Exhibit 99.1
Hecla First Quarter 2006 Earnings Top $38 Million;
115% Increase in Gross Profit, 21% Decrease in Silver Cash
Production Costs, 51% Increase in Gold Production;
For the Period Ended March 31, 2006
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 3, 2006--Hecla Mining
Company (NYSE:HL) today reported first quarter net income of $38.4
million, or $0.32 per share, compared to a net loss of $3.3 million,
or $0.03 per share, during the same period of 2005. Hecla's gross
profit more than doubled from the same period a year ago, the average
total cash cost per ounce of silver production decreased 21% and gold
production increased 51% over the first quarter of 2005. First quarter
net income is primarily attributable to a gain of $35.6 million, net
of income taxes, on the sale of a stock investment and increased gross
profit due to rising metals prices. Excluding the gain on sale of
investments, Hecla's net income totaled $2.8 million, or $0.02 per
common share, an improvement of $6.1 million over the first quarter of
2005.
Hecla's diversity of operations continues to deliver low-cost
production and less risk. From its U.S.-based mines, Hecla continues
to have extremely low silver production costs with first quarter
production of 1.2 million ounces at an average total cash cost per
ounce of $2.05. As a result, Hecla's estimated total average cash cost
for silver in 2006 has been reduced to $2.25 per ounce. Gold
production in the first quarter was over 42,000 ounces at an average
total cash cost per ounce of $357, with a total average cash cost for
the year expected in the range of $350-$375 per ounce of gold.
The price of silver averaged $9.69 per ounce, with an average
realized price of gold of $558 per ounce during the first quarter.
Hecla's President and Chief Executive Officer, Phillips S. Baker, Jr.,
said, "This is the start of a great year. We continue to be on track
to show further operational improvements, and precious and base metals
prices are now above those experienced during the first quarter and
all of last year. The price of silver is in the range to really show
profits while at the same time allowing significant investments in the
future through exploration. Our mines are easily supplying the cash
flow we need to fund this effort. Our exploration work on the Hugh
Zone silver discovery in Mexico is getting more exciting as each
exploration dollar is spent, and we're making good progress on the
Hollister Development Block gold project, increasing the resource at
Lucky Friday, further delineating the new West Gallagher zone at
Greens Creek, and Venezuelan exploration is advancing targets at both
La Camorra and Block B. Truly, Hecla has low-risk exploration
potential as yet unrecognized by the market, as well as tremendously
undervalued properties at these increased metals prices. Those
factors, along with what we believe is a precious metals bull market
with some legs on it, bodes well for our stock price."
FIRST QUARTER 2006 HIGHLIGHTS
-- Gross profit of $11.7 million, a 115% increase from the first
quarter a year ago
-- Revenues of $39.8 million, a 63% increase from the first
quarter a year ago
-- 1.2 million ounces of silver produced at an average total cash
cost of $2.05 per ounce, a 21% decrease in production costs
compared to the same period of 2005
-- 42,419 ounces of gold produced, a 51% quarter-on-quarter
production increase, including production of 37,620 ounces
from Venezuela at an average total cash cost of $357 per ounce
-- A 25% decrease in estimated silver total average cash cost for
2006 to $2.25 per ounce; estimate for total average cash cost
per ounce of gold increased to a range of $350-$375
-- 38% increase in average silver price and 30% increase in
average realized gold price compared to the first quarter 2005
-- The La Camorra mine reached its one-millionth ounce of
production
-- Shares of Alamos Gold Inc. sold in January, generated a $35.6
million gain, net of income taxes, and $57 million in cash
-- Continued focus on exploration and pre-development, with
increasing optimism toward the West Gallagher at Greens Creek
in Alaska, the Hugh Zone discovery in Mexico and positive
exploration drilling below the current resource at Lucky
Friday in Idaho
OPERATIONS AND EXPLORATION
Overall, operations performed well during the first quarter and
silver production is expected to increase during the second half of
the year, as development of the 5900 level at the Lucky Friday silver
mine is finished and ground rehabilitation is completed at Greens
Creek. Hecla's anticipated 2006 production is approximately 6 million
ounces of silver and 150,000 ounces of gold. Baker said, "Our silver
operations, all U.S. based, are outperforming our previous cost per
ounce estimates and last year's already low costs. Our gold operations
in Venezuela are giving us great cash flow as the La Camorra Unit
begins to realize the benefits of Mina Isidora, although we have
increased our cash cost per ounce estimate for gold production in 2006
because of currency exchange controls, lower productivity at the La
Camorra mine and royalties tied to the price of gold. We are taking a
number of steps to minimize the impact of currency restrictions and to
improve productivity."
Greens Creek -- Of the total silver mined by Hecla during the
first quarter of 2006, half came from the Greens Creek silver mine in
Alaska, operating since 1986, in which Hecla holds an approximate 30%
interest. For the first quarter of 2006, Greens Creek provided 614,094
ounces of silver for Hecla's account, at the very low average total
cash cost per ounce of negative $1.28, the result of high by-product
credits from gold, zinc and lead. A ground control rehabilitation
program continued at Greens Creek during the first quarter, which
slightly impacted production at the mine, just as it did during the
fourth quarter of 2005. This program should be complete by the second
half of the year, with a commensurate increase in production. Assay
results from approximately 25% of the 130 holes drilled into the West
Gallagher have been received. The exploration program has clearly
identified a significant ore-grade resource in the West Gallagher. A
large, lower-grade mineralized area surrounds the ore-grade resource.
The resource continues to be open to the west and the south.
Geophysical work shows a large conductor to the west, strongly
indicating additional ore. The potential is good for a minable
resource, typical in size to the other productive ore zones at Greens
Creek. Greens Creek personnel are currently developing additional
drill platforms and will begin drilling the indicated extensions in
the third quarter. A resource estimate based on the drilling to date
is expected by the fourth quarter.
Lucky Friday -- The Lucky Friday mine, operating since 1942 in
northern Idaho, produced 626,792 ounces at an average total cash cost
of $5.31 per ounce of silver during the first quarter of 2006,
continuing its improvement from the fourth quarter of last year as the
mine works toward achieving its planned annual production rate of 4
million ounces by the middle of 2006. The first full year of
production at that rate is expected to be 2007. The 35% increase in
silver production and considerably lower costs compared to the fourth
quarter 2005 are a result of the new development on the 5900 level of
this deep underground mine, where some early production has been
achieved. However, the bulk of the production in the first quarter was
still from the nearly mined-out 4900 level. Once most of the
production is coming from the new 5900 level later in the year, it is
anticipated that costs will decrease and production will increase even
more because the new development is in the heart of the identified
reserve, reducing haulage time.
Five exploration holes completed in the first quarter all returned
ore grade intercepts on one or more veins. All five intercepts are
outside the current resource estimate. Baker said, "I fully expect to
increase the known resource at the Lucky Friday, where we already have
as much resource identified as has been mined during the past 33 years
at this great silver mine. The main vein in the expansion area is very
robust, as evidenced by assays from our deepest exploration hole at
the 6900 level, which is already 1,000 feet below our current mining
level and 500 feet below our current resource. In fact, based on the
geology, we believe we will continue to see this type of
mineralization another 1,000 feet below the 6900 level and even
beyond. This mine continues to provide good news in every aspect of
the business: operations, safety and exploration."
La Camorra -- Hecla has been operating the La Camorra Unit in
Venezuela since 1999, made up of the original La Camorra mine and the
newly developed Mina Isidora, which is located about 100 kilometers
north of the La Camorra mine. All ore from both deposits is processed
through the mill at the La Camorra mine, which produced its
one-millionth ounce during the first quarter of 2006. In the first
quarter of 2006, the La Camorra Unit produced 37,620 ounces of gold, a
72% increase over the first quarter a year ago, due primarily to Mina
Isidora production. The average total cash cost per ounce of gold was
$357, including approximately $22 per ounce for obsolete supply
inventory, compared to $294 per ounce in the same period of 2005. As
mining progresses deeper in the older La Camorra deposit where the
grade is decreasing, there are fewer mining headings, limiting
flexibility and production and resulting in a decrease in tons mined
from that deposit. That lower volume, costs associated with mining
deeper and unfavorable currency exchange controls have resulted in a
mining cost per ton increase at the La Camorra Unit. This cost
increase occurred despite completion of a shaft at the La Camorra
mine, which was originally intended to alleviate some of the costs of
mining at depth. Even so, at the current gold price, cash margins
remain healthy. However, there is enough uncertainty in some of the
cost factors that the 2006 estimate of average total cash cost of
production for gold has been increased to $350-$375 per ounce.
Late in the first quarter of 2006, Hecla began selling gold to the
local market as required by Venezuelan law (which specifies that 15%
of gold production be sold within the country). Hecla expects to sell
the gold now inventoried over a number of quarters.
Exploration on Hecla's Block B in Venezuela, where Mina Isidora is
located, began again in the first quarter, after completing the fourth
quarter reserve analysis. Drilling results are not yet available. On
the El Dorado concessions where the La Camorra mine is located, the
immediate focus has turned from identifying deep resources to
targeting shallower targets along strike of the deposit. There is good
evidence of additional mineralization on the concessions that could be
drilled from the surface once exploration permits are obtained.
The small mining cooperative program initiated by Hecla in
Venezuela continues to reflect the company's values by helping the
local communities and maintaining good government relations. The
program includes funding and training small mining cooperatives to
improve their technical, safety and environmental practices. In
return, Hecla retains half of the ore it processes for the miners.
San Sebastian -- The Hugh Zone, which is an extension of the
Francine vein at Hecla's San Sebastian property near Durango, Mexico,
now shows persistent mineralization along a 2-kilometer strike length.
Baker said, "The Hugh Zone continues to give us encouragement that we
have a large minable deposit, if the mineralization proves continuous.
Our aim of doubling the potential resource looks very good and we
expect to confirm that later this year." Drilling is still widespread
on this very large deposit, which is located on the Francine vein
about 300 meters beneath the silver-rich zone that Hecla mined out
last year. The Hugh Zone remains open at depth and to the east and
west, and drilling from the surface will continue in the second
quarter. Preliminary analysis shows net smelter returns of up to $800
per ton at current metals prices in some of the higher-grade areas of
the deposit. The average production cost during the life of the San
Sebastian mine (which included the upper levels of the Francine vein)
was approximately $90 per ton.
More than two years of well-executed, systematic geologic work has
begun to give Hecla a real understanding of the genesis of the
deposits on the 200-square-mile San Sebastian property position. The
current geologic understanding in the district is supporting a belief
in the potential for more, and even bigger, deposits on these trends.
According to Baker, "Our holdings in the Saladillo Valley may well
become the next major mining district in Mexico. Three factors make me
say that: First, this property appears to be the intersection of three
major structural trends with a major intrusive lying at this
intersection. This is probably the key to the high-grade
mineralization we have mined there in the past. Second, the Hugh Zone
is evidence of a stacked mineralized system similar to the
1.3-billion-ounce Guanajuato silver district just 340 miles to the
southeast. And finally, this has very similar sulfidation stages to
those seen in the 1.1-billion-ounce Fresnillo silver district 150
miles to the southeast." Based on this geologic understanding,
drilling programs are planned for the north end of the San Sebastian
property, as well as three or four other targets later this year.
Hollister Development Block -- Underground drilling at the
Hollister Development Block gold exploration project in Nevada
commenced during the first quarter and is continuing in the second
quarter. Approximately 15% of the planned drilling is complete, with
assays pending. A decision on whether the high-grade gold deposit is
continuous enough to be economically mined is expected in early 2007.
Hecla is earning into a 50/50 joint venture participation on the
project with Great Basin Gold.
FINANCIAL
Hecla's balance sheet remains strong with no long-term debt and
$54.2 million of cash and short-term investments. In addition, Hecla
has a $30 million credit facility to draw upon if acquisition or
capital improvement opportunities arise. The company has no silver or
gold production sold forward.
During the first quarter, Hecla recognized an after-tax gain of
$35.6 million on the sale of Alamos Gold Inc. stock, which was subject
only to a U.S. alternative minimum tax of 2% to a historical tax loss
carryforward. Hecla had invested $21 million in the stock and sold the
position in January 2006, for cash proceeds of $57 million.
In the second quarter of 2006, income of $4.4 million is expected
to be recognized from the sale of the Noche Buena gold exploration
property in Mexico. A determination was made that the deposit did not
fit Hecla's operating parameters, so the property was sold.
OTHER
In late April, the Idaho Supreme Court ruled in favor of Hecla on
all counts in a lawsuit brought by Independence Lead Mines regarding
the Lucky Friday mine. The Court agreed that Hecla had in all ways
acted in a prudent manner in its management of the Lucky Friday. There
is no avenue of appeal available to the plaintiffs, so the matter is
now closed.
During the first quarter, the Board of Directors of Hecla Mining
Company appointed Philip C. Wolf to the position of Vice President and
General Counsel. Wolf will provide legal counsel for Hecla's business
activities and is also responsible for the environmental and land
departments. Wolf has more than 30 years of legal experience, the
majority of it in the mining industry with Cyprus Amax Minerals and
Amoco Minerals Company. After Hecla's Annual Meeting of Shareholders,
Wolf will also take over the position of Corporate Secretary.
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Hecla Mining Company takes
place this Friday, May 5, at 10:30 a.m. PT at the Coeur d'Alene Inn in
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. At that meeting, Arthur Brown will retire as
Chairman of the Board, after 39 years with Hecla. Another long-time
Hecla director, John Clute, is also retiring from the Board after 25
years of service to the company. Michael B. White, who was Hecla's
Corporate Secretary for 15 years, will also retire. Baker said, "The
good counsel of all three of these very experienced men will be
acutely missed, but they have certainly earned a long and happy
retirement. We wish them all the best, and thank them for their
integrity, loyalty and guidance."
Hecla Mining Company, headquartered in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho,
mines, processes and explores for silver and gold in the United
States, Venezuela and Mexico. A 115-year-old company, Hecla has long
been well known in the mining world and financial markets as a quality
silver and gold producer. Hecla's common and preferred shares are
traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols HL and HL-PrB.
Statements made which are not historical facts, such as
anticipated payments, litigation outcome, production, sales of assets,
exploration results and plans, costs, and prices or sales performance
are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and involve a number of
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those projected, anticipated, expected or implied.
These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, metals
price volatility, volatility of metals production and costs,
exploration risks and results, political risks, project development
risks, labor issues and ability to raise financing. Refer to the
company's Form 10-Q and 10-K reports for a more detailed discussion of
factors that may impact expected future results. The company
undertakes no obligation and has no intention of updating
forward-looking statements.
Cautionary Note to Investors -- The United States Securities and
Exchange Commission permits mining companies, in their filings with
the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can
economically and legally extract or produce. We use certain terms in
this news release, such as "resource," "reserve," and "inferred
resource" that the SEC guidelines strictly prohibit us from including
in our filing with the SEC. U.S. investors are urged to consider
closely the disclosure in our Form 10-K. You can review and obtain
copies of these filings from the SEC's Web site at
http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.
HECLA MINING COMPANY
(dollars in thousands, except per share, per ounce and per
pound amounts - unaudited)
First Quarter Ended
--------------------
HIGHLIGHTS Mar. 31, Mar. 31,
2006 2005
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL DATA
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales:
Silver operations (2) $ 24,215 $ 14,744
Gold operations 15,575 9,690
---------- ----------
Total sales $ 39,790 $ 24,434
Gross Profit:
Silver operations (2) $ 9,986 $ 3,162
Gold operations 1,747 2,303
---------- ----------
Total gross profit $ 11,733 $ 5,465
Net income (loss) $ 38,394 $ (3,296)
Income (loss) applicable to common
shareholders $ 38,256 $ (3,434)
Basic income (loss) per common share $ 0.32 $ (0.03)
Cash flow used in operating activities $ (303) $ (6,985)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities before exploration and
pre-development expenses (1) $ 4,579 $ (2,059)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
PRODUCTION SUMMARY - TOTALS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Silver - Ounces 1,240,886 1,418,263
Gold - Ounces 42,419 28,122
Lead - Tons 5,209 4,896
Zinc - Tons 5,569 5,946
Average cost per ounce of silver produced (2):
Cash operating costs ($/oz.) 1.80 2.49
Total cash costs ($/oz.) (3) 2.05 2.60
Total production costs ($/oz.) 4.19 4.12
Average cost per ounce of gold produced (4):
Cash operating costs ($/oz.) 348 285
Total cash costs ($/oz.) (3) 357 294
Total production costs ($/oz.) 508 358
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE METAL PRICES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Silver - London Fix ($/oz.) 9.69 7.00
Gold - Realized ($/oz.) 558 429
Gold - London Final ($/oz.) 554 427
Lead - LME Cash (cents/pound) 56.3 44.4
Zinc - LME Cash (cents/pound) 101.9 59.7
(1) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities before
exploration and pre-development expenses represents a non-U.S.
generally accepted accounting principle (GAAP) measurement. The
following table presents a reconciliation between cash flow used
in operating activities to non-GAAP net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities before exploration and pre-development
expenses for the quarters ended March 31, 2006 and 2005:
Cash flow used in operating activities $ (303) $ (6,985)
Add exploration 3,388 2,792
Add pre-development expenses 1,494 2,134
------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities before exploration and
pre-development expenses $ 4,579 $ (2,059)
======= ========
(2) Includes gold produced at silver properties, which is treated as a
by-product credit in the calculation of silver costs per ounce.
(3) Total cash costs per ounce of silver and gold represent non-U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) measurements. A
reconciliation of total cash costs to cost of sales and other
direct production costs (GAAP) can be found in the cash costs per
ounce reconciliation section of this news release. For additional
information, see note (1) on the cash costs per ounce
reconciliation section.
(4) For the quarters ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, this includes gold
produced from third-party mining operations located near the La
Camorra mine, which is treated as a by-product credit and included
in the calculation of gold costs per ounce.
HECLA MINING COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(dollars and shares in thousands, except per share
amounts - unaudited)
First Quarter Ended
-------------------
Mar. 31, Mar. 31,
2006 2005
--------- -----------
Sales of products $ 39,790 $ 24,434
-------- ---------
Cost of sales and other direct production costs 19,910 15,143
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 8,147 3,826
-------- ---------
28,057 18,969
-------- ---------
Gross profit 11,733 5,465
-------- ---------
Other operating expenses:
General and administrative 3,100 2,642
Exploration 3,388 2,792
Pre-development expenses 1,494 2,134
Depreciation and amortization 309 146
Other operating expenses 240 692
Provision for closed operations and
environmental matters 715 334
-------- ---------
9,246 8,740
-------- ---------
Income (loss) from operations 2,487 (3,275)
-------- ---------
Other income (expense):
Gain on sale of investments 36,422 - -
Interest and other income 607 430
Interest expense (127) (33)
-------- ---------
36,902 397
-------- ---------
Income (loss) from operations, before income
taxes 39,389 (2,878)
Income tax provision (995) (418)
-------- ---------
Net income (loss) 38,394 (3,296)
Preferred stock dividends (138) (138)
-------- ---------
Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders $ 38,256 $ (3,434)
======== =========
Basic and diluted income (loss) per common
share after preferred stock dividends $ 0.32 $ (0.03)
======== =========
Basic weighted average number of common shares
outstanding 118,756 118,381
======== =========
Diluted weighted average number of common shares
outstanding 119,288 118,381
======== =========
HECLA MINING COMPANY
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(dollars and shares in thousands - unaudited)
Mar. 31, Dec. 31,
2006 2005
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 42,156 $ 6,308
Short-term investments and securities held for
sale 12,000 40,862
Accounts and notes receivable 22,267 17,595
Inventories 28,019 25,466
Other current assets 4,903 3,546
--------- ---------
Total current assets 109,345 93,777
Investments 3,780 2,233
Restricted cash and investments 20,576 20,340
Properties, plants and equipment, net 137,339 137,932
Other noncurrent assets 21,959 17,884
--------- ---------
Total assets $ 292,999 $ 272,166
========= =========
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 16,323 $ 16,684
Dividends payable 138 138
Accrued payroll and related benefits 9,942 10,452
Accrued taxes 3,505 2,529
Current portion of debt 1,060 - -
Current portion of accrued reclamation and
closure costs 6,365 6,328
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities 37,333 36,131
Long-term debt - - 3,000
Accrued reclamation and closure costs 62,178 62,914
Other noncurrent liabilities 9,437 8,791
--------- ---------
Total liabilities 108,948 110,836
--------- ---------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred stock 39 39
Common stock 29,775 29,651
Capital surplus 511,100 508,104
Accumulated deficit (357,836) (396,092)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 1,091 19,746
Treasury stock (118) (118)
--------- ---------
Total shareholders' equity 184,051 161,330
--------- ---------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 292,999 $ 272,166
========= =========
Common shares outstanding at end of period 119,093 118,594
========= =========
HECLA MINING COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(dollars in thousands - unaudited)
First Quarter Ended
-------------------
Mar. 31, Mar. 31,
2006 2005
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) $ 38,394 $ (3,296)
Noncash elements included in net income (loss):
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 8,456 3,972
Gain on sale of investments (36,422) - -
(Gain) loss on disposition of properties, plants
and equipment (22) 14
Gain on sale of royalty interests (341) (550)
Provision for reclamation and closure costs 98 253
Stock compensation 271 161
Change in assets and liabilities:
Accounts and notes receivable (7,059) (619)
Inventories (2,553) (3,695)
Other current and noncurrent assets (2,098) (1,614)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (352) (598)
Accrued payroll and related benefits 456 (575)
Accrued taxes 976 (24)
Accrued reclamation and closure costs and other
noncurrent liabilities (107) (414)
-------- --------
Net cash used in operating activities (303) (6,985)
-------- --------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Additions to properties, plants and equipment (7,885) (9,815)
Proceeds from sale of investments 57,423 - -
Proceeds from disposition of properties, plants
and equipment - - 17
Purchase of short-term investments (20,200) (44,694)
Maturities of short-term investments 8,200 42,721
Increase in restricted investments (236) (133)
-------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities 37,302 (11,904)
-------- --------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Common stock issued under stock option plans 846 161
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders (138) (138)
Other financing activities 81 - -
Borrowings on debt 4,060 - -
Repayments of debt (6,000) - -
-------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities (1,151) 23
-------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents 35,848 (18,866)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 6,308 34,460
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 42,156 $ 15,594
======== ========
HECLA MINING COMPANY
Production Data
First Quarter Ended
-------------------
Mar. 31, Mar. 31,
2006 2005
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
GREENS CREEK UNIT (Reflects Hecla's 29.73% share)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tons of ore milled 51,888 55,045
Days of operation 84 83
Mining cost per ton $ 34.52 $ 33.38
Milling cost per ton $ 23.79 $ 20.39
Ore grade milled - Silver (oz./ton) 15.53 21.42
Silver produced (oz.) 614,094 896,871
Gold produced (oz.) 4,728 6,200
Lead produced (tons) 1,615 1,847
Zinc produced (tons) 4,537 5,122
Average cost per ounce of silver produced (2):
Cash operating costs $ (1.78) $ 0.87
Total cash costs (1) $ (1.28) $ 1.05
Total production costs $ 1.95 $ 3.35
Capital additions (in thousands) $ 1,987 $ 420
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
LUCKY FRIDAY UNIT
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tons of ore processed 63,724 42,795
Days of operation 69 45
Mining cost per ton $ 51.13 $ 66.77
Milling cost per ton $ 11.38 $ 8.21
Ore grade milled - Silver (oz./ton) 11.01 12.99
Silver produced (oz.) 626,792 521,392
Lead produced (tons) 3,594 3,049
Zinc produced (tons) 1,032 824
Average cost of silver produced:
Cash operating costs $ 5.30 $ 5.26
Total cash costs (1) $ 5.31 $ 5.26
Total production costs $ 6.39 $ 5.46
Capital additions (in thousands) $ 2,101 $ 1,811
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
LA CAMORRA UNIT
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tons of ore processed 54,547 50,332
Days of operation 84 83
Mining cost per ton $ 123.24 $ 62.02
Milling cost per ton $ 16.59 $ 12.24
Ore grade milled - Gold (oz./ton) 0.701 0.448
Gold produced (oz.) 37,620 21,860
Average cost per ounce of gold produced:
Cash operating costs $ 348 $ 285
Total cash costs (1) $ 357 $ 294
Total production costs $ 508 $ 358
Capital additions (in thousands) $ 3,705 $ 7,338
(1) Total cash costs per ounce of silver and gold represent non-U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) measurements. A
reconciliation of total cash costs to cost of sales and other
direct production costs (GAAP) can be found in the cash costs per
ounce reconciliation section of this news release.
(2) Gold produced is treated as a by-product credit in calculating
silver costs per ounce.
HECLA MINING COMPANY
Reconciliation of Cash Costs per Ounce to Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles (GAAP)(1)
(dollars and ounces in thousands, except per ounce - unaudited)
First Quarter Ended
-------------------
Mar. 31, Mar. 31,
2006 2005
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLD OPERATIONS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cash costs $13,209 $ 6,181
Divided by gold ounces produced 37 21
------- -------
Total cash cost per ounce produced $ 357 $ 294
======= =======
Reconciliation to GAAP (2):
Total cash costs $13,209 $ 6,181
Depreciation 5,531 1,329
Treatment & freight costs (1,594) (412)
By-product credits 410 306
Change in product inventory (3,711) (48)
Reclamation, severance and other costs (16) 31
------- -------
Costs of sales and other direct production costs
and depreciation, depletion and amortization
(GAAP) $13,829 $ 7,387
======= =======
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SILVER OPERATIONS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cash costs (3) $ 2,540 $ 3,682
Divided by silver ounces produced 1,241 1,418
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Total cash cost per ounce produced $ 2.05 $ 2.60
======= =======
Reconciliation to GAAP:
Total cash costs $ 2,540 $ 3,682
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 2,616 2,498
Treatment & freight costs (6,953) (4,851)
By-product credits 15,327 10,078
Change in product inventory 653 (389)
Idle facility cost (3) - - 511
Reclamation, severance and other costs 45 54
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Costs of sales and other direct production costs
and depreciation, depletion and amortization
(GAAP) $14,228 $11,583
======= =======
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
GREENS CREEK UNIT (Reflects Hecla's 29.73% share)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cash costs $ (788) $ 939
Divided by silver ounces produced 614 897
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Total cash cost per ounce produced $ (1.28) $ 1.05
======= =======
Reconciliation to GAAP:
Total cash costs $ (788) $ 939
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 1,943 2,022
Treatment & freight costs (4,342) (3,442)
By-product credits 10,326 7,195
Change in product inventory (217) (61)
Reclamation, severance and other costs 42 41
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Costs of sales and other direct production costs
and depreciation, depletion and amortization
(GAAP) $ 6,964 $ 6,694
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LUCKY FRIDAY UNIT
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cash costs $ 3,328 $ 2,743
Divided by silver ounces produced 627 521
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Total cash cost per ounce produced $ 5.31 $ 5.26
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Reconciliation to GAAP:
Total cash costs $ 3,328 $ 2,743
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 673 89
Treatment & freight costs (2,611) (1,409)
By-product credits 5,001 2,883
Change in product inventory (36) (328)
Reclamation and other costs 3 13
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Costs of sales and other direct production costs
and depreciation, depletion and amortization
(GAAP) $ 6,358 $ 3,991
======= =======
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
RECONCILIATION TO GAAP, ALL OPERATIONS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cash costs $15,749 $ 9,863
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 8,147 3,827
Treatment & freight costs (8,547) (5,263)
By-product credits 15,737 10,384
Change in product inventory (3,058) (437)
Idle facility cost(3) - - 511
Reclamation and other costs 29 85
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Costs of sales and other direct production costs
and depreciation, depletion and amortization
(GAAP) $28,057 $18,970
======= =======
(1) Cash costs per ounce of silver or gold represent non-U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) measurements that
the company believes provide management and investors an
indication of net cash flow, after consideration of the realized
price received for production sold. Management also uses this
measurement for the comparative monitoring of performance of
mining operations period-to-period from a cash flow perspective.
"Total cash cost per ounce" is a measure developed by gold
companies in an effort to provide a comparable standard; however,
there can be no assurance that our reporting of this non-GAAP
measure is similar to that reported by other mining companies.
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation,
depletion and amortization are the most comparable financial
measures calculated in accordance with GAAP to total cash costs.
(2) Costs per ounce of gold are based on the gold produced by the La
Camorra mine and our Block B concessions only. During the quarters
ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, gold produced from third-party
mining operations located near the La Camorra mine and Block B
concessions was treated as a by-product credit and included in the
calculation of gold costs per ounce.
(3) The mill that processed San Sebastian ore was closed due to a
strike by mill workers during the first quarter of 2005, making
first quarter 2005 production statistics not meaningful, including
total cash cost per ounce produced. Mine and mill operations
ceased in October 2005. During the first quarter 2005, cost of
sales and other direct production costs of $511,000 were not
included in the determination of total cash costs for silver
operations.
CONTACT: Hecla Mining Company
investor and public relations
Vicki Veltkamp, 208-769-4144
Web site: http://www.hecla-mining.com