Hecla 125th Anniversary

Persistence. Perspective. Position. Hecla Mining Company was founded in 1891 in the Coeur d’Alene Mining District of Idaho’s Silver Valley – one of the largest silver producing districts in the world. One hundred twenty-five years later, Hecla—last of the district’s pioneer mining companies—is the largest primary silver producer in the United States. Reaching a milestone of this magnitude is no small feat for any company— especially one in the mining industry. It requires grit, determination, and persistence—by maintaining discipline in times of both prosperity and adversity; for advancing techniques that significantly improve mine-worker safety, and an uncompromising commitment to the environment in which we live and work. We are Hecla Mining Company. 125 Years of Mining for the Future.

Hecla Mining Company During the past 125 years, many events and experiences have shaped the company and its people, giving Hecla a unique perspective on the issues of today. Amasa Campbell, one of the 1944 After 40 years of production, the last 1987 Hecla purchases a 28% interest in the founders of Hecla Mining Company. tonnage is hoisted from the original Hecla shaft. Greens Creek silver-gold-zinc-lead mine within 1891 Hecla Mining Company is incorporated The mine yields more than 9 million tons of ore the Admiralty Island National Monument near during its lifetime. Juneau, Alaska. The mine’s construction is a in the state of Idaho on October 14, 1891. WWII significantly increases the demand for lead, testament to the industry’s ability to minimize its zinc, and copper. Premium prices stimulate the impact on the environment. 1903 James R. Smith is voted company mining industry and the war effort. The Lucky Friday Silver Shaft was the first concrete, 1991 Hecla celebrates its centennial— president and James F. McCarthy takes over Lucky Friday Mine, circa 1947. circular shaft in the Silver Valley. Hecla’s daily operations. He becomes the heart 100 years of mineral production. Idaho Governor and soul of Hecla for 38 years. 1958 Hecla becomes the largest shareholder 1979 Work begins on the Lucky Friday Silver Cecil Andrus honors Hecla with the state’s top Washington Water Power completes a 100-mile award for mining reclamation for work completed long, high-voltage power line, electrifying the in the Lucky Friday. Hecla President Les Randall Shaft—the first concrete, circular shaft in the Silver at the Yellow Pine unit in central Idaho. Silver Valley mines. This replaces hydropower; stated, “None of us ever dreamed that it would Valley. It is 6,200 feet deep with a hoisting speed Hecla now operates year-round. become the great mine it is.” The mine still of 2,250 feet per minute. The shaft is completed 1994 Hecla begins operations at La Choya, the In late 1903, the Wright Brothers took to the operates today. in 1983. air making the first controlled, powered and Hecla’s stock is the year’s best performer on the largest open-pit, heap-leach gold mine in Mexico. sustained human flight. 1964 After 49 years on the American Stock New York Stock Exchange. It’s the company’s first move into Mexico. Lucky The Hunt Brothers corner the silver market and Friday celebrates mining its 100 millionth ounce 1923 Compressed air is used in Jackleg Exchange, Hecla is listed on the prestigious New drive the price from $6 to over $50 per ounce. of silver. York Stock Exchange (HL). drilling—greatly increasing mine production. 1981 Hecla turns to gold mining with the 2000 Ericsson Mobile Communications Work that took 17 miners to complete is now 1977 The Apple II Personal Computer is accomplished with three. merger of Day Mines, Inc. into Hecla, which brings markets the first “smartphone.” marketed, making “micro-computers” available to 100% ownership of the Republic gold mine in 1929-1939 The Great Depression consumers. Silver continues to play an essential Washington. This technology role in the manufacturing of computer and significantly changes eliminated nearly all demand for silver. electronic components. 1982 The Star mine—the deepest in North underground mining America at 8,100 feet—is shut down. communications. “The Computer” is named Machine of the Year by The long-time use Time Magazine. of whistles or bells to relay messages 1984 The Solar Energy Generating System is replaced over the next two decades (SEGS) in California’s Mojave Desert begins with wireless Smartphones significantly operation. It is projected that 70 million ounces of changed underground silver will be used in solar energy by 2016. phones, Wi-Fi, and Voice-Over IP mining communications. communications. 2003 Arthur Brown steps down as CEO after 36 years with the company and remains chairman of the board. Phillips S. Baker, Jr. becomes CEO. Phillips S. Baker, Jr. The Jackleg drill was to mining as the laptop Computer and related software technology help The SEGS is the second largest solar energy plant in computer is to business today. create a safer mining environment. the world.

Persistence, perspective, and position—it’s the Hecla Properties platform that drives Hecla forward. These are the characteristics that will ensure continued longevity; that will enable the company to grow and evolve even more in the next century. Lucky Friday Casa Berardi Mullan, Idaho Val d’Or, Quebec Today, Hecla is taking the Lucky Friday mine The Casa Berardi shaft-deepening project was to 10,000 feet below the surface—opening completed in late 2014, and has produced 1.9 up more than 20 years’ worth of additional million ounces of gold, with a 10-year mine life resources. The mine has produced more than remaining. 155 million ounces of silver. A mechanized rock bolter at the Lucky Friday mine, Mullan, Idaho. 2008 Hecla secures 100% of the Greens Creek 2011 Hecla starts the $225 million, #4 Shaft San Sebastian silver mine and joint venture. project at the Lucky Friday mine, which could Durango, Mexico The Australian Rio Tinto mining group showcases extend the mine’s life 20 years. the “Mine of the Future” with autonomous The company resolves all claims for historic A very successful 2014 exploration drilling mining vehicles. The mining industry begins to environmental liability in the Coeur d’Alene Basin program resulted in significantly increased incorporate the use of autonomous, robotic, and Superfund Site. resources, which led to a production decision in drone technology. 2015. San Sebastian previously operated from 2012 While the first LED light was invented 2001 to 2005 and was one of the highest-grade producers in Mexico at that time. in 1962, it would take 50 years for a bright-white LED to be developed. Today, LED lamps used on Greens Creek Rock Creek miners’ helmets are significantly brighter, lighter, and have a much longer operating life—keeping Admiralty Island, Alaska Sanders County, Montana miners safe underground. Greens Creek is one of the world’s largest Rock Creek was acquired in June 2015 with the 2013 In June, Hecla completes the acquisition and lowest-cost primary silver mines and acquisition of Revett Mining Company. It has the continues to drive Hecla’s strong, consistent potential to become a long-life silver/copper mine. of Aurizon Mines Ltd., which brings 100% production performance. Greens Creek has ownership of the Casa Berardi gold mine in produced approximately 200 million ounces Quebec, Canada. of silver and 1.5 million ounces of gold since its startup in 1989. 2015 Hecla acquires Revett Mining Company and 100% ownership of the Rock Creek project in Montana—considered to be one of the largest undeveloped silver and copper deposits in North America. A production decision is made to bring the San Sebastian silver-gold mine near Durango, Mexico back in production. Molten gold being poured into doré bars at the Casa View Our Historical Timeline and 125th Berardi mine, Quebec, Canada. Commemorative Video online: www.hecla-mining.com

Today, Hecla is stronger than it’s ever been—with four operating Hecla Charitable Foundation North American mines and the highest proven and probable silver reserves in the company’s history. Exploration properties and pre- Established in 2007, the Hecla development projects hold the promise of organic growth, and key Charitable Foundation has strategic acquisitions prove Hecla to be bold in its vision and strategic in donated nearly $2 million to its thinking—to better position the company for the future. local organizations for education, community programs, youth And it’s all driven by 1,300 of the best people in the industry: activities, and health services. people who, together with the Hecla Charitable Foundation, work tirelessly to meet local challenges and needs. Cindy Moore, chief mining engineer. Cindy’s Cyclists at the Silver Valley Ride to Defeat ALS. In Times of Need Responsible Mining In 2010, Cindy Moore, chief mining engineer at Lucky Friday, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). It was devastating news, but the entire company Hecla’s focus isn’t just on ore tonnage rallied to help her and her family cope—support was abundant. and mineral grades. We’re concerned about the health and safety of our Cindy lost her courageous battle to ALS in September 2015, but the employees and the communities and commitment to continue the fight against ALS remains rock solid at Hecla—for environment in which we operate. Cindy and so many others battling the disease. We believe that a safe mine is a Health and safety, environmental stewardship, community engagement: productive mine—each day, each shift, each is key to our core business strategy and continued profitability; each is home safely. fully integrated into our business planning. It’s our corporate responsibility As responsible environmental bottom line – the very foundation of Hecla Mining Company. stewards, Hecla strives to minimize the environmental effects of our 125 Years of Mining for the Future. operations and then reclaim our projects to productive post-mining Hecla Mining Company land uses. 6500 N. Mineral Drive, Suite 200 Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83815 Van Gundy Photography, Spokane, WA.; Wallace Mining Museum, Wallace, ID; University of Idaho Library www.hecla-mining.com NYSE: HL Special Collections & Archives, Barnard-Stockbridge Collection, Moscow, ID. Historical cover image: University of Idaho Library Special Collections & Archives, Barnard-Stockbridge Collection, 8-X000662d.