Established in 1891 in northern Idaho’s Silver Valley, Hecla Mining Company’s rich history of mining has distinguished it as a respected precious metals producer. Now headquartered in

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, this international, publicly traded company is 115 years old.

Hecla is the lowest-cost primary silver producer in North America, producing 6 million ounces of silver at an average total cash cost of $2.96 per ounce in 2005. Hecla also produced 140,559 ounces of gold at an average total cash cost of $337 per ounce. The company has exploration properties and operating mines in five major world-class mining districts. Hecla’s excellent exploration prospects, operating expertise, minimal debt and good cash position make this an excellent precious metals investment vehicle.

Hecla mines, processes and explores for silver and gold in the United States, Mexico and Venezuela. Hecla currently produces silver from two silver mines, Greens Creek and Lucky Friday, as well as mining gold at the La Camorra Unit in Venezuela. In 2005, the Greens Creek mine in Alaska contributed 2.9 million ounces of silver to Hecla’s account, the Lucky Friday mine in northern Idaho produced 2.4 million ounces and the San Sebastian mine in Mexico produced approximately 0.8 million ounces of silver. The La Camorra Unit in Venezuela produced 101,474 ounces of gold in 2005.

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

Website: http://www.hecla-mining.com/