Hecla Enters Into First Nation Cooperation Agreement

COEUR D’ALENE, ID - Hecla Mining Company reported that its subsidiary Hecla Quebec, operator of the Casa Berardi Mine, has finalized a Cooperation Agreement with the Council of the Abitibiwinni First Nation (CAFN). Hecla’s 100% owned Casa Berardi Mine is a gold mine located in western Quebec employing over 650 workers. The Cooperation Agreement provides participation in the Casa Berardi Mine through training programs, employment and advancement opportunities, business opportunities, environmental protection measures and other practices.

"We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with the Council of the Abitibiwinni First Nation because of our mutual desire to protect the environment and our respect for Aboriginal people and their traditional way of life,” said Phillips S. Baker, Jr., President and CEO.