THE LINK: JANUARY 2024 44 Despite setbacks at its Lucky Friday and Keno Hill mines, Hecla Mining Company produced 14.3 million ounces of silver in 2023, which was slightly higher than the company’s 2022 production of this precious technology metal, thanks in large part to the steadfast output at its Greens Creek operation in Southeast Alaska. Despite a pair of significant Southeast Alaska weather events toward the end of the year that resulted in roughly 12 days of lost production, Hecla’s Greens Creek mine still produced 9.7 million ounces of silver during 2023, which is on par with 2022 output. As in 2022, this one Alaska operation accounted for 68 percent of the company’s silver output for the year. Crews at Greens Creek continue to find ways to bump up mill throughput. During 2023, the mill processed an average of 2,506 tons of ore per day, which is about 9 percent higher than in 2022. This increased throughput offset slightly lower silver grades and recoveries, resulting in nearly identical silver production year-over-year. In addition to silver, Greens Creek produced 60,896 ounces of gold last year, a 26 percent jump over 2022, as well as significant zinc and lead byproducts. “Hecla faced multiple challenges in 2023 with the fire at the Lucky Friday mine and improving the safety culture at Keno Hill, but despite these challenges, silver production exceeded last year as Greens Creek delivered another strong year,” said Hecla Mining President and CEO Phillips S. Baker, Jr. With production ramping up to full capacity at both Lucky Friday and Keno Hill, Hecla expects a significant jump in its silver output to meet the energy transition demand. “We look forward to a strong year in 2024 as we execute our growth strategy to deliver up to 20 million ounces of silver production by 2025,” said Baker. “With silver’s critical role in energy transition and its application in solar electricity generation, Hecla will play an important role in producing silver as the world’s fastest-growing established silver producer and the dominant producer of silver in the U.S. and soon Canada.” — North of 60 Mining News Hecla’s Greens Creek Mine produces 9.7M oz of silver Photo Courtesy Hecla Mining Company
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==