EXHIBIT 32.1

                      Hecla Mining Company and Subsidiaries

                                 CERTIFICATIONS


I, Phillips S. Baker, Jr., President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of
Hecla Mining Company ("Hecla"), certify that to 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 5, 2004


         /s/ Phillips S. Baker, Jr.
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         Phillips S. Baker, Jr.
         President, Chief Executive Officer and Director


A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other
document authenticating, acknowledging or otherwise adopting the signature that
appears in typed form within the electronic version 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.

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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.