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8-K - FORM 8-K - HECLA MINING CO/DE/hecla_8k-022112.htm
EX-99.2 - EXHIBIT 99.2 - HECLA MINING CO/DE/ex99-2.htm
EX-99.3 - EXHIBIT 99.3 - HECLA MINING CO/DE/ex99-3.htm
Exhibit 99.1
NEWS RELEASE
  
HECLA REPORTS RECORD 2011 REVENUE & GROSS PROFITS
For Release:  February 21, 2012

COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO -- Hecla Mining Company (“Hecla”)(NYSE:HL) today announced record 2011 revenue of $477.6 million and gross profit of $265.0 million with net income applicable to common shareholders of $150.6 million, or $0.54 per basic share, and adjusted net income applicable to common shareholders of $130.9 million1, or $0.47 per basic share, for the year. Full year silver production was 9.5 million ounces at a total cash cost of $1.15 per ounce, net of by-products.2
 
FULL YEAR 2011 HIGHLIGHTS
 
 
Achieved 9.5 million ounces of silver production in line with guidance at a total cash cost of $1.15 per ounce, net of by-products
 
Silver reserves and resources increased by 4% and 13%, respectively, to 148 million ounces and 281 million ounces
 
Finalized the long-standing Coeur d'Alene Basin environmental settlement paying $168 million in the fourth quarter
 
Achieved operating cash flow of $69.9 million after the environmental settlement payment of $168 million
 
Cash and cash equivalents of $266.5 million at December 31, 2011, and no debt
 
FOURTH QUARTER 2011 HIGHLIGHTS
 
 
Net income applicable to common shareholders of $18.4 million, or $0.07 per basic share, and adjusted net income applicable to common shareholders of $18.8 million, or $0.07 per basic share1
 
Silver production of 2.5 million ounces at a total cash cost of $2.28 per ounce, net of by-products2
 
Acquisition of remaining 30% interest in San Juan Silver property in Creede, Colorado, in exchange for 5.4 million shares of Hecla valued at $33.8 million
 
Declared quarterly common stock dividend of $0.0125 per share of common stock which includes the new quarterly minimum dividend payment of $0.0025 and $0.01 of the dividend payment is based on an average realized silver price of $31.61 per ounce pursuant to Hecla's silver price-linked dividend policy

"Hecla faced significant challenges in 2011; however, what is different today than at any other time in our history is that our financial position, asset base, and growth opportunities are

 
(1)
Earnings after adjustments applicable to common shareholders represents a non-U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) measurement. A reconciliation of net income applicable to common shareholders (GAAP) to earnings after adjustments can be found at the end of the release.
 
(2)
Total cash cost per ounce of silver represents a non-GAAP measurement. A reconciliation of total cash cost to cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization (GAAP) can be found at the end of this release.
 
 
1

 
 
the strongest they have ever been," said Hecla's President and Chief Executive Officer, Phillips S. Baker, Jr. "In 2011, we had many significant accomplishments:  we achieved record revenues and profits; settled the long-standing Coeur d'Alene Basin litigation thereby removing a significant and unquantifiable liability; achieved our silver production guidance; executed a $102 million capital expenditure program; expanded growth opportunities with significant advancement in our three pre-development programs; increased silver reserves and resources for the sixth consecutive year in a row; introduced a new common stock dividend; and we acquired the minority interest in the San Juan Silver property.  In addition, we finished the year with $266.5 million of cash and no debt. We did all of these things while dealing with a series of unprecedented and unfortunate, yet unrelated, events at our Lucky Friday mine."
 
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
 
Hecla reported record revenue and gross profit in 2011 surpassing 2010's previous record levels as a result of higher metals prices. These results were achieved despite being faced with several challenges at the Lucky Friday mine. Cash provided by operations would have also been at record levels were it not for the initial Coeur d'Alene Basin environmental settlement payment of $168 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. Without this payment, cash provided by operations would have been $238 million, a 20% increase over 2010's levels.
 
   
Fourth Quarter Ended
   
Twelve Months Ended
 
HIGHLIGHTS
 
December 31, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
FINANCIAL DATA (000s)
                       
Sales
  $ 102,867     $ 134,460     $ 477,634     $ 418,813  
Gross profit
  $ 49,826     $ 74,693     $ 264,995     $ 194,819  
Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders
  $ 18,431     $ (13,144 )   $ 150,612     $ 35,350  
Basic income (loss)  per common share
  $ 0.07     $ (0.05 )   $ 0.54     $ 0.14  
Diluted income (loss)  per common share
  $ 0.06     $ (0.05 )   $ 0.51     $ 0.13  
Net income (loss)
  $ 18,569     $ (9,736 )   $ 151,164     $ 48,983  
Cash provided (used) by operating activities
  $ (118,049 )   $ 82,541     $ 69,891     $ 197,809  

Hecla completed a record level of capital investment at its existing operations of $28.0 million and $102.1 million for the fourth quarter and twelve-month period, respectively. Capital expenditures were higher primarily due to the #4 Shaft development at the Lucky Friday, and significant tailings and other infrastructure investment at Greens Creek.

Pre-development expenditures totaled $2.7 million and $4.4 million for the fourth quarter and twelve-month period ended December 31, 2011. Pre-development expenditures in the fourth quarter were primarily for infrastructure at the Star mine in the Silver Valley, and San Juan Silver property in Creede, Colorado.

Exploration expenditures for the fourth quarter and twelve months were $7.9 million and $27.0 million, respectively. In 2011, Hecla increased the exploration drilling targets at each of its four district-sized land packages in the United States and Mexico.

 
2

 
 
Metals Prices

Realized metals prices continued to increase significantly in 2011 compared to 2010. While the realized silver prices in the fourth quarter of 2011 were 3% less than that in the same period in 2010 for the twelve-month period realized prices were 56% higher.

Decreases in prices in the time period between the shipment of concentrate and final settlement resulted in negative adjustments to provisional settlements of $9.8 million in 2011 compared to net positive price adjustments to provisional settlements of $14.9 million in the same period in 2010. The provisional price adjustments related to zinc and lead contained in Hecla's concentrate shipments were largely offset by net gains on forward contracts of $7.1 million for those metals in 2011.
 
       
Fourth Quarter Ended
     
Twelve Months Ended
 
                                   
       
December 31, 2011
     
December 31, 2010
     
December 31, 2011
     
December 31, 2010
 
AVERAGE METAL PRICES                                  
                                   
Silver - London PM Fix ($/oz)   $ 31.82     $ 26.43     $ 35.11     $ 20.16  
     Realized price per ounce   $ 31.61     $ 32.51     $ 35.30     $ 22.70  
Gold - London PM Fix ($/oz)   $ 1,685     $ 1,367     $ 1,569     $ 1,225  
     Realized price per ounce   $ 1,640     $ 1,426     $ 1,592     $ 1,271  
Lead - LME Cash ($/pound)   $ 0.90     $ 1.08     $ 1.09     $ 0.97  
     Realized price per pound   $ 0.82     $ 1.10     $ 1.05     $ 0.98  
Zinc - LME Cash ($/pound)   $ 0.86     $ 1.05     $ 1.00     $ 0.98  
     Realized price per pound   $ 0.87     $ 1.09     $ 1.00     $ 0.96  
 
Base Metals Forward Sales Contracts
 
The following table summarizes the quantities of base metals committed under financially settled forward sales contracts at December 31, 2011:
 
   
Metric Tonnes Under Contract
   
Average Price per Pound
 
   
Zinc
   
Lead
   
Zinc
   
Lead
 
Contracts on provisional sales
                       
2012 settlements
    9,600       2,600     $ 0.86     $ 0.89  
                                 
Contracts on forecasted sales
                               
2012 settlements
    20,500       15,900     $ 1.12     $ 1.12  
2013 settlements
    8,275       11,150     $ 1.14     $ 1.19  
 
 
 
3

 
 
OPERATIONS OVERVIEW

Silver production was in-line with guidance despite challenges faced at the Lucky Friday mine. Production was down year-over-year due to lower grade as a result of mine sequencing at Greens Creek. Fourth quarter and full year silver cash cost, net of by-product credits, was $2.28 per ounce and $1.15 per ounce respectively, compared to $(0.14) per ounce and $(1.46) per ounce, respectively in the same period in 2010.

 
     
Fourth Quarter Ended
     
Twelve Months Ended
 
     
December 31, 2011
     
December 31, 2010
     
December 31, 2011
     
December 31, 2010
 
PRODUCTION SUMMARY                                
Silver - Ounces produced     2,491.224       2,741.106       9,483,676       10,566,352  
     Payable ounces sold     1,923,365       2,413,620       8,119,634       9,360,172  
Gold - Ounces produced     13,745       16,111       56,818       68,838  
     Payable ounces sold     10,050       14,466       43,942       57,386  
Lead - Tons produced     8,194       10,739       39,150       46,955  
     Payable tons sold     7,046       9,485       33,050       40,434  
Zinc - Tons produced     17,384       18,771       73,355       83,782  
     Payable tons sold     15,914       14,485       53,901       62,851  
Total cash cost per ounce of silver produced (1)   $
2.28
    $
(0.14
)   $
1.15
    $
(1.46
)
 
 
(1)
Total cash cost per ounce of silver represents a non-U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) measurement. A reconciliation of total cash costs to cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization (GAAP) can be found at the end of this release.
 
 
Greens Creek Mine - Alaska
 
Silver production at Greens Creek was 6.5 million ounces for the year and 2.0 million ounces in the fourth quarter, compared to 7.2 million ounces and 1.9 million ounces last year. The decrease in silver production year-over-year is attributable to lower ore grade which reflects mining a lower-grade portion of the mine. The increase in silver production in the fourth quarter over the same period in 2010 is attributable to higher ore grades.

Total cash cost per ounce of silver produced at Greens Creek was $(1.29) and $0.42, net of by-products, for the full year and fourth quarter 2011, respectively, compared to $(1.93) and $(3.90) for the same respective periods in 2010. The increase in total cash cost per ounce for the full year was primarily due to higher production costs, and treatment and freight costs by $2.55 and $1.70, per ounce, respectively, partially offset by higher by-product credits of $1.65 per ounce. The increase in by-product credits is due to higher prices, despite lower ore grades for by-product metals. The increased treatment costs are the result of higher metals prices.

In 2012, Hecla is planning the largest investment in Greens Creek's history, approximately $90 million. Some of the key capital expenditures include Deep 200 South access development ($18 million), mining fleet replacement and additions ($14 million), tailings dam expansion ($10 million), East Ore access and ventilation rehabilitation ($6 million), definition drilling ($5 million), and the construction of expanded and upgraded camp facilities ($5 million).

 
4

 
Lucky Friday Mine - Idaho
 
Silver production at Lucky Friday was 3.0 million ounces for the year and .5 million ounces in the fourth quarter, compared to 3.4 million ounces and .8 million ounces in the respective periods in 2010. The overall decrease in production was primarily due to lower ore throughput resulting from the interruptions to operations during 2011.

Total cash cost per ounce of silver produced at Lucky Friday was $6.47 and $9.68, net of by-product credits, for the full year and fourth quarter, respectively, compared to $3.76 and $4.06, for the same periods in 2010. The increase in total cash cost per ounce for the full year was primarily due to higher employee profit sharing, higher treatment and freight costs, and higher production costs by $1.76, $1.24, and $0.21 per ounce, respectively, which were partially offset by higher by-product credits of $0.50 per ounce resulting from higher prices.  Higher profit sharing and treatment costs were due to higher metals prices. In the fourth quarter, interruptions in mine operations adversely affected cost per ounce due to the inefficiencies of startup and shutdown cycles. As a result, production costs per ounce were higher by $1.24 than in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Construction at the Lucky Friday #4 Shaft advanced in 2011 with shaft sinking set-up activities, primary mechanical and electrical systems, and critical lateral development largely complete. Upon restart of the #4 Shaft construction operations, work will primarily focus on shaft sinking and station development activities until project completion. The total project is now 45% complete, and 80% of major procurements have been ordered or installed. Capital expenditures for the #4 Shaft for the full year and fourth quarter 2011 were $9.6 million and $41.9 million, respectively, for a total of approximately $90 million invested to date on the project.  Total project capital is expected to be approximately $200 million. As a result of the requirement to remove built-up material in the Silver Shaft, construction of the #4 Shaft is suspended until the work on the Silver Shaft is complete.

At the end of 2011, MSHA began a special impact inspection at the Lucky Friday mine, which resulted in an order to remove loose material from the Silver Shaft. In response, Hecla submitted a plan to MSHA and recently received approval to remove the loose cementitious material. In addition, the plan includes removal of unused utilities, construction of a water ring to prevent ice from forming in the winter, the installation of a metal brattice between the east and west half of the shaft providing a physical barrier between the two halves, repair shaft steel, and installation of a new power cable; all of which should improve the shaft's functionality and possibly its hoisting capacity. Once the shaft cleanup has been completed down to the 4900 level, work on the previously announced 5900 haulage way bypass is expected to commence. In addition to work on the Silver Shaft, other significant surface and underground capital programs are being planned. Since January, a number of other activities have been under way, of which the most significant are driving a drift to access and maintain the pumps at the 5300 level via the #2 Shaft during the standby period, with completion expected this week, ongoing work on the headframe, and termination of citations. Work on the shaft cleaning is expected to commence in the next few weeks.
 
Final plans are not yet complete, but Hecla expects to spend up to $50 million on all of these projects, which includes $10 million to remove the loose cementitious material, $20 million for shaft improvements and $20 million on other capital projects. Hecla expects to incur non-capitalized expenses of $17.5 million, which includes $11 million in holding costs, $4 million for the #4 Shaft care and maintenance, and $2.5 million in discretionary expenses. The mine is expected to be on standby for all of 2012 to complete this work and smelter contracts have been suspended based on force majeure.
 
 
5

 
2012 GUIDANCE

Hecla reiterates its 2012 silver production estimate of approximately 7 million ounces, which excludes production from the Lucky Friday mine. Production at the Lucky Friday mine is expected to resume in early 2013.  Total cash cost net of by-products is expected to be approximately between $1.00 to $2.00 per ounce at current metal prices.

Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $140 million, which includes $90 million at Greens Creek, and $50 million at Lucky Friday, which includes the cost of the Silver Shaft rehabilitation and related capital items.

Pre-development expenditures are expected to be approximately $11 million, which includes $6 million at San Juan Silver, $3 million at the Star, and $2 million at San Sebastian. Additional expenditures may be budgeted at the San Juan Silver property following progress on studies.

Exploration expenditures are expected to be $28 million, which includes $7 million at Greens Creek, $6 million in the Silver Valley, $8.5 million at San Juan Silver, $3 million at San Sebastian, and $3.5 million in generative activities.

CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST
 
A conference call and webcast will be held today, February 21, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss these results. You may join the conference call by dialing toll-free 1-800-510-9661 or 1-617-614-3452 internationally. The participant passcode is HECLA.  Hecla's live and archived webcast can be accessed at www.hecla-mining.com under Investors or via Thomson StreetEvents Network.
 
ABOUT HECLA
 
Established in 1891, Hecla Mining Company has distinguished itself as the largest and lowest cash cost silver producer in the U.S. The company has two operating mines and exploration properties in four world-class silver mining districts in the U.S. and Mexico. With a solid asset base, a strong cash position and no debt, Hecla is poised for growth.
 
Cautionary Statements
 
Statements made which are not historical facts, such as anticipated payments, litigation outcome, production, sales of assets, exploration results and plans, prospects and opportunities including reserves, resources, and mineralization, costs, and prices or sales performance are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expects”, “intends”, “projects”, “believes”, “estimates”, “targets”, “anticipates” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements 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, environmental and litigation risks, operating risks, project development risks, political and regulatory risks, labor issues, ability to raise financing and exploration risks and results. Refer to the company's Form 10-K and 10-Q 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 other than as may be required by law.
 
 
6

 
Cautionary Statements to Investors on Reserves and Resources
 
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 on this release, such as “resource,” “other resources,” and “mineralized materials” that the SEC guidelines strictly prohibit us from including in our filings with the SEC.  U.S. investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. You can review and obtain copies of these filings from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
 
For further information, please contact:
 
Mélanie Hennessey 
Vice President - Investor Relations 
Direct:  604-694-7729 
Direct Main:  800-HECLA91 (800-432-5291)
Email:  hmc-info@hecla-mining.com
Website:  www.hecla-mining.com
   
 Hecla Canada Ltd. 
400 - 580 Hornby Street  
Vancouver, British Columbia  
V6C 3B6 Canada
Hecla Mining Company
6500 N. Mineral Drive, Suite 200
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83815
 
 
7

 
 
HECLA MINING COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Income
(dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts - unaudited)
 
   
Fourth Quarter Ended
 
Twelve Months Ended
   
December 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
December 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
Sales of products
 
$
102,867
   
$
134,460
   
$
477,634
   
$
418,813
 
Cost of sales and other direct production costs
 
40,540
   
45,811
   
165,573
   
163,983
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
12,501
   
13,956
   
47,066
   
60,011
 
   
53,041
   
59,767
   
212,639
   
223,994
 
Gross profit
 
49,826
   
74,693
   
264,995
   
194,819
 
                 
Other operating expenses:
               
General and administrative
 
3,732
   
5,758
   
18,540
   
18,219
 
Exploration
 
7,947
   
5,439
   
26,959
   
21,605
 
Pre-development
 
2,694
   
   
4,446
   
 
Other operating expense
 
1,959
   
1,309
   
7,658
   
5,334
 
Loss on disposition of property, plants, equipment and mineral interests
 
   
80
   
   
80
 
Provision for closed operations and reclamation
 
1,864
   
195,409
   
9,747
   
201,136
 
   
18,196
   
207,995
   
67,350
   
246,374
 
Income (loss) from operations
 
31,630
   
(133,302
)
 
197,645
   
(51,555
)
Other income (expense):
               
Gain (loss) on derivative contracts
 
(919
)
 
(9,562
)
 
37,988
   
(20,758
)
Gain on sale of investments
 
   
   
611
   
588
 
Loss on impairment of investments
 
(140
)
 
   
(140
)
 
(739
)
Interest and other income (loss)
 
4
   
(11
)
 
(87
)
 
126
 
Interest expense
 
(491
)
 
(499
)
 
(2,875
)
 
(2,211
)
   
(1,546
)
 
(10,072
)
 
35,497
   
(22,994
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
30,084
   
(143,374
)
 
233,142
   
(74,549
)
Income tax benefit (provision)
 
(11,515
)
 
133,638
   
(81,978
)
 
123,532
 
Net income (loss)
 
18,569
   
(9,736
)
 
151,164
   
48,983
 
Preferred stock dividends
 
(138
)
 
(3,408
)
 
(552
)
 
(13,633
)
Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders
 
$
18,431
   
$
(13,144
)
 
$
150,612
   
$
35,350
 
Basic income (loss) per common share after preferred dividends
 
$
0.07
   
$
(0.05
)
 
$
0.54
   
$
0.14
 
Diluted income (loss) per common share after preferred dividends
 
$
0.06
   
$
(0.05
)
 
$
0.51
   
$
0.13
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding basic
 
280,819
   
257,403
   
280,956
   
251,146
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding diluted
 
294,133
   
276,136
   
297,033
   
269,601
 
 
 
8

 
 
HECLA MINING COMPANY
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(dollars and share in thousands - unaudited)
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
ASSETS
     
Current assets:
     
Cash and cash equivalents
$
266,463
   
$
283,606
 
Investments
   
1,474
 
Accounts receivable
20,309
   
36,840
 
Inventories
26,195
   
19,131
 
Current deferred income taxes
27,810
   
87,287
 
Other current assets
21,967
   
3,683
 
Total current assets
362,744
   
432,021
 
Non-current investments
3,923
   
1,194
 
Non-current restricted cash and investments
866
   
10,314
 
Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net
923,212
   
833,288
 
Non-current deferred income taxes
88,028
   
100,072
 
Other non-current assets and deferred charges
17,317
   
5,604
 
Total assets
$
1,396,090
   
$
1,382,493
 
       
LIABILITIES
     
Current liabilities:
     
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
$
37,831
   
$
31,725
 
Accrued payroll and related benefits
12,878
   
10,789
 
Accrued taxes
10,354
   
16,042
 
Current portion of capital leases
4,005
   
2,481
 
Current portion of accrued reclamation and closure costs
42,248
   
175,484
 
Current derivative contract liabilities
   
20,016
 
Total current liabilities
107,316
   
256,537
 
Capital leases
6,265
   
3,792
 
Accrued reclamation and closure costs
111,563
   
143,313
 
Other non-current liabilities
30,833
   
16,598
 
Total liabilities
255,977
   
420,240
 
       
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
     
Preferred stock
39
   
543
 
Common stock
71,420
   
64,704
 
Capital surplus
1,215,229
   
1,179,751
 
Accumulated deficit
(120,557
)
 
(265,577
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(23,498
)
 
(15,117
)
Treasury stock
(2,520
)
 
(2,051
)
Total shareholders’ equity
1,140,113
   
962,253
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
1,396,090
   
$
1,382,493
 
Common shares outstanding
285,290
   
258,486
 
 
 
9

 

HECLA MINING COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(dollars in thousands - unaudited)
 
December 31,
2011
December 31,
2010
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
   
Net income
$
151,164
 
$
48,983
 
Non-cash elements included in net income:
   
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
47,348
 
60,235
 
Gain on sale of investments
(611
)
(588
)
Loss on impairment of investments
140
 
739
 
Loss (gain) on disposition of properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests
 
80
 
Provision for reclamation and closure costs
7,004
 
196,262
 
Deferred income taxes
76,944
 
(141,707
)
Stock compensation
2,073
 
3,446
 
Amortization of loan origination fees
598
 
621
 
Amortization of intangible asset
 
1,380
 
(Gain) loss on derivative contracts
(53,545
)
20,795
 
Other non-cash charges, net
1,209
 
(495
)
Change in assets and liabilities:
   
Accounts receivable
16,531
 
(9,404
)
Inventories
(7,064
)
2,335
 
Other current and non-current assets
2,164
 
3,279
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
1,466
 
10,896
 
Accrued payroll and related benefits
2,090
 
(3,376
)
Accrued taxes
(5,688
)
9,802
 
Accrued reclamation and closure costs and other non-current liabilities
(172,855
)
(8,666
)
Other non-current liabilities
923
 
3,192
 
Cash provided by operating activities
69,891
 
197,809
 
     
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
   
Additions to properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests
(87,546
)
(67,414
)
Proceeds from sale of investments
1,366
 
1,138
 
Proceeds from disposition of properties, plants and equipment
113
 
29
 
Purchases of investments
9,448
 
1,459
 
Changes in restricted cash and investment balances
(3,200
)
 
Net cash used in investing activities
(79,819
)
(64,788
)
     
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
   
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants
5,786
 
53,093
 
Acquisition of treasury shares
(469
)
(693
)
Dividend paid to common shareholders
(5,592
)
 
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders
(3,822
)
(4,513
)
Loan origination fees paid
(180
)
(200
)
Repayments of capital leases
(2,938
)
(1,780
)
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities
(7,215
)
45,907
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(17,143
)
178,928
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
283,606
 
104,678
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
266,463
 
$
283,606
 
 
10

 
 
HECLA MINING COMPANY
Production Data
 
 
Fourth Quarter Ended
Twelve Months Ended
 
December 31, 2011
December 31, 2010
December 31, 2011
December 31, 2010
GREENS CREEK UNIT
       
Tons of ore milled
191,858
 
193,674
 
772,069
 
800,397
 
Mining cost per ton
$
50.85
 
$
45.88
 
$
49.31
 
$
43.00
 
Milling cost per ton
$
29.41
 
$
28.14
 
$
30.69
 
$
24.23
 
Ore grade milled - Silver (oz./ton)
13.5
 
13.2
 
11.5
 
12.3
 
Ore grade milled - Gold (oz./ton)
0.1
 
0.1
 
0.1
 
0.1
 
Ore grade milled - Lead (%)
3.4
 
3.6
 
3.5
 
4.1
 
Ore grade milled - Zinc (%)
9.5
 
9.9
 
9.8
 
10.7
 
Silver produced (oz.)
1,990,610
 
1,921,789
 
6,498,337
 
7,206,973
 
Gold produced (oz.)
13,745
 
16,111
 
56,818
 
68,838
 
Lead produced (tons)
5,048
 
5,383
 
21,055
 
25,336
 
Zinc produced (tons)
16,137
 
16,558
 
66,050
 
74,496
 
Total cash cost per ounce of silver produced (1)
$
0.42
 
$
(1.93
)
$
(1.29
)
$
(3.90
)
Capital additions (in thousands)
$
12,551
 
$
7,355
 
$
41,657
 
$
18,280
 
LUCKY FRIDAY UNIT
       
Tons of ore processed
49,638
 
90,191
 
298,672
 
351,074
 
Mining cost per ton
$
67.62
 
$
53.61
 
$
60.76
 
$
54.27
 
Milling cost per ton
$
20.79
 
$
14.73
 
$
16.96
 
$
14.74
 
Ore grade milled - Silver (oz./ton)
10.8
 
9.7
 
10.7
 
10.3
 
Ore grade milled - Lead (%)
6.8
 
6.4
 
6.5
 
6.6
 
Ore grade milled - Zinc (%)
2.9
 
2.9
 
2.8
 
3.0
 
Silver produced (oz.)
500,614
 
819,317
 
2,985,339
 
3,359,379
 
Lead produced (tons)
3,146
 
5,356
 
18,095
 
21,619
 
Zinc produced (tons)
1,247
 
2,213
 
7,305
 
9,286
 
Total cash cost per ounce of silver produced (1)
$
9.68
 
$
4.06
 
$
6.47
 
$
3.76
 
Capital additions (in thousands)
$
15,428
 
$
15,840
 
$
60,454
 
$
54,370
 
 
 
(1)
Total cash cost per ounce of silver represents non-U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) measurement. A reconciliation of total cash costs to cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization (GAAP) can be found in the cash costs per ounce reconciliation section of this news release. Gold, lead and zinc produced have been treated as by-product credits in calculating silver costs per ounce.
 
 
11

 
 
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)
 
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Twelve Months Ended
 December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
RECONCILIATION TO GAAP, ALL OPERATIONS
             
Total cash costs
$
5,677
   
$
(377
)
 
$
10,934
   
$
(15,435
)
Divided by ounces produced
2,490
   
2,741
   
9,483
   
10,566
 
Total cash cost per ounce produced
$
2.28
   
$
(0.14
)
 
$
1.15
   
$
(1.46
)
Reconciliation to GAAP:
             
Total cash costs
$
5,677
   
$
(377
)
 
$
10,934
   
$
(15,435
)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
12,501
   
13,956
   
47,066
   
60,011
 
Treatment costs
(22,758
)
 
(23,733
)
 
(99,019
)
 
(92,144
)
By-product credits
53,530
   
67,375
   
254,372
   
267,272
 
Change in product inventory
836
   
2,303
   
(4,805
)
 
3,660
 
Suspension-related costs (2)
2,495
   
 
4,135
   
 
Reclamation and other costs
760
   
243
   
(44
)
 
630
 
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization (GAAP)
$
53,041
   
$
59,767
   
$
212,639
   
$
223,994
 
GREENS CREEK UNIT
             
Total cash costs
$
829
   
$
(3,705
)
 
$
(8,387
)
 
$
(28,073
)
Divided by ounces produced
1,990
   
1,922
   
6,498
   
7,207
 
Total cash cost per ounce produced
$
0.42
   
$
(1.93
)
 
$
(1.29
)
 
$
(3.90
)
Reconciliation to GAAP:
             
Total cash costs
$
829
   
$
(3,705
)
 
$
(8,387
)
 
$
(28,073
)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
11,032
   
11,531
   
41,013
   
51,671
 
Treatment costs
(19,612
)
 
(18,773
)
 
(79,134
)
 
(73,817
)
By-product credits
46,375
   
52,914
   
205,961
   
214,462
 
Change in product inventory
720
   
2,248
   
(4,966
)
 
3,685
 
Reclamation and other costs
745
   
218
   
(81
)
 
567
 
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization (GAAP)
$
40,089
   
$
44,433
   
$
154,406
   
$
168,495
 
LUCKY FRIDAY UNIT
 
Total cash costs
$
4,848
   
$
3,328
   
$
19,321
   
$
12,638
 
Divided by silver ounces produced
500
   
819
   
2,985
   
3,359
 
Total cash cost per ounce produced
$
9.68
   
$
4.06
   
$
6.47
   
$
3.76
 
Reconciliation to GAAP:
             
Total cash costs
$
4,848
   
$
3,328
   
$
19,321
   
$
12,638
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
1,469
   
2,426
   
6,053
   
8,340
 
Treatment costs
(3,146
)
 
(4,960
)
 
$
(19,885
)
 
(18,327
)
By-product credits
7,155
   
14,461
   
48,411
   
52,810
 
Change in product inventory
116
   
54
   
$
161
   
(25
)
Suspension-related costs (2)
2,495
   
   
4,135
   
 
Reclamation and other costs
15
   
25
   
37
   
63
 
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization (GAAP)
$
12,952
   
$
15,334
   
$
58,233
   
$
55,499
 
 
 
(1)  Cash costs per ounce of silver represent non-U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) measurements that the Company believes provide management and investors an indication of net cash flow. 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, was the most comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP to total cash costs. 
 
(2)  Various accidents and other events resulted in temporary suspensions of production at the Lucky Friday unit during 2011. See the Lucky Friday Segment section for more discussion of these events. Care-and-maintenance, mine rehabilitation, investigation, and other costs incurred during the suspension periods not related to production have been excluded from total cash costs and the calculation of total cash cost per ounce produced.

 
12

 
 
HECLA MINING COMPANY
Reconciliation of Net Income Applicable to Common Shareholders (GAAP) to Earnings After Adjustments(1)
(dollars and ounces in thousands, except per share amounts - unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Net income applicable to common shareholders (GAAP)
$
18,431
   
$
(13,144
)
 
$
150,612
   
$
35,350
 
Adjusting items:
             
(Gains)/losses on derivatives contracts
919
   
9,562
   
(37,988
)
 
20,758
 
Environmental accruals
336
   
193,183
   
4,990
   
195,558
 
Provisional price (gains)/losses
(728
)
 
(9,804
)
 
2,611
   
(11,817
)
Income tax effect of above adjustments
(184
)
 
(67,529
)
 
10,635
   
(71,575
)
Earnings after adjustments applicable to common shareholders
$
18,774
   
$
112,268
   
$
130,860
   
$
168,274
 
Weighted average shares - basic
280,819
   
257,403
   
280,956
   
251,146
 
Weighted average shares - diluted
294,133
   
276,136
   
297,033
   
269,601
 
Basic earnings after adjustments per common share
$
0.07
   
$
0.44
   
$
0.47
   
$
0.67
 
Diluted earnings after adjustments per common share
$
0.06
   
$
0.41
   
$
0.44
   
$
0.62
 
 
 
(1)  Earnings After Adjustments and Earnings After Adjustments  per share are non-GAAP measures which are indicators of our performance.  They exclude certain impacts which are of a nature which we believe are not reflective of our underlying performance.  Management believes that earnings after adjustments per common share provides investors with the ability to better evaluate our underlying operating performance.
 
 
13