Hecla Reports Update on Lucky Friday Mine
Hecla Mining Company ('Hecla?) (NYSE:HL)
reports that all miners have been safely removed from the Lucky Friday
mine near Mullan, Idaho, following a rock burst that occurred Wednesday,
December 14, at approximately 7:40 p.m.
'We are thankful that all employees are out of the mine and have been
accounted for, and that those injured have been treated. The safety of
our employees is our primary concern,? said Phil Baker, President and
Chief Executive Officer. 'The mine is currently shut down, and once we
have cared for our people, we will be investigating the cause of the
seismic activity.?
The incident occurred at 5900 feet below the surface. Seven people were
transported to local hospitals and treated for non-life-threatening
injuries. No mine blasting had taken place anywhere in the mine for the
previous 24 hours; therefore, the rock burst is unrelated to mining
activities. The mine is currently closed pending further investigation.
The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration has been notified and
investigators are en route to the mine.
For up-to-date information and a video message from our President and
CEO, Phil Baker, please visit Hecla′s homepage of the website at www.hecla-mining.com.
Cautionary Statements
Statements made which are not
historical facts, such as strategies, plans, anticipated payments,
litigation outcome (including settlement negotiations), production,
sales of assets, exploration results and plans, costs, and prices or
sales performance are 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as
'may?, 'will?, 'should?, 'expects?, 'intends?, 'projects?, 'believes?,
'estimates?, 'targets?, 'anticipates? and similar expressions are used
to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements
involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated, expected
or implied. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited
to, metals price volatility, volatility of metals production and costs,
environmental and litigation risks, operating risks, project development
risks, political risks, labor issues, ability to raise financing and
exploration risks and results. Refer to the company's Form 10-K and 10-Q
reports for a more 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.
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
