Mining News: News Nuggets: Greens Creek continues to deliver for Hecla

Hecla Mining Co. Oct. 20 reported production of 2.59 million ounces of silver and 43,635 oz. of gold during the third quarter 2015. The Greens Creek Mine produced 1.99 million oz. of silver during the third quarter, a 5.3 percent increase over the same period of 2014. Gold production at the Southeast Alaska operation was 14,376 oz., 6.3 percent higher than the third quarter of last year. The increased precious metals production was a result of higher recoveries and tonnage, partially offset by slightly lower grades. The Greens Creek mill operated at an average of 2,233 tons per day. “Greens Creek continues to drive Hecla’s strong, consistent production performance,” said Hecla President and CEO Phillips S. Baker, Jr. Hecla’s Lucky Friday Mine in Idaho produced 592,243 oz. of silver during the third quarter, a 39 percent drop from output during the same period of 2014. The Casa Berardi Mine in Quebec produced 29,259 oz. of gold during the third quarter, a slight increase from the year-earlier period. Hecla said it expects to begin production at its San Sebastian project by year’s end. This pending mine in Mexico is projected to produce 8.1 million silver-equivalent ounces over an 18-month mine life. Hecla anticipates its full-year 2015 production to be at the high end of the previous estimate of 10.5-11 million ounces of silver and 185,000 ounces of gold.

- Shane Lasley