Hecla Reports Rock Burst Unrelated to Previous Events at the Lucky Friday Mine

Hecla Mining Company ('Hecla?) (NYSE:HL)
is reporting that the rock burst that injured seven miners Wednesday
night at the Lucky Friday mine near Mullan, Idaho, is unrelated to two
previous fatal accidents which occurred earlier in the year. In
addition, all seven Hecla miners are expected to fully recover from
their non-life-threatening injuries. Most of the miners were treated and
released by area hospitals, with the most serious injuries involving
lacerations, a broken arm and a broken pelvis. There were 25 Hecla
employees and 18 contractor employees underground in the mine at the
time of the rock burst. All were immediately evacuated, and most were
not in the vicinity of the affected area.

'Thankfully, our miners were not more seriously injured and all seven
are expected to fully recover,? said Phil Baker, President and Chief
Executive Officer for Hecla. 'There′s no connection to the previous
fatal events. Our peoples′ safety is very important to us, and we are
working hard to get the mine back on track to its longstanding safety
record prior to this year, characterized by more than 25 years and 8.5
million man-hours without a fatality.?

On November 16, 2011, shortly after 1 a.m., Hecla reported a seismic
event that caused a rock burst in approximately the same location as
this most recent incident at 5900 feet below surface, in the area of the
pillar that crosses through the 30 vein. This rock burst was triggered
by mine blasting at the end of a shift. As a result, no one was in the
area at the time of the incident and no injuries were reported.

The most recent incident also occurred at 5900 feet below the surface.
Rock failures around a mining excavation can be triggered by natural
occurrences or by mine blasting. Baker said Hecla was in the process of
installing designed tunnel supports, which consist of a steel liner and
other materials such as shotcrete, in that particular area. This method
is very similar to that used in road construction in underground tunnels
which is meant to provide a support canopy for the roadway.

'Both rock bursts occurred approximately in the same location; however,
this most recent event was not triggered by mine blasting, since
blasting had not taken place within the previous 24 hours. Consequently,
we need more information about what triggered this rock burst,? Baker
said. 'The mine is currently shut down to give us time to examine this
in conjunction with federal Mine Safety and Health Administration
representatives.?

For up-to-date information and an earlier video message from our
President and CEO, Phil Baker, please visit Hecla′s homepage of the
website at www.hecla-mining.com.

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risks, operating risks, project development risks, political risks,
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detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected future results.
The company undertakes no obligation and has no intention of updating
forward-looking statements other than as may be required by law.

For further information, please contact:

Hecla Mining Company

M?lanie Hennessey

Vice President ?
Investor Relations

Direct: 604-694-7729

Direct Main:
800-HECLA91 (800-432-5291)

hmc-info@hecla-mining.com

www.hecla-mining.com