product credits per ounce
(6
)
(56
)
(13
)
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce
$
1,359
$
1,211
$
1,341
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Total Silver
Total Gold
Total
Total cost of sales
$
310,898
$
278,774
$
589,672
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(75,708
)
(96,085
)
(171,793
)
Treatment costs
52,822
3,244
56,066
Change in product inventory
(326
)
(8,468
)
(8,794
)
Reclamation and other costs
(4,600
)
(541
)
(5,141
)
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)
283,086
176,924
460,010
Reclamation and other costs
4,446
1,849
6,295
Sustaining capital
54,309
31,154
85,463
General and administrative
34,570
-
34,570
AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)
376,411
209,927
586,338
By-product credits:
Zinc
(119,693
)
-
(119,693
)
Gold
(72,011
)
-
(72,011
)
Lead
(73,888
)
-
(73,888
)
Silver
-
(1,991
)
(1,991
)
Total By-product credits
(265,592
)
(1,991
)
(267,583
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits
$
17,494
$
174,933
$
192,427
AISC, After By-product Credits
$
110,819
$
207,936
$
318,755
Divided by ounces produced
12,807
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce
$
22.11
$
1,140
By-product credits per ounce
(20.74
)
(13
)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce
$
1.37
$
1,127
AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce
$
29.39
$
1,354
By-product credits per ounce
(20.74
)
(13
)
AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce
$
8.65
$
1,341
(1)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, on-site general and administrative costs and royalties, before by-product revenues earned from all metals other than the primary metal produced at each operation. AISC, Before By-product Credits also includes reclamation and sustaining capital costs.
(2)AISC, Before By-product Credits for our consolidated silver properties includes corporate costs for general and administrative expense and sustaining capital.
(3)During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company completed the necessary studies to conclude usage of the pit as a tailings storage facility after mining is complete. As a result, a portion of the mining costs have been excluded from Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and AISC, Before By-product Credits.
(4)Other includes $5.3 million of sales and cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2023 and $0.5 million of sales and cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2022, related to the environmental services business acquired as part of the Alexco acquisition.
(5)Prior years presentation has been adjusted to conform with current year presentation to eliminate exploration costs from the calculation of AISC, Before By-product Credits as exploration is an activity directed at the Corporate level to find new mineral reserve and resource deposits, and therefore we believe it is inappropriate to include exploration costs in the calculation of AISC, Before By-product Credits for a specific mining operation.
(6)Keno Hill is in the production ramp-up phase and $29.8 million of ramp-up costs are excluded from the calculation of total cost of sales, Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, AISC, Before By-product Credits, and AISC, After By-product Credits.
(7)Casa Berardi operations were suspended in June 2023 in response to the directive of the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests as a result of fires in the region. Suspension costs amounted to $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, and are excluded from the calculation of total cost of sales, Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, AISC, Before By-product Credits, and AISC, After By-product Credits.
(8)Lucky Friday operations were suspended in August 2023 following the underground fire in the #2 shaft secondary egress. The portion of cash costs, sustaining costs, by-product credits, and silver production incurred since the suspension are excluded from the calculation of total cost of sales, Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, and AISC, Before By-product Credits, and AISC, After By-product Credits.
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 stockholders. Consistent with that strategy, we aim to maintain an acceptable level of net debt and sufficient liquidity to fund debt service costs, operations, capital expenditures, exploration and pre-development projects, while returning cash to stockholders through dividends and potential share repurchases.
At December 31, 2023, we had $106.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, of which $7.6 million was held in foreign subsidiaries' local currency that we anticipate utilizing for near-term operating, exploration or capital costs by those foreign subsidiaries. At December 31, 2023, we had utilized $134.9 million drawn on our credit facility with $6.9 million for letters of credit and the remainder as borrowings. We also have USD cash and cash equivalent balances held by our foreign subsidiaries 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. Our liquidity and capital resources are reliant on our revolving credit facility and other financing activities in addition to cash provided by our operations.
Pursuant to our common stock dividend policy described in Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, our Board of Directors declared and paid dividends on common stock totaling $15.2 million in 2023, $12.4 million in 2022 and $20.1 million in 2021. Our dividend policy has a silver-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 each of May and September 2021, our Board of Directors approved an increase in our silver-linked dividend policy by $0.01 per year, and in September 2021 also approved a reduction in the minimum realized silver price threshold to $20 from $25 per ounce. We realized silver prices of $22.62, $23.67, $23.71 and $23.47 in the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2023, respectively, thus satisfying the criterion for the silver-linked dividend component of our common stock dividend policy. As a result, on May 10, 2023, August 8, 2023, November 6, 2023, and February 13, 2024 our Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.00625 per share of common stock, consisting of $0.00375 per share for the minimum dividend component and $0.0025 per share for the silver-linked dividend component of our dividend policy.
For illustrative purposes only, the table below summarizes potential dividend amounts under our dividend policy.
Quarterly Average Realized Silver Price ($ per ounce)
Quarterly Silver-Linked Dividend ($ per share)
Annualized Silver-Linked Dividend ($ per share)
Annualized Minimum Dividend ($ per share)
Annualized Dividends per Share: Silver-Linked and Minimum ($ per share)
<$20
$
-
$
-
$
0.015
$
0.015
$20
$
0.0025
$
0.01
$
0.015
$
0.025
$25
$
0.0100
$
0.04
$
0.015
$
0.055
$30
$
0.0150
$
0.06
$
0.015
$
0.075
$35
$
0.0250
$
0.10
$
0.015
$
0.115
$40
$
0.0350
$
0.14
$
0.015
$
0.155
$45
$
0.0450
$
0.18
$
0.015
$
0.195
$50
$
0.0550
$
0.22
$
0.015
$
0.235
As discussed in Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, pursuant to an equity distribution agreement dated February 18, 2021, we may offer and sell up to 60 million shares of our common stock from time to time to or through sales agents in “at-the-market” (ATM) offerings. Sales of the shares, if any, will be made by means of ordinary brokers transactions or as otherwise agreed between the Company and the agents as principals. Whether or not we engage in sales from time to time may depend on a variety of factors, including share price, our cash resources, customary black-out restrictions, and whether we have any material inside information. The agreement can be terminated by us at any time. Any sales of shares under the equity distribution agreement are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3. During March, April and December 2023, we sold 10,645,198 shares under the agreement for proceeds of $56.7 million, net of commissions and fees of approximately $0.9 million. In total since September 2022 through December 31, 2023, we have sold 14,505,397 shares under the agreement for total proceeds of $74.0 million, net of commissions and fees of $1.2 million.
As a result of our current 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 under our Credit Agreement (refer to Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements), we believe 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 and 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%; principal and interest payments under our Credit Agreement; deferral of revenues, ramp-up and suspension costs at certain of 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 a range of approximately $190 to $210 million will be spent in 2024 on capital expenditures, primarily for equipment, infrastructure, and development at our mines, before any lease financing. We also estimate exploration and pre-development expenditures will total approximately $32 million in 2024. Our expenditures for these items and our related plans for 2024 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, or treatment charges, mine accidents or closures, increasing regulatory obligations, or our inability to convert resources or exploration targets 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.
We may defer some capital expenditures 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.
Our liquid assets excluding restricted cash and cash equivalents include (in millions):
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
Cash and cash equivalents held in U.S. dollars
$
98.8
$
86.8
$
196.2
Cash and cash equivalents held in foreign currency
7.6
17.9
13.8
Total cash and cash equivalents
106.4
104.7
210.0
Marketable equity securities
33.7
24.0
14.4
Total cash, cash equivalents and investments
$
140.1
$
128.7
$
224.4
Cash and cash equivalents increased by $1.7 million in 2023, for the reasons discussed below. Cash and cash equivalents held in foreign currencies represents balances in CAD, and decreased by $10.3 million in 2023 due to a decrease in CAD held at our Canadian operations. The value of current and non-current marketable equity securities increased by $9.7 million.
Year Ended December 31,
Cash provided by operating activities (in millions)
$
75.5
$
89.9
$
220.3
Cash provided by operating activities decreased by $14.4 million in 2023 compared to 2022. The decrease was due to lower income, adjusted for non-cash items, further compounded by the negative impact of working capital and other operating asset and liability changes. Income, adjusted for non-cash items, was lower by $4.8 million primarily due to increased loss from operations, which was mainly a result of higher ramp-up and suspension costs associated with continued ramp-up at Keno Hill and suspension of operations at Lucky Friday. Working capital and other operating asset and liability changes resulted in a net cash decrease of $9.6 million in 2023 compared to 2022. Significant variances in working capital changes between 2023 and 2022 resulted from lower cash flows from changes in other current and non-current assets and accrued payroll and related benefits.
Cash provided by operating activities decreased by $130.4 million in 2022 compared to 2021. The decrease was due to lower income, adjusted for non-cash items, further compounded by the negative impact of working capital and other operating asset and liability changes. Income, adjusted for non-cash items, was lower by $82.3 million primarily due to lower income from operations, which was mainly a result of lower realized silver, lead and zinc prices, higher treatment charges and an insignificant contribution from the Nevada Operations in 2022. Working capital and other operating asset and liability changes resulted in a net cash decrease of $29.3 million in 2022 compared to an increase in cash of $18.9 million in 2021. Significant variances in working capital changes between 2022 and 2021 resulted from lower cash flows from changes in inventories and accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
Year Ended December 31,
Cash used in investing activities (in millions)
$
(231.3
)
$
(187.3
)
$
(107.0
)
Capital expenditures, excluding $16.1 million in non-cash finance lease additions, were $223.9 million in 2023, which was $74.5 million higher than 2022. The major components of this increase were from an increase of $30.4 million at Casa Berardi primarily due to purchases of new surface fleet equipment as the mine transitions from an underground to an open pit operation and the construction of tailings storage facilities, an increase of $24.9 million at Keno Hill related to mine development, mobile equipment purchases, crusher modifications and camp upgrades, and an increase of $14.3 million at Lucky Friday as investments were made to support sustained higher throughput and costs were incurred to build the secondary egress following the August 2023 fire. During 2023, we acquired investments in other mining companies and short term investments for a total of $9.0 million.
Capital expenditures, excluding $11.9 million in non-cash finance lease additions, were $149.4 million in 2022, which was $40.3 million higher than 2021. The increase included $19.7 million for Keno Hill following the Alexco acquisition and higher expenditures at Greens Creek and Lucky Friday, partially offset by lower expenditures at Casa Berardi. As a result of the Alexco acquisition, we assumed a cash balance of $9.0 million, net of transaction costs of $5.1 million, however, we had previously advanced $25.0 million to Alexco pre-acquisition, to enable them to fund development of the Keno Hill mining district prior to acquisition closing. During 2022, we acquired investments in other mining companies and short term investments for a total of $32.0 million, and disposed of the short-term investments and a mining company investment, generating total proceeds of $9.4 million.
Year Ended December 31,
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities (in millions)
$
156.3
$
(7.5
)
$
(32.6
)
During 2023, we drew down a cumulative $239 million and repaid a cumulative $111 million on our Credit Agreement. During 2022, we drew down and repaid $25.0 million on our Credit Agreement. We had no borrowings or repayments of debt during 2021. In 2023, 2022 and 2021, we paid total cash dividends on our common and preferred stock of $15.7 million, $12.9 million and $20.7 million, respectively. We made payments on our finance leases of $10.6 million, $7.6 million, and $7.3 million in 2023, 2021, and 2021, respectively. We issued stock under our ATM program described above for net proceeds of $56.7 million and $17.3 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. We also purchased shares of our common stock for $2.0 million, $3.7 million, and $4.5 million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, 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 12 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 an increase in our cash balance of $1.1 million, and decreases of $0.3 million and $0.5 million, during 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
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 and certain service contract commitments, and lease arrangements as of December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
Payments Due By Period
Less than
1 year
2-3 years
4-5 years
After
5 years
Total
Purchase and contractual obligations (1)
$
36,488
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
36,488
Credit Agreement (2)
128,114
-
-
$
128,398
Finance lease commitments (3)
11,172
13,501
5,119
-
$
29,792
Operating lease commitments (4)
1,290
2,556
2,204
5,566
$
11,616
Senior Notes (5)
34,438
68,876
513,741
-
$
617,055
IQ Notes (6)
2,376
37,704
-
-
$
40,080
Total contractual cash obligations
$
213,878
$
122,921
$
521,064
$
5,566
$
863,429
(1)Consists of open purchase orders and commitments of approximately $11.4 million, $8.1 million, $10.7 million, $2.8 million and $3.5 million for various capital and non-capital items at Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, Keno Hill, Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations, respectively.
(2)The Credit Agreement provides for a $150 million revolving credit facility. We had net draws of $128 million and $6.9 million in letters of credit outstanding as of December 31, 2023. The amounts in the table above assumes no additional amounts will be drawn in future periods, and includes only the standby fee on the current undrawn balance and accrued interest. For more information on our Credit Agreement, see Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(3)Includes scheduled finance lease payments of $7.6 million, $6.3 million, $8.2 million, and $7.7 million for equipment at Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, Casa Berardi, and Keno Hill, respectively. For more information, see Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(4)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. For more information, see Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(5)On February 19, 2020, we completed an offering of $475 million in aggregate principal amount of our Senior Notes. The Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 7.25% per year with interest payable on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing August 15, 2020. For more information, see Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(6)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 amount. 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. For more information, see Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
We record liabilities for estimated costs associated with mine closure, reclamation of land and other environmental matters. At December 31, 2023, our liabilities for these matters totaled $120.5 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 16 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.
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 and resources; accounting for business combinations; valuation of deferred tax assets 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 and resources. 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 (i) the political environment in the U.S., (ii) U.S. and global trading policies (including tariffs), (iii) a global economic recovery, and (iv) recent uncertainty in China, 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. 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 values 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 metals prices include analysis of asset carrying values, depreciation, reserves and resources, 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 and Resources, below, regarding prices used for reserve and resource 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 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
We utilize financially-settled forward 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. Effective November 1, 2021, we designated the contracts for lead and zinc as hedges for accounting purposes, with gains and losses deferred to accumulated other comprehensive income until the hedged product ships. Prior to November 1, 2021, these contracts were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes and were 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 for silver and gold contracts recognized in earnings and gain or loss for lead and zinc contracts deferred to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
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 and Resources
Critical estimates are inherent in the process of determining our reserves and resources. Our reserves and resources are affected largely by our assessment of future metals prices, as well as by engineering and geological estimates of ore grade, accessibility, future recoveries, capital expenditures and production costs. See Item 2. - Properties above for the metals price assumptions used in our estimates of reserves and resources as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Our assessment of reserves and resources occurs at least annually, and periodically utilizes external audits.
Reserves and resources 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 and resources 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 and resources also play a key role in the valuation of certain assets in the determination of the purchase price allocations for acquisitions. Annual reserve and resource estimates are also used to determine conversions of resources and exploration targets beyond the known reserve resulting from business combinations to depreciable reserves, in periods subsequent to the business combinations (see Business Combinations below). Reserves and resources 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
When acquiring a company, we first evaluate whether the transaction should be accounted for as an asset acquisition or a business combination. If substantially all, generally interpreted as greater than 90% of the fair value is attributable to a single asset, the transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition, and the transaction costs are capitalized. In a business combination, transaction costs are expensed. Regardless of whether we account for an acquisition as an asset acquisition or business combination, 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 resources and exploration targets beyond the known reserve). These estimates include future metals prices and mineral reserves and resources, 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.
Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets
Our deferred income tax assets include certain future tax benefits. We record a valuation allowance against any portion of those deferred income tax assets when we believe, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax asset will not be realized. We review the likelihood that we will realize the benefit of our deferred tax assets and therefore the need for valuation allowances on a quarterly basis, or more frequently if events indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the historical and projected financial results of the legal entity or consolidated group recording the net deferred tax asset is considered, along with all other available positive and negative evidence.
Certain categories of evidence carry more weight in the analysis than others based upon the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified. We look to the nature and severity of cumulative pretax losses (if any) in the current three-year period ending on the evaluation date or the expectation of future pretax losses and the existence and frequency of prior cumulative pretax losses.
We utilize a rolling twelve quarters of pre-tax income or loss as a measure of our cumulative results in recent years. Concluding that a valuation allowance is not required is difficult when there is significant negative evidence which is objective and verifiable, such as cumulative losses in recent years. However, a cumulative three year loss is not solely determinative of the need for a valuation allowance. We also consider all other available positive and negative evidence in our analysis.
Other factors considered in the determination of the probability of the realization of the deferred tax assets include, but are not limited to:
•Earnings history;
•Projected future financial and taxable income based upon existing reserves and long-term estimates of commodity prices;
•The duration of statutory carry forward periods;
•Prudent and feasible tax planning strategies readily available that may alter the timing of reversal of the temporary difference;
•Nature of temporary differences and predictability of reversal patterns of existing temporary differences; and
•The sensitivity of future forecasted results to commodity prices and other factors.
The Company assesses available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to utilize the existing deferred tax assets. A significant piece of objective negative evidence is recent pretax losses and/or expectations of future pretax losses. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence including projections for future growth. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are increased or if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present and additional weight may be given to subjective evidence such as our projections for growth.
See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional detail on the valuation allowance.
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 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the accounting for our pension plans and the related assumptions.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Updates Adopted
In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-04 (“ASU 2020-04”), Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden on accounting for contract modifications caused by reference rate reform. In January 2021, ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope was issued which broadened the scope of ASU 2020-04 to include certain derivative instruments. In December 2022, ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848, was issued which deferred the sunset date of ASU 2020-04. The guidance
is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2024. The guidance may be adopted over time as reference rate reform activities occur and should be applied on a prospective basis. Certain of our derivative instruments previously referenced London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") based rates and have been amended to eliminate the LIBOR-based rate references prior to July 1, 2023. There have been no significant impacts to our financial results, financial position or cash flows from the transition from LIBOR to alternative reference interest rates.
Accounting Standards Updates to Become Effective in Future Periods
In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-05, Business Combinations - Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60): Recognition and Initial Measurement, which clarifies the business combination accounting for joint venture formations. The amendments in the ASU seek to reduce diversity in practice that has resulted from a lack of authoritative guidance regarding the accounting for the formation of joint ventures in separate financial statements. The amendments also seek to clarify the initial measurement of joint venture net assets, including businesses contributed to a joint venture. The guidance is applicable to all entities involved in the formation of a joint venture. The amendments are effective for all joint venture formations with a formation date on or after January 1, 2025. Early adoption and retrospective application of the amendments are permitted. We do not expect adoption of the new guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, amending reportable segment disclosure requirements to include disclosure of incremental segment information on an annual and interim basis. Among the disclosure enhancements are new disclosures regarding significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision-maker and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss, as well as other segment items bridging segment revenue to each reported measure of segment profit or loss. The amendments in ASU 2023-07 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, and are applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this update on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvement to Income Tax Disclosures, amending income tax disclosure requirements for the effective tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The amendments in ASU 2023-09 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and are applied prospectively. Early adoption and retrospective application of the amendments are permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this update on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
Guaran tor 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 and IQ Notes (see Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information). As of December 31, 2023, the Guarantors consist of the following Hecla 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.; Hecla Quebec, Inc.; and Alexco Resource Corp. We completed the offering of the Senior Notes on February 19, 2020 under our shelf registration statement previously filed with the SEC. We issued the IQ Notes in four equal tranches between July and October 2020.
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 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, 2023
Parent
Guarantors
Non-Guarantors
Eliminations
Consolidated
(in thousands)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
89,377
$
16,053
$
$
-
$
106,374
Other current assets
15,929
127,531
10,428
-
153,888
Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests - net
2,657,261
8,347
-
2,666,250
Intercompany receivable (payable)
(132,464
)
(812,078
)
589,842
354,700
-
Investments in subsidiaries
2,248,533
-
-
(2,248,533
)
-
Other non-current assets
432,468
21,960
29,353
(399,189
)
84,592
Total assets
$
2,654,485
$
2,010,727
$
638,914
$
(2,293,022
)
$
3,011,104
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities
$
50,383
$
141,439
$
10,128
$
(44,490
)
$
157,460
Long-term debt
636,000
17,063
-
653,063
Non-current portion of accrued reclamation
-
108,731
2,066
-
110,797
Non-current deferred tax liability
-
104,835
-
-
104,835
Other non-current liabilities
-
16,845
-
-
16,845
Stockholders' equity
1,968,102
1,621,814
626,720
(2,248,532
)
1,968,104
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
2,654,485
$
2,010,727
$
638,914
$
(2,293,022
)
$
3,011,104
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Parent
Guarantors
Non-Guarantors
Eliminations
Consolidated
(in thousands)
Revenues
$
19,677
$
700,550
$
-
$
-
$
720,227
Cost of sales
(3,608
)
(454,896
)
-
-
(458,504
)
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
-
(148,774
)
-
-
(148,774
)
General and administrative
(17,222
)
(23,767
)
(1,733
)
-
(42,722
)
Exploration and pre-development
(559
)
(28,835
)
(3,118
)
-
(32,512
)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
(84,847
)
-
-
84,847
-
Other income (expense)
(3,228
)
(127,326
)
(3,349
)
13,193
(120,710
)
(Loss) income before income and mining taxes
(89,787
)
(83,048
)
(8,200
)
98,040
(82,995
)
Benefit (provision) from income and mining taxes
5,570
6,348
(13,193
)
(1,222
)
Net (loss) income
(84,217
)
(76,700
)
(8,147
)
84,847
(84,217
)
Preferred stock dividends
(552
)
-
-
-
(552
)
(Loss) income applicable to common stockholders
(84,769
)
(76,700
)
(8,147
)
84,847
(84,769
)
Net (loss) income
(84,217
)
(76,700
)
(8,147
)
84,847
(84,217
)
Changes in comprehensive income
3,389
-
-
-
3,389
Comprehensive (loss) income
$
(80,828
)
$
(76,700
)
$
(8,147
)
$
84,847
$
(80,828
)
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.

---

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, 2023 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 all 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 metals 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, 2023, metals contained in concentrate sales and exposed to future price changes totaled approximately 0.7 million ounces of silver, 3,490 ounces of gold, 0.4 million pounds of zinc, and 12 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 $3.8 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, the impact of changes in prices on the value of concentrates sold would be substantially offset by a gain or loss on forward contracts to the extent such contracts are utilized.
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, 2023 and 2022:
December 31, 2023
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
2023 settlements
15,542
$
24.40
$
2,045
$
1.51
$
1.00
Contracts on forecasted sales
2024 settlements
-
-
-
56,713
N/A
N/A
N/A
$
0.98
2025 settlements
-
-
-
49,273
N/A
N/A
N/A
$
0.98
December 31, 2022
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
2023 settlements
3,124
18,629
11,960
$
21.55
$
1,795
$
1.38
$
0.98
Contracts on forecasted sales
2023 settlements
-
-
37,533
75,618
N/A
N/A
$
1.34
$
1.00
2024 settlements
-
-
-
45,856
N/A
N/A
N/A
$
0.99
Effective November 1, 2021, we designated the contracts for lead and zinc contained in our forecasted future shipments as hedges for accounting purposes, with gains and losses deferred to accumulated other comprehensive loss until the hedged product ships. Prior to November 1, 2021, these contracts were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes and were therefore marked-to-market through earnings each period. The forward contracts for silver and gold contained in our concentrate shipments have not been designated as hedges and are marked-to-market through earnings each period.
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we recorded the following balances for the fair value of forward contracts held at that time (in millions):
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
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
$
3.1
$
-
$
3.1
$
1.2
$
-
$
1.2
Other non-current assets
$
1.5
$
-
$
1.5
$
0.1
$
-
$
0.1
Current derivatives liability
$
-
$
(0.1
)
$
(0.1
)
$
-
$
(12.1
)
$
(12.1
)
Non-current derivatives liability
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
(2.5
)
$
(2.5
)
Net realized and unrealized gains of approximately $14.6 million related to the effective portion of the contracts designated as hedges were included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of December 31, 2023. Realized and unrealized gains and losses will be transferred from accumulated other comprehensive loss to current earnings as the underlying forecasted sales transaction is recognized. We estimate approximately $12.6 million in net realized and unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of December 31, 2023 will be reclassified to current earnings in the next twelve months. The realized gains arose due to cash settlement of zinc and lead contracts in 2023 and zinc contracts in 2022 prior to maturity for cash proceeds of $8.5 million and $17.4
million, respectively. There were no early settlements in 2021. We recognized a net gain of $19.7 million during 2023 on the contracts utilized to manage exposure to prices of metals in our concentrate shipments, which is included in sales. The net gain recognized on the contracts offsets loss 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 $32.9 million net loss during 2021 on the contracts utilized to manage exposure to changes in prices for forecasted future sales prior to their hedge designation. The net loss on these contracts is included in the fair value adjustments, net 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 2021 is the result of increasing zinc and lead prices. 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, which exposes us to risks associated with fluctuations in the exchange rates between the USD and CAD. We have determined the functional currency for our Canadian operations is the USD. As such, foreign exchange gains and losses associated with the re-measurement of monetary assets and liabilities from CAD to USD are recorded to earnings each period. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized a net foreign exchange loss of $3.8 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, 2023 would have resulted in a change of approximately $8.9 million in our net foreign exchange gain or loss.
We utilize 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 November 2021, we initiated a similar program related to future development costs denominated in CAD, and have used a similar program, on a limited basis, related to interest payments on our IQ Notes (see Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). The programs utilize forward contracts to buy CAD. Each contract related to operating costs is designated as a cash flow hedge, while contracts related to development and interest costs have not been designated as hedges as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, we have a total of 576 forward contracts outstanding to buy a total of CAD $422.1 million having a notional amount of USD$332.3 million. The CAD contracts that are related to forecasted cash operating costs at Casa Berardi and Keno Hill from 2024-2026 and have CAD-to-USD exchange rates ranging between 1.27670 and 1.36920. 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, 2023 and 2022, we recorded the following balances for the fair value of the contracts (in millions):
December 31,
Balance sheet line item:
Other current assets
$
2.7
$
1.1
Other non-current assets
$
2.0
$
0.4
Current derivative liabilities
$
(1.1
)
$
(4.0
)
Non-current derivative liabilities
$
(0.4
)
$
(3.6
)
Net unrealized gains of approximately $1.3 million related to the effective portion of the hedges were included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 31, 2023. 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 $0.2 million in net unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 31, 2023 would be reclassified to current earnings in the next twelve months. Net realized losses of approximately $3.6 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 for the year ended December 31, 2023. Net unrealized gains of approximately $1.2 million related to contracts not designated as hedges and no net unrealized gains or losses related to ineffectiveness of the hedges were included in fair value adjustments, net on our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Interest Rates
We have a $150 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 $128 million drawn under the facility as of December 31, 2023. Assuming all revolving loans currently available to us were fully drawn, each one percentage point change in interest rates would result in a $2.2 million change in annual cash interest expense on our credit facility. See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on our credit facility.

---

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.

---

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

---

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, 2023 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, 2023, 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, 2023, based on these criteria.
Our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 has been audited by BDO USA, P.C., 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, 2023, 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, 2023, 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, 2023, 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, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes and our report dated February 15, 2024 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, P.C.
Spokane, Washington
February 15, 2024

---

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, no director or officer of the Company adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.

---

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 2024. 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 17, 2024
Position and Committee
Assignments
Effective Dates
Phillips S. Baker, Jr.
President and CEO
Director (1,6)
5/23 - 5/24
5/23 - 5/26
Russell D. Lawlar
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
5/23 - 5/24
Carlos Aguiar
Vice President - Operations
8/23 - 5/24
Michael L. Clary
Senior Vice President - Chief Administrative Officer
5/23 - 5/24
Kurt D. Allen
Vice President - Exploration
5/23 - 5/24
David C. Sienko
Vice President and General Counsel
5/23 - 5/24
Robert D. Brown
Vice President - Corporate Development & Sustainability
5/23 - 5/24
Catherine J. Boggs
Director (1,2,3,4)
5/21 - 5/24
George R. Johnson
Director (4,5)
5/23 - 5/26
Alice Wong
Director (2,3,5)
5/22 - 5/25
Stephen F. Ralbovsky
Director (2,3,5)
5/21 - 5/24
Charles B. Stanley
Director (2,4,5)
5/22 - 5/25
(1)Member of Executive Committee
(2)Member of Audit Committee
(3)Member of Governance and Social Responsibility 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. He was elected the Chair of The Silver Institute in August 2023. Mr. Baker served as Chair of the Board for the National Mining Association from 2017 to 2020, and as a director for QEP Resources, Inc. from May 2010 to March 2021. He began his career in the mining industry in 1986 and has been an officer or director of many public companies since 1990.
Russell D. Lawlar was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in March 2021. He was the Treasurer from February 2018 to March 2021. Mr. Lawlar has held various positions of increasing responsibility since 2010, including being the Controller at the company’s Greens Creek Mine from February 2015 to February 2018.
Carlos Aguiar was appointed Vice President - Operations in August 2023. Prior to that, he served as Vice President - General Manager of the company’s lucky Friday Mine from July 2021 to August 2023 and was Vice President - General Manager, Minera Hecla, at the San Sebastian Mine from April 2016 to June 2021. He was project manager for the San Sebastian milling operation from July 2015 to March 2016. Mr. Aguiar has held a number of positions at the company’s operations in Mexico, Idaho, and Venezuela, including Processing Superintendent at the La Choya mine in Mexico where he first joined Hecla in 1996. He began his career in 1995 as a metallurgist and has over 20 years of experience in engineering and management in the mining industry.
Michael L. Clary was appointed Senior Vice President - Chief Administrative Officer in July 2021. Prior to that, he was Vice President - Human Resources and Senior Counsel from March 2020 to June 2021. Mr. Clary also served in various roles for the Company, including Director - Human Resources and Senior Counsel from July 2018 to March 2020 and Senior Counsel from April 2006 to July 2018. He has also held a number of positions at the Company’s operations in both Idaho and Nevada, including Controller/HR Manager at the Lucky Friday mine when he first joined Hecla in February 1994.
Kurt D. Allen was appointed Vice President - Exploration in July 2021. Prior to his appointment he was Director of Exploration from October 2019 to July 2021. Prior to that, Mr. Allen held various geology positions with Hecla in both exploration and operations including Director of New Projects from June 2012 to June 2019. He also held a number of positions at the company’s operations in Idaho, Mexico, and Nevada from June 1987 to June 2012.
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 & Sustainability in August 2021, and prior to that was Vice President - Corporate Development from January 2016 to August 2021. He was also appointed as President of our Canadian subsidiary, Hecla Canada Ltd. in August 2021, and prior to that was Vice President - Corporate Development of Hecla Canada Ltd. from January 2016 to August 2021.
Catherine “Cassie” J. Boggs has served as a director since January 2017 and became Chair of the Board in May 2023. Ms. Boggs was the General Counsel at Resource Capital Funds from January 2011 until her retirement in February 2019. She has served as a board member of Capital Limited since September 2021, and as an Intermittent Expert in mining with the US Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program since November 2019. Ms. Boggs was a board member of Funzeleo from January 2016 to September 2021, as well as briefly serving on the board of U.S. Energy Corp. from June 2019 to December 2019. She is also currently serving as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law.
George R. Johnson has served as a director since March 2016. Mr. Johnson was Senior Vice President of Operations of B2Gold Corporation from August 2009 until his retirement in April 2015. He has served on the Board of Directors of B2Gold Corporation since March 2016.
Alice Wong has served as a director since February 2021. Ms. Wong has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Officer of Cameco Corporation since 2011. She was Cameco’s Vice President of Safety, Health, Environment, Quality and Regulatory Relations from 2008 to 2011, and Vice President of Investor, Corporate and Government Relations from 2005 to 2008. She has been a board member of the Mining Association of Canada since 2016, Canadian Nuclear Association since 2013, and Saskatchewan Mining Association since 2013. She served on the board of Sask Energy Corporation from 2016 to 2023. In 2021 she was was named a Catalyst Honours Champion in recognition of her significant contributions to advancing women and championing inclusion in the workplace and being a role model for inclusive leadership in corporate Canada.
Stephen F. Ralbovsky has served as a director since March 2016. Mr. Ralbovsky has been the founder and principal of Wolf Sky Consulting LLC since June 2014. Prior to that, he was a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 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’s James E. Rogers College of Law, where he teaches Global Mining Taxation, and is a member of several organizations, including Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, 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 has been the Managing Member of Cutthroat Energy, LLC since April 2019. Prior to that, Mr. Stanley was Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director of QEP Resources, Inc. 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.
Information with respect to our directors is set forth under the caption “Proposal 1 - Election of Class I Directors” in our proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for the annual meeting scheduled to be held on May 17, 2024 (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 the Audit Committee,” and under the caption “Corporate Governance,” 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 in the paragraph under the caption “Insider Trading Policy” in the “Compensation and Discussion and Analysis” section of 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 in the paragraph under the caption “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” in the “Other Matters” section of the Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, no director or officer of the Company adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption “Available Information” in Item 1 for information about the Company’s Code of Conduct, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which stockholders may recommend director nominees.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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

---

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)(2)	Financial Statement Schedules
Not applicable
(a)(3)	Exhibits
Hecla Mining Company and Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries
Form 10-K - December 31, 2023
Index to Exhibits
1.1
Equity Distribution Agreement, dated as of February 18, 2021, by and among Hecla Mining Company and the sales agents party thereto. Filed as exhibit 1.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 18, 2021 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference.
1.2
First Amendment to Equity Distribution Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2024, by and among Hecla Mining Company and the sales agents party thereto. *
2.1(a)
Arrangement Agreement dated as of April 5, 2023, by and among Hecla Mining Company, Alexco Resources Corp. and ATAC Resources Ltd. Filed as exhibit 2.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 6, 2023 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference.
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant. Filed as exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 26, 2023 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference.
3.2
Bylaws of the Registrant as amended to date. Filed as exhibit 3.2 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 26, 2023 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference.
4.1(a)
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.
4.1(b)
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 19, 2020, among Hecla Mining Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries of Hecla Mining Company, as Guarantors hereto, and the Bank of New York Mellon Trust, N.A., as Trustee. Filed as exhibit 4.2 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 19, 2020 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference.
4.1(c)
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 6, 2023, among Hecla Mining Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries of Hecla Mining Company, as Guarantors hereto, and the Bank of New York Mellon Trust, N.A., as Trustee. Filed as exhibit 4.1(c) to Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, filed on April 10, 2023 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference.
4.2
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 16, 2023, among Hecla Mining Company, as Issuer, and 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. *
4.3
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 quarter ended March 31, 2018 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference.
4.4
Form of 7.250% Senior Note due 2028 (included in Exhibit 4.1(b).
4.5
Description of Securities. Filed as exhibit 4.4 to Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference.
10.1
Credit Agreement dated as of July 21, 2022, by and among Hecla Mining Company, Hecla Limited, Hecla Alaska LLC, Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company, and Hecla Juneau Mining Company, as the Borrowers, Bank of America, N.A., as the Administrative Agent for the Lenders, and various Lenders. Filed as exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K on July 21, 2022 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference.
10.2
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 August 5, 2019, on March 1, 2020 with Michael L. Clary, on March 1, 2021 with Russell D. Lawlar, on July 1, 2021 with Kurt Allen, and on August 16, 2023 with Carlos Aguiar. 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)
10.3
Form of Indemnification Agreement dated November 8, 2006, between Registrant and Phillips S. Baker, Jr. Identical Indemnification Agreements were entered into between the Registrant and Charles B. Stanley 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, Catherine J. Boggs on January 1, 2017, Alice Wong on February 26, 2021, Michael L. Clary on March 1, 2020, Russell D. Lawlar on March 1, 2021, Kurt Allen on July 1, 2021, and Carlos Aguiar on August 16, 2023. Filed as exhibit 10.7 to Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)
10.4
Hecla Mining Company Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan (Amended, Restated and Effective May 19, 2021). Filed as Appendix A to Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 5, 2021 (File No 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)
10.5
Hecla Mining Company 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated as of August 21, 2021). Filed as exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)
10.6
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)
10.7
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)
10.8(a)
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)
10.8(b)
Hecla Mining Company Post-2004 Supplemental Excess Retirement Plan Master Plan Document, effective January 1, 2019. Filed as exhibit 10.8(a) to Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)
10.8(c)
Hecla Mining Company Pre-2005 Supplemental Excess Retirement Plan Master Plan Document, effective January 1, 2019. Filed as exhibit 10.8(b) to Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)
10.9
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)
10.10
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)
Hecla Mining Company Policy on Insider Trading. *
List of subsidiaries of Registrant. *
23.1
Consent of BDO USA, P.C. *
23.2
Consent of Qualified Person for Technical Report Summary of Greens Creek Mine. *
23.3
Consent of Qualified Person for Technical Report Summary of Lucky Friday Mine. *
23.4
Consent of Qualified Person for Technical Report Summary of Casa Berardi Mine. *
23.5
Consent of Qualified Person for Technical Report Summary of Casa Berardi Mine. *
23.6
Consent of Qualified Person for Technical Report Summary of Keno Hill Mine. *
23.7
Consent of Qualified Person for Technical Report Summary of Keno Hill Mine. *
23.8
Consent of Qualified Person for Technical Report Summary of Keno Hill Mine. *
23.9
Consent of Qualified Person for Technical Report Summary of Keno Hill Mine. *
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. *
96.1
Technical Report Summary on the Greens Creek Mine, Alaska, U.S.A. Filed as exhibit 96.1 to Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference.
96.2
Technical Report Summary on the Lucky Friday Mine, Idaho, U.S.A. Filed as exhibit 96.2 to Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference.
96.3
Technical Report Summary on the Casa Berardi Mine, Northwestern Québec, Canada. *
96.4
Technical Report Summary of the Keno Hill Mine, Yukon Territory, Canada. *
Hecla Mining Company Incentive-Based Compensation Recovery Policy. *
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. Embedded Linkbase Documents.
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.