Hecla’s Silver, Gold Production Rise in Q1 2014

Hecla Mining Co. (NYSE:HL) announced its preliminary results for the first quarter of 2014, commenting that it produced 2.5 million ounces of silver, a 32-percent increase from the previous year.

Further, it put out 42,269 ounces of gold, up significantly from the 13,689 ounces it put out in the year-ago quarter.

Phillips S. Baker, Jr., president and CEO of Hecla, commented:

Hecla has begun 2014 with strong production growth compared to the first quarter of 2013. Greens Creek again delivered consistent, excellent operating performance. The Lucky Friday continues to improve its operations while the #4 Shaft is almost halfway to its final depth.

We are pleased to see Casa Berardi’s steady production profile over the past two quarters. Advanced engineering work is well underway with the goals of increasing metallurgical recoveries, better controlling dilution and reducing the amount of development necessary to maintain production. These initiatives should positively impact revenue, cash cost, after by-product credits, as well as reduce the capital required. Also, with our cash position at approximately $205 millionat quarter end, Hecla continues to have a strong financial position.

Click here to read the full Hecla Mining Co. (NYSE:HL) press release.