[HECLA LOGO]                                                               97-03
                                                                      Exhibit 99
                                  NEWS RELEASE


                              FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                  April 2, 1997


                         HECLA WINS STAR PHOENIX LAWSUIT

     COEUR  D'ALENE, IDAHO  --  Hecla  Mining Company  (HL &  HL-PrB:NYSE) today
announced that the Idaho State Supreme Court ruled  in Hecla's favor in the Star
Phoenix Mining Company lawsuit.  The  Court today reversed the judgment  against
Hecla made in 1994 in Idaho district court.

     Star Phoenix had challenged Hecla's right to terminate Star Phoenix's lease
of  the Star-Morning mine in North  Idaho in 1990.  The  Supreme Court held that
Hecla acted  properly, according to the  terms of the lease  agreement with Star
Phoenix.   Hecla is satisfied with  the Supreme Court's decision  to dismiss the
district  court verdict.   Arthur  Brown, Hecla's  Chairman and  Chief Executive
Officer, said, "This has been a difficult issue for everyone,  including many of
our North Idaho neighbors.   However, the State Supreme Court  came to the right
conclusion."

     The ruling  will release $10 million  in cash being held  in escrow pending
completion of the case.  The Court also awarded Hecla costs and attorney's fees.

     Hecla Mining Company, headquartered in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, is one of  the
United States'  best-known silver producers.  The company also produces gold and
is a major supplier of ball clay, kaolin and other industrial minerals.  Hecla's
operations are principally in the U.S. and Mexico.

                                      -HL-

    Contact: Vicki Veltkamp, Manager - Corporate Communications, 208-769-4144

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