8-K - HL - Equibles

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 11, 2023

HECLA MINING COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	1-8491	77-0664171
(State or other jurisdiction<br> <br>of incorporation)	(Commission<br> <br>File Number)	(IRS Employer<br> <br>Identification No.)

6500 North Mineral Drive, Suite 200

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83815-9408

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(208) 769-4100

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐	Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐	Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
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☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
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☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading<br> <br>Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange<br> <br>on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.25 per share	HL	New York Stock Exchange
Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.25 per share	HL-PB	New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 2.02	Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On January 11, 2023, the Company issued a news release (“Release”) announcing certain preliminary production results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2022. All measures of the Company’s fourth quarter and full year 2022 operating results and conditions contained in the Release are preliminary and reflect the Company’s expected results as of the date of the Release. Actual reported fourth quarter and full year 2022 results are subject to management’s final review as well as review by the Company’s independent registered accounting firm and may vary significantly from current expectations because of a number of factors, including, without limitation, additional or revised information and changes in accounting standards or policies or in how those standards are applied. A copy of the Release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report and is incorporated herein by reference.

In accordance with General Instruction B.2 of Form 8-K, the information in Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1, is being furnished and shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any of the Company’s filings or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Item 8.01	Other Events

On January 17, 2023, the Company issued a news release (“Release”) announcing the union ratified a new collective bargaining agreement at the Company’s Lucky Friday mine. A copy of the Release is attached as Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01	Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

Exhibit<br>Number	Description
99.1	News Release dated January 11, 2023.*
99.2	News Release dated January 17, 2023. *
104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL).
*	Furnished herewith
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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

HECLA MINING COMPANY
By	/s/ David C. Sienko
	David C. Sienko
	Vice President and General Counsel

Dated: January 17, 2023

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

NEWS RELEASE

HECLA EXCEEDS 2022 SILVER PRODUCTION GUIDANCE

10% increase in silver production over 2021; Keno Hill expected to produce more than 2.5 million ounces in 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 11, 2023

COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO — Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) today announced its preliminary silver and gold production for the fourth quarter and full year 2022 and certain estimates for the Keno Hill mine for 2023.^1^

HIGHLIGHTS

Annual

•	Silver production of 14.2 million ounces, Hecla’s second highest, was an increase of 10% over last year<br>driven by a 24% increase at Lucky Friday and a 5% increase at Greens Creek
•	As expected, gold production decreased 13% to 175,807 ounces as Nevada production ended
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•	12% increase in lead production; zinc production unchanged from 2021
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•	Keno Hill development on schedule with production planned to start in the third quarter of 2023, ramping-up to an expected 440 tons per day (tpd) by year end
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Quarter (compared to 3^rd^ Quarter 2022)

•	3% increase in silver and 2% decrease in gold production
•	Lucky Friday silver production increased 14%
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•	Casa Berardi gold production decreased 8%
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•	Lead production increased 7%; zinc production unchanged
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“Hecla is the fastest growing silver producer with a 40% increase in production since 2018. This sustainable growth is due to the continued strong performance of Greens Creek and dramatically higher production from Lucky Friday,” said Phillips S. Baker, Jr., President and CEO. “Greens Creek had record throughput in the fourth quarter and Lucky Friday’s production was driven by higher grades and the innovative Underhand Closed Bench mining method.”

Baker continued, “In 2023, with Keno Hill expected to produce more than 2.5 million ounces of silver, Hecla could achieve as much as 17 million ounces of silver production, which reaches our production goal a year earlier than planned and would make Hecla the largest silver producer not only in the United States but also in Canada. With silver’s growing use in the solar industry and the focus on clean and green energy, this is an exciting time to be the leading silver producer in the world’s best jurisdictions.”

OPERATIONS

Greens Creek

The Greens Creek mine produced 9.7 million ounces of silver and 48,217 ounces of gold in 2022. Fourth quarter production was 2.4 million ounces of silver and 12,990 ounces of gold. The mill achieved a new throughput record of 2,502 tpd in the fourth quarter. Annual silver and gold production increased by approximately 5% over 2021 due to increased mill throughput. Fourth quarter silver production was in line with the third quarter of 2022 while gold production increased by 14% due to higher milled grades. For the year, the mill operated at an average of 2,415 tpd in 2022.

Hecla Mining Company • 1-800-432-5291 • hmc-info@hecla-mining.com	1

Lucky Friday

At the Lucky Friday Mine, 4.4 million and 1.2 million ounces of silver were produced in 2022 and the fourth quarter, respectively. Silver production increase of 24% year over year was attributable to an 11% increase in mill throughput and 12% higher grades. Silver production increased 14% in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter of 2022 due to higher grades. The mine achieved multiple milestones in 2022 with record mined tons, and record mill throughput of 978 tpd in the mine’s 80-year history.

Casa Berardi

The Casa Berardi mine produced 127,590 and 30,709 ounces of gold in 2022 and the fourth quarter, respectively. Gold production declined by 5% over the prior year due to lower grades as ore sourced from the pits accounted for a higher percentage of the mill feed, partially offset by higher throughput and recoveries. Fourth quarter gold production was 8% lower compared to the third quarter of 2022 due to lower milled grades. The mill operated at an average of 4,353 tpd in 2022, an increase of 4% over the prior year, and achieved yet another throughput record of 4,468 tpd in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Keno Hill

At the Keno Hill mine, development remains on schedule and the mine is expected to commence production in the third quarter of 2023 with a phased ramp up projected to reach 440 tpd by the end of the year. Ramp-up and development costs from January 2023 until full production is achieved are forecast at $35 - $40 million. 2023 silver production is forecast to be more than 2.5 million ounces and is expected to come from the Bermingham and Flame & Moth deposits.

PRODUCTION SUMMARY

	Fourth QuarterDecember 31,2022						Twelve Months EndedDecember 31,<br>2022 2021^(3)^
Production				Increase/<br>(Decrease)						Increase/<br>(Decrease)
Silver (oz)	****	3,663,434	3,549,392	****	3	%	****	14,182,987	12,887,239	****	10	%
Gold (oz)	****	43,699	44,747	****	(2	)%	****	175,807	201,326	****	(13	)%
Lead (tons)	****	12,456	11,601	****	7	%	****	48,250	43,011	****	12	%
Zinc (tons)	****	15,892	15,859	****	—	****	****	63,463	63,617	****	—	****
Greens Creek – Silver (oz)	****	2,433,275	2,468,279	****	(1	)%	****	9,741,935	9,243,222	****	5	%
Greens Creek – Gold (oz)	****	12,990	11,412	****	14	%	****	48,217	46,089	****	5	%
Lucky Friday – Silver (oz)^^	****	1,224,199	1,074,230	****	14	%	****	4,412,763	3,564,127	****	24	%
Casa Berardi – Gold (oz)	****	30,709	33,335	****	(8	)%	****	127,590	134,510	****	(5	)%
(1)	See cautionary statement regarding preliminary statements at the end of this release.
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(2)	Silver and gold equivalent calculation based on the respective average annual metal prices as follows: $21.75<br>for Ag, $1,800.80 for Au, $0.98 for Pb, and $1.58 for Zn.
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(3)	2021 gold production doesn’t foot because Nevada operations are not listed in the table; Nevada operations<br>were placed on care & maintenance in 2022.
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ABOUT HECLA

Founded in 1891, **** Hecla Mining Company (NYSE: HL) is the largest silver producer in the United States. In addition to operating mines in Alaska, Idaho, and Quebec, Canada, the Company is developing a mine in the Yukon, Canada, and owns a number of exploration and pre-development projects in world-class silver and gold mining districts throughout North America.

Hecla Mining Company • 1-800-432-5291 • hmc-info@hecla-mining.com	2

Cautionary Statements Regarding Estimates and Forward-Looking Statements

All measures of the Company’s fourth quarter and full year 2022 operating results contained in this release are preliminary and reflect the Company’s expected results as of the date of this release. Actual reported fourth quarter and full year 2022 results are subject to management’s final review as well as review by the Company’s independent registered accounting firm and may vary significantly from current expectations because of a number of factors, including, without limitation, additional or revised information and changes in accounting standards or policies or in how those standards are applied.

Statements made or information provided in this news release that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such sections and other applicable laws, and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. When a forward-looking statement expresses or implies an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. However, such statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, projected or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance and financial condition and often contain words such as “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “estimate,” “should,” “expect,” “believe,” “project,” “target,” “indicative,” “preliminary,” “potential” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this news release may include, without limitation: (i) Keno Hill will achieve complete ramp-up in 2023 and production will exceed 2.5 million ounces and (ii) the Company has the potential to be the largest silver producer in the U.S. and Canada. Estimates or expectations of future events or results are based upon certain assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect, which could cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements. Such assumptions, include, but are not limited to: (i) there being no significant change to current geotechnical, metallurgical, hydrological and other physical conditions; (ii) permitting, development, operations and expansion of the Company’s projects being consistent with current expectations and mine plans; (iii) political/regulatory developments in any jurisdiction in which the Company operates being consistent with its current expectations; (iv) certain price assumptions for gold, silver, lead and zinc; (v) prices for key supplies being approximately consistent with current levels; (vi) the accuracy of our current mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; (vii) the Company’s plans for development and production will proceed as expected and will not require revision as a result of risks or uncertainties, whether known, unknown or unanticipated; (viii) sufficient workforce is available and trained to perform assigned tasks; (ix) weather patterns and rain/snowfall within normal seasonal ranges so as not to impact operations; (x) relations with interested parties, including Native Americans, remain productive; and (xi) factors do not arise that reduce available cash balances.

In addition, material risks that could cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements include but are not limited to: (i) gold, silver and other metals price volatility; (ii) operating risks; (iii) currency fluctuations; (iv) increased production costs and variances in ore grade or recovery rates from those assumed in mining plans; (v) community relations; and (vi) litigation, political, regulatory, labor and environmental risks. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors, see the Company’s 2021 Form 10-K filed on February 22, 2022, and Form 10-Q filed on August 5, 2022 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 other than as may be required by law.

For further information, please contact:

Anvita M. Patil

Vice President – Investor Relations and Treasurer

Cheryl Turner

Communications Coordinator

800-HECLA91 (800-432-5291)

Investor Relations

Email: hmc-info@hecla-mining.com

Website: www.hecla-mining.com

Hecla Mining Company • 1-800-432-5291 • hmc-info@hecla-mining.com	3

EX-99.2

Exhibit 99.2

LOGO

NEWS RELEASE

HECLA REPORTS UNION RATIFICATION OF A

SIX-YEAR AGREEMENT AT LUCKY FRIDAY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 17, 2023

COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO — Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) today announced that the United Steelworkers (USW) Union Local 5114 has ratified the Collective Bargaining Agreement at the Company’s Lucky Friday Mine, located in Mullan, Idaho.

The USW Local 5114 and the Company have agreed to a 6-year contract. The work rules were largely unchanged from the prior agreement. Wages are increased to reflect recent inflationary pressures and to maintain Lucky Friday’s competitiveness in a tight labor market.

“With the ratification of this 6-year agreement, Lucky Friday is positioned for continued successful growth well into the future”, said Phillips S. Baker, Jr., President & CEO. “The agreement shows the strong working relationship with the USW Local 5114 and gives both the work force and Hecla, stability. With 2022’s 24% increase in silver production over 2021 and the expected further growth in the coming years, we believe this decade will be the best in the mine’s 80-year history.”

ABOUT HECLA

CautionaryStatements Regarding Estimates and Forward-Looking Statements

Hecla Mining Company • 1-800-432-5291 •<br>hmc-info@hecla-mining.com	1

operates being consistent with its current expectations; (iv) certain price assumptions for gold, silver, lead and zinc; (v) prices for key supplies being approximately consistent with current levels; (vi) the accuracy of our current mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; (vii) the Company’s plans for development and production will proceed as expected and will not require revision as a result of risks or uncertainties, whether known, unknown or unanticipated; (viii) sufficient workforce is available and trained to perform assigned tasks; (ix) weather patterns and rain/snowfall within normal seasonal ranges so as not to impact operations; (x) relations with interested parties, including Native Americans, remain productive; and (xi) factors do not arise that reduce available cash balances.

For further information, please contact:

Anvita M. Patil

Vice President – Investor Relations and Treasurer

Cheryl Turner

Communications Coordinator

800-HECLA91 (800-432-5291)

Investor Relations

Email: hmc-info@hecla-mining.com

Website: www.hecla-mining.com

Hecla Mining Company • 1-800-432-5291 •<br>hmc-info@hecla-mining.com	2