EXHIBIT 99.1


                      Hecla Mining Company and Subsidiaries

                                 CERTIFICATIONS


I, Arthur Brown, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hecla Mining Company
("Hecla"), certify that to the best of my knowledge:

1.       This quarterly report of Hecla on Form 10-Q ("report") fully complies
         with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
         Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.       The information contained in the report fairly presents, in all
         material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of
         Hecla.


Date: May 9, 2003


         /s/ Arthur Brown
         ------------------------------------
         Arthur Brown
         Chairman and Chief Executive Officer



A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been
provided to Hecla Mining Company and will be retained by Hecla and furnished to
the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The foregoing certification is being furnished in accordance with Securities and
Exchange Commission Release No. 34-47551 and shall not be considered filed as
part of the Form 10-Q.