1
Exhibit 12
HECLA MINING COMPANY
FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO CALCULATION
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 and 1999
(In thousands, except ratios)
Three Months Three Months
2000 1999
------------ ------------
Loss before income taxes, extraordinary
item and cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle $ (6,597) $ (49)
Add: Fixed Charges 3,979 3,267
---------- ----------
Adjusted income (loss) before income
taxes, extraordinary item and cumulative
effect of change in accounting
principle $ (2,618) $ 3,218
========== ==========
Fixed charges:
Preferred stock dividends $ 2,012 $ 2,012
Income tax effect on preferred
stock dividends 23 - -
Interest portion of rentals 276 331
Total interest costs 1,668 924
---------- ----------
Total fixed charges $ 3,979 $ 3,267
========== ==========
Fixed Charge Ratio (a) (a)
Inadequate coverage $ 6,597 $ 49
========== ==========
Write-downs and other noncash charges:
DD&A(b) (mining activity) $ 5,820 $ 6,052
DD&A(b) (corporate) 73 92
Provision for closed operations
and environmental matters 866 267
---------- ----------
$ 6,759 $ 6,411
========== ==========
(a) Earnings for period are inadequate to cover fixed charges.
(b)"DD&A" is an abbreviation for "depreciation, depletion
and amortization."