Hecla Responds to MSHA′s Accident Report

Hecla Mining Company ('Hecla?) (NYSE:HL)
received the Report of Investigation ('Report?) from the United States
Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration ('MSHA')
relating to the April 15, 2011 fatal accident at the Lucky Friday mine
in Mullan, Idaho.

Prior to the fall of ground in April, Hecla′s safety record at the Lucky
Friday mine was excellent. Hecla employees, past and present, worked for
more than 25 years, and 8.5 million man-hours without a fatality. During
that same time period, the Company continued to make strides in accident
reduction.

'Our Company works hard each day to have our miners return home safely
to their families at the end of their shift. This has been a
gut-wrenching time for our Company and for our communities,? said Phil
Baker, President and Chief Executive Officer. 'In my opinion and upon
examination, the Report does not substantiate MSHA′s previously issued
citations.?

Hecla has already worked with MSHA to address issues outlined in the
Report which resulted in the re-opening of the mine and continued
operations. However, Hecla is contesting the citations referenced in the
Report. For example, contrary to MSHA′s claims, the work was being
conducted in accordance with Hecla′s ground control plan. Hecla
understands MSHA is planning on posting the Report on its website in the
near future.

'While we are back at work, the memories of our fallen miners remain
with us, and as such, this can never be business as usual,? Baker said.

ABOUT HECLA

Established in 1891, Hecla Mining Company is the largest and lowest cash
cost silver producer in the U.S. The company has two operating mines and
exploration properties in four world-class silver mining districts in
the U.S. and Mexico.

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
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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