Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 

 

[X]           QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 20172020

 

or

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file number

1-8491

 

HECLA MINING COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Charter)

 

Delaware

77-0664171

(State or other jurisdictionOther Jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporationIncorporation or organization)Organization

Identification No.)

6500 Mineral Drive, Suite 200

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

83815-9408

(Address of principal executive offices)Principal Executive Offices

(Zip Code)Code

    

208-769-4100

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)Telephone Number, Including Area Code

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

 Name of each exchange
on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.25 per share

HL

New York Stock Exchange

Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred

Stock, par value $0.25 per share

HL-PB

New York Stock Exchange

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes XX .☒.    No .☐.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes XX .    No___.☒.    No ☐.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging“emerging growth company"company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one):Act.

Large Accelerated Filer   XX.accelerated filer ☒.

Accelerated Filer .filer  ☐.

Non-Accelerated Filer . (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Non-accelerated filer ☐. 

Smaller Reporting Company.reporting company  ☐. 

Emerging growth company .☐.

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  .☐.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes .☐.    No XX.☒.

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class

 

Shares Outstanding November 3, 20174, 2020

Common stock, par value


$0.25 per share

 

399,018,708531,022,302

 

 

 

Hecla Mining Company and Subsidiaries

 

Form 10-Q

 

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 20172020

 

INDEX*

 

Page

PART I - Financial Information

   

Item 1 – Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

   

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 30,, 2017 2020 and December 31, 20162019

3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive LossIncome (Loss) - Three Months Ended and Nine Months Ended September 30,, 2017 2020 and 20162019

4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

5

   
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash FlowsChanges in Stockholders' Equity - Three Months Ended and Nine Months Ended September 30, 20172020 and 20162019

56

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

68

Forward Looking Statements

   

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

30

33

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

5968

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

6270

PART II - Other Information

Item 1 – Legal Proceedings

71

Item 1A – Risk Factors

71

  

Item 1 2 Legal ProceedingsUnregistered Sales of Securities and Use of Proceeds

62

Item 1A – Risk Factors

62

Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures

62

Item 6 – Exhibits

62

Signatures

63

Exhibits

64
 
   71

Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures

71

Item 6 – Exhibits

72

Signatures

73

*Items 2, 3 and 5 of Part II are omitted as they are not applicable.

 

2


 

Part I - Financial Information

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Hecla Mining Company and Subsidiaries

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except shares)

 

 

September 30, 2017

  

December 31, 2016

  

September 30,

2020

  

December 31,

2019

 

ASSETS

ASSETS

 

ASSETS

 

Current assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

 $172,923  $169,777  $98,669  $62,452 

Investments

  32,973   29,117 

Accounts receivable:

             

Trade

  6,982   20,082  28,464  11,952 

Taxes

  10,382   187  6,343  20,048 

Other, net

  9,031   9,780  6,642  6,421 

Inventories:

             

Concentrates, doré, and stockpiled ore

  38,064   25,944  50,019  30,364 

Materials and supplies

  24,663   24,079  37,611  35,849 

Prepaid taxes

 107  107 

Other current assets

  16,317   12,125   7,301   11,931 

Total current assets

  311,335   291,091  235,156  179,124 

Non-current investments

  7,098   5,002  17,362  6,207 

Non-current restricted cash and investments

  1,076   2,200  1,053  1,025 

Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net

  2,025,607   2,032,685  2,342,038  2,423,698 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 11,928  16,381 

Non-current deferred income taxes

  44,683   35,815  3,408  3,537 

Other non-current assets and deferred charges

  6,384   4,884   4,205   7,336 

Total assets

 $2,396,183  $2,371,677  $2,615,150  $2,637,308 

LIABILITIES

LIABILITIES

 

LIABILITIES

 

Current liabilities:

             

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 $46,847  $60,064  $55,315  $57,716 

Accrued payroll and related benefits

  29,085   36,515  29,201  26,916 

Accrued taxes

  5,081   9,061  7,890  4,776 

Current portion of capital leases

  5,852   5,653 

Current portion of debt

     470 

Current portion of finance leases

 6,187  5,429 

Current portion of operating leases

 3,590  5,580 

Current portion of accrued reclamation and closure costs

  6,514   5,653  5,892  4,581 

Accrued interest

  14,450   5,745  4,935  5,804 

Current derivatives liabilities

 12,232  6,170 

Other current liabilities

  7,968   3,064   149   2 

Total current liabilities

  115,797   126,225  125,391  116,974 

Capital leases

  7,436   5,838 

Non-current finance leases

 7,883  7,214 

Non-current operating leases

 8,355  10,818 

Accrued reclamation and closure costs

  80,758   79,927  100,072  103,793 

Long-term debt

  501,917   500,979 

Long-term debt - notes

 495,839  504,729 

Non-current deferred tax liability

  122,723   122,855  129,506  138,282 

Non-current pension liability

  43,451   44,491  48,303  56,219 

Other noncurrent liabilities

  11,160   11,518 

Other non-current liabilities

  6,153   6,856 

Total liabilities

  883,242   891,833   921,502   944,885 

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 2, 4, 7, 9, and 11)

               

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Preferred stock, 5,000,000 shares authorized:

             

Series B preferred stock, $0.25 par value, 157,816 shares issued and outstanding, liquidation preference — $7,891

  39   39 

Common stock, $0.25 par value, authorized 750,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 2017 — 399,018,708 shares and 2016 — 395,286,875 shares

  100,886   99,806 

Series B preferred stock, $0.25 par value, 157,816 shares issued and outstanding, liquidation preference — $7,891

 39  39 

Common stock, $0.25 par value, 750,000,000 authorized shares; issued September 30, 2020 — 537,655,291 shares and December 31, 2019 — 529,182,994 shares

 134,421  132,292 

Capital surplus

  1,617,669   1,597,212  1,998,322  1,973,700 

Accumulated deficit

  (166,602

)

  (167,437

)

 (375,527) (353,331)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (20,884

)

  (34,602

)

 (40,111) (37,310)

Less treasury stock, at cost; 2017 — 4,529,450 and 2016 — 3,941,210 shares issued and held in treasury

  (18,167

)

  (15,174

)

Total shareholders’ equity

  1,512,941   1,479,844 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 $2,396,183  $2,371,677 

Less treasury stock, at cost; September 30, 2020 — 6,821,044 and December 31, 2019 — 6,287,271 shares issued and held in treasury

  (23,496)  (22,967)

Total shareholders’ equity

  1,693,648   1,692,423 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 $2,615,150  $2,637,308 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3


 

Hecla Mining Company and Subsidiaries

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)

(Dollars and shares in thousands, except for per-share amounts)

 

 

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
 

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

  

September 30,

2020

  

September 30,

2019

  

September 30,

2020

  

September 30,

2019

 
 

September 30,

2017

  

September 30,

2016

  

September 30,

2017

  

September 30,

2016

  

Sales of products

 $140,839  $179,393  $417,662  $481,712  $199,703  $161,532  $502,983  $448,321 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs

  68,358   90,529   224,537   249,162  105,977  95,878  284,717  311,202 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  28,844   30,179   83,365   84,592   40,238   50,774   119,327   139,038 

Total cost of sales

  97,202   120,708   307,902   333,754   146,215   146,652   404,044   450,240 

Gross profit

  43,637   58,685   109,760   147,958 

Gross profit (loss)

  53,488   14,880   98,939   (1,919)

Other operating expenses:

                         

General and administrative

  9,529   11,155   29,044   31,728  11,713  7,978  27,631  26,855 

Exploration

  7,255   3,859   17,622   10,171  3,407  4,808  7,899  13,556 

Pre-development

  1,757   550   4,061   1,475  759  881  1,857  2,535 

Research and development

  1,130      2,125     0  53  0  614 

Other operating expense

  134   962   1,615   2,535  3,497  437  5,851  1,681 

Gain on disposition of properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests

  (4,830

)

  (8

)

  (4,924

)

  (319

)

(Gain) loss on disposition of properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests

 (14) 24  559  4,666 

Provision for closed operations and reclamation

  2,940   2,162   5,044   4,779  1,254  1,907  2,807  3,529 

Lucky Friday suspension-related costs

  4,780      14,385    

Ramp-up and suspension costs

 1,541  3,722  24,109  8,766 

Foundation grant

 0  0  1,970  0 

Acquisition costs

     1,765      2,167   2   183   13   593 

Total other operating expense

  22,695   20,445   68,972   52,536   22,159   19,993   72,696   62,795 

Income from operations

  20,942   38,240   40,788   95,422 

Income (loss) from operations

  31,329   (5,113)  26,243   (64,714)

Other income (expense):

                         

(Loss) gain on derivative contracts

  (11,226

)

  7   (16,548

)

   

Loss on disposition of investments

        (167

)

   

Unrealized (loss) gain on investments

  (124

)

  49   (73

)

  488 

Loss on derivative contracts

 (6,666) (4,718) (12,775) (2,719)

Gain on disposition of investments

 0  927  0  927 

Unrealized gain (loss) on investments

 3,979  (126) 9,410  (1,159)

Foreign exchange (loss) gain

  (4,764

)

  2,375   (10,909

)

  (7,713

)

 (2,196) 773  1,235  (6,741)

Interest and other income

  541   145   1,185   346 

Interest expense, net of amount capitalized

  (9,358

)

  (5,574

)

  (28,423

)

  (16,655

)

Other expense

 (406) (1,096) (1,582) (3,407)

Interest expense

  (10,779)  (11,777)  (38,919)  (33,777)

Total other expense

  (24,931

)

  (2,998

)

  (54,935

)

  (23,534

)

  (16,068)  (16,017)  (42,631)  (46,876)

(Loss) income before income taxes

  (3,989

)

  35,242   (14,147

)

  71,888 

Income tax benefit (provision)

  5,401   (9,453

)

  18,377   (22,603

)

Net income

  1,412   25,789   4,230   49,285 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 15,261  (21,130) (16,388) (111,590)

Income tax (provision) benefit

  (1,633)  1,614   (1,197)  20,009 

Net income (loss)

 13,628  (19,516) (17,585) (91,581)

Preferred stock dividends

  (138

)

  (138

)

  (414

)

  (414

)

  (138)  (138)  (414)  (414)

Income applicable to common shareholders

 $1,274  $25,651  $3,816  $48,871 

Comprehensive income:

                

Net income

 $1,412  $25,789  $4,230  $49,285 

Reclassification of loss on disposition or impairment of marketable securities included in net income

        167   1,000 

Unrealized loss and amortization of prior service on pension plans

  (16

)

         

Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders

 $13,490  $(19,654) $(17,999) $(91,995)

Comprehensive income (loss):

         

Net income (loss)

 $13,628  $(19,516) $(17,585) $(91,581)

Change in fair value of derivative contracts designated as hedge transactions

  6,760   (1,602

)

  12,068   (1,556

)

  6,150   (3,288)  (2,801)  4,511 

Unrealized holding gains on investments

  892   987   1,483   2,245 

Comprehensive income

 $9,048  $25,174  $17,948  $50,974 

Basic income per common share after preferred dividends

 $0.00  $0.07  $0.01  $0.13 

Diluted income per common share after preferred dividends

 $0.00  $0.07  $0.01  $0.13 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 $19,778  $(22,804) $(20,386) $(87,070)

Basic income (loss) per common share after preferred dividends

 $0.03  $(0.04) $(0.03) $(0.19)

Diluted income (loss) per common share after preferred dividends

 $0.03  $(0.04) $(0.03) $(0.19)

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic

  398,848   387,578   396,809   383,458   529,838   489,971   526,098   486,298 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted

  401,258   389,918   400,176   386,318   535,788   489,971   526,098   486,298 

Cash dividends declared per common share

 $0.0025  $0.0025  $0.0075  $0.0075  $0.0025  $0.0025  $0.0075  $0.0075 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4


 

Hecla Mining Company and Subsidiaries

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 
 

Nine Months Ended

  

September 30, 2020

  

September 30, 2019

 
 

September 30, 2017

  

September 30, 2016

  

Operating activities:

             

Net income

 $4,230  $49,285 

Non-cash elements included in net income:

        

Net loss

 $(17,585) $(91,581)

Non-cash elements included in net loss:

     

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  87,634   83,900  126,911  143,040 

Loss on disposition of investments

  167    

Unrealized loss (gain) on investments

  73   (488

)

Gain on disposition of properties, plants, equipment, and mineral interests

  (4,924

)

  (319

)

Gain on disposition of investments

 0  (927)

Unrealized (gain) loss on investments

 (9,410) 1,159 

Adjustment of inventory to market value

 0  1,399 

Loss on disposition of properties, plants, equipment, and mineral interests

 559  4,666 

Provision for reclamation and closure costs

  3,379   3,685  4,638  5,298 

Stock compensation

  4,943   4,814  5,229  4,758 

Acquisition costs

     1,048 

Deferred income taxes

  (24,280

)

  10,330  (6,390) (26,616)

Amortization of loan origination fees

  1,415   1,397  3,066  1,919 

Loss on derivative contracts

  16,718   337  4,483  5,824 

Foreign exchange loss

  11,171   7,555 

Other non-cash items, net

  (1

)

  5 

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

 (2,810) 6,263 

Foundation grant

 1,970  0 

Change in assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions:

             

Accounts receivable

  4,903   5,776  (3,741) (10,215)

Inventories

  (9,611

)

  (44

)

 (13,090) (6,501)

Other current and non-current assets

  (2,685

)

  (539

)

 6,748  14,913 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  (7,759

)

  2,042  (1,762) 5,616 

Accrued payroll and related benefits

  (913

)

  8,621  11,317  4,506 

Accrued taxes

  (4,469

)

  (2,894

)

 3,276  (5,733)

Accrued reclamation and closure costs and other non-current liabilities

  (5,876

)

  (1,397

)

  2,483   5,821 

Cash provided by operating activities

  74,115   173,114   115,892   63,609 

Investing activities:

             

Additions to properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests

  (70,390

)

  (120,236

)

 (54,382) (97,338)

Acquisitions of other companies, net of cash acquired

     (3,931

)

Proceeds from sale of investments

 0  1,760 

Proceeds from disposition of properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests

  151   348  305  86 

Insurance proceeds received for damaged property

  5,628    

Purchases of investments

  (36,916

)

  (32,847

)

  (1,661)  (389)

Maturities of investments

  31,169   7,240 

Changes in restricted cash and investment balances

  1,124   (3,900

)

Net cash used in investing activities

  (69,234

)

  (153,326

)

  (55,738)  (95,881)

Financing activities:

             

Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of offering costs

  9,610   8,121 

Acquisition of treasury shares

  (2,993

)

  (4,363

)

 (2,745) (2,239)

Dividends paid to common shareholders

  (2,978

)

  (2,882

)

 (3,951) (3,655)

Dividends paid to preferred shareholders

  (414

)

  (414

)

 (414) (414)

Credit availability and debt issuance fees

  (476

)

  (107

)

Credit facility and debt issuance fees

 (1,287) (587)

Borrowings on debt

 707,107  245,000 

Repayments of debt

  (470

)

  (1,807

)

 (716,500) (195,000)

Repayments of capital leases

  (5,065

)

  (6,328

)

Net cash used in financing activities

  (2,786

)

  (7,780

)

Repayments of finance leases

  (4,246)  (5,484)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  (22,036)  37,621 

Effect of exchange rates on cash

  1,051   627   (1,873)  257 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

  3,146   12,635 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  169,777   155,209 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $172,923  $167,844 

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

 36,245  5,606 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  63,477   28,414 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $99,722  $34,020 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

     

Cash payment for interest

 $33,828  $21,696 

Significant non-cash investing and financing activities:

             

Addition of capital lease obligations

 $6,439  $2,297 

Common stock issued for the acquisition of other companies

 $  $48,109 

Payment of accrued compensation in restricted stock units

 $4,240  $5,511 

Addition of finance lease obligations

 $5,747  $6,506 

Recognition of operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets

 $0  $22,365 

Payment of accrued compensation in stock

 $5,095  $8,274 

Marketable equity securities received for sale of mineral interest

 $0  $2,257 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5


 

Hecla Mining Company and Subsidiaries

 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited)

(Dollars are in thousands, except for share and per share amounts)

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
  

Series B
Preferred
Stock

  

Common
Stock

  

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

  

Accumulated
Deficit

  

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss, net

  

Treasury
Stock

  

Total

 

Balances, July 1, 2020

 $39  $133,699  $1,982,400  $(387,688) $(46,261) $(23,496) $1,658,693 

Net income

  0   0   0   13,628   0   0   13,628 

Restricted stock units granted

        1,317            1,317 

Common stock dividends declared ($0.0025 per common share)

           (1,329)        (1,329)

Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared ($0.875 per share)

           (138)        (138)

Common stock issued for 401(k) match (439,000 shares)

     110   1,303            1,413 

Common stock issued to pension plans (2,058,000 shares)

  0   514   11,917   0   0   0   12,431 

Common stock issued to directors (391,000 shares)

  0   98   1,385   0   0   0   1,483 

Other comprehensive income

              6,150      6,150 

Balances, September 30, 2020

 $39  $134,421  $1,998,322  $(375,527) $(40,111) $(23,496) $1,693,648 

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

 
  

Series B
Preferred
Stock

  

Common
Stock

  

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

  

Accumulated
Deficit

  

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss, net

  

Treasury
Stock

  

Total

 

Balances, July 1, 2019

 $39  $123,701  $1,895,617  $(323,079) $(34,670) $(22,380) $1,639,228 

Net loss

           (19,516)        (19,516)

Restricted stock units granted

        1,206            1,206 

Restricted stock units distributed (1,164,000 shares)

  0   291   (291)  0   0   (595)  (595)

Common stock dividends declared ($0.0025 per common share)

           (1,225)        (1,225)

Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared ($0.875 per share)

           (138)        (138)

Common stock issued for 401(k) match (562,000 shares)

     141   831            972 

Other comprehensive loss

  0   0   0   0   (3,288)  0   (3,288)

Balances, September 30, 2019

 $39  $124,133  $1,897,363  $(343,958) $(37,958) $(22,975) $1,616,644 

6

  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
  

Series B
Preferred
Stock

  

Common
Stock

  

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

  

Accumulated
Deficit

  

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss, net

  

Treasury
Stock

  

Total

 

Balances, January 1, 2020

 $39  $132,292  $1,973,700  $(353,331) $(37,310) $(22,967) $1,692,423 

Net loss

           (17,585)        (17,585)

Restricted stock units granted

        3,746            3,746 

Restricted stock units distributed (1,702,000 shares)

  0   426   (426)  0   0   (1,479)  (1,479)

Common stock dividends declared ($0.0075 per common share)

           (3,951)        (3,951)

Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared ($2.625 per share)

           (414)        (414)

Common stock issued for 401(k) match (1,396,000 shares)

     350   3,295            3,645 

Treasury shares issued to charitable foundation (650,000 shares)

  0   0   0   (246)  0   2,216   1,970 

Common stock issued for employee incentive compensation (2,800,000 shares)

  0   700   4,396   0   0   (1,266)  3,830 

Common stock issued to pension plans (2,225,000 shares)

  0   555   12,226   0   0   0   12,781 

Common stock issued to directors (391,000 shares)

  0   98   1,385   0   0   0   1,483 

Other comprehensive loss

  0   0   0   0   (2,801)  0   (2,801)

Balances, September 30, 2020

 $39  $134,421  $1,998,322  $(375,527) $(40,111) $(23,496) $1,693,648 

  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

 
  

Series B
Preferred
Stock

  

Common
Stock

  

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

  

Accumulated
Deficit

  

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss, net

  

Treasury
Stock

  

Total

 

Balances, January 1, 2019

 $39  $121,956  $1,880,481  $(248,308) $(42,469) $(20,736) $1,690,963 

Net loss

           (91,581)        (91,581)

Restricted stock units granted

        4,303            4,303 

Restricted stock units distributed (1,164,000 shares)

  0   291   (291)  0   0   (636)  (636)

Common stock dividends declared ($0.0075 per common share)

           (3,655)        (3,655)

Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared ($2.625 per share)

           (414)        (414)

Common stock issued for 401(k) match (1,307,000 shares)

     327   2,425            2,752 

Adjustment to fair value of warrants issued for purchase of another company

  0   0   (325)  0   0   0   (325)

Common stock issued for employee incentive compensation (3,597,380 shares)

  0   899   7,375   0   0   (1,603)  6,671 

Common stock issued to pension plans (2,384,000 shares)

  0   597   3,003   0   0   0   3,600 

Common stock issued to directors (253,000 shares)

  0   63   392   0   0   0   455 

Other comprehensive income

              4,511      4,511 

Balances, September 30, 2019

 $39  $124,133  $1,897,363  $(343,958) $(37,958) $(22,975) $1,616,644 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

Note 1.    Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and notes to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items and items which are nonrecurring, necessary to present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Hecla Mining Company and its consolidated subsidiaries (except as the context otherwise requires,(in this report, "Hecla" or "the Company" or “we” or “our” or “us”) refers to Hecla Mining Company and our subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise).  These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related footnotes as set forth in our annual report filed on Form 10-K10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2019, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

The results of operations for the periods presented may not be indicative of those which may be expected for a full year.  The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in audited financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures are adequate for the information not to be misleading.

Certain condensed consolidated financial statement amounts for the prior period have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the net income, comprehensive income, or accumulated deficit as previously reported.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, and the disclosures of contingent liabilities.  Accordingly, ultimate results could differ materially from those estimates.     

 

On September 13, 2016, we completedThe 2019 novel strain of coronavirus ("COVID-19") was characterized as a global pandemic by the acquisitionWorld Health Organization on March 11, 2020, and COVID-19 has resulted in travel restrictions and business slowdowns or shutdowns in affected areas. In late March 2020, the Government of Mines Management, Inc. ("Mines Management"), giving us ownershipQuebec ordered the mining industry to reduce to minimum operations as part of the Montanore projectfight against COVID-19, causing us to suspend our Casa Berardi operations from approximately March 24 until April 15, when mining operations resumed. In early April, the Government of Mexico issued a similar order causing us to suspend our San Sebastian operations until May 30. In addition, restrictions imposed by the State of Alaska in Northwest Montana.late March have caused us to revise the normal operating procedures for staffing operations at Greens Creek. These suspension orders impacted us in the first half of 2020 by curtailing our expected production of gold at Casa Berardi by approximately 5,200 ounces in March 2020 and approximately 6,500 ounces in April 2020, which resulted in a reduction in related revenue. We continued to incur costs at Casa Berardi and San Sebastian while operations were suspended. At Casa Berardi and San Sebastian, suspension costs in the firstnine months of 2020 totaled $1.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively. In addition, we have incurred costs of approximately $1.9 million in the firstnine months of 2020 related to quarantining employees at Greens Creek, which started in late March 2020. At Lucky Friday and Nevada Operations, COVID-19 procedures have been implemented without a significant impact on production or operating costs. It is possible that future restrictions at any of our operations could have an adverse impact on operations or 2020 financial results, including materially so, beyond the third quarter of 2020.

We have taken precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, including implementing operational plans and practices and increasing our cash reserves through a temporary draw-down of our revolving credit facility, which has since been fully repaid (see Note 9 for more information). As long as they are required, the operational practices implemented could have an adverse impact on our operating results due to deferred production and revenues or additional costs. We continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation and guidance from federal, state, local and foreign governments and public health authorities and may take additional actions based on their recommendations. The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements included herein reflect our ownershipextent of the assets previously held by Mines Management asimpact of COVID-19 on our business and financial results will also depend on future developments, including the duration and spread of the September 13, 2016 acquisition date.outbreak within the markets in which we operate and the related impact on prices, demand, creditworthiness and other market conditions and governmental reactions, all of which are highly uncertain.

 

Note 2.    Investments

 

Investments

Our current investments, which are classified as "available for sale"At September 30,2020 and consist of bonds having maturities of greater than 90 days and less than 365 days, had a fair value and cost basis of $33.0 million and $29.1 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. During the first nine months of 2017, we had purchases of such investments of $35.3 million and maturities of $31.2 million. Our current investments at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following (in thousands):

  

September 30, 2017

  

December 31, 2016

 
  

Amortized

cost

  

Unrealized

loss

  

Fair

value

  

Amortized

cost

  

Unrealized

loss

  

Fair

value

 

Corporate bonds

 $32,987  $(14

)

 $32,973  $22,100  $(46

)

 $22,054 

Municipal bonds

           3,727   (1

)

  3,726 

Agency bonds

            3,339   (2

)

  3,337 

Total

 $32,987  $(14

)

 $32,973  $29,166  $(49

)

 $29,117 

6

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016,2019, the fair value of our non-current investments was $7.1$17.4 million and $5.0$6.2 million, respectively.  Our non-current investments consist of marketable equity securities which are carried at fair value, and are primarily classified as “available-for-sale.”value. The cost basis of our non-current investments was approximately $5.7$11.3 million and $4.0$9.8 million at September 30,2020 and December 31,2019, respectively. During the firstnine months of 2020 and 2019, we recognized $9.4 million in net unrealized gains and $1.2 million in net unrealized losses, respectively, in current earnings. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 2020 and December 31, 2016, respectively. In the first nine months of 2017 and 2016,2019, we acquired marketable equity securities having a cost basis of $1.6$1.7 million and $0.4 million, respectively. In the firstnine months of 2019, we sold marketable equity securities having a cost basis of $0.9 million respectively. During the first quarterfor proceeds of 2016, we recognized an impairment charge against current earnings$1.8 million, resulting in a gain of $1.0 million, as we determined the impairment to be other-than-temporary.$0.9 million.

  

8

Note 3.   Income Taxes

 

Major components of our income tax (benefit) provisionbenefit (provision) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 2020 and 20162019 are as follows (in thousands):

 

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

 

Current:

                

Domestic

 $  $4,123  $(12,797

)

 $4,122 

Foreign

  (3,959

)

  5,773   17,491   8,416 

Total current income tax (benefit) provision

  (3,959

)

  9,896   4,694   12,538 
                 

Deferred:

                

Domestic

  1,980   (5,723

)

  (13,958

)

  3,642 

Foreign

  (3,422

)

  5,280   (9,113

)

  6,423 

Total deferred income tax (benefit) provision

  (1,442

)

  (443

)

  (23,071

)

  10,065 

Total income tax (benefit) provision

 $(5,401

)

 $9,453  $(18,377

)

 $22,603 

As of September 30, 2017, we have a net deferred tax asset in the U.S. of $44.7 million and a net deferred tax liability in Canada of $122.7 million, for a consolidated worldwide net deferred tax liability of $78.0 million. Our ability to utilize our deferred tax assets depends on future taxable income generated from operations. In the first quarter of 2017, we received consent from the Internal Revenue Service to permit us to take a different income tax position relating to the timing of deductions for the #4 Shaft development costs at Lucky Friday. This tax accounting method change substantially revised the timing of deductions for these costs for regular tax and Alternative Minimum Tax ("AMT") relative to our projected life of mine and projected taxable income. These timing changes caused us to revise our assessment of the ability to generate sufficient future taxable income to realize our deferred tax assets, resulting in a valuation allowance release of approximately $15 million. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the balances of the valuation allowances on our deferred tax assets were $72 million and $100 million, respectively, primarily for net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered recoverable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income are reduced.

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

Current:

                

Domestic

 $(705) $(315) $(1,690) $(317)

Foreign

  (2,286)  (2,467)  (6,005)  (5,260)

Total current income tax (provision) benefit

  (2,991)  (2,782)  (7,695)  (5,577)
                 

Deferred:

                

Domestic

  192   2,652   3,307   10,585 

Foreign

  1,166   1,744   3,191   15,001 

Total deferred income tax benefit (provision)

  1,358   4,396   6,498   25,586 

Total income tax (provision) benefit

 $(1,633) $1,614  $(1,197) $20,009 

 

The current income tax provisions(provisions) benefits for the three and nine months ended September30, 20172020 and 20162019 vary from the amounts that would have resulted from applying the statutory income tax rate to pre-tax income due primarily to the impact of the change in accounting method treatment of the #4 Shaft development costs described above, the impact of taxation in foreign jurisdictions and a valuation allowance on the Company's status as an indefinite AMT taxpayer.majority of U.S. deferred tax assets.

 

We have historically calculatedIn 2018, we acquired through the provision for income taxes during interim reporting periods by applying an estimateacquisition of Klondex Mines Ltd. a U.S. consolidated tax group ("Nevada U.S. Group") that did not join the annual effectiveexisting consolidated U.S. tax rate ("AETR"group of Hecla Mining Company and subsidiaries (“Hecla U.S.”). For Hecla U.S., we recorded a full valuation allowance in the U.S. in December 2017 as a result of U.S. tax reform. Our circumstances at September 30,2020 continued to support a full valuation allowance in the U.S. for the full fiscal year to “ordinary” pretax income or loss (excluding unusual or infrequently occurring discrete items) for the reporting period. We have determined that since small changes in estimated annual “ordinary” pre-tax income would result in significant changesHecla U.S. group.

As of September 30,2020, we had a net deferred tax liability in the estimated AETR, U.S. of $34.9 million, a net deferred tax liability in Canada of $94.6 million, and a net deferred tax asset in Mexico of $3.4 million, for a consolidated worldwide net deferred tax liability of $126.1 million.

On March 27, 2020, the AETR method would Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. The CARES Act, among other things, includes provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credits, deferment of employer side social security payments, net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property. The CARES Act has not provide had a reliable estimate formaterial impact on the fiscal three- and nine-month periods ended Company as of September 30, 2017. Therefore,2020; however, we will continue to examine the impacts the CARES Act may have used a discrete effective tax rate method to calculate taxes for the fiscal three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017.on our business.

 

7

Table of Contents

Note 4.    Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations

 

General

 

We follow GAAP guidance in determining our accruals and disclosures with respect to loss contingencies, and evaluate such accruals and contingencies for each reporting period. Accordingly, estimated losses from loss contingencies are accrued by a charge to income when information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that a liability could be incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal expenses associated with the contingency are expensed as incurred. If a loss contingency is not probable or reasonably estimable, disclosure of the loss contingency is made in the financial statements when it is at least reasonably possible that a material loss could be incurred.

 

Rio Grande Silver Guaranty

9

 

Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Rio Grande Silver Inc. (“Rio”), is party to a joint venture with Emerald Mining & Leasing, LLC (“EML”) and certain other parties with respect to a land package in the Creede Mining District of Colorado that is adjacent to other land held by Rio. Rio holds a 70% interest in the joint venture. In connection with the joint venture, we are required to guarantee certain environmental remediation-related obligations of EML to a third party up to a maximum liability to us of $2.5 million. As of September 30, 2017, we have not been required to make any payments pursuant to the guaranty. We may be required to make payments in the future, limited to the $2.5 million maximum liability, should EML fail to meet its obligations to the third party. However, to the extent that any payments are made by us under the guaranty, EML, in addition to other parties, has jointly and severally agreed to reimburse and indemnify us for any such payments. We have not recorded a liability relating to the guaranty as of September 30, 2017.

Lucky Friday Water Permit Matters

 

In the past, the Lucky Friday unit experienced multiple regulatory issues relating to its water discharge permits and water management more generally. All of these issues have been resolved except for one: in December 2013, the EPAEnvironmental Protection Agency ("EPA") issued to Hecla Limited a request for information under Section 308 of the Clean Water Act directing Hecla Limited to undertake a comprehensive groundwater investigation of Lucky Friday’sFriday’s tailings pond no.3 to evaluate whether the pond is causing the discharge of pollutants via seepage to groundwater that is discharging to surface water. We completed the investigation mandated by the EPA and submitted a draft report to the agency in December 2015. We are waiting for the EPA’s response and we cannot predict what further action, if any, the impact of the investigation will be.agency may take.

Hecla Limited strives to maintain its water discharges at the Lucky Friday unit in full compliance with its permits and applicable laws, however, we cannot provide assurance that in the future it will be able to fully comply with the permit limits and other regulatory requirements regarding water management.

8

Table of Contents

 

Johnny M Mine Area near San Mateo, McKinley County and San Mateo Creek Basin, New Mexico

 

In May 2011, the EPA made a formal request to Hecla Mining Company for information regarding the Johnny M Mine Area near San Mateo, McKinley County, New Mexico, and asserted that Hecla Mining Company may be responsible under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA") for environmental remediation and past costs the EPA has incurred at the site. Mining at the Johnny M Mine was conducted for a limited period of time by a predecessor of our subsidiary, Hecla Limited. In August 2012, Hecla Limited and the EPA entered into a Settlement Agreement and Administrative Order on Consent for Removal Action (“Consent Order”), pursuant to which Hecla Limited agreed to pay (i) $1.1 million to the EPA for its past response costs at the site and (ii) any future response costs at the site under the Consent Order, in exchange for a covenant not to sue by the EPA. Hecla Limited paid the $1.1 million to the EPA for its past response costs and in December 2014 submitted to EPA the Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis (“EE/CA”) for the site. The EE/CA evaluates three alternative response actions: 1) 1) no action, 2)2) off-site disposal, and 3)3) on-site disposal. The range in estimated costs of these alternatives is $0 to $221 million. In the EE/CA, Hecla Limited recommended that EPA approve on-site disposal, which is currently estimated to cost $5.6$6.1 million, on the basis that it is the most appropriate response action under CERCLA. In June 2015, October 2019, the EPA approved the EE/CA, with a few minor conditions. The EPA still needs to publishpublished the EE/CA for a 30-day public notice and comment period, and the agency will notis expected to make a final decision on the appropriate response action untilafter the public comment process is complete. It is anticipated that Hecla Limited will implement the response action selected by the EPA pursuant to an amendment to the Consent Order or a new order. Based on the foregoing, we believe it is probable that Hecla Limited will incur a liability for remediation at the site. In the fourth quarter of 2014, we accrued $5.6 million, which continuesand in October 2019 we increased that amount to be our best estimate of that liability as$6.1 million, with the increase representing estimated costs to begin implementation of the date of this report. There can be no assuranceremedy in 2020. It is possible that Hecla Limited’sLimited’s liability will not be more than $5.6$6.1 million, or that its ultimateand any increase in liability will notcould have a material adverse effect on Hecla Limited’s or our results of operations or financial position.

The Johnny M Mine is in an area known as the San Mateo Creek Basin (“SMCB”), which is an approximately 321 square mile area in New Mexico that contains numerous legacy uranium mines and mills. In addition to Johnny M, Hecla Limited's predecessor was involved at other mining sites within the SMCB. The EPA appears to have deferred consideration of listing the SMCB site on CERCLA’s National Priorities List ("Superfund") by removing the site from its emphasis list, and is working with various potentially responsible parties ("PRPs") at the site in order to study and potentially address perceived groundwater issues within the SMCB. The EE/CA discussed above relates primarily to contaminated rock and soil at the Johnny M site, not groundwater and not elsewhere within the SMCM site. It is possible that Hecla Limited’s liability at the Johnny M Site, and for any other mine site within the SMCB at which Hecla Limited's predecessor may have operated, will be greater than our current accrual of $6.1 million due to the increased scope of required remediation.

 

In September 2016,July 2018, the EPA informed Hecla Limited was served with a lawsuit filedthat it and several other PRPs may be liable for cleanup of the SMCB site or for costs incurred by an individualthe EPA in state court in New Mexico alleging personal injury claims of several millions of dollars arising from alleged exposure to contaminants as a result of allegedly living on land adjacent tocleaning up the Johnny M Mine site. The case was subsequently removedEPA stated it has incurred approximately $9.6 million in response costs to federal court in New Mexico, anddate. Hecla Limited filed a motioncannot with reasonable certainty estimate the amount or range of liability, if any, relating to dismiss. We do not yet have enoughthis matter because of, among other reasons, the lack of information to conclude if Hecla Limited has any liability or to estimate any loss that it may incur.concerning the site, including the relative contributions of contamination by the various PRPs.

 

Carpenter Snow Creek and Barker-Hughesville Sites in Montana

 

In July 2010, the EPA made a formal request to Hecla Mining Company for information regarding the Carpenter Snow Creek Superfund site located in Cascade County, Montana. The Carpenter Snow Creek site is located in a historic mining district, and in the early 1980s Hecla Limited leased 6 mining claims and performed limited exploration activities at the site. Hecla Limited terminated the mining lease in 1988.

 

In June 2011, the EPA informed Hecla Limited that it believes Hecla Limited, amongand several other viable companies, PRPs, may be liable for cleanup of the site or for costs incurred by the EPA in cleaning up the site. The EPA stated in the June 2011 letter that it has incurred approximately $4.5 million in response costs and estimated that total remediation costs may exceed $100 million. Hecla Limited cannot with reasonable certainty estimate the amount or range of liability, if any, relating to this matter because of, among other reasons, the lack of information concerning the site.site, including the relative contributions of contamination by various other PRPs.

10

 

In February 2017, the EPA made a formal request to Hecla Mining Company for information regarding the Barker-Hughesville Mining District Superfund site located in Judith Basin and Cascade Counties, Montana. Hecla Limited submitted a response in April 2017. The Barker-Hughesville site is located in a historic mining district, and between approximately June and December 1983, Hecla Limited was party to an agreement with another mining company under which limited exploration activities occurred at or near the site. Neither

In August 2018, the EPA nor any other party has made any claims againstinformed Hecla Limited (or Hecla Mining Company), however,that it is possible that such a claim will and several other PRPs may be madeliable for cleanup of the site or for costs incurred by the EPA in cleaning up the future. Unless and until such a claim is made,site. The EPA did not include an amount of its alleged response costs to date. Hecla Limited cannot with reasonable certainty estimate the amount or range of liability, if any, relating to this matter.matter because of, among other reasons, the lack of information concerning past or anticipated future costs at the site and the relative contributions of contamination by various other PRPs.

 

Senior NotesClaim for Indemnification Against CoCa Mines, Inc.

In 1991, Hecla Limited acquired CoCa Mines, Inc. (“CoCa”) and its subsidiary Creede Resources, Inc. (“CRI”). CoCa and CRI previously operated in the State of Colorado, but presently have limited assets and operations. Between 2014 and 2019, a PRP alleged that CoCa and CRI are required by a 1989 agreement to indemnify it for certain environmental costs and liabilities it may incur with respect to the Nelson Tunnel/Commodore Waste Rock Pile Superfund site in Creede, Colorado. In 2016, without admitting any liability, Hecla Limited, CoCa and CRI entered into a Consent Decree with the United States and the State of Colorado settling any regulatory liability they may have had at the site. On October 30, 2019, the PRP filed a lawsuit in Mineral County, Colorado alleging, among other things, that CoCa and CRI are in breach of contract for failure to indemnify the PRP for its liability to the U.S. under CERCLA with respect to the site. In addition, the lawsuit names Hecla Limited as a defendant in its role as the shareholder of CoCa. The PRP seeks in excess of $5 million in damages, including attorneys’ fees and costs. The lawsuit will be vigorously defended and we believe strong defenses exist against all claims made therein and, as noted above, both CoCa and CRI have limited assets with which to satisfy any claim.

Litigation Related to Klondex Acquisition

 

On AprilSeptember 11, 2018, a lawsuit was filed in the Ontario (Canada) Superior Court of Justice by Waterton Nevada Splitter LLC against Hecla Mining Company, our subsidiary Klondex Mines Unlimited Liability Company and Havilah Mining Corporation, an entity that was formed to own the Canadian assets of Klondex that we did not acquire as part of the Klondex acquisition, and of which we own approximately 13%. The lawsuit alleges that Hecla and Havilah are in breach of contract in connection with the issuance to Waterton of warrants to purchase Hecla common stock and Havilah common shares to replace warrants to purchase Klondex common shares that Waterton owned prior to the July 2018 acquisition. The lawsuit claims Hecla and Havilah issued warrants to Waterton valued at $3.7 million but that Waterton was entitled to warrants valued at $8.9 million. We believe the lawsuit is without merit and will vigorously defend it.

On May 24, 2019, a purported Hecla stockholder filed a putative class action lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Hecla and certain of our executive officers, one of whom is also a director. The complaint, purportedly brought on behalf of all purchasers of Hecla common stock from March 19, 2018 through and including May 8, 2019, asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and seeks, among other things, damages and costs and expenses. Specifically, the complaint alleges that Hecla, under the authority and control of the individual defendants, made certain material false and misleading statements and omitted certain material information regarding Hecla’s Nevada Operations unit. The complaint alleges that these misstatements and omissions artificially inflated the market price of Hecla common stock during the class period, thus purportedly harming investors. A second suit was filed on June 19, 2019, alleging virtually identical claims. We cannot predict the outcome of these lawsuits or estimate damages if plaintiffs were to prevail. We believe that these claims are without merit and intend to defend them vigorously.

Related to the above described class action lawsuits, Hecla has been named as a nominal defendant in a shareholder derivative lawsuit which names as defendants members of Hecla’s board of directors and certain officers. The case was filed on July 12, 2013, 2019 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. In general terms, the suit alleges (i) violations of Sections 10(b) and 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and (ii) breaches of fiduciary duties by the individual defendants and seeks damages, purportedly on behalf of Hecla.

11

Debt

As discussed in Note 9, on February 19, 2020, we completed an offering of $500$475 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875%7.25% Senior Notes due 2021.2028. The net proceeds from the offering of the Senior Notes were used, together with cash on hand, to partially fund the acquisition of Aurizon Mines Ltd. ("Aurizon") and for general corporate purposes, including expenses related to the Aurizon acquisition. Through the acquisition of Aurizon, we acquired our Casa Berardi mine and other interests in Quebec, Canada. In 2014, we completed additional issuancesredeem all of our previously-outstanding 6.875% Senior Notes that were due in the aggregate2021 and had a principal amountbalance of $6.5 million, which were contributed to one of our pension plans to satisfy the funding requirement for 2014.$506.5 million. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable on May 1 February 15 and November 1 August 15 of each year, commencing November 1, 2013. See Note 9 for more information.August 15, 2020.

 

As discussed in Note 9


Table, on July 9, 2020, we entered into a note purchase agreement pursuant to which we issued CAD$50 million (approximately USD$36.8 million at the time of Contents
the transaction) in aggregate principal amount of our Series 2020-A Senior Notes due July 9, 2025 (the “IQ Notes”) to Investissment Québec, a financing arm of the Québec government. The net proceeds from the IQ Notes are available for general corporate purposes, including open market purchases of a portion of the Senior Notes and to pay for capital expenditures at our Casa Berardi unit. The IQ Notes were issued in 4 equal installments of CAD$12.5 million on July 9, August 9, September 9 and October 9, 2020, with the first installment issued net of CAD$0.6 million in fees. The IQ Notes bear interest on amounts outstanding at a rate of 6.515% per year, payable on January 9 and July 9 of each year, commencing January 9, 2021.

 

Other Commitments

 

Our contractual obligations as of September30, 20172020 included approximately $0.5$0.7 million for various costs. In addition, our open purchase orders at September 30, 20172020 included approximately $0.3$3.2 million, $1.9$0.4 million, $5.6 million and $20.9$3.3 million for various capital and non-capital items at the Lucky Friday, Casa Berardi, and Greens Creek and Nevada Operations units, respectively. We also have total commitments of approximately $14.1$15.0 million relating to scheduled payments on capitalfinance leases, including interest, primarily for equipment at our Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, and Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations units, and total commitments of approximately $13.6 million relating to payments on operating leases (see Note 9 for more information). As part of our ongoing business and operations, we are required to provide surety bonds, bank letters of credit, and restricted deposits for various purposes, including financial support for environmental reclamation obligations and workers compensation programs. As of September 30, 2017,2020, we had surety bonds totaling $117.4$182.6 million and letters of credit totaling $20.3 million in place as financial support for future reclamation and closure costs, self-insurance, and employee benefit plans. The obligations associated with these instruments are generally related to performance requirements that we address through ongoing operations. As the requirements are met, the beneficiary of the associated instruments cancels or returns the instrument to the issuing entity. Certain of these instruments are associated with operating sites with long-lived assets and will remain outstanding until closure of the sites. We believe we are in compliance with all applicable bonding requirements and will be able to satisfy future bonding requirements as they arise.

 

Other Contingencies

 

We also have certain other contingencies resulting from litigation, claims, EPA investigations, and other commitments and are subject to a variety of environmental and safety laws and regulations incident to the ordinary course of business. We currently expecthave no basis to conclude that the resolutionany or all of such contingencies will not materially affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, in the future, there may be changes to these contingencies, or additional contingencies may occur, any of which might result in an accrual or a change in current accruals recorded by us, and there can be no assurance that their ultimate disposition will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

 

Note 5.    Earnings    Income (Loss) Per Common Share

 

We are authorized to issue 750,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.25 par value per share. At September30, 2017,2020, there were 403,548,158537,655,291 shares of our common stock issued and 4,529,450with 6,821,044 of those shares issued and held in treasury, for a net of 399,018,708530,834,247 shares outstanding. Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share, after preferred dividends, was $0.00$0.03 and $0.01$(0.04) for the three- and nine-monththree-month periods ended September 30, 2017,2020 and 2019, respectively. Basic and diluted incomeloss per common share, after preferred dividends, was $0.07$(0.03) and $0.13$(0.19) for the three- and nine-monthnine-month periods ended September 30, 2016,2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

Diluted income (loss) per share for the three and nine months ended September30, 20172020 and 20162019 excludes the potential effects of outstanding shares of our convertible preferred stock, as their conversion would have no effect on the calculation of dilutive shares.

 

For the three-month and nine-month periodsthree-month period ended September30, 2017, 3,591,6972020, the calculation of diluted income per common share included (i) 2,499,956 restricted stock units that were unvested or which vested induring the current period, (ii) 1,454,246 warrants to purchase one share of common stock and 1,509,159(iii) 1,996,112 deferred shares that were included indilutive. For the three-month period ended September 30,2019 and nine-month periods ended September 30,2020 and 2019, all restricted share units, deferred shares and warrants were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share, as our reported loss for those periods would cause their conversion and exercise to have no effect on the calculation of diluted incomeloss per share. For the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016, 4,309,440 restricted stock units that were unvested or which vested in the current period and 635,602 deferred shares were included in the calculation of diluted income per share. There were no options or warrants outstanding as of September 30, 2017 or September 30, 2016.

 

12

Note 6.    Business Segments and Sales of Products

 

We discover, acquire and develop mines and other mineral interests and produce and market (i) concentrates containing silver, gold (in the case of Greens Creek), lead and zinc, (ii) carbon material containing silver and gold, and (iii) doré containing silver and gold. We are currently organized and managed in four reporting segments:five segments, which represent our operating units: the Greens Creek unit, the Lucky Friday unit, the Casa Berardi unit, and the San Sebastian unit and the Nevada Operations unit.

10

Table of Contents

 

General corporate activities not associated with operating units and their various exploration activities, as well as discontinued operations and idle properties, are presented as “other.”  Interest expense, interest income and income taxes are considered general corporate items, and are not allocated to our segments.

 

The following tables present information about our reportable segments for the three and nine months ended September30, 20172020 and 20162019 (in thousands):

 

  

Three Months Ended
September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

 

Net sales to unaffiliated customers:

                

Greens Creek

 $61,061  $85,804  $191,250  $199,260 

Lucky Friday (1)

  199   26,140   20,022   70,152 

Casa Berardi

  53,990   41,131   139,524   126,614 

San Sebastian

  25,589   26,318   66,866   85,686 
  $140,839  $179,393  $417,662  $481,712 

Income (loss) from operations:

                

Greens Creek

 $16,575  $26,498  $46,107  $49,407 

Lucky Friday

  (4,642

)

  6,652   (8,974

)

  13,442 

Casa Berardi

  2,882   3,691   (1,071

)

  16,246 

San Sebastian

  17,017   18,415   42,363   58,911 

Other

  (10,890

)

  (17,016

)

  (37,637

)

  (42,584

)

  $20,942  $38,240  $40,788  $95,422 

(1) The $0.2 million in sales reported for Lucky Friday for the third quarter of 2017 represents gains on base metal derivatives contracts.

  

Three Months Ended
September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

Net sales to unaffiliated customers:

                

Greens Creek

 $93,494  $59,015  $232,218  $194,542 

Lucky Friday

  20,812   4,017   35,097   11,150 

Casa Berardi

  53,554   53,453   149,731   139,015 

San Sebastian

  9,138   15,435   23,998   39,028 

Nevada Operations

  22,705   29,612   61,939   64,586 
  $199,703  $161,532  $502,983  $448,321 

Income (loss) from operations:

                

Greens Creek

 $41,527  $17,556  $72,394  $52,130 

Lucky Friday

  957   (3,727)  (12,381)  (8,779)

Casa Berardi

  (828)  (380)  (1,504)  (26,262)

San Sebastian

  1,946   1,077   1,766   (2,358)

Nevada Operations

  5,489   (8,346)  6,112   (43,812)

Other

  (17,762)  (11,293)  (40,144)  (35,633)
  $31,329  $(5,113) $26,243  $(64,714)

 

The following table presents identifiable assets by reportable segment as of September30, 20172020 and December 31, 20162019 (in thousands):

 

 

September 30, 2017

  

December 31, 2016

  

September 30, 2020

  

December 31, 2019

 

Identifiable assets:

             

Greens Creek

 $666,463  $681,303  $612,963  $639,047 

Lucky Friday

  432,752   442,829  508,053  440,615 

Casa Berardi

  814,053   806,044  695,629  703,511 

San Sebastian

  55,395   33,608  35,973  48,294 

Nevada Operations

 520,871  528,466 

Other

  427,520   407,893   241,661   277,375 
 $2,396,183  $2,371,677  $2,615,150  $2,637,308 

 

The sales and income (loss) from operations amounts reported above include results from our Lucky Friday segment. The Lucky Friday mine is our only operation where some of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement, and the most recent agreement expired on April 30, 2016. On February 19, 2017, the unionized employees voted against our contract offer. On March 13, 2017, the unionized employees went on strike and have been on strike since that time. Production at Lucky Friday was suspended from the start of the strike until July 2017, when limited production resumed. For the first nine months of 2017, suspension costs not related to production of $11.1 million, along with $3.3 million in non-cash depreciation expense, are reported in a separate line item on our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations. We cannot predict how long the strike will last or whether an agreement will be reached. As a result of the strike or other related events, operations at Lucky Friday could continue to be disrupted, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

11
13

 

Our products consist of metal concentrates and carbon material which we sell to custom smelters, brokers and third-party processors, and unrefined bullion bars (doré), which may be sold as doré or further refined before sale to precious metals traders. Revenue is recognized upon the completion of the performance obligations and transfer of control of the product to the customer.

For sales of metals from refined doré, which we currently have at our Casa Berardi and San Sebastian units, the performance obligation is met, the transaction price is known, and revenue is recognized at the time of transfer of control of the agreed-upon metal quantities to the customer by the refiner. For sales of unrefined doré, the performance obligation is met, the transaction price is known, and revenue is recognized at the time of transfer of title and control of the doré containing the agreed-upon metal quantities to the customer. Refining, selling and shipping costs related to sales of doré and metals from doré are recorded to cost of sales as incurred.

For sales of carbon materials, which we have at our Nevada Operations unit commencing in 2020, with sales of unrefined doré there in previous periods, transfer of control takes place, the performance obligation is met, the transaction price is known, and revenue is recognized generally at the time of arrival at the customer's facility.

For concentrate sales, which we currently have at our Greens Creek and Lucky Friday units, the performance obligation is met, the transaction price can be reasonably estimated, and revenue is recognized generally at the time of shipment. Concentrates sold at our Lucky Friday unit typically leave the mine and are received by the customer within the same day. However, there is a period of time between shipment of concentrates from our Greens Creek unit and their physical receipt by the customer, and judgment is required in determining when control has been transferred to the customer and the performance obligation has been met for those shipments. We have determined control is transferred and the performance obligation is met upon shipment of concentrate parcels from Greens Creek because, at that time, 1) legal title is transferred to the customer, 2) the customer has accepted the parcel and obtained the ability to realize all of the benefits from the product, 3) the concentrate content specifications are known, have been communicated to the customer, and the customer has the significant risks and rewards of ownership of it, 4) it is very unlikely a concentrate parcel from Greens Creek will be rejected by a customer upon physical receipt, and 5) we have the right to payment for the parcel.

Judgment is also required in identifying what our performance obligations for our concentrate sales are. Most of our concentrate sales involve “frame contracts” with smelters that can cover multiple years and specify certain terms under which individual parcels of concentrates are sold. However, some terms are not specified in the frame contracts and/or can be renegotiated as part of annual amendments to the frame contract. We have determined parcel shipments represent individual performance obligations satisfied at a point in time when control of the shipment is transferred to the customer.

The consideration we receive for our concentrate sales fluctuates due to changes in metals prices between the time of shipment and final settlement with the customer. However, we are able to reasonably estimate the transaction price for the concentrate sales at the time of shipment using forward prices for the month of settlement, and previously recorded sales and accounts receivable are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices until final settlement with the customer. Also, it is unlikely a significant reversal of revenue for any one concentrate parcel will occur. As such, we use the expected value method to price the parcels until the final settlement date occurs, at which time the final transaction price is known. At September 30,2020, metals contained in concentrate sales and exposed to future price changes totaled 1.2 million ounces of silver, 3,436 ounces of gold, 17,097 tons of zinc, and 3,207 tons of lead.  However, as discussed in Note 11, we seek to mitigate the risk of price adjustments by using financially-settled forward contracts for some of our sales.

Sales and accounts receivable for concentrate shipments are recorded net of charges for treatment, refining, smelting losses, and other charges negotiated by us with the customers, which represent components of the transaction price. Charges are estimated by us upon shipment of concentrates based on contractual terms, and actual charges typically do not vary materially from our estimates. Costs charged by customers include fixed treatment and refining costs per ton of concentrate and may include price escalators which allow the customers to participate in the increase of lead and zinc prices above a negotiated baseline. Costs for shipping concentrates to customers are recorded to cost of sales as incurred.

14

Sales of metal concentrates and metal products are made principally to custom smelters, brokers, third-party processors and metals traders. The percentage of sales contributed by each segment is reflected in the following table:

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 
                 

Greens Creek

  47

%

  37

%

  46

%

  44

%

Lucky Friday

  10

%

  2

%

  7

%

  2

%

Casa Berardi

  27

%

  33

%

  30

%

  31

%

San Sebastian

  5

%

  10

%

  5

%

  9

%

Nevada Operations

  11

%

  18

%

  12

%

  14

%

   100

%

  100

%

  100

%

  100

%

Sales of products by metal for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30,2020 and 2019 were as follows (in thousands):

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 
                 

Silver

 $79,684  $40,588  $179,013  $122,392 

Gold

  98,457   103,889   278,363   261,734 

Lead

  13,370   7,114   32,244   22,809 

Zinc

  26,779   15,292   65,540   62,995 

Less: Smelter and refining charges

  (18,587)  (5,351)  (52,177)  (21,609)

Sales of products

 $199,703  $161,532  $502,983  $448,321 

The following is sales information by geographic area based on the location of smelters and brokers (for concentrate shipments) and location of parent companies (for doré sales to metals traders) for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30,2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 
                 

Canada

 $80,410  $88,610  $89,998  $258,708 

Korea

  78,152   33,683   129,939   109,184 

Japan

  14,337   17,339   32,071   34,924 

Netherlands

  0   445   (923)  16,500 

China

  2,736   0   41,744   0 

United States

  33,627   20,407   223,032   29,142 

Total, excluding gains/losses on derivative contracts

 $209,262  $160,484  $515,861  $448,458 

15

Sales by significant product type for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30,2020 and 2019 were as follows (in thousands):

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 
                 

Doré and metals from doré

 $67,659  $87,525  $211,439  $231,391 

Carbon

  23,835   17,745   43,099   27,376 

Lead concentrate

  85,511   37,685   192,179   122,727 

Zinc concentrate

  24,322   12,345   51,727   51,876 

Bulk concentrate

  7,935   5,184   17,417   15,088 

Total, excluding gains/losses on derivative contracts

 $209,262  $160,484  $515,861  $448,458 

Sales of products for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30,2020 included net losses of $9.6 million and $12.9 million, respectively, on financially-settled forward contracts for silver, gold, lead and zinc contained in our sales. Sales of products for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30,2019 included a net gain of $1.1 million and net loss of $0.1 million, respectively, on forward contracts. See Note 11 for more information.

Sales of products to significant customers as a percentage of total sales were as follows for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30,2020 and 2019:

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 
                 

CIBC

  31

%

  36

%

  31

%

  24

%

Ocean Partners

  25

%

  0

%

  10

%

  0

%

Korea Zinc

  15

%

  9

%

  16

%

  16

%

Teck Metals Ltd.

  12

%

  3

%

  12

%

  7

%

Scotia

  0

%

  18

%

  4

%

  26

%

Cliveden

  0

%

  12

%

  0

%

  4

%

Our trade accounts receivable balance related to contracts with customers was $28.5 million at September 30,2020 and $12.0 million at December 31,2019, and included no allowance for doubtful accounts.

We have determined our contracts do not include a significant financing component. For doré sales and sales of metal from doré, payment is received at the time the performance obligation is satisfied. Payment for carbon sales is received within a relatively short period of time after the performance obligation is satisfied. The amount of consideration for concentrate sales is variable, and we receive payment for a significant portion of the estimated value of concentrate parcels within a relatively short period of time after the performance obligation is satisfied.

We do not incur significant costs to obtain contracts, nor costs to fulfill contracts which are not addressed by other accounting standards. Therefore, we have not recognized an asset for such costs as of September 30,2020 or December 31,2019.

16

Note 7.Employee Benefit Plans

 

We sponsor defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all U.S. employees.  Net periodic pension cost for the plans consisted of the following for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172020 and 20162019 (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2020

  

2019

 

Service cost

 $1,196  $1,077  $1,334  $1,100 

Interest cost

  1,339   1,307  1,404  1,620 

Expected return on plan assets

  (1,462

)

  (1,325

)

 (1,872) (1,496)

Amortization of prior service cost

  (84

)

  (84

)

 29  15 

Amortization of net loss

  1,033   1,093   1,163   1,097 

Net periodic pension cost

 $2,022  $2,068  $2,058  $2,336 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2020

  

2019

 

Service cost

 $3,588  $3,231  $4,002  $3,300 

Interest cost

  4,017   3,921  4,212  4,860 

Expected return on plan assets

  (4,386

)

  (3,975

)

 (5,616) (4,488)

Amortization of prior service cost

  (252

)

  (252

)

 87  45 

Amortization of net loss

  3,099   3,279   3,489   3,291 

Net periodic pension cost

 $6,066  $6,204  $6,174  $7,008 

 

We madeFor the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30,2020 and 2019, the service cost component of net periodic pension cost is included in the same line items of our condensed consolidated financial statements as other employee compensation costs. The net expense related to all other components of net periodic pension cost of $0.7 million and $2.2 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30,2020, respectively, and $1.2 million and $3.7 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30,2019, respectively, is included in other (expense) income on our condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

In April and August 2020, we contributed $0.4 million and $12.4 million, respectively, in shares of our common stock, and in October 2020 we contributed $6.0 million in cash, contributions to our defined benefit plans. There are no additional contributions to the plans of $1.2 millionrequired in April 2017 and $5.7 million in July 2017.2020. We expect to contribute approximately $0.4$0.6 million to our unfunded supplemental executive retirement plan for benefits to be paid during 2017.2020.

 

Note 8.    Shareholders’    Stockholders’ Equity

 

Stock-based Compensation Plans

 

We periodically grant restricted stock unit awards, performance-based share awardsshares and shares of common stock to our employees and directors as part of their compensation.directors. We measure compensation cost for restricted stock units and stock grants at the closing price of our stock at the time of grant. We measure compensation cost for performance-based grants using a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate their value at grant date. Restricted stock unit and performance-based share grants vest after a specified period with compensation cost amortized over that period. Although we have no current plans to issue stock options, we may do so in the future.

 

In March 2017, 2020, the Boardboard of Directorsdirectors granted 641,4062,800,062 shares of common stock to employees for payment of annual and long-term incentive compensation for the period ended December 31, 2016. 2019. The shares were distributed in March 2017, April 2020, and $4.2$5.1 million in expense related to the stock awards was recognized in the periods prior to March31, 2017.2020.

 

In June 2017, 2020, the Boardboard of Directorsdirectors granted the following restricted stock unit awards to employees:employees which will result in a total expense of $4.0 million:

 

775,379 restricted stock units, with one third of those vesting in June 2018, one third vesting in June 2019, and one third vesting in June 2020;

93,691 restricted stock units, with one half of those vesting in June 2018 and one-half vesting in June 2019; and

15,336 restricted stock units that vest in June 2018.

1,176,894 restricted stock units, with onethird of those vesting in June 2021, onethird vesting in June 2022, and onethird vesting in June 2023;

90,760 restricted stock units, with 1 half of those vesting in June 2021 and 1-half vesting in June 2022; and

37,620 restricted stock units that vest in June 2021.

 

12
17

 

The $1.9Expense of $1.4 million in expense related to the unit awards discussed above vestingscheduled to vest in 20182021 will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the twelve months following the date of the award. The $1.8Expense of $1.3 million in expense related to the unit awards discussed above vestingscheduled to vest in 20192022 will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the twenty-four months following the date of the award. The $1.5Expense of $1.2 million in expense related to the unit awards discussed above vestingscheduled to vest in 20202023 will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the thirty-six-monththirty-six-month period following the date of the award.

 

In June 2017, 2020, the Boardboard of Directorsdirectors granted performance-based share awards to certain executive employees. The value of the awards (if any) will be based on the ranking of the market performance of our common stock relative to the performance of the common stock of a group of peer companies over the three-yearthree-year measurement period ending December 31, 2019. 2022. The number of shares to be issued (if any) will be based on the value of the awards divided by the share price at grant date. The $0.6 million in expense related to the performance-based awards (if any) will be recognized on a straight-line base over the thirty months following the date of the award.

 

Stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock unit and performance-based grants to employees and shares issued to nonemployee directors recorded in the firstnine months of 20172020 totaled $4.9$5.2 million, compared to $4.8 million in the same period last year.

 

In connection with the vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, employees have in the past, at their election and when permitted by us, chosen to satisfy their minimum tax withholding obligations through net share settlement, pursuant to which the Company withholds the number of shares necessary to satisfy such withholding obligations.obligations and pays the obligations in cash.  As a result, in the firstnine months of 20172020 we withheld 588,2401,183,773 shares valued at approximately $3.0$2.7 million, or approximately $5.09$2.32 per share. In the firstnine months of 20162019 we withheld 1,010,5091,060,480 shares valued at approximately $3.5$2.2 million, or approximately $3.44$2.11 per share.

 

Common Stock Dividends

 

In September 2011 and February 2012, our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors adopted a common stock dividend policy that has two components: (1)(1) a dividend that links the amount of dividends on our common stock to our average quarterly realized silver price in the preceding quarter, and (2)(2) a minimum annual dividend of $0.01 per share of common stock, in each case, payable quarterly, if and when declared. On September 1, 2020, we amended the dividend policy to (1) reduce the minimum quarterly realized silver price threshold for the first component above from $30 per ounce to $25 per ounce, and if declared.(2) increased the minimum annual dividend from $0.01 per share to $0.015 per share. For illustrative purposes only, the table below summarizes potential per share dividend amounts at different quarterly average realized price levels according to the first component of the policy:policy, as amended in September 2020:

 

Quarterly average realized silver price

per ounce

  

Quarterly dividend per

share

  

Annualized dividend

per share

 
$30  $0.01  $0.04 
$35  $0.02  $0.08 
$40  $0.03  $0.12 
$45  $0.04  $0.16 
$50  $0.05  $0.20 

Quarterly average realized silver price

per ounce

  

Quarterly dividend per

share

  

Annualized dividend per

share

 
$25  $0.005  $0.02 
$30  $0.01  $0.04 
$35  $0.02  $0.08 
$40  $0.03  $0.12 
$45  $0.04  $0.16 
$50  $0.05  $0.20 

 

On November 7, 2017, August 5, 2020, our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors declared a common stock dividend, pursuant to the minimum annual dividend component of the policy described above, of $0.0025 per share, for a total dividend of $1.0approximately $1.3 million payablepaid in December 2017. September 2020. Because the average realized silver price for the thirdsecond quarter of 20172020 was $17.01$18.44 per ounce, below the minimum threshold of $30 according to the policy prior to the September 2020 amendment, no silver-price-linked component was declared or paid. However, the realized price for the third quarter of 2020 was $25.32, above the minimum threshold of $25.00 according to the amended policy. As a result, on November 6, 2020, our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.00875 per share of common stock, consisting of $0.005 per share for the silver price-linked component and $0.00375 for the minimum annual dividend component, payable in December 2020. The declaration and payment of common stock dividends is at the sole discretion of our Boardboard of Directors.directors.

 

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18

At-The-Market Equity Distribution Agreement

Pursuant to an equity distribution agreement dated February 23, 2016, we may issue and sell shares of our common stock from time to time through ordinary broker transactions having an aggregate offering price of up to $75 million, with the net proceeds available for general corporate purposes. The terms of sales transactions under the agreement, including trading day(s), number of shares sold in the aggregate, number of shares sold per trading day, and the floor selling price per share, are proposed by us to the sales agent. Whether or not we engage in sales from time to time may depend on a variety of factors, including share price, our cash resources, customary black-out restrictions, and whether we have any material inside information. The agreement can be terminated by us at any time. The shares issued under the equity distribution agreement are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to our shelf registration statement on Form S-3, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on February 23, 2016. As of September 30, 2017, we had sold 4,608,847 shares under the agreement for total proceeds of approximately $17.7 million, net of commissions and fees of approximately $362 thousand. Of those amounts, 1,828,760 shares were sold in the first nine months of 2017 for total proceeds of approximately $9.6 million, net of commissions and fees of approximately $196 thousand.

 

Common Stock Repurchase Program

 

On May 8, 2012, we announced that our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors approved a stock repurchase program.  Under the program, we are authorized to repurchase up to 20 million shares of our outstanding common stock from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions, depending on prevailing market conditions and other factors.  The repurchase program may be modified, suspended or discontinued by us at any time. Whether or not we engage in repurchases from time to time may depend on a variety of factors, including not only price and cash resources, but customary black-out restrictions, whether we have any material inside information, limitations on share repurchases or cash usage that may be imposed by our credit agreement or in connection with issuances of securities, alternative uses for cash, applicable law, and other investment opportunities from time to time. As of September 30, 2017,2020, a total of 934,100 shares have been purchased at an average price of $3.99 per share, leaving approximately 19.1 million shares that may yet be purchased under the program. No shares were purchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The closing price of our common stock at November 3, 2017,4,2020, was $4.45$4.77 per share.No shares were purchased under the program during the firstnine months of 2020.

 

Warrants

We issued 4,136,000 warrants to purchase 1 share of our common stock to holders of warrants to purchase Klondex common stock under the terms of the Klondex acquisition, and all of the warrants were outstanding as of September 30,2020. Warrants to purchase 2,068,000 shares of common stock have an exercise price of $8.02 and expire in April 2032. Warrants to purchase 2,068,000 shares of common stock have an exercise price of $1.57 and expire in February 2029.

Common stock contributed to the Hecla Charitable Foundation

In June 2020, we gifted 650,000 shares of our common stock, valued at $2.0 million at the time of the gift, to the Hecla Charitable Foundation (the "Foundation"), and recognized expense for that amount in the second quarter of 2020. The common stock was gifted from treasury shares held having a weighted average cost basis of $3.41 per share, for a total cost basis of $2.2 million for the shares contributed. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) entity and was established in 2007 to provide grants and disburse funds for educational and charitable purposes to qualifying organizations in order to promote the social, environmental and economic sustainability and development of the communities where we have operations and activities.

Note 9.    Senior Notes,    Debt, Credit Facility and Capital Leases

 

Senior Notes

 

On April 12, 2013, February 19, 2020, we completed an offering of $500$475 million in aggregate principal amount of our 7.25% Senior Notes due May 1, 2021 in a private placement conducted pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation SFebruary 15, 2028 ("Senior Notes") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and in 2014, an additional $6.5 million aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes were issued to one of our pension plans. The Senior Notes were subsequently exchanged for substantially identical Senior Notes registeredshelf registration statement previously filed with the SEC. The Senior Notes are governed by the Indenture, dated as of April 12, 2013, as amended (the "Indenture"), February 19, 2020, among Hecla Mining Company ("Hecla") and certain of our subsidiaries and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. TheOn March 19, 2020, the net proceeds from the initial offering of the Senior Notes ($490469.5 million) were used, together with cash on hand, to partially fund the acquisitionredeem all of Aurizonour previously-outstanding 6.875% Senior Notes that were due in 2021 and for general corporate purposes, including expenses related to the Aurizon acquisition.had a principal balance of $506.5 million ("2021 Notes").

 

The Senior Notes are recorded net of a 2%1.16% initial purchaser discount totaling $10$5.5 million at the time of the April 2013 issuance and having an unamortized balance of $4.6 million as of September 30, 2017.February 2020 issuance. The Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.875%7.25% per year from the date of original issuance or from the most recent payment date on which interest has been paid or provided for.  Interest on the Senior Notes is payable on May 1 February 15 and November 1 August 15 of each year, commencing November 1, 2013. August 15, 2020. During each of the nine months month periods ended September 30, 20172020 and 2016,2019, interest expense on the statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) related to the Senior Notes includingand 2021 Notes and amortization of the initial purchaser discount and fees related to the issuancesissuance of the Senior Notes was $26.3and 2021 Notes totaled $31.4 million and $15.2$27.2 million, respectively. The interest expense related to the Senior Notes for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was net of $0.9 million and $12.0 million, respectively, in capitalized interest, primarily related to the #4 Shaft project at our Lucky Friday unit which was completed in January 2017. Interest expense for the nine months month period ended September 30, 2017 also includes $0.92020 included amounts recorded for (i) interest recognized on both the Senior Notes and 2021 Notes for an overlapping period of approximately one month, as the Senior Notes were issued on February 19, 2020 and the 2021 Notes were redeemed on March 19, 2020, and (ii) $1.7 million in costs related to our proposed private offeringunamortized initial purchaser discount on the 2021 Notes upon redemption. As of newSeptember 30,2020, the long-term debt balance on the Senior Notes was $468.3 million, consisting of the principal amount of $475.0 million less $6.7 million in June 2017unamortized discount and concurrent tender offer to purchase our existing Seniorissuance costs. As of December 31,2019, the long-term debt balance on the 2021 Notes which were not completed.

14

Tablewas $504.7 million, consisting of Contents
the total principal amount of $506.5 million less $1.8 million in unamortized discount.

 

The Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by certain of our subsidiaries (the "Guarantors"). The Senior Notes and the guarantees are, respectively, Hecla's and the Guarantors' general senior unsecured obligations and are subordinated to all of Hecla's and the Guarantors' existing and future secured debt to the extent of the assets securing that secured debt.  In addition, the Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to all of the liabilities of Hecla's subsidiaries that are not guaranteeing the Senior Notes, to the extent of the assets of those subsidiaries.

19

 

The Senior Notes becamewill be redeemable in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time on or after May 1, 2016, February 15, 2023, on the redemption dates and at the redemption prices specified in the Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.  Prior to February 15, 2023, we may redeem some or all of the Senior Notes at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest, if any, to the redemption date, plus a "make whole" premium. We may redeem up to 35% of the Senior Notes before February 15, 2023 with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings.

 

Upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the Indenture), each holder of Senior Notes will have the right to require us to purchase all or a portion of such holder's Senior Notes pursuant to a change of control offer (as defined in the Indenture), at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase, subject to the rights of holders of the Senior Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.

 

Investissment Québec Notes

On July 9, 2020, we entered into a note purchase agreement pursuant to which we issued CAD$50 million (approximately USD$36.8 million at the time of the transaction) in aggregate principal amount of our Series 2020-A Senior Notes due July 9, 2025 (the “IQ Notes”) to Investissment Québec, a financing arm of the Québec government. Because the IQ notes are denominated in CAD, the reported USD-equivalent principal balance will change with movements in the exchange rate. The IQ Notes were issued at a premium of 103.65%, or CAD$1.8 million, implying an effective annual yield of 5.74% and an aggregate principal amount to be repaid of CAD$48.2 million. The IQ Notes were issued in 4 equal installments of CAD$12.5 million on July 9, August 9, September 9 and October 9, 2020, with the first installment issued net of CAD$0.6 million in fees. The IQ Notes bear interest on amounts outstanding at a rate of 6.515% per year, payable on January 9 and July 9 of each year, commencing January 9, 2021. The IQ Notes are senior and unsecured and are pari passu in all material respects with the Senior Notes, including with respect to guarantees of the IQ Notes by certain of our subsidiaries. The net proceeds from the IQ Notes are available for general corporate purposes, including open market purchases of a portion of the Senior Notes and to pay for capital expenditures at our Casa Berardi unit. Under the note purchase agreement for the IQ Notes and subject to a force majeure event, we are required to invest in the aggregate CAD$100 million at the Casa Berardi unit and other exploration and development projects in Quebec over the four-year period commencing on July 9, 2020. During the nine months ended September 30,2020, interest expense related to the IQ Notes, including premium and origination fees, totaled $0.3 million. As of September 30,2020, the long-term debt balance on the IQ Notes was $27.5 million, consisting of the principal amount of $27.1 million and $0.4 million in net unamortized premium and issuance costs. The final CAD$12.5 million installment for issuance of the IQ Notes was received on October 9, 2020.

Ressources Québec Notes

On March 5, 2018, we entered into a note purchase agreement pursuant to which we issued CAD$40 million (approximately USD$30.8 million at the time of the transaction) in aggregate principal amount of our Series 2018-A Senior Notes due May 1, 2021 (the “RQ Notes”) to Ressources Québec, a subsidiary of Investissment Québec. Because the RQ notes were denominated in CAD, the reported USD-equivalent principal balance changed with movements in the exchange rate. The RQ Notes were issued at a discount of 0.58%, or CAD$0.2 million, and bore interest at a rate of 4.68% per year, payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing May 1, 2018. The RQ Notes were senior and unsecured and were pari passu in all material respects with the 2021 Notes, including with respect to guarantees of the RQ Notes by certain of our subsidiaries. The net proceeds from the RQ Notes were required to be used for development and expansion of our Casa Berardi mine. In December 2019, we prepaid the obligation related to the RQ Notes through issuance of approximately 10.7 million shares of our common stock having a total value of approximately CAD$43.8 million (approximately USD$33.5 million). During the nine months ended September 30,2019, interest expense related to the RQ Notes, including discount and origination fees, totaled $1.1 million.

20

Credit Facility

 

In May 2016, July 2018, we entered into a $100$250 million senior secured revolving credit facility withwhich replaced our previous $100 million credit facility. The facility has a three-year term which was amended in July 2017 to extend the term until July 14, 2020. ending on February 7, 2023. The credit facility is collateralized by all of our personal property, including our cash and investment accounts and the shares of common stock heldequity interests in our material domestic subsidiaries and the Canadian subsidiaries that own the Casa Berardi mine and Nevada operations. The credit facility is also secured by substantially all of the real and personal property of our subsidiaries holding the rights to our Greens Creek mine, the Casa Berardi mine and our Nevada operations, including mortgages on such mines and pledges of our joint venture interests inholding 100% ownership of the Greens Creek mine, all of our rights and interests in the joint venture agreement relating to the Greens Creek mine, and all of our rights and interests in the assets of the Greens Creek joint venture. Below is information on the interest rates, standby fee, and financial covenant terms under our current credit facility:facility in place as of September 30,2020:

 

Interest rates:

         

Spread over the London Interbank Offer Rate

  2.25-3.25% 

Spread over the London Interbank Offered Rate

2.25-4.00%

Spread over alternative base rate

  1.25-2.25% 1.25-3.00%

Standby fee per annum on undrawn amounts

   0.50%  0.5625-1.00%

Covenant financial ratios:

         

Senior leverage ratio (debt secured by liens/EBITDA)

  not more than 2.50:1 

not more than 2.50:1

Leverage ratio (total debt less unencumbered cash/EBITDA)

  not more than 4.00:1 

not more than 4.00:1

Interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/interest expense)

  not more than 3.00:1 

not less than 3.00:1

 

We are also able to obtain letters of credit under the facility, and for any such letters we are required to pay a participation fee of between 2.25% and 3.25%4.00% of the amount of the letters of credit based on our total leverage ratio, as well as a fronting fee to each issuing bank of 0.20% annually on the average daily dollar amount of any outstanding letters of credit. There were $20.3 million in letters of credit outstanding as of September 30,2020.

 

We believe we were in compliance with all covenants under the credit agreement as of September 30,2020.  We drew $210.0 million on the facility during the firstnine months of 2020and no amounts wererepaid $210.0 million of that amount during the same period, with 0 amount outstanding as of September 30, 2017.  With the exception of $2.6 million in letters of credit outstanding as of September 30, 2017, we have not drawn funds on the current revolving credit facility as of the filing date of this report.2020.

 

CapitalFinance Leases

 

We have entered into various lease agreements, primarily for equipment at our Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, and Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations units, which we have determined to be capitalfinance leases.  At September 30, 2017,2020, the total liability balance associated with capitalfinance leases, including certain purchase option amounts, was $13.3$14.1 million, with $5.9$6.2 million of the liability classified as current and the remaining $7.4$7.9 million classified as non-current. At December 31, 2016,2019, the total liability balance associated with capitalfinance leases was $11.5$12.6 million, with $5.7$5.4 million of the liability classified as current and $5.8$7.2 million classified as non-current. The right-of-use assets for our finance leases are recorded in properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets and totaled $20.8 million as of September 30,2020 and $20.6 million as of December 31,2019, net of accumulated depreciation. Expense related to finance leases during the firstnine months of 2020 and 2019 included $5.5 million and $5.1 million, respectively, for amortization of the right-of-use assets and $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively, for interest expense. The total obligation for future minimum lease payments was $14.1$15.0 million at September 30, 2017,2020, with $0.8$0.9 million attributed to interest. Our finance leases had a weighted average remaining lease term of approximately 1.9 years and a weighted average discount rate of approximately 6.8%.

 

At September 30,2020, the annual maturities of finance lease commitments, including interest, were (in thousands):

Twelve-month period ending September 30,

    

2021

 $6,549 

2022

  4,508 

2023

  2,604 

2024

  1,328 

Total

  14,989 

Less: imputed interest

  (919)

Net finance lease obligation

 $14,070 

15
21

 

At September 30, 2017, the annual maturities of capital lease commitments, including interest, are (in thousands):

Twelve-month period

ending September 30,

    

2018

 $6,293 

2019

  4,179 

2020

  2,369 

2021

  1,260 

Total

  14,101 

Less: imputed interest

  (813

)

Net capital lease obligation

 $13,288 

Note 10.    Developments in Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09 Revenue Recognition, replacing guidance currently codified in Subtopic 605-10 Revenue Recognition-Overall with various SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins providing interpretive guidance. The new ASU establishes a new five step principles-based framework in an effort to significantly enhance comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date. ASU No. 2015-14 defers the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 until annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017.Operating Leases

 

We have performed an assessmententered into various lease agreements, primarily for equipment, buildings and other facilities, and land at our operating units and corporate offices, which we have determined to be operating leases.  Some of the impactoperating leases allow for extension of implementation of ASU No. 2014-09, and do not believe it will change the timing of revenue recognition or amounts of revenue recognized compared to how we recognize revenue under ourlease beyond the current policies. Our revenues involve a relatively limited number of types of contracts and customers. In addition, our revenue contracts do not involve multiple types of performance obligations. Revenues from doré are recognized, and the transaction price is known, at the time the metals sold are delivered to the customer. Concentrate revenues are generally recognized at the time of shipment. Concentrates soldterm at our Lucky Friday unit typically leaveoption. We have considered the minelikelihood and are received by the customer within the same day. There is a period of time between shipment of concentrates from our Greens Creek unit and their physical receipt by the customer. However, based on our assessment, we believe controlestimated duration of the concentrate parcels is generally obtained by the customer at the time of shipment.

Our concentrate sales involve variable consideration, as they are subject to changes in metals prices between the time of shipment and their final settlement. However, we are able to reasonably estimate the transaction price for the concentrate sales at the time of shipment using forward prices for the month of settlement, and we then adjust the values each period until final settlement. Also, it is unlikely a significant reversal of revenue for any one concentrate parcel will occur.

ASU No. 2014-09 will require additional disclosures, where applicable, on (i) contracts with customers, (ii) significant judgments and changes in judgmentsextension options in determining the timinglease term for measurement of satisfactionthe liability and right-of-use asset. For our operating leases as of performance obligationsSeptember 30,2020, we have assumed a discount rate of 6.5%. At September 30,2020, the total liability balance associated with the operating leases was $11.9 million, with $3.6 million of the liability classified as current and the transaction price, and (iii) assets recognized for costs to obtain or fulfill contracts. We are in the process of assessing the impact of these additional requirements on our disclosure.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11 Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. The update provides for inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value, and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2017, and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

16

Table of Contents

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17 Income Taxes - Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (Topic 740). The update is designed to reduce complexity of reporting deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and non-current amounts in a balance sheet. ASU No. 2015-17 requires the presentation of deferred income taxes, changes to deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as non-current in the statement of financial position. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. We have elected to implement ASU No. 2015-17 retrospectively, and our deferred tax asset and liability balances areremaining $8.4 million classified as non-current. Deferred taxThe right-of-use assets of $12.3 million and deferred tax liabilities of $1.3 million previously classifiedfor our operating leases are recorded as current as of December 31, 2016 are now classified asa non-current asset on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.sheets and totaled $11.9 million as of September 30,2020. Lease expense on operating leases during the firstnine months of 2020 and 2019 totaled $4.7 million and $5.7 million, respectively. The total obligation for future minimum operating lease payments, including assumed extensions beyond the current lease terms, was $13.6 million at September 30,2020. The weighted-average remaining lease term for our operating leases as of September 30,2020 was approximately 5.3 years.

At September 30,2020, the annual maturities of undiscounted operating lease payments, including assumed extensions beyond the current lease terms, were (in thousands):

Twelve-month period ending September 30,

    

2021

 $3,883 

2022

  3,120 

2023

  2,569 

2024

  1,035 

2025

  531 

More than 5 years

  2,464 

Total

  13,602 

Effect of discounting

  (1,657)

Operating lease liability

 $11,945 

Note 10.    Developments in Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Updates Adopted

 

In JanuaryJune 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-012016-13 Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10)Credit Losses (Topic 326): Recognition and Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The guidance requires entities to measure equity investments that are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value, with any changes in fair value included in current earnings, and updates certain disclosure requirements.Instruments. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Adoptionchanges how entities will be accounted for using the modified-retrospectiverecord credit losses from an "incurred loss" approach with a cumulative-effect adjustment to our balance sheetan "expected loss" approach. The update was adopted as of January 1, 2018. At September 30, 2017, we had net unrealized gains related to equity investments of $3.2 million included in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842). The update modifies the classification criteria 2020, and requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for most leases. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with earlyits adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of implementing this update on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09 Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The update simplifies the accounting for stock-based compensation, including income tax consequences and balance sheet and cash flow statement classification of awards. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2017, and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2016, 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15 Statement of Cash Flows2018-13 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 230)820): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The update provides guidanceremoves, modifies and makes additions to certain disclosure requirements with respect to fair value measurements. The update was adopted as of January 1, 2020, and its adoption did not have a material impact on classificationour consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Updates to Become Effective in Future Periods

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No.2018-14 Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for cash receiptsDefined Benefit Plans. The update removes several disclosure requirements, adds two new disclosure requirements, and payments relatedclarifies other disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other post-retirement plans. The update is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact of this update on our disclosures involving our defined benefit pension plans.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No.2019-12 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The update contains a number of provisions intended to eight specific issues.simplify the accounting for income taxes. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of implementingthis update on our consolidated financial statements.

22

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No.2020-04 Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The update provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The update is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. We are evaluating the impact of this update on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In November 2016, August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18 Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)2020-06 Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic

470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Restricted Cash.Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity. The update requires thatis to address issues identified as a statementresult of cash flows explain the change during the period in the totalcomplexity associated with applying generally accepted accounting principles for certain financial instruments with characteristics of cash, cash equivalents,liabilities and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents.equity. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years and with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of implementing this update on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01 Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The update clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We will apply the applicable provisions of the update to any acquisitions occurring after the effective date.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07 Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Period Postretirement Benefit Cost. The update provides specific requirements for classification and disclosure regarding the service cost component and other components of net benefit cost related to pension plans. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of implementing this update on our consolidated financial statements.

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In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12 Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The objective of the update is to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in its financial statements, and simplify the application of existing hedge accounting guidance. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of implementing this update on our consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Note 11.    Derivative Instruments

 

Foreign Currency

 

Our wholly-owned subsidiaries owning the Casa Berardi and San Sebastian mines are U.S. dollar ("USD")-functional entities which routinely incur expenses denominated in Canadian dollars ("CAD") and Mexican pesos ("MXN"), respectively, and such expenses expose us to exchange rate fluctuations between the USD and CAD and MXN. In April 2016, we initiated a program to manage our exposure to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the USD and CAD and the impact on our future operating costs denominated in CAD. In October 2016, we also initiated a similar program with respect to manage our exposure toMXN, which was not in use as of September 30,2020. When in use, the impact of fluctuations in the exchange rate between the USD and MXN on our future operating costs denominated in MXN. The programs utilize forward contracts to buy CAD and MXN, and each contract is designated as a cash flow hedge. As of September 30, 2017,2020, we have 94had 143 forward contracts outstanding to buy CAD$200.1 million having a notational amounttotal of US$154.0 million, and 6 forward contracts outstanding to buy MXN$43.3CAD$310.3 million having a notional amount of USD$2.2US$235.9 million. The CAD contracts are related to forecasted cash operating costs at Casa Berardi forecasted to be incurred from 20172020 through 20202024 and have USD-to-CADCAD-to-USD exchange rates ranging between 1.27871.2702 and 1.3380. The1.3785. There were no outstanding contracts for MXN contracts are related to forecasted cash operating costs at San Sebastian for 2017 and have MXN-to-USD exchange rates ranging between 19.5910 and 21.0000.as of September 30,2020. Our risk management policy providesallows for up to 75% of our planned cost exposure for five years into the future to be hedged under such programs, and for potential additional programs to manage other foreign currency-related exposure areas.

 

As of September 30, 2017,2020, we recorded the following balances for the fair value of the contracts:

 

a current asset of $2.8 million, which is included in other current assets; and

a non-current asset of $3.7 million, which is included in other non-current assets.

a current asset of $0.5 million, which is included in other current assets;

a non-current asset of $0.5 million, which is included in other non-current assets;

a current liability of $2.0 million, which is included in current derivatives liabilities; and

a non-current liability of $2.1 million, which is included in other non-current liabilities.

 

Net unrealized gainslosses of approximately $6.8$3.1 million related to the effective portion of the hedges were included in accumulated other comprehensive incomeloss as of September 30, 2017.2020. Unrealized gains and losses will be transferred from accumulated other comprehensive loss to current earnings as the underlying operating expenses are recognized. We estimate approximately $2.9$1.4 million in net unrealized gainslosses included in accumulated other comprehensive incomeloss as of September 30, 20172020 would be reclassified to current earnings in the next twelve months. Net realized gainslosses of approximately $0.4$2.8 million on contracts related to underlying expenses which have been recognized were transferred from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included in cost of sales and other direct production costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Net2020. NaN net unrealized gains of approximately $2 thousandor losses related to ineffectiveness of the hedges were included in current earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.2020.

 

Metals Prices

 

AtWe may at times we use commodity forward sales commitments, commodity swap contracts and commodity put and call option contracts to manage our exposure to fluctuationsfluctuation in the prices of certain metals we produce. Contract positions are designed to ensure that we will receive a defined minimum price for certain quantities of our production, thereby partially offsetting our exposure to fluctuations in market prices. Our risk management policy allows for up to 75% of our planned metals price exposure for five years into the market.future, with certain other limitations, to be covered under such programs that would establish a ceiling for prices to be realized on future metals sales. These instruments do, however, expose us to (i) credit risk in the form of possible non-performance by counterparties for contracts in which the contract price exceeds the spot price of a commodity and (ii) price risk to the extent that the spot price exceeds the contract price for quantities of our production covered under contract positions.

 

18
23

 

We are currently using financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our concentrate shipments between the time of shipment and final settlement. In addition, we currently use financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of zinc and lead (but not silver and gold) contained in our forecasted future concentrate shipments. The following tables summarize the quantities of metals committed under forward sales contracts at September 30,2020 and December 31,2019:

September 30, 2020

 

Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)

  

Average price per ounce/pound

 
  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

 
  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

 

Contracts on provisional sales

                                

2020 settlements

  910   2   23,975   5,512  $23.53  $1,948  $1.02  $0.84 

2021 settlements

  0   0   6,945   0   N/A   N/A  $1.12   N/A 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                                

2020 settlements

  0   0   827   8,543   N/A   N/A  $0.94  $0.81 

2021 settlements

  0   0   27,448   12,136   N/A   N/A  $1.06  $0.86 

December 31, 2019

 

Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)

  

Average price per ounce/pound

 
  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

 
  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

 

Contracts on provisional sales

                                

2020 settlements

  2,556   10   21,550   5,159  $17.20  $1,481  $1.04  $0.88 
                                 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                                

2020 settlements

        441   11,740   N/A   N/A  $1.13  $0.98 

In June 2019, we began using financially-settled put option contracts to manage the exposure of our forecasted future gold and silver sales to potential declines in market prices for those metals. These put contracts give us the option, but not the obligation, to realize established prices on quantities of silver and gold to be sold in the future. The put contracts establish the minimum ("floor") prices we would expect to be able to realize, without limiting our ability to realized higher prices when market prices exceed the put exercise prices at the time the metals are sold. As of September 30,2020, we had put contracts that provide average floor prices of $16.13 per ounce for silver and $1,625 per ounce for gold for a total of 3.9 million silver ounces and 50,511 gold ounces, with settlement dates in the fourth quarter of 2020 and first quarter of 2021.

These forward and put option contracts are not designated as hedges and are marked-to-market through earnings each period.  

As of September 30, 2017,2020, we recorded the following balances for the fair value of the contracts:forward and put option contracts held at that time:

 

a current asset of $0.4 million, which is net of $0.1 million for contracts in a liability position and included in other current assets;

a current liability of $7.9 million, which is net of $0.2 million for contracts in an asset position and included in other current liabilities; and

a non-current liability of $4.0 million, which is included in other non-current liabilities.

a current liability of $10.2 million, which is included in current derivatives liabilities and is net of $1.8 million for contracts in a fair value current asset position; and

a non-current liability of $45 thousand, which is included in other current liabilities.

 

We recognized a $3.9$12.9 million net loss during the firstnine months of 20172020 on the contracts utilized to manage exposure to prices of metals in our concentrate shipments, which is included in sales of products.  The net loss recognized on the contracts offsets gains related to price adjustments on our provisional concentrate sales due to changes to silver, gold, lead and zinc prices between the time of sale and final settlement.

24

 

We recognized a $16.5$12.8 million net loss during the firstnine months of 20172020 on the contracts utilized to manage exposure to prices for forecasted future concentrate shipments.sales. The net loss on these contracts is included as a separate line item under other income (expense), as they relate to forecasted future shipments,sales, as opposed to sales that have already taken place but are subject to final pricing as discussed in the preceding paragraph.  The net loss for the firstnine months of 20172020 is the result of higherincreasing silver, gold and zinc andprices, partially offset by decreasing lead prices. This program,During the third quarter of 2019, we settled, prior to their maturity date, forward contracts in a gain position for cash proceeds to us of approximately $6.7 million, with no such early settlements in 2020. These programs, when utilized isand the contracts are not settled prior to their maturity dates, are designed to mitigate the impact of potential future declines in silver, gold, lead and zinc prices from the price levels established in the contracts (see average price information below)above). When those prices increase compared to the contract prices,contracts, we recognize losses.incur losses on the contracts.

 

The following tables summarize the quantities of metals committed under forward sales contracts at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

September 30, 2017

 

Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)

  

Average price per ounce/pound

 
  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

 
  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

 

Contracts on provisional sales

                                

2017 settlements

  1,399   5   19,070   2,535  $17.18  $1,298  $1.33  $1.07 

2018 settlements

        2,370      N/A   N/A  $1.38   N/A 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                                

2017 settlements

        441   2,866   N/A   N/A  $1.23  $1.05 

2018 settlements

        39,463   17,968   N/A   N/A  $1.27  $1.05 

2019 settlements

        14,330   8,267   N/A   N/A  $1.30  $1.07 

2020 settlements

        3,307   2,205   N/A   N/A  $1.27  $1.07 

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December 31, 2016

 

Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)

  

Average price per ounce/pound

 
  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

 
  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

 

Contracts on provisional sales

                                

2017 settlements

  1,295   4   19,070   7,441  $16.29  $1,172  $1.18  $0.97 
                                 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                                

2017 settlements

        35,384   17,637   N/A   N/A  $1.19  $1.03 

2018 settlements

        13,779   5,732   N/A   N/A  $1.21  $1.05 

Our concentrate sales are based on a provisional sales price containing an embedded derivative that is required to be separated from the host contract for accounting purposes. The host contract is the receivable from the sale of the concentrates at the forward price at the time of the sale. The embedded derivative, which does not qualify for hedge accounting, is adjusted to market through earnings each period prior to final settlement.

Credit-risk-related Contingent Features

 

Certain of our derivative contracts contain cross default provisions which provide that a default under our revolving credit agreement would cause a default under the derivative contracts.contract. As of September 30, 2017,2020, we have not posted any collateral related to these agreements.contracts. The fair value of derivatives in a net liability position related to these agreements was $16.2 million as of September 30,2020,which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, related to these agreements was $14.4 million as of September 30, 2017.risk. If we were in breach of any derivative contractsof these provisions at September 30, 2017,2020, we could have been required to settle our obligations under the agreements at their termination value of $14.4$16.2 million.

 

Note 12.    Fair Value Measurement

Accounting guidance has established a hierarchy for inputs used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. The three levels included in the hierarchy are:

Level 1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2: significant other observable inputs; and

Level 3: significant unobservable inputs.

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25

Note 12.    Fair Value Measurement

 

The table below sets forth our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis and the fair value calculation input hierarchy level that we have determined applies to each asset and liability category (in thousands).

 

Description

 

Balance at

September 30, 2017

  

Balance at

December 31, 2016

 

Input

Hierarchy Level

 

Balance at
September 30, 2020

  

Balance at
December 31, 2019

 

Input
Hierarchy Level

Assets:

          

Cash and cash equivalents:

          

Money market funds and other bank deposits

 $172,923  $169,777 

Level 1

 $98,669  $62,452 

Level 1

Available for sale securities:

          

Debt securities - municipal and corporate bonds

  32,973   29,117 

Level 2

Equity securities – mining industry

  7,098   5,002 

Level 1

 17,362  6,207 

Level 1

Trade accounts receivable:

          

Receivables from provisional concentrate sales

  6,982   20,082 

Level 2

Receivables from concentrate and carbon sales

 28,464  11,952 

Level 2

Restricted cash balances:

          

Certificates of deposit and other bank deposits

  1,076   2,200 

Level 1

Certificates of deposit and other deposits

 1,053  1,025 

Level 1

Derivative contracts:

          

Foreign exchange contracts

  6,533   27 

Level 2

 1,009  1,184 

Level 2

Metal forward contracts

  394   5,403 

Level 2

Metal forward and put option contracts

  0   0 

Level 2

Total assets

 $227,979  $231,608   $146,557  $82,820  
          

Liabilities:

          

Derivative contracts:

          

Foreign exchange contracts

 $  $5,288 

Level 2

 $4,130  $1,437 

Level 2

Metal forward contracts

  11,902   192 

Level 2

Metal forward and put option contracts

  10,261   5,777 

Level 2

Total liabilities

 $11,902  $5,480   $14,391  $7,214  

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds and are valued at cost, which approximates fair value, and a small portion consists of municipal bonds having maturities of less than 90 days, which are recorded at fair value.

Current available-for-sale securities consist of municipal and corporate bonds having maturities of more than 90 days, which are recorded at fair value.

 

Current and non-current restricted cash balances consist primarily of certificates of deposit, U.S. Treasury securities, and other deposits and are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.

 

Our non-current available for sale securities consist of marketable equity securities of companies in the mining industry which are valued using quoted market prices for each security.

 

Trade accounts receivable include amounts due to us for shipments of concentrates, doré and precipitatemetals sold from doré to customers.  Revenues and the corresponding accounts receivable for sales of metals products are recorded when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer (generally at the time of ship loading, on truck or ship)at the time of arrival at the customer for trucked products).  Sales of concentrates are recorded using estimated forward prices for the anticipated month of settlement applied to our estimate of payable metal quantities contained in each shipment.  Sales are recorded net of estimated treatment and refining charges, which are also impacted by changes in metals prices and quantities of contained metals.  We estimate the prices at which sales of our concentrates will be settled due to the time elapsed between shipment and final settlement with the customer.  Receivables for previously recorded concentrate sales are adjusted to reflect estimated forward metals prices at the end of each period until final settlement by the customer.  We obtain the forward metals prices used each period from a pricing service.  Changes in metalmetals prices between shipment and final settlement result in changes to revenues previously recorded upon shipment.  The embedded derivative contained in our concentrate sales is adjusted to fair market value through earnings each period prior to final settlement.

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We use financially-settled forward contracts to manage exposure to changes in the exchange rate between the USD and CAD and MXN, and the impact on CAD- and MXN-denominated operating costs incurred at our Casa Berardi and San Sebastian units (see Note 11 for more information). These contracts qualify for hedge accounting, with unrealized gains and losses related to the effective portion of the contracts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, and unrealized gains and losses related to the ineffective portion of the contracts included in earnings each period. The fair value of each contract represents the present value of the difference between the forward exchange rate for the contract settlement period as of the measurement date and the contract settlement exchange rate.

26

 

We use financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our concentrate shipments that have not reached final settlement.  We also use financially-settled forward and put option contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our forecasted future concentrate shipmentssales (see Note 11 for more information).  These contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting, and are marked-to-market through earnings each period.  The fair value of each forward contract represents the present value of the difference between the forward metal price for the contract settlement period as of the measurement date and the contract settlement metal price. The fair value of each put option contract is measured using the Black-Scholes pricing model, with inputs for the period-end metal price and assumed metal price volatility and discount rate.

 

Our Senior Notes, issued in April 2013, which were recorded at their carrying value of $501.9 million,$468.3, net of unamortized initial purchaser discount and issuance costs at September30, 2017 of $4.6 million,2020, had a fair value of $524.6$514.6 million at September 30, 2017.2020. Quoted market prices, which we consider to be Level 1 inputs, are utilized to estimate fair values of the Senior Notes. See Note 9 for more information.

 

Note 13.    Guarantor Subsidiaries

 

Presented below are Hecla’s unaudited interim condensed consolidating financial statements as required by Rule 3-103-10 of Regulation S-XS-X of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, resulting from the guarantees by certain of Hecla's subsidiaries (the "Guarantors") of the Senior Notes and IQ Notes (see Note 9 for more information). The Guarantors consist of the following of Hecla's 100%-owned subsidiaries: Hecla Limited; Silver Hunter Mining Company; Rio Grande Silver, Inc.; Hecla MC Subsidiary, LLC; Hecla Silver Valley, Inc.; Burke Trading, Inc.; Hecla Montana, Inc.; Revett Silver Company; RC Resources, Inc.; Troy Mine Inc.; Revett Exploration, Inc.; Revett Holdings, Inc.; Mines Management, Inc.; Newhi, Corp.Inc.; Montanore Minerals Corp.; Hecla Alaska LLC; Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company; Hecla Admiralty Company; and Hecla Juneau Mining Company.Company; Klondex Holdings Inc.; Klondex Gold & Silver Mining Co.; Klondex Midas Holdings Limited; Klondex Aurora Mine Inc.; Klondex Hollister Mine Inc.; and Hecla Quebec, Inc. We completed the initial offering of the Senior Notes on April 12, 2013, and a related exchange offer for virtually identical notes registeredFebruary 19, 2020 under our shelf registration statement previously filed with the SECSEC. We issued the four equal tranches of IQ Notes on January 3, 2014.July 9, August 9, September 9 and October 9, 2020.

 

The unaudited interim condensed consolidating financial statements below have been prepared from our financial information on the same basis of accounting as the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements set forth elsewhere in this report. Investments in the subsidiaries are accounted for under the equity method. Accordingly, the entries necessary to consolidate Hecla, the Guarantors, and our non-guarantor subsidiaries are reflected in the intercompany eliminations column. In the course of preparing consolidated financial statements, we eliminate the effects of various transactions conducted between Hecla and its subsidiaries and among the subsidiaries. While valid at an individual subsidiary level, such activities are eliminated in consolidation because, when taken as a whole, they do not represent business activity with third-partythird-party customers, vendors, and other parties. Examples of such eliminations include the following:

 

 

Investments in subsidiaries. The acquisition of a company results in an investment in debt or equity capital on the records of the parent company and a contribution to debt or equity capital on the records of the subsidiary. Such investments and capital contributions are eliminated in consolidation.

 

 

Capital contributions. Certain of Hecla's subsidiaries do not generate cash flow, either at all or that is sufficient to meet their capital needs, and their cash requirements are routinely met with inter-company advances from their parent companies. On at leastGenerally on an annual basis, when not otherwise intended as debt, the boards of directors of such parent companies declare contributions of capital to their subsidiary companies, which increase the parents' investment and the subsidiaries' additional paid-in capital. In consolidation, investments in subsidiaries and related additional paid-in capital are eliminated.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Debt. Inter-company At times, inter-company debt agreements have been established between certain of Hecla's subsidiaries and their parents. The related debt liability and receivable balances, accrued interest expense (if any) and income activity (if any), and payments of principal and accrued interest amounts (if any) by the subsidiary companies to their parents are eliminated in consolidation.

 

 

Dividends. Certain of Hecla's subsidiaries which generate cash flow routinely provide cash to their parent companies through inter-company transfers. On at least an annual basis, the boards of directors of such subsidiary companies declare dividends to their parent companies, which reduces the subsidiaries' retained earnings and increases the parents' dividend income. In consolidation, such activity is eliminated.

 

 

Deferred taxes. Our ability to realize deferred tax assets and liabilities is considered on afor two consolidated basis fortax groups of subsidiaries within the United States, withStates: The Nevada U.S. Group and the Hecla U.S. Group. Within each tax group, all subsidiaries' estimated future taxable income contributingcontributes to the ability of their tax group to realize all such assets and liabilities. However, when Hecla's subsidiaries are viewed independently, we use the separate return method to assess the realizability of each subsidiary's deferred tax assets and whether a valuation allowance is required against such deferred tax assets. In some instances, a parent company or subsidiary may possess deferred tax assets whose realization depends on the future taxable incomes of other subsidiaries on a consolidated-return basis, but would not be considered realizable if such parent or subsidiary filed on a separate stand-alone basis. In such a situation, a valuation allowance is assessed on that subsidiary's deferred tax assets, with the resulting adjustment reported in the eliminations column of the guarantor and parent's financial statements, as is the case in the unaudited interim financial statements set forth below. The separate return method can result in significant eliminations of deferred tax assets and liabilities and related income tax provisions and benefits. Non-current deferred tax asset balances are included in other non-current assets on the consolidating balance sheets and make up a large portion of that item, particularly for the guarantor balances.

27

 

Separate financial statements of the Guarantors are not presented because the guarantees by the Guarantors are joint and several and full and unconditional, except for certain customary release provisions, including: (1)(1) the sale or disposal of all or substantially all of the assets of the Guarantor; (2)(2) the sale or other disposition of the capital stock of the Guarantor; (3)(3) the Guarantor is designated as an unrestricted entity in accordance with the applicable provisions of the indenture; (4)(4) Hecla ceases to be a borrower as defined in the indenture; and (5)(5) upon legal or covenant defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of the indenture.

 

Effective December 31, 2015, Hecla Limited (our wholly owned subsidiary) sold 100% of its ownership of Hecla Alaska LLC (its wholly owned subsidiary) to Hecla Mining Company for consideration totaling approximately $240.8 million.  The consideration consisted of satisfaction of inter-company debt between Hecla Limited and Hecla Mining Company and an obligation by Hecla Mining Company, under certain circumstances, to fund a limited amount of the capital requirements of Hecla Limited for up to five years.  Hecla Alaska LLC owns a 29.7331% interest in the joint venture which owns the Greens Creek mine. The presentation of unaudited interim condensed consolidating financial statements below reflects the effective date for accounting purposes of January 1, 2016.

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Table of Contents

Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

 

 

As of September 30, 2017

  

As of September 30, 2020

 
 

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-

Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
 

(in thousands)

  

(in thousands)

 

Assets

                                        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $101,061  $18,124  $53,738  $  $172,923  $54,986  $27,180  $16,503  $0  $98,669 

Other current assets

  47,514   51,190   40,283   (575

)

  138,412  7,670  121,535  7,356  (74) 136,487 

Properties, plants, and equipment - net

  1,964   1,248,762   774,881      2,025,607 

Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests - net

 1,913  2,331,450  8,675  0  2,342,038 

Intercompany receivable (payable)

  461,542   (222,677

)

  (351,019

)

  112,154     (46,498) (508,931) 216,536  338,893  0 

Investments in subsidiaries

  1,491,449         (1,491,449

)

    1,665,459  0  0  (1,665,459) 0 

Other non-current assets

  6,321   199,794   6,906   (153,780

)

  59,241   286,403   25,194   (117,489)  (156,152)  37,956 

Total assets

 $2,109,851  $1,295,193  $524,789  $(1,533,650

)

 $2,396,183  $1,969,933  $1,996,428  $131,581  $(1,482,792) $2,615,150 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

                    

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

                    

Current liabilities

 $46,720  $56,189  $38,183  $(25,295

)

 $115,797  $(268,234) $175,677  $1,206  $216,742  $125,391 

Long-term debt

  501,917   3,115   4,321      509,353  495,839  16,000  238  0  512,077 

Non-current portion of accrued reclamation

     61,964   18,794      80,758  0  93,530  6,542  0  100,072 

Non-current deferred tax liability

     13,349   126,280   (16,906

)

  122,723  0  163,581  0  (34,075) 129,506 

Other non-current liabilities

  48,273   5,363   975      54,611  48,680  4,737  1,039  0  54,456 

Shareholders' equity

  1,512,941   1,155,213   336,236   (1,491,449

)

  1,512,941   1,693,648   1,542,903   122,556   (1,665,459)  1,693,648 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 $2,109,851  $1,295,193  $524,789  $(1,533,650

)

 $2,396,183 

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

 $1,969,933  $1,996,428  $131,581  $(1,482,792) $2,615,150 

 

  

As of December 31, 2019

 
  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-

Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Assets

                    

Cash and cash equivalents

 $33,750  $15,357  $13,345  $0  $62,452 

Other current assets

  9,725   89,722   17,299   (74)  116,672 

Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests - net

  1,913   2,410,458   11,327   0   2,423,698 

Intercompany receivable (payable)

  (28,381)  (579,830)  216,632   391,579   0 

Investments in subsidiaries

  1,636,802   0   0   (1,636,802)  0 

Other non-current assets

  289,422   24,325   (121,981)  (157,280)  34,486 

Total assets

 $1,943,231  $1,960,032  $136,622  $(1,402,577) $2,637,308 

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

                    

Current liabilities

 $(309,293) $155,441  $8,334  $262,492  $116,974 

Long-term debt

  504,729   17,271   761   0   522,761 

Non-current portion of accrued reclamation

  0   96,389   7,404   0   103,793 

Non-current deferred tax liability

  0   166,549   0   (28,267)  138,282 

Other non-current liabilities

  55,372   6,577   1,126   0   63,075 

Shareholders' equity

  1,692,423   1,517,805   118,997   (1,636,802)  1,692,423 

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

 $1,943,231  $1,960,032  $136,622  $(1,402,577) $2,637,308 

24
28

  

As of December 31, 2016

 
  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Assets

                    

Cash and cash equivalents

 $113,275  $24,388  $32,114  $  $169,777 

Other current assets

  33,950   52,400   35,537   (573

)

  121,314 

Properties, plants, and equipment - net

  2,103   1,258,890   771,692      2,032,685 

Intercompany receivable (payable)

  404,121   (222,072

)

  (307,018

)

  124,969    

Investments in subsidiaries

  1,496,787         (1,496,787

)

   

Other non-current assets

  4,186   199,957   5,337   (161,579

)

  47,901 

Total assets

 $2,054,422  $1,313,563  $537,662  $(1,533,970

)

 $2,371,677 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

                    

Current liabilities

 $22,401  $86,730  $40,093  $(22,999

)

 $126,225 

Long-term debt

  500,979   3,065   2,773      506,817 

Non-current portion of accrued reclamation

     63,025   16,902      79,927 

Non-current deferred tax liability

     14,212   122,855   (14,212

)

  122,855 

Other non-current liabilities

  51,198   5,108   (325

)

  28   56,009 

Stockholders' equity

  1,479,844   1,141,423   355,364   (1,496,787

)

  1,479,844 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 $2,054,422  $1,313,563  $537,662  $(1,533,970

)

 $2,371,677 

 

Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
 

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
 

(in thousands)

  

(in thousands)

 

Revenues

 $(626

)

 $61,887  $79,578  $  $140,839  $(9,558) $200,124  $9,137  $0  $199,703 

Cost of sales

  687   (29,320

)

  (39,725

)

     (68,358

)

 (1,268) (99,530) (5,179) 0  (105,977)

Depreciation, depletion, amortization

     (12,607

)

  (16,237

)

     (28,844

)

 0  (39,457) (781) 0  (40,238)

General and administrative

  (4,217

)

  (4,464

)

  (848

)

     (9,529

)

 (4,716) (6,688) (309) 0  (11,713)

Exploration and pre-development

  (129

)

  (4,339

)

  (4,544

)

     (9,012

)

 (2) (2,977) (1,187) 0  (4,166)

Research and development

     (1,130

)

        (1,130

)

Loss on derivative contracts

  (11,226

)

           (11,226

)

 (6,666) 0  0  0  (6,666)

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

  12,153      (16,917

)

     (4,764

)

Lucky Friday suspension-related costs

     (4,780

)

        (4,780

)

Acquisition costs

 (2) 0  0  0  (2)

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

  (6,271

)

        6,271     21,895  0  0  (21,895) 0 

Other (expense) income

  11,041   1,202   (4,676

)

  (14,752

)

  (7,185

)

  14,066   (19,594)  2,298   (12,450)  (15,680)

Income (loss) before income taxes

  1,412   6,449   (3,369

)

  (8,481

)

  (3,989

)

 13,749  31,878  3,979  (34,345) 15,261 

(Provision) benefit from income taxes

     (1,338

)

  (8,013

)

  14,752   5,401   (121)  (13,211)  (751)  12,450   (1,633)

Net income (loss)

  1,412   5,111   (11,382

)

  6,271   1,412  13,628  18,667  3,228  (21,895) 13,628 

Preferred stock dividends

  (138

)

           (138

)

  (138)  0   0   0   (138)

Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders

  1,274   5,111   (11,382

)

  6,271   1,274   13,490   18,667   3,228   (21,895)  13,490 

Net income (loss)

  1,412   5,111   (11,382

)

  6,271   1,412  13,628  18,667  3,228  (21,895) 13,628 

Changes in comprehensive income (loss)

  7,636      1,022   (1,022

)

  7,636   6,150   0   0   0   6,150 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 $9,048  $5,111  $(10,360

)

 $5,249  $9,048  $19,778  $18,667  $3,228  $(21,895) $19,778 

 

  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Revenues

 $(12,877) $491,860  $24,000  $0  $502,983 

Cost of sales

  (2,596)  (266,986)  (15,135)  0   (284,717)

Depreciation, depletion, amortization

  0   (116,178)  (3,149)  0   (119,327)

General and administrative

  (9,520)  (16,816)  (1,295)  0   (27,631)

Exploration and pre-development

  (25)  (6,777)  (2,954)  0   (9,756)

Loss on derivative contracts

  (12,775)  0   0   0   (12,775)

Acquisition costs

  (13)  0   0   0   (13)

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

  28,624   0   0   (28,624)  0 

Other (expense) income

  (8,245)  (40,191)  3,882   (20,598)  (65,152)

Income (loss) before income taxes

  (17,427)  44,912   5,349   (49,222)  (16,388)

(Provision) benefit from income taxes

  (158)  (19,812)  (1,825)  20,598   (1,197)

Net income (loss)

  (17,585)  25,100   3,524   (28,624)  (17,585)

Preferred stock dividends

  (414)  0   0   0   (414)

Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders

  (17,999)  25,100   3,524   (28,624)  (17,999)

Net income (loss)

  (17,585)  25,100   3,524   (28,624)  (17,585)

Changes in comprehensive income (loss)

  (2,801)  0   0   0   (2,801)

Comprehensive income (loss)

 $(20,386) $25,100  $3,524  $(28,624) $(20,386)

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

 
 

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-

Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
 

(in thousands)

  

(in thousands)

 

Revenues

 $(3,912

)

 $215,184  $206,390  $  $417,662  $1,049  $144,999  $15,484  $0  $161,532 

Cost of sales

  353   (112,908

)

  (111,982

)

     (224,537

)

 (472) (85,829) (9,577) 0  (95,878)

Depreciation, depletion, amortization

     (41,875

)

  (41,490

)

     (83,365

)

 0  (47,448) (3,326) 0  (50,774)

General and administrative

  (16,407

)

  (10,877

)

  (1,760

)

     (29,044

)

 (2,951) (4,722) (305) 0  (7,978)

Exploration and pre-development

  (439

)

  (8,736

)

  (12,508

)

     (21,683

)

 (3) (4,315) (1,371) 0  (5,689)

Research and development

     (2,125

)

        (2,125

)

 0  37  (90) 0  (53)

Loss on derivative contracts

  (16,548

)

           (16,548

)

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

  22,286   (43

)

  (33,152

)

     (10,909

)

Lucky Friday suspension-related costs

     (14,385

)

        (14,385

)

Gain on derivative contracts

 (4,718) 0  0  0  (4,718)

Acquisition costs

 (100) (83) 0  0  (183)

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

  (5,925

)

        5,925     (6,761) 0  0  6,761  0 

Other (expense) income

  24,822   (1,207

)

  (14,146

)

  (38,682

)

  (29,213

)

Other expense

  (5,560)  (8,523)  451   (3,757)  (17,389)

Income (loss) before income taxes

  4,230   23,028   (8,648

)

  (32,757

)

  (14,147

)

 (19,516) (5,884) 1,266  3,004  (21,130)

(Provision) benefit from income taxes

     (9,239

)

  (11,066

)

  38,682   18,377   0   (625)  (1,518)  3,757   1,614 

Net income (loss)

  4,230   13,789   (19,714

)

  5,925   4,230  (19,516) (6,509) (252) 6,761  (19,516)

Preferred stock dividends

  (414

)

           (414

)

  (138)  0   0   0   (138)

Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders

  3,816   13,789   (19,714

)

  5,925   3,816   (19,654)  (6,509)  (252)  6,761   (19,654)

Net income (loss)

  4,230   13,789   (19,714

)

  5,925   4,230  (19,516) (6,509) (252) 6,761  (19,516)

Changes in comprehensive income (loss)

  13,718      1,780   (1,780

)

  13,718   (3,288)  0   0   0   (3,288)

Comprehensive income (loss)

 $17,948  $13,789  $(17,934

)

 $4,145  $17,948  $(22,804) $(6,509) $(252) $6,761  $(22,804)

 

  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

 
  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-

Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Revenues

 $(136) $409,339  $39,118  $0  $448,321 

Cost of sales

  (1,190)  (280,397)  (29,615)  0   (311,202)

Depreciation, depletion, amortization

  0   (132,104)  (6,934)  0   (139,038)

General and administrative

  (12,110)  (13,571)  (1,174)  0   (26,855)

Exploration and pre-development

  (22)  (10,645)  (5,424)  0   (16,091)

Research and development

  0   (521)  (93)  0   (614)

Gain/(loss) on derivative contracts

  (2,719)  0   0   0   (2,719)

Acquisition costs

  (221)  (219)  (153)  0   (593)

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

  (77,563)  0   0   77,563   0 

Other (expense) income

  2,382   (54,975)  2,383   (12,589)  (62,799)

Income (loss) before income taxes

  (91,579)  (83,093)  (1,892)  64,974   (111,590)

(Provision) benefit from income taxes

  (2)  6,864   558   12,589   20,009 

Net income (loss)

  (91,581)  (76,229)  (1,334)  77,563   (91,581)

Preferred stock dividends

  (414)  0   0   0   (414)

Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders

  (91,995)  (76,229)  (1,334)  77,563   (91,995)

Net income (loss)

  (91,581)  (76,229)  (1,334)  77,563   (91,581)

Changes in comprehensive income (loss)

  4,511   0   0   0   4,511 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 $(87,070) $(76,229) $(1,334) $77,563  $(87,070)

27
30

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

 
  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Revenues

 $(4,072

)

 $116,016  $67,449  $  $179,393 

Cost of sales

     (58,844

)

  (31,685

)

     (90,529

)

Depreciation, depletion, amortization

     (19,036

)

  (11,143

)

     (30,179

)

General and administrative

  (5,355

)

  (5,469

)

  (331

)

     (11,155

)

Exploration and pre-development

  (33

)

  (1,343

)

  (3,033

)

     (4,409

)

Gain on derivative contracts

  7            7 

Acquisition costs

  (1,766

)

  1         (1,765

)

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

  52,606         (52,606

)

   

Other expense

  (15,597

)

  1,187   1,211   7,078   (6,121

)

Income (loss) before income taxes

  25,790   32,512   22,468   (45,528

)

  35,242 

(Provision) benefit from income taxes

     (8,994

)

  6,621   (7,080

)

  (9,453

)

Net income (loss)

  25,790   23,518   29,089   (52,608

)

  25,789 

Preferred stock dividends

  (138

)

           (138

)

Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders

  25,652   23,518   29,089   (52,608

)

  25,651 

Net income (loss)

  25,790   23,518   29,089   (52,608

)

  25,789 

Changes in comprehensive income (loss)

  (615

)

     985   (985

)

  (615

)

Comprehensive income (loss)

 $25,175  $23,518  $30,074  $(53,593

)

 $25,174 

 

  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

 
  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Revenues

 $(15,866

)

 $285,277  $212,301  $  $481,712 

Cost of sales

     (154,160

)

  (95,002

)

     (249,162

)

Depreciation, depletion, amortization

     (49,521

)

  (35,071

)

     (84,592

)

General and administrative

  (17,069

)

  (13,671

)

  (988

)

     (31,728

)

Exploration and pre-development

  (191

)

  (3,990

)

  (7,465

)

     (11,646

)

Acquisition costs

  (2,160

)

  (7

)

        (2,167

)

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

  68,727         (68,727

)

   

Other (expense) income

  15,844   8,147   (43,039

)

  (11,481

)

  (30,529

)

Income (loss) before income taxes

  49,285   72,075   30,736   (80,208

)

  71,888 

(Provision) benefit from income taxes

     (22,213

)

  (11,871

)

  11,481   (22,603

)

Net income (loss)

  49,285   49,862   18,865   (68,727

)

  49,285 

Preferred stock dividends

  (414

)

           (414

)

Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders

  48,871   49,862   18,865   (68,727

)

  48,871 

Net income (loss)

  49,285   49,862   18,865   (68,727

)

  49,285 

Changes in comprehensive income (loss)

  1,689   8   3,238   (3,246

)

  1,689 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 $50,974  $49,870  $22,103  $(71,973

)

 $50,974 

Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
 

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
                     

(in thousands)

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 $35,764  $41,071  $21,435  $(24,155

)

 $74,115  $47,945  $144,109  $23,494  $(99,656) $115,892 

Cash flows from investing activities:

                               

Additions to properties, plants, and equipment

     (28,220

)

  (42,170

)

     (70,390

)

Additions to properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests

 0  (53,846) (536) 0  (54,382)

Other investing activities, net

  176   6,903   (584

)

  (5,339

)

  1,156  (28,657) 262  (1,617) 28,656  (1,356)

Cash flows from financing activities:

                               

Dividends paid to shareholders

  (3,392

)

           (3,392

)

 (4,365) 0  0  0  (4,365)

Proceeds from (payments on) debt

     (4,518

)

  (1,017

)

     (5,535

)

Borrowings on debt

 707,107  0  0  0  707,107 

Payments on debt

 (716,500) (4,246) 0  0  (720,746)

Other financing activity, net

  (44,762

)

  (21,500

)

  42,909   29,494   6,141  15,706  (73,632) (17,106) 71,000  (4,032)

Effect of exchange rates on cash

        1,051      1,051   0   (796)  (1,077)  0   (1,873)

Changes in cash and cash equivalents

  (12,214

)

  (6,264

)

  21,624      3,146 

Beginning cash and cash equivalents

  113,275   24,388   32,114      169,777 

Ending cash and cash equivalents

 $101,061  $18,124  $53,738  $  $172,923 

Changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

 21,236  11,851  3,158  0  36,245 

Beginning cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

  33,750   16,382   13,345   0   63,477 

Ending cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

 $54,986  $28,233  $16,503  $0  $99,722 

 

  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

 
  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-

Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 $(140,110) $92,042  $(15,242) $126,919  $63,609 

Cash flows from investing activities:

                    

Additions to properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests

  0   (56,329)  (41,009)  0   (97,338)

Acquisitions of other companies, net of cash acquired

  0      0   0   0 

Other investing activities, net

  72,128   42   1,415   (72,128)  1,457 

Cash flows from financing activities:

                    

Dividends paid to shareholders

  (4,070)  0   0   0   (4,070)

Borrowings on debt

  245,000   0   0   0   245,000 

Payments on debt

  (195,000)  (4,965)  (519)  0   (200,484)

Other financing activity, net

  34,769   (38,672)  55,869   (54,791)  (2,825)

Effect of exchange rates on cash

  0   257   0   0   257 

Changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

  12,717   (7,625)  514   0   5,606 

Beginning cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

  6,266   18,258   3,890   0   28,414 

Ending cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

 $18,983  $10,633  $4,404  $0  $34,020 

  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

 
  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 $14,525  $51,599  $61,710  $45,280  $173,114 

Cash flows from investing activities:

                    

Additions to properties, plants, and equipment

  (348

)

  (71,265

)

  (48,623

)

     (120,236

)

Acquisitions of other companies, net of cash acquired

  (3,931

)

            (3,931

)

Other investing activities, net

  (24,696

)

  (816

)

  (3,647

)

     (29,159

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

                    

Dividends paid to shareholders

  (3,296

)

           (3,296

)

Proceeds from (payments on) debt

     (7,477

)

  (658

)

     (8,135

)

Other financing activity, net

  33,335   24,522   (8,926

)

  (45,280

)

  3,651 

Effect of exchange rates on cash

        627      627 

Changes in cash and cash equivalents

  15,589   (3,437

)

  483      12,635 

Beginning cash and cash equivalents

  94,167   42,692   18,350      155,209 

Ending cash and cash equivalents

 $109,756  $39,255  $18,833  $  $167,844 

Forward Looking Statements

 

Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Certain statements contained in this Form 10-Q,10-Q, including in Management’sManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk, are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provided for under Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Our forward-looking statements include our current expectations and projections about future results, performance, results of litigation, prospects and opportunities, including reserves and other mineralization. We have tried to identify these forward-looking statements by using words such as “may,“may,“will,“will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “feel,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast” and similar expressions.  These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us and are expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis.  However, our forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements.

These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, those set forth under Part I, Item 1A. – Business – Risk Factors in our annual report filed on Form 10-K10-K for the year ended December 31,2019, as updated in Part II, Item 1A. – Risk Factors in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016. 2020. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements.  All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Hecla Mining Company or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.  Except as required by federal securities laws, we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Overview

 

Hecla Mining Company and our subsidiaries have provided precious and base metals to the U.S. and worldwide since 1891. We discover, acquire and develop mines and other mineral interests and produce and market (i) concentrates containing silver, gold (in the case of Greens Creek), lead and zinc.zinc, (ii) carbon material containing silver and gold, and (iii) unrefined doré containing silver and gold.  

 

We produceThe lead, zinc and bulk concentrates whichand carbon material we sellproduce is sold to custom smelters, and brokers and third-party processors, and the unrefined precipitate and bullion bars (doré) containing gold and silver, which aredoré we produce is sold to refiners or further refined before sale of the metals to precious metals traders.  We are organized into fourfive segments that encompass our operating and development units:  Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, Casa Berardi, San Sebastian and San Sebastian.Nevada Operations. The map below shows the locations of our operating units, our exploration and pre-development projects, andas well as our corporate offices located in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and Vancouver, British Columbia.

 

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Our current business strategy is to focus our financial and human resources in the following areas:

 

operating our properties safely, in an environmentally responsible manner, and cost-effectively;

continuing to optimize and improve operations at each of our units;

expanding our proven and probable reserves and production capacity at our operating properties;

conducting our business with financial stewardship to preserve our financial position in varying metals price environments;

advancing permitting of the Rock Creek and Montanore projects. We acquired Rock Creek as part of the acquisition of Revett Mining Company, Inc. ("Revett") in June 2015, and we acquired Montanore through the acquisition of Mines Management, Inc. ("Mines Management") in September 2016;

maintaining and investing in exploration and pre-development projects in the vicinities of six mining districts and projects we believe to be under-explored and under-invested: North Idaho's Silver Valley in the historic Coeur d'Alene Mining District; our Greens Creek unit on Alaska's Admiralty Island located near Juneau; the silver-producing district near Durango, Mexico; the Abitibi region of northwestern Quebec, Canada; the Rock Creek and Montanore projects in northwestern Montana; and the Creede district of Southwestern Colorado; and

continuing to seek opportunities to acquire or invest in mining properties and companies.

rapidly responding to the threats from the COVID-19 pandemic to protect our workforce, operations and communities while maintaining liquidity;

operating our properties safely, in an environmentally responsible manner, and cost-effectively;

improving operations at our units, which includes incurring costs for new technologies and equipment that may not result in measurable benefits;

expanding our proven and probable reserves and production capacity at our units;

conducting our business with financial stewardship to preserve our financial position in varying metals price and operational environments;

advancing permitting of the Rock Creek and Montanore projects;

maintaining and investing in exploration and pre-development projects in the vicinities of seven mining districts and projects we believe to be under-explored and under-invested: North Idaho's Silver Valley in the historic Coeur d'Alene Mining District; our Greens Creek unit on Alaska's Admiralty Island located near Juneau; the silver-producing district near Durango, Mexico; the Abitibi region of northwestern Quebec, Canada; our projects in northern Nevada; the Rock Creek and Montanore projects in northwestern Montana; and the Creede district of southwestern Colorado; and

continuing to seek opportunities to acquire or invest in mining properties and companies.

 

The COVID-19 outbreak impacted our operations in the first nine months of 2020, including curtailing our expected production of gold at Casa Berardi. In addition, we have incurred additional costs of approximately $1.9 million in the first nine months of 2020 related to quarantining employees at Greens Creek, which started in late March 2020. See each segment section below for information on how those operations have been impacted by COVID-19. To mitigate the impact of COVID-19, we have taken precautionary measures, including implementing operational plans and practices and increasing our cash reserves through a temporary draw-down of our revolving credit facility, which has since been fully repaid. As long as they are required, the operational practices implemented could continue to have an adverse impact on our operating results due to additional costs or deferred production and revenues. There is uncertainty related to the potential additional impacts COVID-19 could have on our operations and financial results for the year. See Part II, Item IA. Risk Factors - Natural disasters, public health crises, political crises, and other catastrophic events or other events outside of our control may materially and adversely affect our business or financial results in our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 for information on how restrictions related to COVID-19 have recently affected some of our operations.

 

A number of key factors may impact the execution of our strategy, including regulatory issues and metals prices. Metals prices can be very volatile. As discussed in the Critical Accounting Estimates section below, metals prices are influenced by a number of factors beyond our control. Average marketThe average realized prices of silver and gold were slightly lower, withhigher, and the average prices for lead and zinc higher,lower, in the first nine months of 20172020 compared to the samecomparable period last year, as illustrated by the table in Results of Operations below. While we believe currentlonger-term global economic and industrial trends could result in continued demand for the metals we produce, prices have been volatile and there can be no assurance that current prices will continue.

 

The total principal amountWe currently have outstanding $475 million of our Senior Notes due May 1, 2021 is $506.5 million and theyFebruary 15, 2028 ("Senior Notes") which bear interest at a rate of 6.875%7.25% per year. The $469.5 million in net proceeds from the Senior Notes were primarily used, along with cash on hand, to redeem, in March 2020, our previously-outstanding 6.875% Senior Notes that were due in 2021 and had a principal balance of $506.5 million ("2021 Notes"). As a precaution due to uncertainties of the duration, severity and scope of the COVID-19 outbreak, we drew $210 million under our revolving credit facility during the first quarter of 2020; however, we repaid all of that amount during the second and third quarters of 2020, with no amount outstanding as of the end of the third quarter. When amounts are drawn on the revolving credit facility, they are subject to a variable rate of interest. In addition, in July 2020 we agreed to issue CAD$50 million (approximately USD$36.8 million at the time of the transaction) in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes to Investissment Québec, a financing arm of the Québec government ("IQ Notes"). The IQ Notes mature in July 2025 and bear interest at a rate of 6.515% per year. The IQ Notes were issued at a premium of 103.65%, implying an effective annual yield of 5.74% and an aggregate principal amount to be repaid of CAD$48.2 million. The IQ Notes were issued in four equal installments of CAD$12.5 million in July, August, September and October 2020, with the first installment issued net of CAD$0.6 million in fees. The net proceeds from the IQ Notes are available for general corporate purposes, including for open market purchases of a portion of the Senior Notes and to pay capital expenditures at our Casa Berardi unit. Under the note purchase agreement for the acquisition of AurizonIQ Notes and subject to a force majeure event, we are required to invest in June 2013 (see the aggregate CAD$100 million at the Casa Berardi unit and other exploration and development projects in Quebec over the four-year period commencing on July 9, 2020. See Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)). for more information on our debt arrangements. As discussed in the Financial Liquidity and Capital Resources section below, we believe that we will be able to meet the obligations associated with the Senior Notes;Notes, IQ Notes and amounts drawn on our revolving credit facility; however, a number of factors could impact our ability to meet theour debt obligations and fund our other projects. In June 2017, we announced a private offering under Rule 144A of $500 million in Senior Notes due 2025 and a concurrent tender offer to purchase our existing Senior Notes. Both the private offering of the notes and the tender offer were abandoned in June 2017, as available terms and conditions were not sufficiently attractive to us to complete the proposed transactions. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. There can be no assurance that we will be able to restructure or refinance our debt in the future on terms and conditions favorable to us.business.

 

On June 15, 2015, we completed the acquisition of Revett, giving us 100% ownership of the Rock Creek project, a significant undeveloped silver and copper deposit in northwestern Montana. In addition, on September 13, 2016, we completed the acquisition of Mines Management, giving us 100% ownership of the Montanore project, another significant undeveloped silver and copper deposit located approximately 10 miles from our Rock Creek project. Development of Rock Creek and Montanore has been challenged by conservation groups at various times, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain the permits required to develop these projects. See Legal challenges could prevent the Rock Creek or Montanore projects from ever being developed in Part I, Item 1A. – Risk Factors in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for more information. In May 2017, the Montana Federal District Court issued Opinions and Orders in three lawsuits challenging previously granted environmental approvals for the Montanore project. The Orders overturned the approvals for the project granted by the United States Forest Service and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and remanded the Record of Decision ("ROD") and associated planning documents for further review by the agencies consistent with its Opinions. In June 2017, the Court vacated the agencies' approvals for the project. As a result, additional work must be performed by the agencies to address the deficiencies in the ROD and associated planning documents identified by the Court, and new approvals must be granted, before the project may proceed beyond certain preliminary actions.

As further discussed in the Lucky Friday Segment section below, the union employees at Lucky Friday have been on strike since March 13, 2017. Production at Lucky Friday was suspended from the start of the strike until July 2017, with limited production by salary employees commencing at that time. We cannot predict how long the strike will last or whether an agreement will be reached. We expect to incur cash expenditures of approximately $1.0 million to $1.5 million per month to advance engineering and infrastructure for the restart of full production, in addition to costs related to limited interim production. As a result of the strike or other related events, operations at Lucky Friday could continue to be disrupted, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

During the third quarter of 2015, we made a development decision to mine near surface, high grade portions of silver and gold deposits at our San Sebastian project in Mexico. Ore production commenced in the fourth quarter of 2015 and has continued since that time.  In addition, work began in the first quarter of 2017 to develop and rehabilitate underground access which is expected to allow us to mine deeper portions of the deposits at San Sebastian. See the San Sebastian Segment section below for more information. We have generated positive cash flows at San Sebastian sinceeach year from 2016 through the startfirst nine months of 2020. However, that mine is expected to end production there, and we currently believe that will continue until early or mid-2020.  However, our ability to generate positive cash flows at San Sebastian may be impacted by changes in costs, precious metals prices, or other factors,the fourth quarter of 2020, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to develop and operate San Sebastian beyond that time.

As further discussed in TheLucky Friday Segment section below, the union employees at Lucky Friday were on strike from March 13, 2017 until the strike ended on January 7, 2020. Re-staffing of the mine has been substantially completed with ramp-up activities ahead of schedule, and the mine has returned to full production starting with the fourth quarter of 2020. However, there can be no assurance we will operate as currently anticipated.

 

We strive to operate our properties safely, in an environmentally responsible mannerachieve excellent mine safety and as cost-effectively as possible.health performance. We seek to achieve safe and environmentally sound practices through extensive employeeimplement this goal by: training employees in safe work practices; establishing, following and improving safety standards with the active participation of employees;standards; investigating accidents, incidents and losses to avoid recurrence; involving employees in the establishment of safety standards; and participationparticipating in the National Mining Association’s CORESafety program. We attempt to implement reasonable best practices forwith respect to mine safety and emergency preparedness. Additionally, weWe work with the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration, (“MSHA”)the Commission of Labor Standards, Pay Equity and Occupational Health and Safety in Quebec, and the Mexico Ministry of Economy and Mining to address issues outlined in any investigations and inspections and investigations, and continuallycontinue to evaluate our safety practices. Achieving and maintaining compliance with regulations will be challenging and may increase our operating costs. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - We face substantial governmental regulation, including the Mine Safety and Health Act, various environmental laws and regulations and the 1872 Mining Law in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

Another challenge for us is the risk associated with environmental litigation and ongoing reclamation activities. As described in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors ofin our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162019 and in Note 4 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), it is possible that our estimate of these liabilities (and our ability to estimate liabilities in general) may change in the future, affecting our strategic plans. We are involved in various environmental legal matters and the estimate of our environmental liabilities and liquidity needs, as wellswell as our strategic plans, may be significantly impacted as a result of these matters or new matters that may arise. We strive to ensure that our activities are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and attempt to resolve environmental litigation on terms as favorable termsto us as possible.

 

 

Results of Operations

 

Sales of products by metal for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172020 and 20162019 were as follows:

 

  

Three Months Ended
September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

(in thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

 

Silver

 $43,228  $83,668  $140,662  $211,825 

Gold

  73,603   67,534   203,279   203,455 

Lead

  6,373   17,141   28,093   46,194 

Zinc

  24,327   27,469   74,692   67,840 

Less: Smelter and refining charges

  (6,692

)

  (16,419

)

  (29,064

)

  (47,602

)

Sales of products

 $140,839  $179,393  $417,662  $481,712 

  

Three Months Ended
September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

(in thousands)

 

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

Silver

 $79,684  $40,588  $179,013  $122,392 

Gold

  98,457   103,889   278,363   261,734 

Lead

  13,370   7,114   32,244   22,809 

Zinc

  26,779   15,292   65,540   62,995 

Less: Smelter and refining charges

  (18,587)  (5,351)  (52,177)  (21,609)

Sales of products

 $199,703  $161,532  $502,983  $448,321 

 

The $38.6 million and $64.1 million decreasesfluctuations in sales of products in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017, respectively,2020 compared to the same periods of 20162019 are primarily due to:to the following two factors:

 

 

Lower quantitiesHigher average realized silver and gold prices in the third quarter and first nine months of silver,2020 compared to the same periods in 2019. Average realized zinc andprices were higher in the third quarter of 2020, but lower in the first nine months of the year compared to 2019, while lead sold, due toprices were lower production of those metals andfor both periods. These price variances are illustrated in the timing of concentrate shipmentstable below.

   

Three Months Ended
September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
   

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

Silver –

London PM Fix ($/ounce)

 $24.40  $17.02  $19.22  $15.83 
 

Realized price per ounce

 $25.32  $18.18  $19.72  $16.21 

Gold –

London PM Fix ($/ounce)

 $1,911  $1,474  $1,735  $1,363 
 

Realized price per ounce

 $1,929  $1,475  $1,745  $1,374 

Lead –

LME Final Cash Buyer ($/pound)

 $0.85  $0.92  $0.81  $0.90 
 

Realized price per pound

 $0.86  $0.93  $0.81  $0.90 

Zinc –

LME Final Cash Buyer ($/pound)

 $1.06  $1.06  $0.97  $1.18 
 

Realized price per pound

 $1.04  $0.97  $0.94  $1.16 

Average realized prices typically differ from average market prices primarily because concentrate sales at Greens Creek (our largest segment) are generally recorded as revenues at the time of shipment at forward prices for the estimated month of settlement, which differ from average market prices.  Due to the time elapsed between shipment of concentrates and final settlement with the customers, we must estimate the prices at which sales of our metals will be settled.  Previously recorded sales are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices each period through final settlement.  For the third quarter and first nine months of 2020, we recorded net positive price adjustments to provisional settlements of $4.3 million and $5.3 million, respectively, compared to net positive price adjustments of $0.6 million and net negative adjustments of $0.1 million, respectively, in the 2019 periods. The price adjustments related to silver, gold, lead and zinc contained in our concentrate shipments were partially offset in the 2020 periods, and largely offset in the 2019 periods, by gains and losses on forward contracts for those metals. See Note 11 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information.  The gains and losses on these contracts are included in revenues and impact the realized prices for silver, gold, lead and zinc.  Realized prices are calculated by dividing gross revenues for each metal (which include the price adjustments and gains and losses on the forward contracts discussed above) by the payable quantities of each metal included in concentrate, doré and carbon material shipped during the period.

Higher sales quantities for silver, lead and zinc, partially offset by higherlower gold volumes.quantities, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 compared to the same periods of 2019. See the The Greens Creek Segment, The Lucky Friday Segment, The Casa Berardi Segment, and The San Sebastian Segment and The Nevada Operations Segment sections below for more information on metalmetals production and sales volumes at each of our operating segments. Total metals production and sales volumes for each period are shown in the following table:

 

   

Three Months Ended
September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
   

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

 

Silver -

Ounces produced

  3,323,157   4,316,663   9,500,058   13,200,765 
 

Payable ounces sold

  2,540,817   4,284,842   8,098,652   12,222,084 

Gold -

Ounces produced

  63,046   52,126   171,720   170,779 
 

Payable ounces sold

  57,380   50,348   161,921   161,217 

Lead -

Tons produced

  5,370   10,411   18,426   31,840 
 

Payable tons sold

  2,936   9,967   13,612   28,380 

Zinc -

Tons produced

  14,497   14,825   43,000   50,321 
 

Payable tons sold

  8,444   13,596   29,269   37,948 

   

Three Months Ended
September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
   

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

Silver -

Ounces produced

  3,541,371   3,251,350   10,190,621   9,193,246 
 

Payable ounces sold

  3,147,048   2,232,691   9,077,966   7,549,360 

Gold -

Ounces produced

  41,174   77,311   159,948   198,100 
 

Payable ounces sold

  51,049   69,760   159,550   189,823 

Lead -

Tons produced

  9,750   6,107   24,620   17,406 
 

Payable tons sold

  7,792   3,817   19,948   12,628 

Zinc -

Tons produced

  17,997   15,413   48,699   42,672 
 

Payable tons sold

  12,892   7,878   34,717   27,234 

 

The difference between what we report as "ounces/tons produced" and "payable ounces/tons sold" is attributable to the difference between the quantities of metals contained in the concentrates we produce versus the portion of those metals actually paid for by our customers according to the terms of our sales contracts. Differences can also arise from inventory changes incidental to shipping schedules, or variances in ore grades which impact the amount of metals contained in concentrates produced and sold. The difference in payable quantities sold for the 2017 periods compared to 2016 is due mainly to timing of concentrate shipments, primarily at Greens Creek.

 

Lower average silver and gold prices, partially offset by higher lead and zinc prices, in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. For the first nine months of 2017, average silver and gold prices varied slightly, while average lead and zinc prices were higher, compared to the same period of 2016. These price variances are illustrated in the table below.

   

Three Months Ended
September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
   

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

 

Silver

London PM Fix ($/ounce)

 $16.83  $19.62  $17.17  $17.08 
 

Realized price per ounce

 $17.01  $19.53  $17.37  $17.33 

Gold

London PM Fix ($/ounce)

 $1,278  $1,335  $1,251  $1,258 
 

Realized price per ounce

 $1,283  $1,341  $1,255  $1,262 

Lead

LME Final Cash Buyer ($/pound)

 $1.06  $0.85  $1.02  $0.81 
 

Realized price per pound

 $1.09  $0.86  $1.03  $0.81 

Zinc

LME Final Cash Buyer ($/pound)

 $1.34  $1.02  $1.26  $0.89 
 

Realized price per pound

 $1.44  $1.01  $1.28  $0.89 

Average realized prices typically differ from average market prices primarily because concentrate sales are generally recorded as revenues at the time of shipment at forward prices for the estimated month of settlement, which differ from average market prices.  Due to the time elapsed between shipment of concentrates and final settlement with the customers, we must estimate the prices at which sales of our metals will be settled.  Previously recorded sales are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices each period through final settlement.  For the third quarter and first nine months of 2017, we recorded net positive price adjustments to provisional settlements of $1.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively, compared to negative price adjustments to provisional settlements of $1.1 million and positive price adjustments of $0.4 million, respectively, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2016. The price adjustments related to silver, gold, lead and zinc contained in our concentrate shipments were largely offset by gains and losses on forward contracts for those metals for each period (see Note 11 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information).  The gains and losses on these contracts are included in revenues and impact the realized prices for silver, gold, lead and zinc.  Realized prices are calculated by dividing gross revenues for each metal (which include the price adjustments and gains and losses on the forward contracts discussed above) by the payable quantities of each metal included in concentrate and doré shipped during the period.

For the third quarter and first nine months of 2017, weWe recorded income applicable to common shareholders of $1.3$13.5 million ($0.000.03 per basic common share) for the third quarter of 2020 and a loss applicable to common shareholders of $18.0 million ($0.03 per basic common share) for the first nine months of 2020, compared to losses applicable to common shareholders of $19.7 million ($0.04 per basic common share) and $3.8$92.0 million ($0.010.19 per basic common share), respectively, compared to $25.7 million ($0.07 per basic common share) and $48.9 million ($0.13 per basic common share), respectively, for the third quarter and first nine months of 2016.2019, respectively. The following twelve factors impacted the results for the third quarter and first nine months of 20172020 compared to the same periods in 2016:2019:

 

 

LowerVariances in gross profit for(loss) at our operating units as follows (in millions):

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

Variance

  

2020

  

2019

  

Variance

 

Greens Creek

 $42.4  $18.5  $23.9  $74.3  $54.3  $20.0 

Lucky Friday

  (0.7)     (0.7)  (0.7)     (0.7)

Casa Berardi

  (0.3)  0.5   (0.8)  2.0   (18.2)  20.2 

San Sebastian

  3.2   2.6   0.6   5.7   2.7   3.0 

Nevada Operations

  8.8   (6.7)  15.5   17.6   (40.7)  58.3 

Total gross profit

 $53.4  $14.9  $38.5  $98.9  $(1.9) $100.8 

See The Greens Creek Segment,The Lucky Friday Segment, The Casa Berardi Segment, The San Sebastian Segment, and The Nevada Operations Segment sections below.

Higher general and administrative expense by $3.7 million and $0.8 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 20172020, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2019 primarily due to increase accruals for incentive compensation.

Exploration and pre-development expense decreased by $1.5 million and $6.3 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2016 at our San Sebastian unit by $0.9 million and $13.8 million, respectively; Lucky Friday unit by $6.5 million and $8.0 million, respectively; and Greens Creek unit by $8.3 million and $1.3 million, respectively. Gross profit for2019. In the first nine months of 20172020, exploration was also lowerprimarily at our San Sebastian and Casa Berardi unitunits.

Higher other operating expense by $3.1 million and $4.2 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020, respectively, compared to 2016the same periods of 2019 primarily due to costs for an ongoing project to identify and implement potential operational improvements at Casa Berardi.

Ramp-up and suspension costs were lower by $15.2 million; however, it was higher by $0.6$2.2 million forin the third quarter of 20172020, but higher by $15.3 million in first nine months of the year, compared to the same periods of 2019. The decrease in the third quarter was due to increased production at Lucky Friday. The increase in the nine-month period was due to (i) higher costs at Lucky Friday due to the transition of 2016.production from salary to hourly personnel and the recall, hire and training of the returning hourly workforce, (ii) placement of the Midas and Hollister mines and Aurora mill in Nevada on care-and-maintenance, and (iii) the temporary suspension of operations at Casa Berardi and San Sebastian in response to COVID-19, which lead to lower production at those operations. SeeThe Greens Creek Segment, The Lucky Friday Segment, The Nevada Operations Segment, The Casa Berardi Segment and The San Sebastian Segmentsections below.

 

LossesIn June 2020, we gifted 650,000 shares of our common stock valued at $2.0 million at the time of the gift to the Hecla Charitable Foundation (the "Foundation"), and recognized expense for that amount in the second quarter of 2020. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) entity established in 2007 to provide grants and disburse funds for educational and charitable purposes to qualifying organizations in order to promote the social, environmental and economic sustainability and development of the communities where we have operations and activities.

A $0.7 million loss recognized in the second quarter of 2020 on base metal derivatives contractsthe write-down of $11.2equipment at Nevada Operations determined to be held-for-sale compared to a $4.6 million loss recognized in the second quarter of 2019 on the write-down of exploration interests that were held for sale in Quebec.

Unrealized gains on investments of $4.0 million and $16.5$9.4 million, respectively, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017, with no net activity2020, compared to losses of $0.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, in the same periods of 2019 due to changes in the prices of shares in other mining companies held by us.

Losses on base metal derivativederivatives contracts forof $6.7 million and $12.8 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2016.2020, respectively, compared to losses of $4.7 million and $2.7 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2019, respectively. During the third quarter of 2019, we settled, prior to their maturity date, contracts in a gain position for cash proceeds to us of approximately $6.7 million, with no such early settlements in the 2020 periods. See Note 11 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information.

Foreign exchange net losses of $2.2 million in the third quarter of 2020 and gain of $1.2 million in the first nine months of 2020 versus a net gain of $0.8 million in the third quarter of 2019 and loss of $6.7 million in the first nine months of 2019. The variances are primarily related to the impact of changes in the CAD-to-USD exchange rate on the remeasurement of our net monetary liabilities in Quebec. During the first nine months of 2020, the applicable CAD-to-USD exchange rate increased from 1.2989 to 1.3333, compared to a decrease in the rate from 1.3643 to 1.3243 during the first nine months of 2019.

Lucky Friday suspension costs of $4.8 million and $14.4 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017, respectively. These costs, which include $1.1 million and $3.3 million in non-cash depreciation expense, were incurred during the suspension of full production resulting from the strike, which started in March 2017.

Higher interest expense by $3.8 million and $11.8 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2016. Interest expense in the first nine months of 2017 and 2016 was net of $0.9 million and $12.0 million, respectively, in capitalized interest primarily related to the #4 Shaft project, with the decrease due to completion of the #4 Shaft in January 2017. In addition, interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 included $0.9 million in costs related to our proposed private offering of new Senior Notes in June 2017 and concurrent tender offer to purchase our existing Senior Notes, which were not completed.

Exploration and pre-development expense increased by $4.6 million and $10.0 million, respectively, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 compared to the same periods in 2016. In 2017, we have continued exploration work at our Greens Creek, San Sebastian and Casa Berardi units, and at our other projects in Quebec, Canada. "Pre-development expense" is defined as costs incurred in the exploration stage that may ultimately benefit production, such as underground ramp development, which are expensed due to the lack of proven and probable reserves. Pre-development expense of $1.8 million and $4.1 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017, respectively, was related to advancement of our Montanore and Rock Creek projects.

Net foreign exchange losses in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 of $4.8 million and $10.9 million, respectively, versus a net gain of $2.4 million in the third quarter of 2016 and net loss of $7.7 million in the first nine months of 2016. The variances are primarily related to the impact of changes in the CAD-to-USD exchange rate on the remeasurement of our net monetary liabilities in Quebec. During the first nine months of 2017, the applicable CAD-to-USD exchange rate decreased from 1.3426 to 1.2480, compared to a decrease in the rate from 1.3841 to 1.3116 during the first nine months of 2016.

Research and development expense of $1.1 million and $2.1 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017, respectively, related to evaluation and development of technologies that would be new to our operations.

Lower general and administrative expense by $1.6 million and $2.7 million, respectively, for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016 primarily due to lower accruals for incentive compensation.

Gain on disposal of properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests of $4.8 million recognized in the third quarter of 2017 primarily related to insurance proceeds received for collapse of the mill building at the Troy mine in February 2017 due to snow.

Higher interest expense by $5.1 million in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same period of 2019, with the increase resulting from (i) interest recognized on both the Senior Notes and 2021 Notes for an overlapping period of almost one month, as the Senior Notes were issued on February 19, 2020 and the 2021 Notes were redeemed on March 19, 2020, (ii) $1.7 million in unamortized initial purchaser discount on the 2021 Notes recognized as expense upon their redemption and (iii) higher interest related to amounts drawn on our revolving credit facility.

 

Income tax benefitsprovisions of $5.4$1.6 million and $18.4$1.2 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017,2020, respectively, compared to provisionsbenefits of $9.5$1.6 million of $22.6and $20.0 million, respectively, in the comparable 20162019 periods. The benefit forprovisions in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 were primarily the result of income in Canada and Mexico. In Nevada, we had income in the third quarter of 2020 and losses in the first nine months of 2017 includes a benefit from a changethe year. The benefits for the third quarter and first nine months of 2019 were due to losses in income tax position recognized in the first quarter of 2017 relating to the timing of deduction for #4 Shaft development costs at Lucky Friday. See Corporate Matters below for more information.Nevada and Quebec.

 

 

The Greens Creek Segment

Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

 

Sales

 $61,061  $85,804  $191,250  $199,260 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs

  (29,320

)

  (42,306

)

  (100,799

)

  (106,238

)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (12,607

)

  (16,091

)

  (39,442

)

  (40,746

)

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (41,927

)

  (58,397

)

  (140,241

)

  (146,984

)

Gross profit

 $19,134  $27,407  $51,009  $52,276 

Tons of ore milled

  219,983   202,523   627,900   610,879 

Production:

                

Silver (ounces)

  2,344,315   2,445,328   6,205,659   7,020,688 

Gold (ounces)

  12,563   11,988   39,289   39,497 

Zinc (tons)

  14,325   12,144   40,697   42,330 

Lead (tons)

  4,851   4,803   14,080   15,236 

Payable metal quantities sold:

                

Silver (ounces)

  1,569,092   2,603,165   4,930,946   6,370,660 

Gold (ounces)

  7,862   12,364   30,920   35,883 

Zinc (tons)

  8,445   11,318   27,582   31,370 

Lead (tons)

  2,935   4,710   10,015   12,580 

Ore grades:

                

Silver ounces per ton

  13.65   15.40   12.84   14.61 

Gold ounces per ton

  0.09   0.09   0.10   0.10 

Zinc percent

  7.47   6.86   7.49   7.90 

Lead percent

  2.77   2.92   2.83   3.05 

Mining cost per ton

 $69.46  $69.66  $69.64  $69.20 

Milling cost per ton

 $31.01  $31.55  $32.38  $31.07 

Total Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce (1)

 $(0.15

)

 $4.80  $0.73  $4.68 

All-In Sustaining Costs ("AISC"), After By-Product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)

 $4.47  $11.02  $5.60  $10.18 

Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

Sales

 $93,494  $59,015  $232,218  $194,542 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs

  (39,322)  (31,467)  (120,758)  (108,009)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (11,735)  (9,008)  (37,152)  (32,228)

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (51,057)  (40,475)  (157,910)  (140,237)

Gross profit

 $42,437  $18,540  $74,308  $54,305 

Tons of ore milled

  215,237   213,557   629,316   629,752 

Production:

                

Silver (ounces)

  2,634,436   2,544,018   8,164,062   7,149,035 

Gold (ounces)

  12,838   13,684   38,215   41,269 

Zinc (tons)

  16,187   15,073   44,858   41,330 

Lead (tons)

  5,909   5,258   16,996   14,668 

Payable metal quantities sold:

                

Silver (ounces)

  2,311,477   1,565,873   7,158,933   5,545,422 

Gold (ounces)

  9,924   9,863   32,600   32,466 

Zinc (tons)

  11,666   7,218   31,968   26,213 

Lead (tons)

  4,214   3,045   12,907   10,199 

Ore grades:

                

Silver ounces per ton

  15.04   15.01   15.79   14.28 

Gold ounces per ton

  0.08   0.10   0.08   0.10 

Zinc percent

  8.17

%

  7.70

%

  7.76

%

  7.28

%

Lead percent

  3.26

%

  3.00

%

  3.22

%

  2.86

%

Mining cost per ton

 $72.37  $81.16  $78.97  $80.15 

Milling cost per ton

 $33.22  $36.67  $36.77  $35.89 

Total Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce (1)

 $4.12  $2.05  $4.99  $1.67 

All-In Sustaining Costs ("AISC"), After By-Product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)

 $7.70  $6.05  $7.57  $5.28 

 

 

(1)

A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found below in Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP). At Greens Creek, gold, zinc and lead are considered to be by-products of our silver production, and the values of these metals therefore offset operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce.

 

Alaska beginning in late March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the requirement for employees returning to Alaska to self-quarantine for 14 days (changed in June to 7 days), has caused us to revise the normal operating procedures and incur additional costs for staffing operations at Greens Creek. These or other potential restrictions could have a material impact if they continue longer than anticipated or become broader.

 

The $8.3$23.9 million and $1.3$20.0 million decreasesincreases in gross profit duringin the third quarter and first nine months of 2017,2020, respectively, compared to the same 2016 periods were primarily a result of lower metals sales volumesin 2019, are due to the timing of concentrate shipments and lower silver ore grades and recoveries, partially offset by higher mill throughput. As a result of differences in the timing of shipments, there were 13,822 tons of concentrate in inventory, including 5,991 tons of higher-valued lead concentrate, having a value of approximately $26.1 million and cost of $15.2 million at September 30, 2017, compared to 3,617 tons (including 1,355 tons of lead concentrate) having a value of approximately $4.7 million and cost of $3.9 million at September 30, 2016. Results for the third quarter of 2017 were also impacted by lower average realized prices for silver and gold and higher sales volumes, partially offset by higher treatment costs and lower average realized lead prices. Average realized zinc prices for zinc and lead, compared towere higher in the third quarter of 2016. For2020, but lower in the first nine months of 2017, silver and gold prices varied only slightly, while prices for zinc and lead2020, compared to the 2019 periods. Treatment costs were higher compared to 2016. Gross profit at Greens Creek was affected by positive price adjustments to revenues of $1.0$10.9 million and $0.5$25.8 million, respectively, for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017, respectively, compared to negative price adjustments of $1.0 million and positive price adjustments of $0.3 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2016, respectively. Price adjustments to revenues result from changes in metals prices between transfer of title of concentrates to buyers and final settlements during the period. The price adjustments related to silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in concentrate shipments were net of gains and losses on forward contracts for those metals for each period. The price adjustments and gains and losses on forward contracts discussed above are included in sales.

 Mining costs per ton stayed relatively constant for the third quarter and first nine months of 20172020, compared to the same periods of 2019, primarily due to unfavorable changes in 2016. Millingsmelter terms. Treatment costs for the first quarter of 2020 were also impacted by failure by a metals trader customer to perform its obligation to purchase a spot sale of concentrate, for which we are seeking compensation, although there can be no assurance we will be successful.

Mining and milling cost per ton decreased 2%were lower by 11% and 9%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 mainly due to2020. Mining costs were lower by 1% and milling costs were higher tonnage. Milling costs per ton increased 4%by 2% for the first nine months of 20172020 compared to the same periodperiods of 2019. The decrease in 2016mining costs in the third quarter was mainly due to an increaselower costs for labor, power and consumables, with the decrease in mill costs attributed to lower power costs, partially offset by higher tonnage.costs.

 

The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to the variances in Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce for the third quarter and first nine months of 20172020 versus the same periods in 2016:2019:

 

graph.jpg

 

The following table summarizes the components of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

  

Three Months Ended
September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

 ��

2019

 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $20.75  $20.15  $22.94  $20.88  $24.30  $20.77  $22.11  $20.99 

By-product credits

  (20.90

)

  (15.35

)

  (22.21

)

  (16.20

)

  (20.18)  (18.72)  (17.12)  (19.32)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $(0.15

)

 $4.80  $0.73  $4.68  $4.12  $2.05  $4.99  $1.67 

 

 

The following table summarizes the components of AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $25.37  $26.37  $27.81  $26.38  $27.88  $24.77  $24.69  $24.60 

By-product credits

  (20.90

)

  (15.35

)

  (22.21

)

  (16.20

)

  (20.18)  (18.72)  (17.12)  (19.32)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $4.47  $11.02  $5.60  $10.18  $7.70  $6.05  $7.57  $5.28 

 

The decreaseincreases in Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce for the third quarter and first nine months of 20172020 were due to higher treatment and other costs, partially offset by higher silver production. By-product credits per silver ounce were higher in the third quarter of 2020, but lower in the first nine months of the year, compared to the same periods of 2019. The combined impact of these factors was primarily the result of higher by-product credits, partially offset by lower silver production. The decreasecapital spending in the case of AISC, After By-ProductBy-product Credits, per Silver Ounce was due to the same factors, along with lower capital spending.Ounce.

 

Mining and milling costs increaseddecreased in the third quarter and first nine months of 20172020 compared to 20162019 on a per-ounce basis due primarily to lowerhigher silver production resulting from reducedincreased silver grades.

 

Other cash costs per ounce for the third quarter and first nine months of 20172020 were higher compared to 20162019 on a per-ounce basis primarily due to the effect of lowerhigher mine license taxes and costs for COVID-19 mitigation, partially offset by higher silver production.

 

Treatment costs per ounce were lowerhigher in the third quarter and first nine months of 20172020 compared to 20162019 as a result of improved paymentunfavorable changes in smelter terms from smelters,and higher silver prices, partially offset by lowerhigher silver production. Treatmentproduction, with costs werein the first quarter of 2020 also impacted by silver price variances,the failure by a metals trader customer to perform its obligation to purchase a spot sale of concentrate, as treatmentdiscussed above. Treatment costs include the value of silver not payable to us through the smelting process. The silver not payable to us is either recovered by the smelters through further processing or ultimately not recovered and included in the smelters' waste material.

 

By-product credits per ounce were higherincreased in the third quarter of 2020 compared to the third quarter of 2019 due to higher gold prices, partially offset by lower lead prices and the impact of higher silver production, which causes the by-product credits to be less on a per-silver ounce basis. By-product credits increased in the first nine months of 20172020 compared to 2016the same period of 2019 due to higher gold prices and higher zinc and lead prices.production, partially offset by lower zinc and lead prices, but were lower on a per-silver ounce basis due to the impact of higher silver production.

 

The difference between what we report as "production" and "payable metal quantities sold" is attributable to the difference between the quantities of metals contained in the concentrates we produce versus the portion of those metals actually paid for by our customers according to the terms of our sales contracts. Differences can also arise from inventory changes incidental to shipping schedules, or variances in ore grades which impact the amount of metals contained in concentrates produced and sold. The difference in payable quantities sold for 2017 compared to 2016 is due mainly to timing of concentrate shipments.

 

While revenue from gold, zinc lead and goldlead by-products is significant, we believe that identification of silver as the primary product of the Greens Creek unit is appropriate because:

 

silver has historically accounted for a higher proportion of revenue than any other metal and is expected to do so in the future;

we have historically presented Greens Creek as a producer primarily of silver, based on the original analysis that justified putting the project into production, and believe that consistency in disclosure is important to our investors regardless of the relationships of metals prices and production from year to year;

metallurgical treatment maximizes silver recovery;

the Greens Creek deposit is a massive sulfide deposit containing an unusually high proportion of silver; and

in most of its working areas, Greens Creek utilizes selective mining methods in which silver is the metal targeted for highest recovery.

silver has historically accounted for a higher proportion of revenue than any other metal and is expected to do so in the future;

we have historically presented Greens Creek as a producer primarily of silver, based on the original analysis that justified putting the project into production, and believe that consistency in disclosure is important to our investors regardless of the relationships of metals prices and production from year to year;

metallurgical treatment maximizes silver recovery;

the Greens Creek deposit is a massive sulfide deposit containing an unusually high proportion of silver; and

in most of its working areas, Greens Creek utilizes selective mining methods in which silver is the metal targeted for highest recovery.

 

Likewise, we believe the identification of gold, leadzinc and zinclead as by-product credits is appropriate because of their lower economic value compared to silver and due to the fact that silver is the primary product we intend to produce. In addition, we dohave not receiveconsistently received sufficient revenue from any single by-product metal to warrant classification of such as a co-product.

 

 

We periodically review our revenues to ensure that reporting of primary products and by-products is appropriate.  Because we consider gold, zinc lead and goldlead to be by-products of our silver production, the values of these metals offset operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce.

 

The Lucky Friday Segment

 

Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

 

Sales

 $199  $26,140  $20,022  $70,152 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs

     (16,538

)

  (12,109

)

  (47,921

)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     (2,946

)

  (2,433

)

  (8,775

)

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

     (19,484

)

  (14,542

)

  (56,696

)

Gross profit (loss)

 $199  $6,656  $5,479  $13,456 

Tons of ore milled

  7,302   74,397   64,371   216,247 

Production:

                

Silver (ounces)

  88,298   887,364   769,080   2,721,991 

Lead (tons)

  519   5,608   4,346   16,604 

Zinc (tons)

  172   2,681   2,303   7,991 

Payable metal quantities sold:

                

Silver (ounces)

     829,364   641,004   2,617,130 

Lead (tons)

     5,257   3,596   15,800 

Zinc (tons)

     2,279   1,688   6,578 

Ore grades:

                

Silver ounces per ton

  12.87   12.40   12.45   13.05 

Lead percent

  7.68   7.89   7.12   8.01 

Zinc percent

  3.21   3.85   3.90   3.94 

Mining cost per ton

 $150.89  $99.13  $112.60  $99.27 

Milling cost per ton

 $13.15  $25.99  $22.93  $24.77 

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)

 $11.60  $9.07  $6.58  $9.34 

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)

 $13.37  $20.22  $12.21  $21.35 

(1)

A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found below in Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP).

Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

Sales

 $20,812  $4,017  $35,097  $11,150 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs

  (18,544)  (3,718)  (30,635)  (10,258)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (2,956)  (300)  (5,152)  (891)

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (21,500)  (4,018)  (35,787)  (11,149)

Gross profit (loss)

 $(688) $(1) $(690) $1 

Tons of ore milled

  55,050   13,254   109,951   40,754 

Production:

                

Silver (ounces)

  636,389   115,682   1,201,674   416,456 

Lead (tons)

  3,841   849   7,624   2,738 

Zinc (tons)

  1,810   340   3,841   1,342 

Payable metal quantities sold:

                

Silver (ounces)

  585,119   107,992   1,110,568   372,103 

Lead (tons)

  3,579   771   7,042   2,428 

Zinc (tons)

  1,226   660   2,749   1,021 

Ore grades:

                

Silver ounces per ton

  12.10   9.33   11.43   10.95 

Lead percent

  7.35

%

  7.01

%

  7.33

%

  7.40

%

Zinc percent

  3.76

%

  3.13

%

  3.89

%

  3.91

%

 

Gross profit decreased by $6.5The $0.7 million in gross loss for the third quarter and $8.0 millionfirst nine months of 2020 is related to forward contracts for metals contained in concentrate shipments in the third quarter. The increases in ore tonnage and metals production in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017, respectively,2020 compared to the same periods in 2016. The $0.2 million in sales reported for the third quarter of 2017 represents gains on base metal derivatives contracts. Although there was limited concentrate production during the third quarter of 2017, we have opted to defer shipments until a later period. There were 1,489 tons of concentrate in inventory at September 30, 2017. The variance in gross profit for the first nine months of 2017 was primarily due to reduced metal production resulting from the strike by unionized employees starting in mid-March 2017, discussed further below, and the lack of concentrate shipments during the third quarter. Silver and lead production was also impacted by lower ore grades in the first quarter of 2017. These factors were partially offset by higher average realized silver, lead and zinc prices realized during the first quarter of 2017, prior to the strike.

Mining cost per ton was higher by 13% in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same periods in 2016 due primarily to lower tonnage as a result of the strike discussed below. Milling cost per ton was lower by 7% in the first nine months of 2017 compared to 2016. Mining and milling cost per ton for the third quarter of 20172019 are not indicative of future operating results under full production, as there was reduced mill throughput during the quarter. The mill was idle for most of the third quarter of 2017, and only operated when the limited mine production provided a sufficient ore stockpile. In addition, costs not directly related to mining and processing ore have been classified as suspension costs during the strike period, and excluded from the calculations of mining and milling cost per ton for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017.

The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to the variances in Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016:

The following table summarizes the components of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:

  

Three Months Ended
September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $27.44  $24.26  $23.42  $22.63 

By-product credits

  (15.84

)

  (15.19

)

  (16.84

)

  (13.29

)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $11.60  $9.07  $6.58  $9.34 

The following table summarizes the components of AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $29.21  $35.41  $29.05  $34.64 

By-product credits

  (15.84

)

  (15.19

)

  (16.84

)

  (13.29

)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $13.37  $20.22  $12.21  $21.35 

The increase in Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce in the third quarter was the result of lower silvera ramp-up in production due tofollowing the strike. The decrease in Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 was due to higher by-product credits due to higher lead and zinc prices, partially offset by lower silver production. The decrease in AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 was the result of lower capital costs primarily as a result of completion of the #4 Shaft projectstrike that ended in January 2017 and higher by-product credits, partially offset by lower silver production. During the strike period, only costs directly related to the limited production are included in the calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce, and suspension-related costs are excluded from those calculations.

Similar to the Greens Creek segment, the difference between what we report as “production” and “payable metal quantities sold” is due to the difference between the quantities of metals contained in the concentrates we produce versus the portion of those metals actually paid for by our customers according to the terms of our sales contracts.

While value from lead and zinc is significant, we believe that identification of silver as the primary product of the Lucky Friday unit is appropriate because:

silver has historically accounted for a higher proportion of revenue than any other metal and is expected to do so in the future;

the Lucky Friday unit is situated in a mining district long associated with silver production; and

the Lucky Friday unit generally utilizes selective mining methods to target silver production.

Likewise, we believe the identification of lead and zinc as by-product credits is appropriate because of their lower economic value compared to silver and due to the fact that silver is the primary product we intend to produce. In addition, we do not receive sufficient revenue from any single by-product metal to warrant classification of such as a co-product.

We periodically review our revenues to ensure that reporting of primary products and by-products is appropriate.  Because we consider zinc and lead to be by-products of our silver production, the values of these metals offset operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce.2020 (discussed further below).   

 

Many of the employees at our Lucky Friday unit are represented by a union, and the most recentprevious collective bargaining agreement with the union expired on April 30, 2016. On February 19, 2017, theThe unionized employees voted against our contract offer. Onwere on strike from March 13, 2017 until January 7, 2020, when the unionized employees went on strike,union ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. Salaried personnel performed limited production and have been on strike since that time. Production at Lucky Friday was suspendedcapital improvements from July 2017 until the startend of the strike, until limited production by salary personnelstrike. Re-staffing of the mine commenced in July 2017. Suspensionthe first quarter of 2020. We have substantially completed the re-staffing process with the ramp-up ahead of schedule, and the mine has returned to full production starting with the fourth quarter of 2020. Costs related to ramp-up activities totaled $5.4 million in the first nine months of 2020, including a credit of $3.8 recognized in the third quarter of 2020, and suspension-related costs during the strike totaled $3.7 million and $11.1 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017,2019 totaled $2.7 million and $5.7 million, respectively. The credit in the third quarter of 2020 was the result of revenues exceeding costs, primarily due to an increase in silver prices, in spite of not yet reaching full production levels in that period. These costs and credit are combined with non-cash depreciation expense of $1.1$2.2 million and $3.3$6.3 million for those periodsthe third quarter and reportedfirst nine months of 2020, respectively, and $1.0 million and $3.1 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2019, respectively, in a separate line item on our condensed consolidated statementstatements of operations. These restart and suspension costs are excluded from the calculation of gross profit, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce. We cannot predict how long the strike will last or whether an agreement will be reached. As a result of the strike or other related events, operations at Lucky Friday could continue to be disrupted, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.Ounce, when presented. 

 

See Note 4 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for contingenciesa contingency related to various events occurringgroundwater monitoring at the Lucky Friday mine in prior periods.

 

 

The Casa Berardi Segment

 

Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

  

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

Sales

 $53,990  $41,131  $139,524  $126,614  $53,554  $53,453  $149,731  $139,015 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs

  (32,999

)

  (25,830

)

  (95,288

)

  (74,076

)

 (36,350) (33,916) (96,579) (103,433)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (15,596

)

  (10,465

)

  (39,454

)

  (32,563

)

  (17,471)  (19,090)  (51,149)  (53,806)

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (48,595

)

  (36,295

)

  (134,742

)

  (106,639

)

  (53,821)  (53,006)  (147,728)  (157,239)

Gross profit (loss)

 $5,395  $4,836  $4,782  $19,975  $(267) $447  $2,003  $(18,224)

Tons of ore milled

  326,145   258,100   949,946   693,288  288,682  337,351  900,720  1,014,698 

Production:

                 

Gold (ounces)

  44,141   31,949   113,209   104,282  26,405  36,547  83,913  99,616 

Silver (ounces)

  9,659   8,361   26,681   24,034  3,855  6,637  15,284  21,041 

Payable metal quantities sold:

                 

Gold (ounces)

  42,053   30,769   111,046   100,960  28,133  35,811  85,969  101,071 

Silver (ounces)

  8,725   9,076   26,952   24,506  4,769  7,190  17,575  20,552 

Ore grades:

                 

Gold ounces per ton

  0.153   0.141   0.137   0.172  0.114  0.128  0.114  0.120 

Silver ounces per ton

  0.03   0.04   0.03   0.04  0.02  0.02  0.02  0.03 

Mining cost per ton

 $82.95  $92.17  $81.95  $90.53  $92.74  $80.67  $80.15  $80.97 

Milling cost per ton

 $16.19  $18.07  $16.28  $18.88  $28.35  $18.39  $23.74  $17.50 

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce (1)

 $750  $915  $858  $750  $1,398  $966  $1,181  $1,055 

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce (1)

 $1,091  $1,442  $1,226  $1,243  $1,855  $1,348  $1,493  $1,373 

 

 

(1)

A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found below in Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP). At Casa Berardi, silver is considered to be a by-product of our gold production, and the value of silver therefore offsets operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.

 

Gross profit increased by $0.6 million and decreased by $15.2$0.7 million forin the third quarter and first nine months of 2017, respectively,2020 compared to the same periods in 2016. The increase for the third quarter was primarilyof 2019 due to increasedlower gold production due toand higher ore throughputmilling and gold grades,administrative costs, partially offset by lowerhigher gold prices.  The decrease in grossGross profit increased by $20.2 million for the first nine months of 20172020 compared to 2016the same period of 2019 due to higher gold prices, partially offset by lower gold production and higher milling and administrative costs.  The decrease in gold volume was primarily due to lower mill throughput and ore grades.  The lower throughput was due to major mill maintenance activities that resulted in a longer period of mill down-time than anticipated, with throughput and grades and higher stripping costsimpacted by a delay in the first halfavailability of the year, partially offset by higher ore throughput. The lower grades were due to the addition of production from the East Mine Crown Pillar ("EMCP") pit, which commenced in July 2016, andhigher-grade underground mine sequencing. The increase in ore throughput was alsostopes as a result of the addition of the EMCP pit. Grades improved in the third quarter of 2017 asground condition challenges.  We anticipate ore from these higher-grade areas of the underground mine become available for production,stopes to be mined and we expect the higher grades to continueprocessed in the fourth quarter of 2017.2020. The higher milling and administrative costs resulted from the maintenance activities and an increase in pre-crushing of open pit ore to aid in recovery, and costs for COVID-19 mitigation.  Gold production for the first nine months of 2020 was also impacted by a government COVID-19-related order. In late March, the Government of Quebec ordered the mining industry to reduce to minimum operations as part of the fight against COVID-19, causing us to suspend our Casa Berardi operations from March 24 until April 15, 2020, when mining operations resumed.  As a result of the suspension of operations, gold production was approximately 5,200 ounces lower in March 2020 and approximately 6,500 ounces lower in April 2020 than previously-forecasted full production levels.  Production may continue to be adversely impacted by the COVID-19 mitigation practices in place until they are no longer required.  Suspension-related costs totaling $1.6 million for the first half of 2020 are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, mining and milling cost per ton, and Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce. We believe gold production should increase in the fourth quarter due to expected high-grade underground production from the East Mine.

 

Mining costs per ton were higher by 15% and lower by 10% and 9% and milling unit costs decreased by 10% and 14%1%, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017,2020, respectively, compared toand milling costs were higher by 54% and 36% in the same periods in 2016 due primarily tothird quarter and first nine months of 2020, respectively.  On a per-ton basis, both mining and milling cost were impacted by the lower mill throughput discussed above, with milling costs also impacted by higher maintenance, ore production.pre-crushing and COVID-19 mitigation costs. 

 

 

The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce for the third quarter and first nine months of 20172020 and 2016:2019:

 

graph1.jpg

 

The following table summarizes the components of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce:

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

  

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

  

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $754  $920  $862  $754  $1,402  $969  $1,184  $1,058 

By-product credits

  (4

)

  (5

)

  (4

)

  (4

)

  (4)  (3)  (3)  (3)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $750  $915  $858  $750  $1,398  $966  $1,181  $1,055 

 

The following table summarizes the components of AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce:

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $1,095  $1,447  $1,230  $1,247  $1,859  $1,351  $1,496  $1,376 

By-product credits

  (4

)

  (5

)

  (4

)

  (4

)

  (4)  (3)  (3)  (3)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $1,091  $1,442  $1,226  $1,243  $1,855  $1,348  $1,493  $1,373 

 

The decreaseincrease in Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce for the third quarter and first nine months of 20172020 compared to the same periodperiods of 20162019 was primarily due to lower gold production, as discussed further above, and higher gold production.costs, due to the same factors impacting mining and milling cost per ton discussed above and COVID-19 mitigation costs. For AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce, was also lower in the third quartercombined impact of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016 due to the higher gold production, along with lower capital spending. The increase in Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce for the first nine months of 2017 compared to 2016these factors was primarily the result of higher stripping costs in the first half of the year, partially offset by higher gold production. AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce was lower for the first nine months of 2017 compared to 2016 due to lower capital spending and higher gold production, partially offset by the increased stripping in the first half of the year.exploration spending.

 

The difference between what we report as "production" and "payable metal quantities sold" is mainly attributable to inventory changes incidental to the timing of sales of refined metals and shipping schedules.

 

We believe the identification of silver as a by-product credit is appropriate at Casa Berardi because of its lower economic value compared to gold and due to the fact that gold is the primary product we intend to produce there. In addition, we do not receive sufficient revenue from silver at Casa Berardi to warrant classification of such as a co-product. Because we consider silver to be a by-product of our gold production at Casa Berardi, the value of silver offsets operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.

 

 

The San Sebastian Segment

 

Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

  

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

Sales

 $25,589  $26,318  $66,866  $85,686  $9,138  $15,435  $23,998  $39,028 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs

  (6,039

)

  (5,855

)

  (16,341

)

  (20,927

)

 (5,179) (9,516) (15,122) (29,404)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (641

)

  (677

)

  (2,036

)

  (2,508

)

  (781)  (3,326)  (3,149)  (6,934)

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (6,680

)

  (6,532

)

  (18,377

)

  (23,435

)

  (5,960)  (12,842)  (18,271)  (36,338)

Gross profit

 $18,909  $19,786  $48,489  $62,251  $3,178  $2,593  $5,727  $2,690 

Tons of ore milled

  36,482   40,192   111,623   108,750  47,093  45,232  104,216  135,576 

Production:

                         

Silver (ounces)

  880,885   975,610   2,498,638   3,434,052  266,691  541,636  772,158  1,446,450 

Gold (ounces)

  6,342   8,189   19,222   27,000  1,931  4,699  6,064  11,776 

Payable metal quantities sold:

                         

Silver (ounces)

  963,000   843,238   2,499,750   3,209,788  229,250  514,900  745,726  1,453,160 

Gold (ounces)

  7,465   7,215   19,955   24,374  1,713  4,442  5,757  11,582 

Ore grades:

                         

Silver ounces per ton

  25.48   25.77   23.71   33.70  6.27  13.36  8.11  11.78 

Gold ounces per ton

  0.18   0.22   0.18   0.27  0.05  0.12  0.07  0.10 

Mining cost per ton

 $35.69  $59.49  $38.70  $83.31  $31.41  $102.94  $51.30  $112.17 

Milling cost per ton

 $69.42  $66.88  $66.64  $68.52  $58.55  $62.85  $58.77  $62.16 

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)

 $(3.12

)

 $(4.03

)

 $(3.23

)

 $(3.40

)

 $7.53  $3.70  $5.93  $7.77 

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)

 $(0.83

)

 $(2.39

)

 $(0.14

)

 $(2.25

)

 $8.87  $7.21  $6.76  $12.14 

 

 

(1)

A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found below in Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP). At San Sebastian, gold is considered to be a by-product of our silver production, and the value of gold therefore offsets operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per silver Ounce.

Mining at San Sebastian was completed in the third quarter, and milling is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2020, with exploration and evaluation activities ongoing.

 

The $0.9$0.6 million decreaseand $3.0 million increases in gross profit for the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016 was primarily due to lower silver and gold production and prices. The reduction in silver and gold production was a result of lower ore throughput and grades. The $13.8 million decrease in gross profit for the first nine months of 20172020, respectively, compared to the same period in 2016 was primarilyperiods of 2019 were mainly due to higher average silver and gold prices and lower production costs, partially offset by lower silver and gold production as a result of lower ore grades, partially offsetgrades. Metals production for the nine-month period was also impacted by higher ore throughput. The ore processedlower mill throughput in the first half of 2016 had considerably higher grades than anticipated over2020 compared to the mine life.same period of 2019.

Mining and milling cost per ton were lower by 69% and 7%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2020 and by 54% and 5%, respectively, for the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same periods of 2019. The decreases were mainly due to lower contractor costs, which was partially offset in the nine-month period by lower ore tonnage in the first half of 2020.

 

 

The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 and 2016:2020 compared to the same periods in 2019:

 

hl20200930_10qimg004.gif

 

The following table summarizes the components of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

  

Three Months Ended
September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $6.07  $7.16  $6.39  $6.49  $21.34  $16.54  $19.40  $18.97 

By-product credits

  (9.19

)

  (11.19

)

  (9.62

)

  (9.89

)

  (13.81)  (12.84)  (13.47)  (11.20)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $(3.12

)

 $(4.03

)

 $(3.23

)

 $(3.40

)

 $7.53  $3.70  $5.93  $7.77 

 

The following table summarizes the components of AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $8.36  $8.80  $9.48  $7.64  $22.68  $20.05  $20.23  $23.34 

By-product credits

  (9.19

)

  (11.19

)

  (9.62

)

  (9.89

)

  (13.81)  (12.84)  (13.47)  (11.20)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $(0.83

)

 $(2.39

)

 $(0.14

)

 $(2.25

)

 $8.87  $7.21  $6.76  $12.14 

 

The increase in Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016period in 2019 was primarily the result of lower silver production, partially offset by higher by-product credits per-ounce due to higher gold prices. The decrease in Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce in first nine months of 2020 compared to the same period of 2019 was primarily due to lower mining costs and higher by-product credits on a per-ounce basis due to higher gold production and prices, partially offset by lower mining costs as a result of reduced mining of waste and the impact of lower silver production on the calculation.production. The same factors, along with higherlower capital and exploration and capital spending, resulted in the increasesdecrease in AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce for the third quarter and first nine months of 20172020 compared to 2016.the same period of 2019.

 

The difference between what we report as "production" and "payable metal quantities sold" is mainly attributable to inventory changes incidental to the timing of sales of refined metals and shipping schedules.

 

We periodically review our revenues to ensure that reporting of primary products and by-products is appropriate. We believe the identification of gold as a by-product credit is appropriate at San Sebastian because of its anticipated lower economic value compared to silver over the life of the mine. In addition, we do not receive sufficient revenue from gold at San Sebastian to warrant classification of such as a co-product. Because we consider gold to be a by-product of our silver production at San Sebastian, the value of gold offsets operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce.

In early April 2020, the Government of Mexico issued an order to the mining industry to reduce operations to a minimum level until April 30 in response to COVID-19, and the order was subsequently extended until May 30, 2020. Our operations at San Sebastian were suspended during that time. The closure is not expected to have a material impact on full-year production. Suspension-related costs totaling $1.1 million for the first nine months of 2020 are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, mining and milling cost per ton, and Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.

The Nevada Operations Segment

Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

Sales

 $22,705  $29,612  $61,939  $64,586 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs

  (6,582)  (17,261)  (21,623)  (60,098)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (7,295)  (19,050)  (22,725)  (45,179)

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (13,877)  (36,311)  (44,348)  (105,277)

Gross profit (loss)

 $8,828  $(6,699) $17,591  $(40,691)

Tons of ore milled

     63,954   27,984   163,736 

Production:

                

Gold (ounces)

     22,381   31,756   45,439 

Silver (ounces)

     43,377   37,443   160,264 

Payable metal quantities sold:

                

Gold (ounces)

  11,280   19,644   35,224   44,704 

Silver (ounces)

  16,433   36,736   45,164   158,123 

Ore grades:

                

Gold ounces per ton

     0.389   1.232   0.320 

Silver ounces per ton

     1.54   1.70   1.81 

Mining cost per ton

 $  $149.16  $402.94  $158.25 

Milling cost per ton

 $  $67.66  $176.63  $81.73 

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce (1)

 $  $817  $716  $1,165 

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce (1)

 $  $992  $787  $1,841 

(1)

A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found below in Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP). At Nevada Operations, silver is considered to be a by-product of our gold production, and the value of silver therefore offsets operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.

The increases in gross profit for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 compared to the same periods of 2019 were due to higher average gold prices. In addition, cost of sales and other direct production costs for the first nine months of 2020 included write-downs totaling approximately $1.5 million of the values of stockpile, in-process and finished goods inventory to their net realizable value, with no portion of that amount recognized in the third quarter, compared to $4.6 million and $32.9 million, respectively, in such write-downs in the third quarter and first nine months of 2019. The write-downs in the 2019 periods were primarily attributed to development costs incurred at the Fire Creek mine, which ceased in the second quarter of 2019 when the decision was made to limit near-term production to areas of the mine where development was already completed.

During the third quarter of 2020, all ore mined at Nevada Operations was stockpiled, with no ore milled and no production reported during the period. As a result, mining and milling cost per ton and Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce are not presented for Nevada Operations for the third quarter of 2020. Mining of non-refractory ore at Fire Creek in areas where development has already been performed is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2020. As discussed below, we have mined and stockpiled a bulk sample of refractory ore for processing at a third-party facility, with transporting of the stockpiled ore to the impactthird-party facility expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2020. If third-party processing of the by-product credits from gold,bulk sample material is successful, we expect to mine refractory ore in 2021.

Mining and milling costs per ton were higher by 155% and 116%, respectively, for the first nine months of 2020, compared to the same periods of 2019, due to lower mill throughput.

The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 and 2019:

hl20200930_10qimg005.gif

The following table summarizes the components of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per SilverGold Ounce:

  

Three Months Ended
September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $  $851  $736  $1,221 

By-product credits

     (34)  (20)  (56)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $  $817  $716  $1,165 

The following table summarizes the components of AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce:

  

Three Months Ended
September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $  $1,026  $807  $1,897 

By-product credits

     (34)  (20)  (56)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $  $992  $787  $1,841 

The decrease in Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same period of 2019 was a result of higher gold production in the first half of 2020 due to higher ore grades, with the decrease in AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce also attributed to lower exploration and capital spending.

We believe the identification of silver as a by-product credit is appropriate at Nevada Operations because of its lower economic value compared to gold and due to the fact that gold is the primary product we intend to produce there. In addition, we do not receive sufficient revenue from silver at Nevada Operations to warrant classification of such as a co-product. Because we consider silver to be a by-product of our gold production at Nevada Operations, the value of silver offsets operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per silver OunceGold Ounce.

Because total production and capital costs had exceeded sales since acquisition, we conducted a review of our Nevada operations, including the relevant carrying value of our long-term assets there, during the second quarter of 2019. The review resulted in (i) a plan to limit near-term mining at San Sebastian are lower comparedFire Creek to our other operations due toareas where development has already been completed and (ii) suspension of production and development of the orebody being near surface and having higher precious metal grades,Hatter Graben project at Hollister, resulting in lower anticipated near-term production and capitalized development costs. Production at the Midas mine and Aurora mill was suspended in late 2019. Suspension-related costs totaling $9.6 million for the first nine months of 2020 at Hollister, Midas and Aurora, which are currently on care-and-maintenance, are reported in a lowerseparate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, mining and milling cost per ton, and Cash Cost Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per SilverGold Ounce.

 

There were no subsequent events or changes in circumstances during the latter half of 2019 or the first nine months of 2020 that indicated the carrying value of our long-term assets in Nevada was not recoverable. We have entered into a third-party ore processing arrangement for a bulk sample of refractory ore, with the potential of establishing a long-term arrangement which could reduce transportation and milling costs. Mining of the bulk sample material commenced in the second quarter of 2020, with costs for mining the material totaling $9.2 million, along with $7.7 million for costs related to mining non-refractory ore, included in stockpiled ore inventory as of September 30, 2020. The carrying value of our properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests in Nevada as of September 30, 2020 was $478.9 million, consisting of the following (in millions):

Value beyond proven and probable reserves

 $382.2 

Mills and tailings facilities

  40.6 

Buildings and equipment

  40.2 

Mineral properties

  8.6 

Asset retirement obligation asset

  3.1 

Land

  3.0 

Development

  1.2 

Total

 $478.9 

See Item 1A. Risk Factors - Operation, Development, Exploration and Acquisition Risks in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 for a discussion of certain risks relating to our recent and ongoing analysis of the carrying value of the Nevada assets.

45
47


In the first quarter of 2017, we began construction of a new underground ramp and rehabilitation of the historical underground access. Once completed, these underground accesses should allow us to mine deeper portions of the deposits at San Sebastian, and we anticipate underground ore production to begin in the first quarter of 2018. Capital costs related to the underground development are expected to total approximately $5.0 million in 2017.

 

Corporate Matters

 

Employee Benefit Plans

 

Our defined benefit pension plans provide a significant benefit to our employees, but also represent a significant liability to us. The liability recorded for the fundedunderfunded status of our plans was $43.9$48.9 million and $44.9$56.8 million as of September 30, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, respectively. We madeIn April and August 2020, we contributed totals of approximately $0.4 million and $12.4 million, respectively, in shares of our common stock, and in October 2020 we contributed $6.0 million in cash to the plans. There are no additional contributions to our defined benefitthe plans of $1.2 millionrequired in April 2017 and $5.7 million in July 2017.2020. While the economic variables which will determine future funding requirements are uncertain, we expect contributions to continue to be required in future years under current plan provisions, and we periodically examine the plans for affordability and competitiveness. See Note 7 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information.

 

Income Taxes

 

The income tax expense for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 has been computed using a discrete effective tax rate method. We have historically calculated the provision for income taxes during interim reporting periods by applying an estimate of the annual effective tax rate ("AETR") for the full fiscal year to “ordinary” pretax income or loss (excluding unusual or infrequently occurring discrete items) for the reporting period. However, small changes to estimated annual “ordinary” pre-tax income cause significant volatility to the estimated AETR, due to near break-even levels of pre-tax income and significant permanent differences in the U.S. and Canada. Therefore, we determined that the AETR method would not provide a reliable estimate for the fiscal three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017. As a result of this change in method, an amount representing a recovery of income tax expense reported in the first and second quarters was recorded in this period.

Each reporting period we assess our deferred tax assets utilizingbalance based on a review of long-range forecasts to provide reasonable assuranceand quarterly activity.  In 2018, through the acquisition of Klondex Mines Ltd., we acquired a U.S. consolidated tax group (the "Nevada U.S. Group") that they will be realized through future earnings.did not join the existing consolidated U.S. tax group of Hecla Mining Company and subsidiaries (“Hecla U.S.”). We continue to haverecognized a full valuation allowance on our Hecla U.S. net deferred tax asset inassets at the end of 2017 based on results of tax law changes and maintain a full valuation allowance on Hecla U.S. and anet deferred tax assets at September 30, 2020.

Our net U.S. deferred tax liability for the Nevada U.S. Group at September 30, 2020 was $34.9 million compared to the $38.3 million net deferred tax liability in Canada.

Our U.S. net deferred tax asset at September 30, 2017 totaled $44.7 million, or 2% of total assets, an increase of $8.9 million from the $35.8 million net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2016.2019. The largest component of the$3.4 million decrease is for current period activity in Nevada. The deferred tax assetliability is net operating loss carryforwards. The next largest component is reclamation costs. We have previously determined that we are an indefinite AMT taxpayer, resulting in additional valuation allowance primarily related to forecasted utilization of regular net operating loss carryforwards and the effect of re-measuring temporary deferred tax assets using a tax rate of 20% which differed from the previous rate of 35%. During the fourth quarter of 2016, we determined that we were eligible to take a different income tax position relating to the timing of deductions for #4 Shaft development costs at Lucky Friday. We filed with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") a request for approval to use this method, which was approved in the first quarter of 2017. The change resulted in additional deductions of approximately $203 million and $110 million for regular tax and AMT, respectively, resulting in a current tax benefit of approximately $10.7 million for the reduction in AMT payable for 2016. In addition, this change in tax position substantially changes the timing of additional deductions for these costs for regular tax and AMT relative to our projected life of mine and projected taxable income. These timing changes caused us to change our assessmentexcess of the ability to generate sufficient future taxable income to realize our deferredcarrying value of the mineral resource assets over the tax bases of those assets resulting in a valuation allowance decrease and deferredfor U.S. tax benefit of approximately $15.1 million in the first quarter of 2017. At September 30, 2017, we retained a valuation allowance on U.S. deferred tax assets of approximately $66 million, primarily for net operating loss carryforwards.reporting.

 

Our net Canadian deferred tax liability at September 30, 20172020 was $122.7$94.6 million, a decrease of $0.2$5.3 million from the $122.9$99.9 million net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2016.2019. The decrease was due to current period activity and the impact of weakening of the CAD relative to the USD on remeasurement of the deferred tax liability balance. The deferred tax liability is primarily related to the excess of the carrying value of the mineral resource assets over the tax bases of those assets for Canadian tax reporting.

 

We had noOur Mexican net deferred tax asset or liability at September 30, 2017 or2020 was $3.4 million, a decrease of $0.1 million from the net deferred tax asset of $3.5 million at December 31, 2016. We expect2019. The decrease was primarily due to have unremitted earnings in Mexico by the end 2017; however, we anticipate being able to fully offset any U.S. tax impact of repatriating any Mexican earnings with foreignweakening of the MXN relative to the USD on remeasurement of the deferred tax credits that are available for use under both regular tax and AMT. Accordingly, we estimate the net U.S. income tax impact of unremitted earnings to be zero.asset balance. A $5.8$2.3 million partial valuation allowance remains on deferred tax assets in foreign jurisdictions.Mexico.

As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in December 2017, our remaining Alternative Minimum Tax ("AMT") credit carryforward of $11.4 million became partially refundable through 2020 and fully refundable in 2021. State and Federal AMT refunds of $6.5 million were received in the first nine months of 2020, leaving a net AMT credit receivable of $4.9 million as of September 30, 2020. In March 2020, the U.S. government issued the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, which allowed companies to claim immediate refunds of AMT credits. As a result, the remaining $4.9 million AMT credit is classified as a current receivable as of September 30, 2020.

 

 

Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP)to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP)

 

The tables below present reconciliations between the most comparable GAAP measure of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization to the non-GAAP measures of (i) Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, (ii) Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, (iii) AISC, Before By-product Credits and (iv) AISC, After By-product Credits for our operations at the Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, San Sebastian, and Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations units and for the Company for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172020 and 2016.2019.

 

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce are measures developed by precious metals companies (including the Silver Institute and/orand the World Gold Council) in an effort to provide a uniform standard for comparison purposes. There can be no assurance, however, that these non-GAAP measures as we report them are the same as those reported by other mining companies.

 

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce is an important operating statistic that we utilize to measure each mine's operating performance. We have recently started reportinguse AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce which we use as a measure of our mines' net cash flow after costs for exploration, pre-development, reclamation, and sustaining capital. This is similar to the Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce non-GAAP measure we report, but also includes on-site exploration, reclamation, and sustaining capital costs. Current GAAP measures used in the mining industry, such as cost of goods sold, do not capture all the expenditures incurred to discover, develop and sustain silver and gold production. Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce also allow us to benchmark the performance of each of our mines versus those of our competitors. As a primary silver and gold mining company, we also use these statistics on an aggregate basis - aggregating the Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and San Sebastian mines - to compare our performance with that of other primary silver mining companies. With regard tocompanies, and aggregating Casa Berardi we use Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce to compare its performanceNevada Operations for comparison with other gold mines.mining companies. Similarly, these statistics are useful in identifying acquisition and investment opportunities as they provide a common tool for measuring the financial performance of other mines with varying geologic, metallurgical and operating characteristics.

 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and AISC, Before By-product Credits include all direct and indirect operating cash costs related directly to the physical activities of producing metals, including mining, processing and other plant costs, third-party refining expense, on-site general and administrative costs, royalties and mining production taxes. AISC, Before By-product Credits for each mine also includes on-site exploration, reclamation, and sustaining capital costs. AISC, Before By-product Credits for our consolidated silver properties also includes corporate costs for general and administrative expense, exploration and sustaining capital projects. By-product credits include revenues earned from all metals other than the primary metal produced at each unit. As depicted in the tables below, by-product credits comprise an essential element of our silver unit cost structure, distinguishing our silver operations due to the polymetallic nature of their orebodies.

 

In addition to the uses described above, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce provide management and investors an indication of operating cash flow, after consideration of the average price received from production. We also use these measurements for the comparative monitoring of performance of our mining operations period-to-period from a cash flow perspective.

 

The Casa Berardi, Nevada Operations and combined gold properties information below reports Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce for the production of gold, itstheir primary product, and by-product revenues earned from silver, which is a by-product at Casa Berardi.Berardi and Nevada Operations. Only costs and ounces produced relating to units with the same primary product are combined to represent Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce. Thus, the gold produced at our Casa Berardi unitand Nevada Operations units is not included as a by-product credit when calculating Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce for the total of Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and San Sebastian, our combined silver properties. Similarly, the silver produced at our other three units is not included as a by-product credit when calculating the gold metrics for Casa Berardi.Berardi and Nevada Operations.

 

 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
 

Greens

Creek

  

Lucky

Friday(2)

  

San

Sebastian

  

Corporate(3)

  

Total

Silver

  

Casa

Berardi

(Gold)

  

Total

  

Greens

Creek

  

Lucky

Friday(3)

  

San

Sebastian(4)

  

Corporate(5)

  

Total Silver

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $41,927     $6,680      $48,607  $48,595  $97,202  $51,057  21,500  $5,960     $78,517 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (12,607

)

     (641

)

      (13,248

)

  (15,596

)

  (28,844

)

 (11,735) (2,956) (781)    (15,472)

Treatment costs

  12,067   440   422       12,929   682   13,611  22,675  4,038  81     26,794 

Change in product inventory

  7,675   1,960   (627

)

      9,008   (288

)

  8,720  2,899  11  826     3,736 

Reclamation and other costs

  (394

)

  18   (494

)

      (870

)

  (124

)

  (994

)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

  48,668   2,418   5,340       56,426   33,269   89,695 

Reclamation and other costs (1)

 (891)   (392)    (1,283)

Exclusion of Lucky Friday costs

     (22,593)        (22,593)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (2)

 64,005    5,694     69,699 

Reclamation and other costs

  666   38   117       821   123   944  788    114     902 

Exploration

  1,944   (2

)

  1,495   477   3,914   1,161   5,075  370      429  799 

Sustaining capital

  8,210   119   402   1,105   9,836   13,775   23,611  8,265    244  38  8,547 

General and administrative

              9,529   9,529       9,529 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

  59,488   2,573   7,354       80,526   48,328   128,854 

General and administrative (1)

             10,345   10,345 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (2)

 73,428    6,052     90,292 

By-product credits:

                                       

Zinc

  (27,046

)

  (293

)

          (27,339

)

      (27,339

)

 (23,772)        (23,772)

Gold

  (13,907

)

      (8,088

)

      (21,995

)

      (21,995

)

 (21,226)   (3,686)    (24,912)

Lead

  (8,067

)

  (1,102

)

          (9,169

)

      (9,169

)

  (8,149)            (8,149)

Silver

                      (161

)

  (161

)

Total By-product credits

  (49,020

)

  (1,395

)

  (8,088

)

      (58,503

)

  (161

)

  (58,664

)

  (53,147)     (3,686)     (56,833)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $(352

)

 $1,023  $(2,748

)

     $(2,077

)

 $33,108  $31,031  $10,858  $  $2,008     $12,866 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $10,468  $1,178  $(734

)

     $22,023  $48,167  $70,190  $20,281  $  $2,366     $33,459 

Divided by ounces produced

  2,344   88   880       3,312   44     

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $20.75  $27.44  $6.07      $17.03  $753.70     

Divided by silver ounces produced

 2,634    267     2,901 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $24.30  $  $21.34     $24.02 

By-product credits per ounce

  (20.90

)

  (15.84

)

  (9.19

)

      (17.66

)

  (3.65

)

      (20.18)     (13.81)     (19.59)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $(0.15

)

 $11.60  $(3.12

)

     $(0.63

)

 $750.05     

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $25.37  $29.21  $8.36      $24.31  $1,094.86     

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $4.12  $  $7.53     $4.43 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $27.88  $  $22.68     $31.12 

By-product credits per ounce

  (20.90

)

  (15.84

)

  (9.19

)

      (17.66

)

  (3.65

)

      (20.18)     (13.81)     (19.59)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $4.47  $13.37  $(0.83

)

     $6.65  $1,091.21     

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $7.70  $  $8.87     $11.53 

 

 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
 

Greens

Creek

  

Lucky

Friday(2)

  

San

Sebastian

  

Corporate(3)

  

Total

Silver

  

Casa

Berardi

(Gold)

  

Total

  

Casa

Berardi(6)

  

Nevada

Operations(7)

  

Total Gold

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $58,397  $19,484  $6,532      $84,413  $36,295  $120,708  $53,821  $13,877  $67,698 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (16,091

)

  (2,946

)

  (677

)

      (19,714

)

  (10,465

)

  (30,179

)

 (17,471) (7,295) (24,766)

Treatment costs

  15,114   5,211   348       20,673   218   20,891  562    562 

Change in product inventory

  (10,407

)

  (46

)

  930       (9,523

)

  3,460   (6,063

)

 543  6,920  7,463 

Reclamation and other costs

  2,273   (171

)

  (140

)

      1,962   (115

)

  1,847 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

  49,286   21,532   6,993       77,811   29,393   107,204 

Reclamation and other costs (1)

 (449) (324) (773)

Exclusion of Nevada Operations costs

     (13,178)  (13,178)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (2)

 37,006    37,006 

Reclamation and other costs

  682   165   42       889   117   1,006  97    97 

Exploration

  349      1,051   421   1,821   655   2,476  335    335 

Sustaining capital

  14,162   9,725   506   76   24,469   16,078   40,547  11,629    11,629 

General and administrative

              11,155   11,155       11,155 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)(2)

  64,479   31,422   8,592       116,145   46,243   162,388  49,067    49,067 

By-product credits:

                                   

Zinc

  (17,152

)

  (4,201

)

          (21,353

)

      (21,353

)

Gold

  (13,807

)

      (10,922

)

      (24,729

)

      (24,729

)

Lead

  (6,577

)

  (9,284

)

          (15,861

)

      (15,861

)

Silver

                      (162

)

  (162

)

  (93)     (93)

Total By-product credits

  (37,536

)

  (13,485

)

  (10,922

)

      (61,943

)

  (162

)

  (62,105

)

  (93)     (93)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $11,750  $8,047  $(3,929

)

     $15,868  $29,231  $45,099  $36,913  $  $36,913 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $26,943  $17,937  $(2,330

)

     $54,202  $46,081  $100,283  $48,974  $  $48,974 

Divided by ounces produced

  2,445   887   976       4,308   32     

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $20.15  $24.26  $7.16      $18.06  $920.00     

Divided by gold ounces produced

 26    26 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $1,402  $  $1,402 

By-product credits per ounce

  (15.35

)

  (15.19

)

  (11.19

)

      (14.38

)

  (5.07

)

      (4)     (4)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $4.80  $9.07  $(4.03

)

     $3.68  $914.93     

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $26.37  $35.41  $8.80      $26.96  $1,447.40     

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $1,398  $  $1,398 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $1,859  $  $1,859 

By-product credits per ounce

  (15.35

)

  (15.19

)

  (11.19

)

      (14.38

)

  (5.07

)

      (4)     (4)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $11.02  $20.22  $(2.39

)

     $12.58  $1,442.33     

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $1,855  $  $1,855 

 

 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
 

Greens

Creek

  

Lucky

Friday(2)

  

San

Sebastian

  

Corporate(3)

  

Total

Silver

  

Casa

Berardi

(Gold)

  

Total

  

Total

Silver

  

Total Gold

  

Total

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $140,241  $14,542  $18,377      $173,160  $134,742  $307,902  $78,517  67,698  $146,215 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (39,442

)

  (2,433

)

  (2,036

)

      (43,911

)

  (39,454

)

  (83,365

)

 (15,472) (24,766) (40,238)

Treatment costs

  37,621   4,257   906       42,784   1,774   44,558  26,794  562  27,356 

Change in product inventory

  5,398   1,811   (192

)

      7,017   881   7,898  3,736  7,463  11,199 

Reclamation and other costs

  (1,474

)

  (163

)

  (1,089

)

      (2,726

)

  (354

)

  (3,080

)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

  142,344   18,014   15,966       176,324   97,589   273,913 

Reclamation and other costs (1)

 (1,283) (773) (2,056)

Exclusion of costs

  (22,593)  (13,178)  (35,771)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (2)

 69,699  37,006  106,705 

Reclamation and other costs

  1,999   217   351       2,567   353   2,920  902  97  999 

Exploration

  3,339   (1

)

  4,984   1,307   9,629   3,029   12,658  799  335  1,134 

Sustaining capital

  24,895   4,109   2,379   2,275   33,658   38,245   71,903  8,547  11,629  20,176 

General and administrative

              29,044   29,044       29,044 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

  172,577   22,339   23,680       251,222   139,216   390,438 

General and administrative (1)

  10,345      10,345 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (2)

 90,292  49,067  139,359 

By-product credits:

                                   

Zinc

  (72,472

)

  (4,353

)

          (76,825

)

      (76,825

)

 (23,772)   (23,772)

Gold

  (42,675

)

      (24,032

)

      (66,707

)

      (66,707

)

 (24,912)   (24,912)

Lead

  (22,696

)

  (8,599

)

          (31,295

)

      (31,295

)

 (8,149)   (8,149)

Silver

                      (450

)

  (450

)

      (93)  (93)

Total By-product credits

  (137,843

)

  (12,952

)

  (24,032

)

      (174,827

)

  (450

)

  (175,277

)

  (56,833)  (93)  (56,926)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $4,501  $5,062  $(8,066

)

     $1,497  $97,139  $98,636  $12,866  $36,913  $49,779 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $34,734  $9,387  $(352

)

     $76,395  $138,766  $215,161  $33,459  $48,974  $82,433 

Divided by ounces produced

  6,206   769   2,498       9,473   113      2,901  26    

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $22.94  $23.42  $6.39      $18.62  $862.02      $24.02  $1,402    

By-product credits per ounce

  (22.21

)

  (16.84

)

  (9.62

)

      (18.46

)

  (3.97

)

      (19.59)  (4)   

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $0.73  $6.58  $(3.23

)

     $0.16  $858.05      $4.43  $1,398    

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $27.81  $29.05  $9.48      $26.52  $1,229.72      $31.12  $1,859    

By-product credits per ounce

  (22.21

)

  (16.84

)

  (9.62

)

      (18.46

)

  (3.97

)

      (19.59)  (4)   

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $5.60  $12.21  $(0.14

)

     $8.06  $1,225.75      $11.53  $1,855    

 

 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

 
 

Greens

Creek

  

Lucky

Friday(2)

  

San

Sebastian

  

Corporate(3)

  

Total

Silver

  

Casa

Berardi

(Gold)

  

Total

  

Greens

Creek

  

Lucky

Friday(3)

  

San

Sebastian

  

Corporate(5)

  

Total

Silver

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $146,984  $56,696  $23,435      $227,115  $106,639  $333,754  $40,475  $4,018  $12,842     $57,335 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (40,746

)

  (8,775

)

  (2,508

)

      (52,029

)

  (32,563

)

  (84,592

)

 (9,008) (300) (3,326)    (12,634)

Treatment costs

  46,069   15,323   1,193       62,585   627   63,212  13,003  500  63     13,566 

Change in product inventory

  (6,083

)

  (1,102

)

  1,743       (5,442

)

  4,212   (1,230

)

 8,456  (134) (335)    7,987 

Reclamation and other costs

  348   (556

)

  (1,583

)

      (1,791

)

  (344

)

  (2,135

)

 (92)   (294)    (386)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

  146,572   61,586   22,280       230,438   78,571   309,009 

Exclusion of Lucky Friday costs

     (4,084)        (4,084)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (2)

 52,834    8,950     61,784 

Reclamation and other costs

  2,045   495   126       2,666   345   3,011  737    123     860 

Exploration

  1,368      2,349   1,286   5,003   2,280   7,283  465    1,252  167  1,884 

Sustaining capital

  35,199   32,203   1,494   486   69,382   48,860   118,242  8,966    528    9,494 

General and administrative

              31,728   31,728       31,728              7,978   7,978 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

  185,184   94,284   26,249       339,217   130,056   469,273 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (2)

 63,002    10,853     82,000 

By-product credits:

                                       

Zinc

  (52,104

)

  (10,685

)

          (62,789

)

      (62,789

)

 (22,452)        (22,452)

Gold

  (42,017

)

      (33,961

)

      (75,978

)

      (75,978

)

 (17,517)   (6,946)    (24,463)

Lead

  (19,598

)

  (25,485

)

          (45,083

)

      (45,083

)

  (7,649)            (7,649)

Silver

                      (409

)

  (409

)

Total By-product credits

  (113,719

)

  (36,170

)

  (33,961

)

      (183,850

)

  (409

)

  (184,259

)

  (47,618)     (6,946)     (54,564)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $32,853  $25,416  $(11,681

)

     $46,588  $78,162  $124,750  $5,216  $  $2,004     $7,220 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $71,465  $58,114  $(7,712

)

     $155,367  $129,647  $285,014  $15,384  $  $3,907     $27,436 

Divided by ounces produced

  7,021   2,722   3,434       13,177   104      2,544    541     3,085 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $20.88  $22.63  $6.49      $17.49  $753.45      $20.77  $  $16.54     $20.03 

By-product credits per ounce

  (16.20

)

  (13.29

)

  (9.89

)

      (13.95

)

  (3.92

)

      (18.72)     (12.84)     (17.69)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $4.68  $9.34  $(3.40

)

     $3.54  $749.53      $2.05  $  $3.70     $2.34 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $26.38  $34.64  $7.64      $25.74  $1,247.15      $24.77  $  $20.05     $26.58 

By-product credits per ounce

  (16.20

)

  (13.29

)

  (9.89

)

      (13.95

)

  (3.92

)

      (18.72)     (12.84)     (17.69)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $10.18  $21.35  $(2.25

)

     $11.79  $1,243.23      $6.05  $  $7.21     $8.89 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

 
  

Casa Berardi

  

Nevada

Operations

  

Total Gold

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $53,006  $36,311  $89,317 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (19,090)  (19,050)  (38,140)

Treatment costs

  561   45   606 

Change in product inventory

  1,070   2,118   3,188 

Reclamation and other costs

  (129)  (377)  (506)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (2)

  35,418   19,047   54,465 

Reclamation and other costs

  130   378   508 

Exploration

  603   1,232   1,835 

Sustaining capital

  13,237   2,305   15,542 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (2)

  49,388   22,962   72,350 

By-product credits:

            

Silver

  (111)  (755)  (866)

Total By-product credits

  (111)  (755)  (866)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $35,307  $18,292  $53,599 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $49,277  $22,207  $71,484 

Divided by ounces produced

  37   22   59 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $969  $851  $924 

By-product credits per ounce

  (3)  (34)  (15)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $966  $817  $909 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1,351  $1,026  $1,228 

By-product credits per ounce

  (3)  (34)  (15)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1,348  $992  $1,213 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

 
  

Total

Silver

  

Total Gold

  

Total

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $57,335   89,317  $146,652 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (12,634)  (38,140)  (50,774)

Treatment costs

  13,566   606   14,172 

Change in product inventory

  7,987   3,188   11,175 

Reclamation and other costs

  (386)  (506)  (892)

Exclusion of Lucky Friday costs

  (4,084)     (4,084)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (2)

  61,784   54,465   116,249 

Reclamation and other costs

  860   508   1,368 

Exploration

  1,884   1,835   3,719 

Sustaining capital

  9,494   15,542   25,036 

General and administrative

  7,978      7,978 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (2)

  82,000   72,350   154,350 

By-product credits:

            

Zinc

  (22,452)     (22,452)

Gold

  (24,463)     (24,463)

Lead

  (7,649)     (7,649)

Silver

      (866)  (866)

Total By-product credits

  (54,564)  (866)  (55,430)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $7,220  $53,599  $60,819 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $27,436  $71,484  $98,920 

Divided by ounces produced

  3,085   59     

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $20.03  $924     

By-product credits per ounce

  (17.69)  (15)    

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $2.34  $909     

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $26.58  $1,228     

By-product credits per ounce

  (17.69)  (15)    

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $8.89  $1,213     

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
  

Greens

Creek

  

Lucky

Friday(3)

  

San

Sebastian(4)

  

Corporate(5)

  

Total Silver

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $157,910  $35,787  $18,271      $211,968 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (37,152)  (5,152)  (3,149)      (45,453)

Treatment costs

  58,517   7,502   232       66,251 

Change in product inventory

  1,749   807   681       3,237 

Reclamation and other costs (1)

  (478)     (1,050)      (1,528)

Exclusion of Lucky Friday costs

     (38,944)          (38,944)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (2)

  180,546      14,985       195,531 

Reclamation and other costs

  2,365      342       2,707 

Exploration

  374         1,362   1,736 

Sustaining capital

  18,276      299   38   18,613 

General and administrative (1)

              26,263   26,263 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (2)

  201,561      15,626       244,850 

By-product credits:

                    

Zinc

  (59,711)             (59,711)

Gold

  (57,850)      (10,402)      (68,252)

Lead

  (22,208)             (22,208)

Total By-product credits

  (139,769)     (10,402)      (150,171)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $40,777  $  $4,583      $45,360 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $61,792  $  $5,224      $94,679 

Divided by silver ounces produced

  8,164      772       8,936 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $22.11  $  $19.40      $21.89 

By-product credits per ounce

  (17.12)     (13.47)      (16.81)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $4.99  $  $5.93      $5.08 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $24.69  $  $20.23      $27.40 

By-product credits per ounce

  (17.12)     (13.47)      (16.81)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $7.57  $  $6.76      $10.59 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
  

Casa Berardi(6)

  

Nevada

Operations(7)

  

Total Gold

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $147,728  $44,348  $192,076 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (51,149)  (22,725)  (73,874)

Treatment costs

  1,693   45   1,738 

Change in product inventory

  1,751   15,869   17,620 

Reclamation and other costs (1)

  (637)  (978)  (1,615)

Exclusion of Nevada Operations costs

     (13,178)  (13,178)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (2)

  99,386   23,381   122,767 

Reclamation and other costs

  287   654   941 

Exploration

  1,493      1,493 

Sustaining capital

  24,413   1,600   26,013 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (2)

  125,579   25,635   151,214 

By-product credits:

            

Silver

  (285)  (635)  (920)

Total By-product credits

  (285)  (635)  (920)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $99,101  $22,746  $121,847 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $125,294  $25,000  $150,294 

Divided by gold ounces produced

  84   32   116 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $1,184  $736  $1,061 

By-product credits per ounce

  (3)  (20)  (8)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $1,181  $716  $1,053 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $1,496  $807  $1,307 

By-product credits per ounce

  (3)  (20)  (8)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $1,493  $787  $1,299 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
  

Total

Silver

  

Total Gold

  

Total

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $211,968   192,076  $404,044 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (45,453)  (73,874)  (119,327)

Treatment costs

  66,251   1,738   67,989 

Change in product inventory

  3,237   17,620   20,857 

Reclamation and other costs (1)

  (1,528)  (1,615)  (3,143)

Exclusion of costs

  (38,944)  (13,178)  (52,122)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (2)

  195,531   122,767   318,298 

Reclamation and other costs

  2,707   941   3,648 

Exploration

  1,736   1,493   3,229 

Sustaining capital

  18,613   26,013   44,626 

General and administrative (1)

  26,263      26,263 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (2)

  244,850   151,214   396,064 

By-product credits:

            

Zinc

  (59,711)     (59,711)

Gold

  (68,252)     (68,252)

Lead

  (22,208)     (22,208)

Silver

      (920)  (920)

Total By-product credits

  (150,171)  (920)  (151,091)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $45,360  $121,847  $167,207 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $94,679  $150,294  $244,973 

Divided by ounces produced

  8,936   116     

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $21.89  $1,061     

By-product credits per ounce

  (16.81)  (8)    

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $5.08  $1,053     

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $27.40  $1,307     

By-product credits per ounce

  (16.81)  (8)    

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $10.59  $1,299     

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

 
  

Greens

Creek

  

Lucky

Friday(3)

  

San

Sebastian

  

Corporate(5)

  

Total

Silver

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $140,237  $11,149  $36,338      $187,724 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (32,228)  (891)  (6,934)      (40,053)

Treatment costs

  34,319   1,834   432       36,585 

Change in product inventory

  9,168   708   (1,378)      8,498 

Reclamation and other costs

  (1,439)     (1,030)      (2,469)

Exclusion of Lucky Friday costs

     (12,800)         (12,800)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (2)

  150,057      27,428       177,485 

Reclamation and other costs

  2,212      369       2,581 

Exploration

  625      4,452   1,105   6,182 

Sustaining capital

  22,943      1,496   73   24,512 

General and administrative

              26,855   26,855 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (2)

  175,837      33,745       237,615 

By-product credits:

                    

Zinc

  (67,957)             (67,957)

Gold

  (49,385)     (16,193)      (65,578)

Lead

  (20,764)             (20,764)

Total By-product credits

  (138,106)     (16,193)      (154,299)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $11,951  $  $11,235      $23,186 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $37,731  $  $17,552      $83,316 

Divided by ounces produced

  7,149      1,446       8,595 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $20.99  $  $18.97      $20.65 

By-product credits per ounce

  (19.32)     (11.20)      (17.95)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1.67  $  $7.77      $2.70 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $24.60  $  $23.34      $27.65 

By-product credits per ounce

  (19.32)     (11.20)      (17.95)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $5.28  $  $12.14      $9.70 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

 
  

Casa Berardi

  

Nevada

Operations

  

Total Gold

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $157,239  $105,277  $262,516 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (53,806)  (45,179)  (98,985)

Treatment costs

  1,429   119   1,548 

Change in product inventory

  971   (3,097)  (2,126)

Reclamation and other costs

  (385)  (1,641)  (2,026)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (2)

  105,448   55,479   160,927 

Reclamation and other costs

  386   1,134   1,520 

Exploration

  2,890   2,048   4,938 

Sustaining capital

  28,360   27,565   55,925 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (2)

  137,084   86,226   223,310 

By-product credits:

            

Silver

  (328)  (2,551)  (2,879)

Total By-product credits

  (328)  (2,551)  (2,879)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $105,120  $52,928  $158,048 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $136,756  $83,675  $220,431 

Divided by ounces produced

  100   45   145 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1,058  $1,221  $1,109 

By-product credits per ounce

  (3)  (56)  (20)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1,055  $1,165  $1,089 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1,376  $1,897  $1,540 

By-product credits per ounce

  (3)  (56)  (20)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1,373  $1,841  $1,520 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

 
  

Total

Silver

  

Total Gold

  

Total

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $187,724   262,516  $450,240 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (40,053)  (98,985)  (139,038)

Treatment costs

  36,585   1,548   38,133 

Change in product inventory

  8,498   (2,126)  6,372 

Reclamation and other costs

  (2,469)  (2,026)  (4,495)

Exclusion of Lucky Friday costs

  (12,800)     (12,800)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (2)

  177,485   160,927   338,412 

Reclamation and other costs

  2,581   1,520   4,101 

Exploration

  6,182   4,938   11,120 

Sustaining capital

  24,512   55,925   80,437 

General and administrative

  26,855      26,855 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (2)

  237,615   223,310   460,925 

By-product credits:

            

Zinc

  (67,957)     (67,957)

Gold

  (65,578)     (65,578)

Lead

  (20,764)     (20,764)

Silver

      (2,879)  (2,879)

Total By-product credits

  (154,299)  (2,879)  (157,178)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $23,186  $158,048  $181,234 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $83,316  $220,431  $303,747 

Divided by ounces produced

  8,595   145     

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $20.65  $1,109     

By-product credits per ounce

  (17.95)  (20)    

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $2.70  $1,089     

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $27.65  $1,540     

By-product credits per ounce

  (17.95)  (20)    

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $9.70  $1,520     

 

(1)

Excludes the discretionary portion of general and administrative costs for Greens Creek, Casa Berardi and corporate of $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $1.4 million, respectively, for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020. 

(1)(2)

Includes all direct and indirect operating costs related to the physical activities of producing metals, including mining, processing and other plant costs, third-party refining and marketing expense, non-discretionary on-site general and administrative costs, royalties and mining production taxes, before by-product revenues earned from all metals other than the primary metal produced at each unit. AISC, Before By-product Credits also includes on-site exploration, reclamation, and sustaining capital costs.

 

(2)(3)

The unionized employees at Lucky Friday have beenwere on strike sincefrom March 13, 2017 until January 2020, and production at Lucky Friday has been limited since that time. Forthe start of the strike. Costs related to ramp-up activities totaling $5.4 million in the first nine months of 2017,2020, and suspension-related costs related to suspensiontotaling $5.7 million during the strike in the first half of full production totaling approximately $11.1 million,2019, along with $3.3$6.3 million and $3.1 million, respectively, in non-cash depreciation expense for that period,those periods, have been excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, AISC, Before By-product Credits, and AISC, After By-product Credits.

(4)

In early April 2020, the Government of Mexico issued an order to the mining industry to reduce operations to a minimum level until April 30 in response to COVID-19, and the order was subsequently extended until May 30. Our operations at San Sebastian were suspended during that time. Suspension-related costs totaling $1.1 million for the first nine months of 2020 are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, mining and milling cost per ton, and Cash Cost Before By-product Credits, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, AISC, Before By-product Credits, and AISC, After By-product Credits.Credits, per Gold Ounce.

 

(3)(5)

AISC, Before By-product Credits for our consolidated silver properties includes non-discretionary corporate costs for general and administrative expense, exploration and sustaining capital.

(6)

In late March 2020, the Government of Quebec ordered the mining industry to reduce to minimum operations as part of the fight against COVID-19, causing us to suspend our Casa Berardi operations from March 24 until April 15, when mining operations resumed, resulting in reduced mill throughput. Suspension-related costs totaling $1.6 million for the first nine months of 2020 are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization and Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.

(7)

Production was suspended at the Hollister mine in the third quarter of 2019 and at the Midas mine and Aurora mill in late-2019. Suspension-related costs at Hollister, Midas and Aurora totaling $9.6 million for the first nine months of 2020 are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization and Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce. During the third quarter of 2020, all ore mined at Nevada Operations was stockpiled, with no ore milled and no production reported during the period. As a result, costs incurred at Nevada Operations during the third quarter of 2020 were excluded from the calculations of Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.

 

 

Financial Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our liquid assets include (in millions):

 

 

September 30, 2017

  

December 31, 2016

  

September 30,

2020

  

December 31,

2019

 

Cash and cash equivalents held in U.S. dollars

 $146.4  $156.1  $68.9  $50.3 

Cash and cash equivalents held in foreign currency

  26.5   13.7   29.8   12.2 

Total cash and cash equivalents

  172.9   169.8  98.7  62.5 

Marketable debt securities - current

  33.0   29.1 

Marketable equity securities - non-current

  7.1   5.0   17.4   6.2 

Total cash, cash equivalents and investments

 $213.0  $203.9  $116.1  $68.7 

 

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $3.1$36.2 million in the first nine months of 2017, as discussed below.2020. Cash held in foreign currencies represents balances in Canadian dollars and Mexican pesos, with the $12.8$17.6 million increase in the first nine months of 20172020 resulting from increasesan increase in both currenciesCanadian dollars held. Current marketable debt securities increased by $3.9 million (discussed below) andThe balance for non-current marketable equity securities increased by $2.1$11.2 million (see Note 2 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information).

 

As discussed in Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), on April 12, 2013,On February 19, 2020, we completed an offering of Senior Notes in the total principal amount of US$500475 million which have a total principal balance of $506.5 million as of September 30, 2017. The Senior Notes are due May 1, 2021February 15, 2028 and bear interest at a rate of 6.875%7.25% per year from the most recent payment date to which interest has been paid or provided for.  Interest onThe net proceeds from the Senior Notes were used, along with cash on hand, to redeem, in March 2020, our previously-outstanding 2021 Notes having a principal balance of $506.5 million. Also, in July 2018 we entered into a new $250 million revolving credit facility. Interest is payable on May 1amounts drawn from the revolving credit facility at a rate of between 2.25% and November 14.00% over the London Interbank Offered Rate, or between 1.25% and 3.00% over an alternative base rate, with interest payable on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year,year. As a precaution due to uncertainties of the duration, severity and scope of the COVID-19 outbreak, we drew $210.0 million on the facility in the first quarter of 2020. We repaid the $210.0 million during the second and third quarters of 2020, with no amount outstanding as of the end of the third quarter. In July 2020 we agreed to issue CAD$50 million (approximately USD$36.8 million at the time of the transaction) in aggregate principal amount of our IQ Notes, which mature in July 2025 and bear interest at a rate of 6.515% per year. The IQ Notes were issued at a premium of 103.65%, implying an effective annual yield of 5.74% and an aggregate principal amount to be repaid of CAD$48.2 million. The IQ Notes were issued in four equal installments of CAD$12.5 million in July, August, September and October 2020, with the first installment issued net of CAD$0.6 million in fees. The net proceeds from the IQ Notes are available for general corporate purposes, including for open market purchases of a portion of the Senior Notes and to pay for capital expenditures at our Casa Berardi unit. Under the note purchase agreement for the IQ Notes and subject to a force majeure event, we are required to invest in the aggregate CAD$100 million at the Casa Berardi unit and other exploration and development projects in Quebec over the four-year period commencing November 1, 2013, and we have made all interest payments payableon July 9, 2020. See Note 9 of Notes to date.Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information on our debt arrangements.

 

In

We continue to address the COVID-19 outbreak and face uncertainty related to the potential additional impact it could have on our operations. It is possible that future restrictions at Casa Berardi, San Sebastian or Greens Creek (or at any other operation) could have an adverse impact on operations or 2020 financial results, including materially so, beyond the third quarter of 2015, we made2020. We have taken precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, including implementing operational plans and practices and increasing our cash reserves through a development decision to mine near surface, high grade portionstemporary draw-down of our revolving credit facility, which has since been fully repaid. As long as they are required, the silver and gold deposits at our San Sebastian project in Mexico and commenced ore production at the end of 2015.  As a result, San Sebastian has generated positive cash flows since the start of production there. In January 2017, we initiated work to develop and rehabilitate underground access which, upon completion, is expected to allow us to mine deeper portions of the deposits at San Sebastian. We currently anticipate San Sebastian willoperational practices implemented could continue to generate positive cash flows until earlyhave an adverse impact on our operating results due to deferred production and revenues or mid-2020.  However,additional costs. If required, increasing or prolonged restrictions on our costsoperations could change,require access to additional sources of liquidity, which may not be available to us. See Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors - Natural disasters, public health crises, political crises, and our ability to generate cash flow at San Sebastian could be impacted by changes in precious metals pricesother catastrophic events or other factors,events outside of our control may materially and there can be no assurance that we will be ableadversely affect our business or financial results in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2020 for information on how restrictions related to develop and operate San Sebastian as anticipated.COVID-19 have affected some of our operations.

 

As further discussed in the Lucky Friday Segment section above, the union employees at Lucky Friday have beenwere on strike sincefrom March 13, 2017. Production2017 until the strike ended on January 7, 2020, and production at Lucky Friday was suspended fromhas been limited since the start of the strike until July 2017,strike. Re-staffing of the mine has been substantially completed with limited production resuming at that time. We cannot predict how long the strike will last or whether an agreement will be reached. We expectramp-up process ahead of schedule, and the mine has returned to incur cash expenditures of approximately $1.0 million to $1.5 million per month to advance engineering and infrastructure for the restart of full production in addition to costs related to limited interim production. As a result of the strike or other related events, operations at Lucky Friday could continue to be disrupted, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

As discussed in Note 8 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), in February 2016 we entered into an equity distribution agreement under which we may issue and sell shares of our common stock from time to time having an aggregate offering price of up to $75 million,starting with the net proceeds available for general corporate purposes. Whether or not we engage in sales from time to time may depend on a variety of factors, including share price, our cash resources, customary black-out restrictions, and whether we have any material inside information, and the agreement can be terminated by us at any time. As of September 30, 2017, we had sold 4,608,847 shares through the at-the-market program for net proceeds of $17.7 million, including 1,828,760 shares sold in the first nine months of 2017 for total proceeds of approximately $9.6 million. In July 2017, we used $5.7 million of the proceeds from shares sold in the secondfourth quarter of 2017 to fund contributions to our defined benefit pension plans.2020.

 

Pursuant to our common stock dividend policy described in Note 8 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors declared and paid dividends on common stock totaling $3.0 million and $2.9$4.0 million in the first nine months of 20172020 and 2016, respectively. On November 7, 2017, our Board$3.7 million in the first nine months of Directors declared a dividend on common stock totaling $1.0 million payable in December 2017.2019. Our dividend policy has a silver-price-linked component which ties the amount of declared common stock dividends to our realized silver price for the preceding quarter. Another component of our common stock dividend policy anticipates paying an annual minimum dividend. In September 2020, we increased our minimum annual dividend from $0.01 per share to $0.015 per share and reduced the realized silver price threshold for the silver-price-linked component from $30 per ounce to $25 per ounce beginning with the third quarter of 2020, and in the third quarter of 2020 the realized price of $25.32 exceeded the new threshold. As a result, on November 6, 2020, our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.00875 per share of common stock, consisting of $0.005 per share for the silver price-linked component and $0.00375 for the minimum annual dividend component, payable in December 2020. The declaration and payment of dividends on common stock is at the sole discretion of our board of directors, and there can be no assurance that we will continue to declare and pay common stock dividends in the future.

 

On May 8, 2012, we announced that our board of directors approved a stock repurchase program.  Under the program, we are authorized to repurchase up to 20 million shares of our outstanding common stock from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions, depending on prevailing market conditions and other factors.  The repurchase program may be modified, suspended or discontinued by us at any time. Whether or not we engage in repurchases from time to time may depend on a variety of factors, including not only price and cash resources, but customary black-out restrictions, whether we have any material inside information, limitations on share repurchases or cash usage that may be imposed by our credit agreement or in connection with issuances of securities, alternative uses for cash, applicable law, and other investment opportunities from time to time. As of September 30, 2017,2020, 934,100 shares havehad been purchased in prior periods at an average price of $3.99 per share, leaving 19.1 million shares that may yet be purchased under the program. The closing price of our common stock at November 3, 2017,4, 2020, was $4.45$4.77 per share. No shares were purchased under the program during the first nine months of 2020.

 

We may defer some capital investment and/or exploration and pre-development activities, engage in asset sales or secure additional capital if necessary to maintain liquidity. We also may pursue additional acquisition opportunities, which could require additional equity issuances or other forms of financing. There can be no assurance that such financing will be available to us.

 

As a result of our current cash balances, the performance of our current and expected operations, current metals prices, proceeds from potential at-the-market sales of common stock, and availability of approximately $97 million of our revolving credit facility, we believe our cash, cash equivalents, investments, projected cash from operations, and availability of financing, if needed,we will be adequateable to meet our obligations and other potential cash requirements during the next 12 months.months from the date of this report. Our obligations and other uses of cash may include, but are not limited to: debt service obligations related to the Senior Notes and IQ Notes; principal and interest payments under our revolving credit facility; deferral of revenues, care-and-maintenance and other costs related to addressing the impact of COVID-19 on our operations; capital expenditures at our operations,operations; potential acquisitions of other mining companies or properties,properties; regulatory matters, litigation,matters; litigation; potential repurchases of our common stock under the program described above,above; and payment of dividends on common stock, if declared by our board of directors.  We currently estimate a total of approximately $90 million will be spent on capital expenditures, will total between $105primarily for equipment, infrastructure, and $110development at our mines, in 2020, including $59.7 million incurred in 2017, including $70.4 million already incurred asthe first nine months of September 30, 2017.2020.  We also estimate combined exploration and pre-development expenditures will total between $25 million and $30approximately $16.2 million in 2017,2020, including $21.7$9.8 million already incurred asin the first nine months of September 30, 2017. However, capital, exploration,2020. Our expenditures for these items and pre-development expendituresour related plans for 2020 may change based upon our financial position, metals prices, and other considerations. Our ability to fund the activities described above will depend on our operating performance, metals prices, our costs (and our ability to estimate future costs),revenues and costs, sources of liquidity available to us, including the revolving credit facility, and other factors. A sustained downturn in metals prices, or significant increase in operational or capital costs or other uses of cash, our inability to access the credit facility or the sources of liquidity discussed above, or other factors beyond our control could impact our plans.

 

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

2017

  

September 30,

2016

 

Cash provided by operating activities (in millions)

 $74.1  $173.1 

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

2020

  

September 30,

2019

 

Cash provided by operating activities (in millions)

 $115.9  $63.6 

 

Cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2017 decreased2020 increased by $99.0$52.3 million compared to the same period in 20162019 due to lowerhigher net income, as adjusted for non-cash items, resulting primarily from reduced gross profit at our San Sebastian, Casa Berardipartially offset by the impact of working capital and Lucky Friday units. In addition, workingother operating asset and liability changes. Working capital and other operating asset and liability changes resulted in a net cash flow decreaseincrease of $26.4$5.2 million in the first nine months of 20172020 compared to a net increase of $11.6$8.4 million in the first nine months of 2016.2019.  The $38.0$3.2 million variance in working capital changes is primarily attributable to (i) estimated income tax paymentshigher inventories, lower reductions in prepaid taxes in Mexico, in 2017, (ii) higher product inventory due primarily to the timing of shipments at Greens Creek and the strike at Lucky Friday, (iii) lower accounts payable balances, partially offset by increased accruals for incentive compensation and (iv) reduced accounts payable at Lucky Friday due to completion of the #4 Shaft and the strike. Those factors were partially offset by lower accounts receivable, also due to the timing of shipments at Greens Creek and the strike at Lucky Friday. In addition, in the third quarter of 2016, we reached a settlement on the insurance policy for reclamation at the Troy mine resulting in cash proceeds to us of $16.0 million, which was partially offset by payment of $6.0 million in August 2016 by one of our subsidiaries for settlement of its liability for response costs at a CERCLA/Superfund site.income taxes.

 

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

2017

  

September 30,

2016

 

Cash used in investing activities (in millions)

 $(69.2

)

 $(153.3

)

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

2020

  

September 30,

2019

 

Cash used in investing activities (in millions)

 $(55.7) $(95.9)

 

During the first nine months of 2017,2020, we invested $70.4$54.4 million in capital expenditures, not including $6.4$5.7 million in non-cash capital lease additions, a decrease of $49.8$43.0 million compared to the same period in 2016 primarily2019. The variance is due to lower costsreduced expenditures at all of our operations except Lucky Friday, where we have been preparing for (i)a return to production after the #4 Shaft project, which was completedend of the strike in January 2017, (ii) construction of the tailings facility at Greens Creek, and (iii) development of the EMCP pit at Casa Berardi.  In the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, we purchased bonds having maturities of greater than 90 days and less than 365 days with a cost basis of $35.3 million and $31.9 million, respectively, and bonds valued at $31.2 million and $7.2 million matured during the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, respectively.2020.  We purchased marketable equity securities having a cost basis of $1.6$1.7 million and $0.9$0.4 million during the first nine months of 20172020 and 2016, respectively. During2019, respectively, and sold marketable equity securities for proceeds of $1.8 million in the 2019 period.   

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

2020

  

September 30,

2019

 

Cash (used in) provided by financing activities (in millions)

 $(22.0) $37.6 

In the first nine months of 2017,2020, we received $5.6$469.5 million and $27.6 million in insurancenet proceeds related collapsefrom the issuance of the mill building at the Troy mine in February 2017 due to snow. We recognized a cash outflowour Senior Notes and IQ Notes, respectively, and drew $210.0 million on our revolving credit facility, and had debt repayments of $506.5 million for the acquisitionredemption of Mines Management, net of cash acquired, of $3.9our 2021 Notes and $210.0 million in September 2016. We reduced restricted cash by $1.1 million duringfor our revolving credit facility. In the first nine months of 2017 as a result of replacing cash collateral for future reclamation costs with non-cash bonding. During the first nine months of 2016,2019, we incurred an increase in restricted cash of $3.9 million related to the settlement of a CERCLA claim for response costs at a CERCLA/Superfund site by one of our subsidiaries.

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

2017

  

September 30,

2016

 

Cash used in financing activities (in millions)

 $(2.8

)

 $(7.8

)

During the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, we received $9.6drew $245.0 million and $8.1had repayments of $195.0 million respectively, in net proceeds from the sale of shares ofon our common stock under the equity distribution agreement discussed above.revolving credit facility. We made repayments on our capital leases of $5.1$4.2 million and $6.3$5.5 million in the nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172020 and 2016, respectively. We also made repayments of debt totaling $0.5 million and $1.8 million in the first nine months of 2017 and 2016,2019, respectively. During the first nine months of 20172020 and 2016,2019, we paid cash dividends on our common stock totaling $3.0$4.0 million and $2.9$3.7 million, respectively, and cash dividends of $0.4 million in each period on our Series B Preferred Stock.Stock in each of those periods. We acquired treasury shares for $3.0$2.7 million and $4.4$2.2 million in the first nine months of 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively, resulting primarily fromas a result of our employees' elections to utilize net share settlement to satisfy their tax withholding obligations related to incentive compensation paid in stock and vesting of restricted stock units. See Note 8 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information.

Exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso resulted in increases in our cash balance of $1.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

 

 

Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities and Commitments

 

The table below presents our fixed, non-cancelable contractual obligations and commitments primarily related to our Senior Notes, IQ Notes, revolving credit facility, outstanding purchase orders, certain capital expenditures, our credit facilityservice contract commitments and lease arrangements as of September 30, 20172020 (in thousands):

 

  

Payments Due By Period

 
  

Less than 1

year

  

1-3 years

  

4-5 years

  

More than

5 years

  

Total

 

Purchase obligations (1)

 $23,100  $  $  $  $23,100 

Commitment fees (2)

  500   942         1,442 

Contractual obligations (3)

  471            471 

Capital lease commitments (4)

  6,293   6,548   1,260      14,101 

Operating lease commitments (5)

  2,993   2,337   1,377   159   6,866 

Supplemental executive retirement plan (6)

  444   1,061   1,439   3,730   6,674 

Senior Notes (7)

  34,822   69,644   526,813      631,279 

Total contractual cash obligations

 $68,623  $80,532  $530,889  $3,889  $683,933 
  

Payments Due By Period

 
  

Less than

1 year

  

1-3 years

  

3-5 years

  

More than
5 years

  

Total

 

Purchase obligations (1)

 $12,531  $  $  $  $12,531 

Contractual obligations (2)

  698            698 

Finance lease commitments (3)

  6,549   7,112   1,328      14,989 

Operating lease commitments (4)

  3,883   5,689   1,566   2,464   13,602 

Supplemental executive retirement plan (5)

  621   1,573   2,244   6,082   10,520 

Revolving credit facility (6)

  1,722   3,445   613      5,780 

Senior Notes (7)

  34,438   137,750   556,789      728,977 

IQ Notes (8)

  2,341   4,712   40,342      47,395 

Total contractual cash obligations

 $62,783  $160,281  $602,882  $8,546  $834,492 

 

 

 

(1)

Consists of open purchase orders of approximately $20.9$5.6 million at the Greens Creek unit, $0.3$3.2 million at the Lucky Friday unit, and $1.9$0.4 million asat the Casa Berardi unit and $3.3 million at the Nevada Operations unit.

 

 

(2)

We have a $100 million revolving credit agreement under which we are required to pay a standby fee of 0.5% per annum on undrawn amounts under the revolving credit agreement. There was no amount due under the revolving credit agreement as of September 30, 2017, and the amounts above assume no amounts will be due during the agreement's term.  For more information on our credit facility, see Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

(3)

As of September 30, 2017,2020, we were committed to approximately $0.5$0.7 million for various items at Greens Creek. 

 

 

(4)(3)

Includes scheduled capitalfinance lease payments of $2.9$13.2 million, $3.8$0.2 million, $0.9 million and $7.4$0.7 million (including interest), respectively, for equipment at our Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, and Casa Berardi units, respectively.and Nevada Operations units.  These leases have fixed payment terms and contain bargain purchase options at the end of the lease periods (see Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information).

 

 

(5)(4)

We enter into operating leases in the normal course of business.  Substantially all lease agreements have fixed payment terms based on the passage of time.  Some lease agreements provide us with the option to renew the lease or purchase the leased property.  Our future operating lease obligations would change if we exercised these renewal options and if we entered into additional operating lease arrangements.

 

 

(6)(5)

These amounts represent our estimate of the future funding requirements for the supplemental executive retirement plan.  We believe we will also have funding requirements related to our defined benefit plans in future years; however, such obligations are not fixed in nature and are difficult to estimate, as they involve significant assumptions. See Note 7 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information.

 

 

(7)(6)

On April 12, 2013,We have a $250 million revolving credit agreement under which we completedare required to pay a standby fee of between 0.5625% and 1.00% per annum on undrawn amounts and interest of between 2.25% and 4.00% over the London Interbank Offered Rate or between 1.25% and 3.00% over an offering of $500alternative base rate on drawn amounts under the revolving credit agreement. We had $20.3 million in aggregate principal amountletters of credit outstanding as of September 30, 2020. The amounts in the table above assume no additional amounts will be drawn in future periods, and include only the standby fee on the current undrawn balance. For more information on our Senior Notes due May 1, 2021. See credit facility, see Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information..

(7)

On February 19, 2020, we completed an offering of $475 million in aggregate principal amount of our Senior Notes due February 15, 2028. The Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.875%7.25% per year from the original date of issuance or the most recent payment date to which interest has been paid or provided for.  Interest on the Senior Notes is payable on May 1February 15 and November 1August 15 of each year, commencing November 1, 2013, and we have made all interest payments payable to date. Since the initial offering, we have issued an additional $6.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes to fund obligations under our defined benefit pension plans.August 15, 2020. SeeNote 7 and Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information.

(8)

On July 9, 2020, we entered into a note purchase agreement pursuant to which we issued CAD$50 million (approximately USD$36.8 million at the time of the transaction) in aggregate principal amount of our IQ Notes. The IQ Notes were issued at a premium of 103.65%, or CAD$1.8 million, implying an effective annual yield of 5.74% and an aggregate principal amount to be repaid of CAD$48.2 million. The IQ Notes were issued in four equal installments of CAD$12.5 million on July 9, August 9, September 9 and October 9, 2020. The IQ Notes bear interest on amounts outstanding at a rate of 6.515% per year, payable on January 9 and July 9 of each year, commencing January 9, 2021. See Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information.

 

 

We record liabilities for costs associated with mine closure, reclamation of land and other environmental matters.  At September 30, 2017,2020, our liabilities for these matters totaled $87.3$106.0 million.  Future expenditures related to closure, reclamation and environmental expenditures at our sites are difficult to estimate, andalthough we anticipate we will incur expenditures relating to these obligations over the next 30 years. For additional information relating to certain of our environmental obligations, see Note 4 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

At September 30, 2017,2020, we had no existing off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined under SEC regulations, that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that would beare material to investors.

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

Our significant accounting policies are described in Part IV, Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements inPart IV of our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162019. As described in such Note 1of the annual report,, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and related disclosures of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. Our estimates are based on our experience and our interpretation of economic, political, regulatory, and other factors that affect our business prospects. Actual results may differ significantly from our estimates.

 

We believe that our most critical accounting estimates are related to future metals prices; obligations for environmental, reclamation, and closure matters; mineral reserves; and accounting for business combinations, as they require us to make assumptions that are highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimates are made and changes in them are reasonably likely to occur from period to period. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our Boardboard of Directors,directors, and the Audit Committee has reviewed the disclosures presented below. In addition, there are other items within our financial statements that require estimation, but are not deemed to be critical. However, changes in estimates used in these and other items could have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

Future Metals Prices

 

Metals prices are key components in estimates that determine the valuation of some of our significant assets and liabilities, including properties, plants, equipment and equipment,mineral interests, deferred tax assets, and certain accounts receivable. Metals prices are also an important component in the estimation of reserves.  As shown under Part I,, Item 1A.1.Risk Factors Business in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2019, metals prices have historically been volatile. Silver demand arises from investment demand, particularly in exchange-traded funds, industrial demand, and consumer demand. Gold demand arises primarily from investment and consumer demand.  Investment demand for silver and gold can be influenced by several factors, including:  the value of the U.S. dollar and other currencies, changing U.S. budget deficits, widening availability of exchange-traded funds, interest rate levels, the health of credit markets, and inflationary expectations. Uncertainty related to the political environment in the U.S., Britain's exit from the European Union, U.S. and global trading policies (including tariffs), and a global economic recovery, including recent uncertainty in China and from the current downturn and continued uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak, could result in continued investment demand for precious metals.  Industrial demand for silver is closely linked to world Gross Domestic Product growth and industrial fabrication levels, as it is difficult to substitute for silver in industrial fabrication.  Consumer demand is driven significantly by demand for jewelry and other retail products. We believe that long-term industrial and economic trends, including urbanization and growth of the middle class in countries such as China and India, will result in continued consumer demand for silver and gold and industrial demand for silver.  However, the global economy has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, with the ultimate severity and duration of the downturn unknown, and China has recently experienced a lower rate of economic growthcontraction which could continueresume in the near term.future. There can be no assurance whether these trends will continue or how they will impact prices of the metals we produce. In the past, we have recorded impairments to our asset carrying value because of low prices, and we can offer no assurance that prices will either remain at their current levels or increase. 

 

Processes supporting valuation of our assets and liabilities that are most significantly affected by prices include analysis of asset carrying values, depreciation, reserves, and deferred income taxes. On at least an annual basis - and more frequently if circumstances warrant - we examine our depreciation rates, reserve estimates, and the valuation allowances on our deferred tax assets. We examine the carrying values of our assets as changes in facts and circumstances warrant.  In our evaluation of carrying values and deferred taxes, we apply several pricing views to our forecasting model, including current prices, analyst price estimates, forward-curve prices, and historical prices (see Mineral Reserves, below, regarding prices used for reserve estimates). Using applicable accounting guidance and our view of metals markets, we use the probability-weighted average of the various methods to determine whether the values of our assets are fairly stated, and to determine the level of valuation allowances, if any, on our deferred tax assets.  In addition, estimates of future metals prices are used in the valuation of certain assets in the determination of the purchase price allocations for our acquisitions (see Business Combinations below).

 

 Sales of concentrates sold directly to customers are recorded as revenues when titleupon completion of the performance obligation and risktransfer of loss transfercontrol of the product to the customer (generally at the time of shipment) using estimated forward metals prices for the estimated month of settlement. Due to the time elapsed between shipment of concentrates to the customer and final settlement with the customer, we must estimate the prices at which sales of our metals will be settled. Previously recorded sales and trade accounts receivable are adjusted to estimated settlement prices until final settlement by the customer. Changes in metals prices between shipment and final settlement result in changes to revenues and accounts receivable previously recorded upon shipment.  As a result, our trade accounts receivable balances related to concentrate sales are subject to changes in metals prices until final settlement occurs.  For more information, see part N. Revenue Recognition of Note 16 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016..

 

We utilize financially-settled forward and put option contracts to manage our exposure to changes in prices for silver, gold, zinc and lead.  See Item 7A.3. – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Commodity-Price Risk Management below for more information on our contract programs.  These contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting and are therefore marked-to-market through earnings each period.  Changes in silver, gold, zinc and lead prices between the dates that the contracts are entered into and their settlements will result in changes to the fair value asset or liability associated with the contracts, with a corresponding gain or loss recognized in earnings.

 

Obligations for Environmental, Reclamation and Closure Matters

 

Accrued reclamation and closure costs can represent a significant and variable liability on our balance sheet. We have estimated our liabilities under appropriate accounting guidance, and on at least an annual basis - and more frequently if warranted - management reviews our liabilities with our Audit Committee. However, the ranges of liability could exceed the liabilities recognized. If substantial damages were awarded, claims were settled, or remediation costs incurred in excess of our accruals, our financial results or condition could be materially adversely affected.

 

Mineral Reserves

 

Critical estimates are inherent in the process of determining our reserves. Our reserves are affected largely by our assessment of future metals prices, as well as by engineering and geological estimates of ore grade, accessibility and production cost. Metals prices are estimated at long-term averages, as described in Part I,

Item 2. – Properties in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2019. Our assessment of reserves occurs at least annually, and periodically utilizes external audits.

 

Reserves are a key component in the valuation of our properties, plants, equipment and equipment.mineral interests. Reserve estimates are used in determining appropriate rates of units-of-production depreciation, with net book value of many assets depreciated over remaining estimated reserves. Reserves are also a key component in forecasts, with which we compare future cash flows to current asset values in an effort to ensure that carrying values are reported appropriately. Our forecasts are also used in determining the level of valuation allowances on our deferred tax assets. Reserves also play a key role in the valuation of certain assets in the determination of the purchase price allocations for acquisitions. Annual reserve estimates are also used to determine conversions of mineral assets beyond the known reserve resulting from business combinations to depreciable reserves, in periods subsequent to the business combinations (see Business Combinations below).  Reserves are a culmination of many estimates and are not guarantees that we will recover the indicated quantities of metals or that we will do so at a profitable level.

 

Business Combinations

 

We are required to allocate the purchase price of acquired companies to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date.  The valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to long-lived assets (including mineral assets beyond the known reserve). These estimates include future metals prices and mineral reserves, as discussed above.  Management may also be required to make estimates related to the valuation of deferred tax assets or liabilities as part of the purchase price allocation for business combinations. In some cases, we use third-party appraisers to determine the fair values and lives of property and other identifiable assets. In addition, costs related to business combinations are included in earnings as incurred, and our financial results for periods in which business combinations are pursued could be adversely affected as a result.

 

 

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The following discussion about our exposure to market risks and risk management activities includes forward-looking statements that involve riskrisks and uncertainties, andas well as summarizes the financial instruments held by us at September 30, 2017,2020, which are sensitive to changes in commodity prices, and foreign exchange rates and interest rates and are not held for trading purposes.  Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.  In the normal course of business, we also face risks that are either non-financial or non-quantifiable (See Part I, Item 1A. – Risk Factors of our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016)2019, as updated in Part II, Item 1A. – Risk Factors in our quarterly report filed on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2020).

 

Metals Prices

Changes in the market prices of silver, gold, lead and zinc can significantly affect our profitability and cash flow. As discussed in Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Estimates, metals prices can fluctuate due to numerous factors beyond our control. As discussed below, we utilize financially-settled forward and put option contracts to manage our exposure to changes in prices for silver, gold, zinc and lead.

Provisional Sales

 

Sales of all metals products sold directly to customers, including by-product metals, are recorded as revenues when titleall performance obligations have been completed and risk of loss transfers to the customer (generallytransaction price can be determined or reasonably estimated. For concentrate sales, revenues are generally recorded at the time of shipment)shipment at forward prices for the estimated month of settlement. Due to the time elapsed between shipment to the customer and the final settlement with the customer, we must estimate the prices at which sales of our metals will be settled. Previously recorded sales are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices until final settlement by the customer.  Changes in metals prices between shipment and final settlement will result in changes to revenues previously recorded upon shipment.  Metals prices can and often do fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control (see Part I,, Item 1A. – Risk Factors –A substantial or extended decline in metals prices would have a material adverse effect on usin our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016)2019).  At September 30, 2017,2020, metals contained in concentratesconcentrate sales and exposed to future price changes totaled approximately 1.51.2 million ounces of silver, 5,5363,436 ounces of gold, 9,97417,097 tons of zinc, and 1,4233,207 tons of lead.  If the price for each metal were to change by 10%, the change in the total value of the concentrates sold would be approximately $6.4$7.8 million.  However, asAs discussed in Commodity-Price Risk Management below, at times, subject to management's discretion, we utilize a program designed and intended to mitigate the risk of negative price adjustments with limited mark-to-market financially-settled forward contracts for our silver, gold, zinc and lead sales. Therefore, when the program is fully utilized, the impact of changes in prices on the value of concentrates sold would be substantially offset by a gain or loss on forward contracts.

 

Commodity-Price Risk Management

 

AtWe may at times we use commodity forward sales commitments, commodity swap contracts and commodity put and call option contracts to manage our exposure to fluctuation in the prices of certain metals which we produce. Contract positions are designed to ensure that we will receive a defined minimum price for certain quantities of our production, thereby partially offsetting our exposure to fluctuations in the market.market prices. Our risk management policy allows for up to 75% of our planned metals price exposure for five years into the future, with certain other limitations, to be hedgedcovered under such programs.programs that would establish a ceiling for prices to be realized on future metals sales. These instruments do, however, expose us to (i) credit risk in the form of possible non-performance by counterparties for contracts in which the contract price exceeds the spot price of a commodity and (ii) price risk to the extent that the spot price exceeds the contract price for quantities of our production covered under contract positions.

 

 

We are currently using financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our concentrate shipments between the time of shipment and final settlement. In addition, we are using financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of zinc and lead (but not silver and gold) contained in our forecasted future concentrate shipments. The following tables summarize the quantities of metals committed under forward sales contracts at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:

September 30, 2020

 

Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)

  

Average price per ounce/pound

 
  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

 
  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

 

Contracts on provisional sales

                                

2020 settlements

  910   2   23,975   5,512  $23.53  $1,948�� $1.02  $0.84 

2021 settlements

        6,945      N/A   N/A  $1.12   N/A 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                                

2020 settlements

        827   8,543   N/A   N/A  $0.94  $0.81 

2021 settlements

        27,448   12,136   N/A   N/A  $1.06  $0.86 

December 31, 2019

 

Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)

  

Average price per ounce/pound

 
  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

 
  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

 

Contracts on provisional sales

                                

2020 settlements

  2,556   10   21,550   5,159  $17.20  $1,481  $1.04  $0.88 
                                 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                                

2020 settlements

        441   11,740   N/A   N/A  $1.13  $0.98 

In June 2019, we began using financially-settled put option contracts to manage the exposure of our forecasted future gold and silver sales to potential declines in market prices for those metals. These put contracts give us the option, but not the obligation, to realize established prices on quantities of silver and gold to be sold in the future. The put contracts establish the minimum ("floor") prices we would expect to be able to realize, without limiting our ability to realized higher prices when market prices exceed the put exercise prices at the time the metals are sold. As of September 30, 2020, we had put contracts that provide average floor prices of $16.13 per ounce for silver and $1,625 per ounce for gold for a total of 3.9 million silver ounces and 50,511 gold ounces, with settlement dates in the fourth quarter of 2020 and first quarter of 2021.

These forward and put option contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting and are marked-to-market through earnings each period.

 

As of September 30, 2017,2020, we recorded the following balances for the fair value of the contracts:forward and put option contracts held at that time:

 

a current asset of $0.4 million, which is net of $0.1 million for contracts in a liability position and included in other current assets;

a current liability of $7.9 million, which is net of $0.2 million for contracts in an asset position and included in other current liabilities; and

a non-current liability of $4.0 million, which is included in other non-current liabilities.

a current liability of $10.2 million, which is included in current derivatives liabilities and is net of $1.8 million for contracts in a fair value current asset position; and

a non-current liability of $45 thousand, which is included in other current liabilities.

 

We recognized a $3.9$12.9 million net loss during the first nine months of 20172020 on the contracts utilized to manage exposure to prices of metals in our concentrate shipments, which is included in sales of products.  The net loss recognized on the contracts offsets gains related to price adjustments on our provisional concentrate sales due to changes to silver, gold, lead and zinc prices between the time of sale and final settlement.

 

We recognized a $16.5$12.8 million net loss during the first nine months of 20172020 on the contracts utilized to manage exposure to prices for forecasted future concentrate shipments.sales. The net loss on these contracts is included as a separate line item under other income (expense), as they relate to forecasted future shipments,sales, as opposed to sales that have already taken place but are subject to final pricing as discussed in the preceding paragraph.  The net loss for the first nine months of 20172020 is the result of higherincreasing silver, gold and zinc andprices, partially offset by decreasing lead prices. This program,During the third quarter of 2019, we settled, prior to their maturity date, contracts in a gain position for cash proceeds to us of approximately $6.7 million, with no such early settlements in 2020. These programs, when utilized isand the contracts are not settled prior to their maturity dates, are designed to mitigate the impact of potential future declines in silver, gold, lead and zinc prices from the price levels established in the contracts (see average price information below)above). When those prices increase compared to the contract prices, we recognize losses.

The following tables summarizeincur losses on the quantities of metals committed under forward sales contracts at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:contracts.

September 30, 2017

 

Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)

  

Average price per ounce/pound

 
  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

 
  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

 

Contracts on provisional sales

                                

2017 settlements

  1,399   5   19,070   2,535  $17.18  $1,298  $1.33  $1.07 

2018 settlements

        2,370      N/A   N/A  $1.38   N/A 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                                

2017 settlements

        441   2,866   N/A   N/A  $1.23  $1.05 

2018 settlements

        39,463   17,968   N/A   N/A  $1.27  $1.05 

2019 settlements

        14,330   8,267   N/A   N/A  $1.30  $1.07 

2020 settlements

        3,307   2,205   N/A   N/A  $1.27  $1.07 

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)

  

Average price per ounce/pound

 
  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

 
  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

 

Contracts on provisional sales

                                

2017 settlements

  1,295   4   19,070   7,441  $16.29  $1,172  $1.18  $0.97 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                                

2017 settlements

        35,384   17,637   N/A   N/A  $1.19  $1.03 

2018 settlements

        13,779   5,732   N/A   N/A  $1.21  $1.05 

Our concentrate sales are based on a provisional sales price containing an embedded derivative that is required to be separated from the host contract for accounting purposes. The host contract is the receivable from the sale of the concentrates at the forward price at the time of the sale. The embedded derivative, which does not qualify for hedge accounting, is marked-to-market through earnings each period prior to final settlement.

Foreign Currency

 

We operate or have mining interests in Canada and Mexico, which exposes us to risks associated with fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar ("USD") and the Canadian dollar ("CAD") and the Mexican peso ("MXN")., respectively. We have determined that the functional currency for our Canadian and Mexican operations is the USD. As such, foreign exchange gains and losses associated with the re-measurement of monetary assets and liabilities from CAD and MXN to USD are recorded to earnings each period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2020, we recognized a net foreign exchange lossgain of $10.9$1.2 million. Foreign currency exchange rates are influenced by a number of factors beyond our control. A 10% change in the exchange rate between the USD and CAD from the rate at September 30, 20172020 would have resulted in a change of approximately $11.8$8.3 million in our net foreign exchange gain or loss. A 10% change in the exchange rate between the USD and MXN from the rate at September 30, 20172020 would have resulted in a change of approximately $0.9$0.4 million in our net foreign exchange gain or loss.

 

In April 2016, we initiated a program to manage our exposure to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the USD and CAD and the impact on our future operating costs denominated in CAD. In October 2016, we also initiated a similar program with respect to manage our exposure to the impact of fluctuationsMXN, which was not in the exchange rate between the USD and MXN on our future operating costs denominated in MXN.use as September 30, 2020. The programs utilize forward contracts to buy CAD and MXN, and each contract is designated as a cash flow hedge. As of September 30, 2017,2020, we have 94had 143 forward contracts outstanding to buy a total of CAD$200.1310.3 million having a notional amount of US$154.0 million, and 6 forward contracts outstanding to buy MXN$43.3 million having a notional amount of USD$2.2235.9 million. The CAD contracts are related to forecasted cash operating costs at Casa Berardi forecasted to be incurred from 20172020 through 20202024 and have CAD-to-USD exchange rates ranging between 1.27871.2702 and 1.3380. The1.3785. There were no outstanding contracts for MXN contracts are related to forecasted cash operating costs at San Sebastian for 2017 and have MXN-to-USD exchange rates ranging between 19.5910 and 21.0000.as of September 30, 2020. Our risk management policy allows for up to 75% of our planned cost exposure for five years into the future to be hedged under such programs, and for potential additional programs to manage other foreign currency-related exposure areas.

 

As of September 30, 2017,2020, we recorded the following balances for the fair value of the contracts:

 

a current asset of $2.8 million, which is included in other current assets; and

a non-current asset of $3.7 million, which is included in other non-current assets.

a current asset of $0.5 million, which is included in other current assets;

a non-current asset of $0.5 million, which is included in other non-current assets;

a current liability of $2.0 million, which is included in current derivatives liabilities; and

a non-current liability of $2.1 million, which is included in other non-current liabilities.

 

Net unrealized gainslosses of approximately $6.8$3.1 million related to the effective portion of the hedges were included in accumulated other comprehensive incomeloss as of September 30, 2017.2020. Unrealized gains and losses will be transferred from accumulated other comprehensive loss to current earnings as the underlying operating expenses are recognized. We estimate approximately $2.9$1.4 million in net unrealized gainslosses included in accumulated other comprehensive incomeloss as of September 30, 20172020 would be reclassified to current earnings in the next twelve months. Net realized gainslosses of approximately $0.4$2.8 million on contracts related to underlying expenses which have been recognized were transferred from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included in cost of sales and other direct production costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Net2020. No net unrealized gains of approximately $2 thousandor losses related to ineffectiveness of the hedges were included in current earningsgain (loss) on derivatives contracts on our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.2020.

 

interest based on a spread over the London Interbank Offered Rate or an alternative base rate. Interest rates fluctuate due to economic factors beyond our control. We had no amount drawn under the facility as of September 30, 2020. See Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information on our credit facility.

 

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

 

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as definedrequired by Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, including controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us is accumulated and communicated to our management (including our CEO and CFO), were effective, as of September 30, 2017,2020, in assuring them in a timely manner that material information required to be disclosed in this report has been properly recorded, processed, summarized and reported. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 20172020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Internal control systems, no matter how well designed and operated, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even a system which is determined to be effective cannot provide absolute assurance that all control issues have been detected or prevented. Our systems of internal controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

 

 

Part II - Other Information

 

 

 

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

 

For information concerning legal proceedings, refer to Note 4 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), which is incorporated by reference into this Itemitem 1.

 

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

 

Part I, Item 1A. – Risk Factors of our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162019, as updated in Part II, Item 1A. – Risk Factors in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2020, sets forth information relating to important risks and uncertainties that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results.  Those risk factors continue to be relevant to an understanding of our business, financial condition and operating results.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Securities and Use of Proceeds

On August 18, 2020, we issued 405,186 unregistered shares of our common stock to the Lucky Friday Pension Plan Trust and 1,653,160 shares to the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan Trust in private placements in order to satisfy the funding requirements for those defined benefit pension plans. The private placements were exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to section 4(a)(2) of that Act. The shares were subsequently registered for resale on a registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on September 23, 2020. We did not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the shares. The shares had a value of approximately $12.4 million at the time of issuance.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

The information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in exhibit 95 to this Quarterly Report.

 

Item 6.    Exhibits

See the exhibit index to this Form 10-Q for the list of exhibits.

Items 2, 3 and 5 of Part II are not applicable and are omitted from this report.

 

SIGNATURESItem 6.    Exhibits

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

HECLA MINING COMPANY

    (Registrant)

Date:

November 7, 2017

By:

/s/ Phillips S. Baker, Jr.

Phillips S. Baker, Jr., President,

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Date:

November 7, 2017

By:

/s/ Lindsay A. Hall

Lindsay A. Hall, Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

 

Hecla Mining Company and Wholly Owned Subsidiaries

Form 10-Q – September 30, 20172020

Index to Exhibits

 

3.14.1

Restated CertificateRegistration Rights Agreement, dated as of Incorporation ofAugust 18, 2020, among Hecla Mining Company, as Issuer, and the Registrant.Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan Trust, which is the funding vehicle for the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan, a tax-qualified employee benefit pension plan sponsored by Hecla Mining Company, and the Lucky Friday Pension Plan Trust, which is the funding vehicle for the Lucky Friday Pension Plan. Filed as exhibit 3.14.1 to Registrant's Quarterly ReportRegistrant’s Registration Statement on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 (FileS-3ASR filed on September 23, 2020 (Registration No. 1-8491)333-248973), and incorporated herein by reference.

3.24.2

Bylaws of the Registrant as amended to date. Filed as exhibit 3.1 to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 22, 2014 (File No. 1-8491), and incorporated herein by reference.

4.1

Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock of the Registrant. Included as Annex II to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant filed as exhibit 3.1 to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 (File No. 1-8491), and incorporated herein by reference.

4.2(a)

IndentureNote Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2013July 9, 2020, among Hecla Mining Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries of Hecla Mining Company, as Guarantors thereto, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee.Investissement Quebéc. Filed as exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 15, 2013July 10, 2020 (File No. 1-8491), and incorporated herein by reference.

4.2(b)

Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 14, 2014, among Hecla Mining Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries of Hecla Mining Company, as Guarantors thereto, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee. Filed as exhibit 4.2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3ASR filed on April 14, 2014 (File No. 1-8491), and incorporated herein by reference.

4.2(c)

Supplemental Indenture, dated August 5, 2015, among Revett Mining Company, Inc., Revett Silver Company, Troy Mine, Inc., RC Resources, Inc., Revett Exploration, Inc., and Revett Holdings, Inc., as Guaranteeing Subsidiaries, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee.  Filed as exhibit 4.2(d) to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (File No. 1-8491), and incorporated herein by reference.

4.2(d)

Supplemental Indenture, dated October 26, 2016, among Mines Management Inc., Newhi, Inc., Montanore Minerals Corp., as Guaranteeing Subsidiaries, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust, N.A., as Trustee. Filed as exhibit 4.2(e) to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (File No. 1-8491), and incorporated herein by reference.

10.1

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement effective May 20, 2016, by and among Hecla Mining Company, Hecla Limited, Hecla Alaska LLC, Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company, and Hecla Juneau Mining Company, as the Borrowers, The Bank of Nova Scotia, as the Administrative Agent for the Lenders, and various Lenders. Filed as exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 25, 2016 (File No. 1-8491), and incorporated herein by reference.

10.2

First Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement effective July 14, 2017, by and among Hecla Mining Company, Hecla Limited, Hecla Alaska LLC, Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company, and Hecla Juneau Mining Company, as the Borrowers, The Bank of Nova Scotia, as the Administrative Agent for the Lenders, and various Lenders. Filed as exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 (File No. 1-8491), and incorporated herein by reference.

31.1

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *

31.2

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *

32.1

Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *

32.2

Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *

95

Mine safety information listed in Section 1503 of the Dodd-Frank Act. *

99.1

Contribution Agreement, dated as of August 18, 2020, among Hecla Mining Company, as sponsor of the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan, the Retirement Committee, as the named fiduciary of the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee of the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan Trust. Filed as exhibit 99.1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3ASR filed on September 23, 2020 (Registration No. 333-248973) and incorporated herein by reference.

99.2

Contribution Agreement, dated as of August 18, 2020, among Hecla Mining Company, Hecla Limited as sponsor of the Lucky Friday Pension Plan, the Pension Committee, as the named fiduciary of the Lucky Friday Pension Plan, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee of the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan Trust. Filed as exhibit 99.2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3ASR filed on September 23, 2020 (Registration No. 333-248973) and incorporated herein by reference.

101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance.Instance Document - The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. **

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.**

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation.**

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition.**

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels.**

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation.**

104

Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

 

 

___________________

 

* Filed herewith.

 

** XBRL information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

65

Items 3 and 5 of Part II are not applicable and are omitted from this report.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

HECLA MINING COMPANY

    (Registrant)

Date:

November 6, 2020  

By:

/s/ Phillips S. Baker, Jr.

Phillips S. Baker, Jr., President,

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Date:

November 6, 2020  

By:

/s/ Lindsay A. Hall

Lindsay A. Hall, Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

73