Lucky Friday Mine Released from PPOV Status

COEUR D'ALENE, ID - Hecla Mining Company reported that the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has officially notified the Company that the Lucky Friday Mine will not be issued a potential pattern of violations (PPOV) notification, a possibility the agency had indicated late last year.

"We are pleased that following the rehabilitation of the shaft, training and other work, MSHA has decided that the PPOV is not required. We have worked with MSHA, and are continuing to enhance many aspects of the mine's operations and safety, including implementation of the National Mining Association's CORESafety Program, said Phillips S. Baker, Jr., Hecla's President and Chief Executive Officer.

The Lucky Friday mine resumed operations in the first quarter of 2013. Production levels are expected to ramp up to normal production levels by mid-year as rehabilitation work continues, and the mine is expected to produce approximately two million ounces of silver for the full year 2013, and approximately three million ounces of silver in 2014.

The Company has recalled the employees necessary to reach full production and arranged for all employees, both returning and new, to receive supplemental safety training, with enhanced procedures for risk assessment and accident prevention designed to improve existing safe work practices. Ground support has been upgraded for over 8.25 miles of underground workings.