EX-99.1 2 ex_302844.htm EXHIBIT 99.1 ex_302844.htm

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

logo01.jpg

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

HECLA REPORTS THIRD QUARTER 2021 RESULTS

Continued free cash flow generation as Casa Berardi achieves record quarterly throughput

 

For the Period Ended: September 30, 2021

For Release: November 4, 2021

 

COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO -- Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) today announced third quarter 2021 financial and operating results.

 

HIGHLIGHTS*

Sales of $193.6 million, consistent with the prior year quarter.

 

Generated $42.7 million of cash provided by operating activities with $26.9 million of additions to properties, plant, equipment and mineral interests, resulting in $15.8 million of quarterly free cash flow reflecting increased exploration spend.1

 

Record quarterly exploration spend of $13.7 million.

 

Casa Berardi achieved record quarterly throughput of nearly 400,000 tons as the mill improvements delivered 13% higher gold production.

 

Testing at the Lucky Friday of a new drill and blast mining method called Underhand Closed Bench (UCB) is showing good performance in controlling seismicity and improving safety with the potential to increase productivity.

 

Strong balance sheet with $190.9 million in cash and over $420 million of available liquidity.

 

Purchased carbon credits and anticipate offsetting scope 1 and scope 2 emissions to have net zero emissions in 2021.

 

"Hecla’s results reflect our commitment to improve and innovate our operations while delivering free cash flow,” said Phillips S. Baker Jr., President & CEO. “Casa Berardi achieved record quarterly throughput as our optimization programs in the mill increase recovery and ounce production. At the Lucky Friday, we continue to test our new drill and blast mining method, called Underhand Closed Bench, that allows improved management of seismicity which should increase safety and could possibly increase throughput. Greens Creek continued to lead the way because of its very low costs and despite staff shortages forcing a change in mine sequencing."

 

Baker continued, "This operational performance allowed us to enhance our silver-linked dividend for the second time this year and return about 20% of our free cash flow to shareholders, while having our largest exploration program in the Company’s history. In addition, while Hecla already has one of the industry’s lowest carbon footprints, we have taken the next step by investing in carbon credits that allows us to be net zero for our 2021 scope 1 and scope 2 emissions. We will continue our focus on reducing emissions as well as investing in credits in the future."

 

 

* All comparisons to the third quarter of 2020, unless stated

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     1
 

 

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

   

Third Quarter Ended

   

Nine Months Ended

 

HIGHLIGHTS

 

September 30,

2021

   

September 30,

2020

   

September 30,

2021

   

September 30,

2020

 

FINANCIAL DATA

                               

Sales (000)

  $ 193,560     $ 199,703     $ 622,395     $ 502,983  

Gross profit (000)

  $ 35,228     $ 58,688     $ 164,560     $ 110,188  

(Loss) income applicable to common shareholders (000)

  $ (1,117 )   $ 15,142     $ 22,806     $ (12,976 )

Basic and diluted (loss) income per common share (in cents)

    (0.2 )     2.9       4.3       (2.5 )

Cash provided by operating activities

  $ 42,742     $ 73,439     $ 166,782     $ 115,892  

 

Net loss applicable to common shareholders for the third quarter was $1.1 million, or 0.2 cent per share, compared to net income of $15.1 million, or 2.9 cents per share, for the same period in 2020. The lower third quarter results compared to the previous year were mainly due to the following items:

 

 

Lower gross profit due to lower realized silver and gold prices and Greens Creek’s lower grades based on mine sequencing impacted by staff shortages.

 

 

Exploration and pre-development expense increased by $12.9 million due to increased exploration at Midas, San Sebastian, Greens Creek, Casa Berardi and Kinskuch, and for drift development to the Hatter Graben area in Nevada.

 

 

An unrealized loss on investments in other mining companies of $2.9 million compared to a gain of $4.0 million.

 

 

$6.5 million payment in the third quarter of 2021 to settle a lawsuit related to a 1989 agreement for indemnification of certain environmental costs.

 

 

Suspension costs increased by $5.4 million due to placement of the Fire Creek mine and Midas mill on care-and-maintenance during the second quarter of 2021.

 

These items were partially offset by:

 

 

Gain on base metal derivatives contracts of $12.1 million compared to a loss of $6.7 million in the prior year period.

 

 

Gross profit at Lucky Friday increased by $6.9 million as a result of the return to full production beginning in the fourth quarter of 2020.

 

 

Foreign exchange gain of $4.0 million versus a loss of $2.2 million in the prior year.

 

Capital expenditures totaled $26.9 million for the third quarter 2021 compared to $23.7 million in the third quarter of 2020, with the increase due to the reduced utilization of lease financing for equipment purchases and higher expenditures at Lucky Friday. Capital expenditures at the operations were $12.4 million at Casa Berardi, $6.2 million at Greens Creek and $7.5 million at Lucky Friday.

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     2
 

 

 

Metals Prices

 

The average realized silver price in the third quarter was $23.97 per ounce, 5% lower than the $25.32 in the third quarter of 2020. The average realized gold price was lower by 7%, at $1,792 per ounce. Average realized lead and zinc price increased 19% and 30%, respectively.

 

     

Three Months Ended

September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
     

2021

   

2020

   

2021

   

2020

 

Silver –

London PM Fix ($/ounce)

  $ 24.36     $ 24.40     $ 25.78     $ 19.22  
 

Realized price per ounce

  $ 23.97     $ 25.32     $ 25.75     $ 19.72  

Gold –

London PM Fix ($/ounce)

  $ 1,789     $ 1,911     $ 1,801     $ 1,735  
 

Realized price per ounce

  $ 1,792     $ 1,929     $ 1,794     $ 1,745  

Lead –

LME Final Cash Buyer ($/pound)

  $ 1.06     $ 0.85     $ 0.98     $ 0.81  
 

Realized price per pound

  $ 1.02     $ 0.86     $ 1.00     $ 0.81  

Zinc –

LME Final Cash Buyer ($/pound)

  $ 1.36     $ 1.06     $ 1.31     $ 0.97  
 

Realized price per pound

  $ 1.35     $ 1.04     $ 1.34     $ 0.94  

 

∗ Realized prices are calculated by dividing gross revenues for each metal (which include the price adjustments and gains and losses on the forward contracts discussed below) by the payable quantities of each metal included in products sold during the period.

 

Base Metals Forward Sales Contracts

 

The following table summarizes the quantities of base metals committed under financially settled forward sales contracts, other than provisional hedges (which address changes in prices between shipment and settlement with customers), at September 30, 2021.

 

   

Pounds Under Contract (in thousands)

   

Average Price per Pound

 
   

Zinc

   

Lead

   

Zinc

   

Lead

 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                               

2021 settlements

    7,771       6,779     $ 1.26     $ 0.94  

2022 settlements

    60,043       63,769     $ 1.28     $ 0.98  

2023 settlements

    76,280       70,327     $ 1.29     $ 1.00  

2024 settlements

    43,762           $ 1.31        

 

The contracts represent about 49% of the forecasted payable zinc production through 2024 at an average price of $1.29 per pound, and 40% of the forecasted payable lead production through 2023 at an average price of $0.99 per pound.

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     3
 

 

Foreign Currency Forward Purchase Contracts

 

The following table summarizes the Canadian dollars the Company has committed to purchase under foreign exchange forward contracts at September 30, 2021, which is roughly 72% of forecasted Canadian dollar direct production costs for the remainder of 2021, 48% for 2022, 37% for 2023, 18% for 2024 and 5% for 2025:

 

   

Currency Under Contract

(in thousands of CAD)

   

Average Exchange Rate

CAD/USD

 

2021 settlements

    29,450     $ 1.33  

2022 settlements

    94,524     $ 1.31  

2023 settlements

    75,165     $ 1.31  

2024 settlements

    37,496     $ 1.31  

2025 settlements

    9,000     $ 1.28  

 

OPERATIONS OVERVIEW

 

Overview

 

The following table provides the production summary on a consolidated basis for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020:

 

     

Third Quarter Ended

   

Nine Months Ended

 
     

September 30, 2021

   

September 30, 2020

   

September 30, 2021

   

September 30, 2020

 
                           

PRODUCTION SUMMARY

                         

Silver -

Ounces produced

    2,676,084       3,541,371       9,660,313       10,190,621  
 

Payable ounces sold

    2,581,690       3,147,048       9,027,180       9,077,966  

Gold -

Ounces produced

    42,207       41,174       153,350       159,948  
 

Payable ounces sold

    53,000       51,049       157,454       159,550  

Lead -

Tons produced

    9,904       9,750       32,148       24,620  
 

Payable tons sold

    8,835       7,792       28,166       19,948  

Zinc -

Tons produced

    15,546       17,997       48,864       48,699  
 

Payable tons sold

    11,174       12,892       33,344       34,717  

 

The following tables provide a summary of the (i) final production; (ii) cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization ("cost of sales"); (iii) cash cost, after by-product credits, per silver or gold ounce2; and (iv) all-in sustaining costs ("AISC"), after by-product credits, per silver or gold ounce3 for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2021, with comparisons to the prior year periods:

 

Third Quarter Ended

                 

Greens Creek

   

Lucky Friday

   

Casa Berardi

   

Nevada Ops

 

September 30, 2021

 

Silver

   

Gold

   

Silver

   

Gold

   

Silver

   

Gold

   

Silver

   

Gold

   

Silver

 

Production (ounces)

    2,676,084       42,207       1,837,270       9,734       831,532       29,722       7,012       2,751       270  

Increase/(decrease)

    (865,287 )     1,033       (797,166 )     (3,104 )     195,143       3,317       3,157       2,751       270  

Cost of sales(000)

  $ 78,784     $ 79,549     $ 55,193           $ 23,591     $ 58,164           $ 21,384        

Increase/(decrease)

  $ 3,219     $ 11,851     $ 7,088           $ 2,091     $ 6,591           $ 7,507        

Cash costs per silver or gold ounce 2

  $ 2.49     $ 1,163     $ 0.74           $ 6.36     $ 1,175           $ 1,038        

Increase/(decrease)

  $ (0.92 )   $ (235 )   $ (2.26 )               $ (223 )                  

AISC per silver or gold ounce 3

  $ 12.82     $ 1,450     $ 5.94           $ 16.79     $ 1,476           $ 1,167        

Increase/(decrease)

  $ 2.30     $ (404 )   $ (0.64 )               $ (378 )                  

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     4
 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

                 

Greens Creek

   

Lucky Friday

   

Casa Berardi

   

Nevada Ops

 

September 30, 2021

 

Silver

   

Gold

   

Silver

   

Gold

   

Silver

   

Gold

   

Silver

   

Gold

   

Silver

 

Production (ounces)

    9,660,313       153,350       6,980,587       35,859       2,608,727       97,245       25,604       20,246       45,395  

Increase/(decrease)

    (530,308 )     (6,598 )     (1,183,475 )     (2,356 )     1,407,053       13,332       10,320       (11,510 )     7,952  

Cost of sales (000)

  $ 238,243     $ 219,592     $ 163,861           $ 74,287     $ 172,760           $ 46,832        

Increase/(decrease)

  $ 30,689     $ 27,516     $ 10,365           $ 38,500     $ 31,867           $ 2,484        

Cash costs per silver or gold ounce 2

  $ 1.26     $ 1,127     $ (1.03 )         $ 7.37     $ 1,127           $ 1,124        

Increase/(decrease)

  $ (3.32 )   $ 73     $ (5.48 )               $ (54 )         $ 408        

AISC per silver or gold ounce 3

  $ 8.88     $ 1,349     $ 2.40           $ 15.00     $ 1,387           $ 1,167        

Increase/(decrease)

  $ (1.21 )   $ 50     $ (4.63 )               $ (106 )         $ 380        

 

Greens Creek Mine - Alaska

 

The Greens Creek Mine produced 1.8 million ounces of silver and 9,734 ounces of gold with the mill operating at an average of 2,295 tons per day (tpd). The decrease in silver production compared to the third quarter of 2020 was due to lower grades resulting from mine sequencing which was primarily driven by manpower scheduling issues as a result of COVID-19 and increased competition for labor. With limited personnel, production came partially from more easily accessible but lower grade areas. In the future, we anticipate adequate staffing which will allow mining higher-grade material, that is in deeper parts of the mine. Compared to 2020, cost of sales decreased by $7.1 million, due to lower production costs, driven partially by lower COVID-19 related costs. The per ounce silver cash cost and AISC decreased by $2.26 and $0.64, respectively, due to lower production costs as well as higher by-products credits resulting from higher by-product prices and lower treatment costs from favorable changes in smelter terms.2,3

 

The Company's estimated 2021 silver production is lowered to 9.2 - 9.5 million ounces to reflect lower production from the third quarter. Gold production guidance of 43 - 45 thousand ounces is unchanged. Estimated cost of sales for 2021 are maintained at $222 million and cash cost and AISC, each per silver ounce is also unchanged at ($1.00)-$1.00 and $3.25-$4.00, respectively.2,3

 

Casa Berardi Mine - Quebec

 

At the Casa Berardi Mine, 29,722 ounces of gold were produced compared to 26,405 ounces in the third quarter of 2020 due to higher mill throughput, partially offset by lower grades. The mill operated at an average of 4,328 tpd, which was 38% higher than the prior year period and achieved record quarterly throughput of 398,143 tons milled as the mill optimization continues to deliver results. Mill recoveries have continued to increase due to improvements in the grinding, gravity and CIL circuits. The increase in cost of sales was due to higher throughput, mill contractor maintenance costs, and underground maintenance costs resulting from repairs and replacements of major components for the production fleet. The decrease in cash cost and AISC per gold ounce for the third quarter of 2021 compared to 2020 was the result of the higher gold production, partially offset by higher production costs, with AISC also impacted by lower sustaining capital, partially offset by higher exploration spending.

 

In the 160 pit, 1.0 million tons of overburden and waste rock was removed during the quarter. Mining and processing of 160 pit ore is expected to commence during Q4 2021.

 

The Company is increasing 2021 gold production guidance to 130 - 135 thousand ounces. The estimate for 2021 cost of sales is increased to $230 million. Estimated cash cost per gold ounce is unchanged at $1,000-$1,125 per gold ounce as 72% of the direct production costs are hedged at an average USD/CAD exchange rate of 1.33.2 All-in sustaining cost guidance is increased to $1,350-$1,400 to reflect in the increased sustaining capital spend which is currently unhedged under the Company's foreign exchange hedging program.3

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     5
 

 

Lucky Friday Mine - Idaho

 

At the Lucky Friday Mine, 0.8 million ounces of silver were produced in the quarter, an increase of 31% compared to the third quarter of 2020, with the mine at full production. The mill operated at an average of 850 tpd. A new mining method, with a patent pending, called the Underhand Closed Bench (UCB), has been in testing for the past year with the third quarter mining 87% of tons with the method. The benefit of the method is better management of seismicity, increasing safety and potentially increasing production. With the success of this new drill and blast mining method, the Remote Vein Miner (RVM), a continuous rock cutting machine, will be tested at another property. Additionally during the quarter, the land needed for Lucky Friday’s planned tailings facilities was acquired.

 

Cost of sales for the third quarter was $23.6 million, and the cash cost per silver ounce was $6.36. AISC was $16.79 per silver ounce.2,3

 

The Company's estimated 2021 silver production of 3.4 - 3.8 million ounces is unchanged. Estimated 2021 cost of sales are $103 million and cash cost and AISC, each per silver ounce, are unchanged at $7.60-$8.50 and $14.25-$16.25, respectively.2,3

 

Nevada Operations

 

At the Nevada operations, 2,751 ounces of gold were produced from approximately 12,000 tons of previously stockpiled refractory material processed at a third-party autoclave facility. Total cost of sales for the third quarter was $21.4 million. Cash cost and AISC per gold ounce were $1,038 and $1,167, respectively, in the third quarter of 2021.2,3 The increase over the prior year period was primarily due to costs associated with the previously stockpiled material processed in the current period.

 

We anticipate production and sales from the remaining approximately 2,200 tons of previously stockpiled refractory material processed at the third-party autoclave facility will be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2021.

 

Hollister’s exploration drift to access the Hatter Graben is ongoing and drilling began in the fourth quarter while we continue surface drilling at Midas.

 

EXPLORATION

 

In the third quarter exploration expenditures were $13.7 million, an increase of $10.3 million compared to the third quarter of 2020, primarily due to increasing exploration activity at Midas, Greens Creek, Casa Berardi, San Sebastian, Heva-Hosco and Kinskuch since there were fewer limitations due to COVID. This is the largest quarterly exploration expense in the Company’s history and about 50% more than the second quarter. For more details on Hecla’s exploration activities please see the Exploration Update provided on September 14th.

 

PRE-DEVELOPMENT

 

Pre-development spending was $3.4 million for the quarter, compared to $0.8 million for the third quarter of 2020. The increase is principally due to development of the decline at Hollister to allow drilling of the Hatter Graben to begin in the fourth quarter.

 

With the Federal District Court's ruling setting aside the federal agencies’ Record of Decision and related Biological Opinion for the Rock Creek project, Hecla will provide the next steps for both Rock Creek and Montanore by early 2022.

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     6
 

 

DIVIDENDS

 

Common

On September 8th, 2021, the Board of Directors added 1 cent per share for the annual silver-linked dividend component and approved a reduction in the minimum realized silver price threshold to $20 from $25 per ounce. On November 3, 2021, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 0.625 cent per share of common stock, consisting of 0.375 cent per share for the minimum dividend component and 0.25 cent per share for the silver-linked component of our dividend policy. The common dividend is payable on or about December 3, 2021, to shareholders of record on November 19, 2021. The realized silver price was $23.97 in the third quarter satisfying the criteria for the silver-linked dividend component of the Company's dividend policy.

 

Preferred

The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 87.5 cents per share on the outstanding shares of Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, payable on or about January 3, 2022, to shareholders of record on December 15, 2021.

 

2021 ESTIMATES4

 

The Company has updated its guidance for annual production and cost as follows:

 

2021 Production Outlook

   

Silver Production

(Moz)

   

Gold Production

(Koz)

 
   

Previous

   

Current

   

Previous

   

Current

 

Greens Creek *

    9.5-10.2       9.2-9.5       43-45       43-45  

Lucky Friday *

    3.4-3.8       3.4-3.8       N/A       N/A  

Casa Berardi

    N/A       N/A       128-132       130-135  

Nevada Operations

    N/A       N/A       20-21       20-21  

Total4

    12.9-14.0       12.6-13.3       191-198       193-201  

 

Silver equivalent production for 2021 is estimated at 42.0 43.5 million ounces while gold equivalent production is expected to be 469 485 thousand ounces.

*Equivalent ounces include Lead and Zinc production

 

2021 Cost Outlook

 

   

Cost of Sales

(millions)

Cash cost, after by-product

credits, per silver/gold ounce2

AISC, after by-product credits,

per produced silver/gold ounce3

   

Previous

   

Current

 

Previous

Current

Previous

Current

Greens Creek

  $ 222     $ 222  

($1.00)-$1.00

($1.00)-$1.00

$3.25-$4.00

$3.25-$4.00

Lucky Friday

  $ 103     $ 103  

$7.50-$8.50

$7.50-$8.50

$14.25-$16.25

$14.25-$16.25

Total Silver

  $ 325     $ 325  

$1.00-$2.00

$1.00-$2.00

$9.00-$11.00

$9.00-$11.00

Casa Berardi

  $ 220     $ 230  

$1,000-$1,125

$1,000-$1,125

$1,200-$1,325

$1,350-$1,400

Nevada Operations

  $ 43     $ 43  

$1,300-$1,425

$1,300-$1,425

$1,385-$1,525

$1,385-$1,525

Total Gold

  $ 263     $ 273  

$1,050-$1,200

$1,050-$1,200

$1,250-$1,350

$1,300-$1,375

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     7
 

 

 

CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST

 

A conference call and webcast will be held Thursday, November 4, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss these results. We recommend that you dial in at least 10 minutes before the call is due to commence. You may join the conference call by dialing toll-free 1-833-350-1380 or for international dialing 1-647-689-6934. The Participant Code is 5460648 and must be provided when dialing in. Hecla's live and archived webcast can be accessed at www.hecla-mining.com under Investors.

 

One-on-One Calls

 

Hecla will be holding a Virtual Investor Event on Thursday, November 4, 2021, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET.

 

Hecla invites shareholders, investors, and other interested parties to schedule a personal, 30-minute virtual meeting (video or telephone) with a member of senior management to discuss ESG, exploration, operations, or general matters. Click on the link below to schedule a call (or copy and paste the link into your web browser). You can select a topic once you have entered the meeting calendar. If you are unable to book a time, either due to high demand or for other reasons, please reach out to Russell Lawlar, Sr. Vice President – CFO and Treasurer at rlawlar@hecla-mining.com or 208-769-4130.

 

One-on-One meeting URL: https://calendly.com/2021-november-vie

 

NYSE CELEBRATORY EVENT

 

Hecla is celebrating 130 years and will ring the NYSE closing bell on November 16th, 2021. Hecla will be holding a celebratory event at the NYSE and invites shareholders, investors and other interested parties to the event. If you would like to attend, please contact Cheryl Turner at cturner@hecla-mining.com or 208-209-1261 by November 5th, 2021.

 

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 owns a number of exploration and pre-development projects in world-class silver and gold mining districts throughout North America.

 

NOTES

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

Non-GAAP financial measures are intended to provide additional information only and do not have any standard meaning prescribed by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP). These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

(1) Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure calculated as cash provided by operating activities less additions to properties, plants and equipment.

 

(2) Cash cost, after by-product credits, per silver or gold ounce is a non-GAAP measurement, a reconciliation of which to cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization (sometimes referred to as "cost of sales" in this release), can be found at the end of the release. It is an important operating statistic that management utilizes to measure each mine's operating performance. It also allows the benchmarking of performance of each mine versus those of our competitors.  As a silver and gold mining company, management also uses the statistic on an aggregate basis - aggregating the Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and San Sebastian mines - to compare performance with that of other silver mining companies, and aggregating Casa Berardi and the Nevada operations, to compare its performance with other gold mining companies.  Similarly, the statistic is useful in identifying acquisition and investment opportunities as it provides a common tool for measuring the financial performance of other mines with varying geologic, metallurgical and operating characteristics. In addition, the Company may use it when formulating performance goals and targets under its incentive program. Cash cost, after by-product credits, per silver ounce is not presented for Lucky Friday for the third quarters and first nine-month periods of 2020 and 2019, as production was limited due to the strike and subsequent ramp-up and results are not comparable to those from prior periods and are not indicative of future operating results under full production.

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     8
 

 

(3) All-in sustaining cost (AISC), after by-product credits, is a non-GAAP measurement, a reconciliation of which to cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the closest GAAP measurement, can be found in the end of the release. AISC, after by-product credits, includes cost of sales and other direct production costs, expenses for reclamation and exploration at the mine sites, corporate exploration related to sustaining operations, and all site sustaining capital costs.  AISC, after by-product credits, is calculated net of depreciation, depletion, and amortization and by-product credits

 

Current GAAP measures used in the mining industry, such as cost of goods sold, do not capture all the expenditures incurred to discover, develop and sustain silver and gold production. Management believes that all-in sustaining costs is a non-GAAP measure that provides additional information to management, investors and analysts to help in the understanding of the economics of our operations and performance compared to other producers and in the investor's visibility by better defining the total costs associated with production. Similarly, the statistic is useful in identifying acquisition and investment opportunities as it provides a common tool for measuring the financial performance of other mines with varying geologic, metallurgical and operating characteristics. In addition, the Company may use it when formulating performance goals and targets under its incentive program.

 

Other

 

(4) Calculations for 2021 include silver, gold, lead and zinc production from Greens Creek, San Sebastian, Casa Berardi, and Nevada Operations converted using actual Au $1,525/oz, Ag $17/oz, Zn $1.00/lb, and Pb $0.85/lb.

 

Numbers may be rounded.

 

Cautionary Statements to Investors on Forward-Looking Statements

 

This release contains “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, including 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) new mining method being tested at Lucky Friday will continue to successfully control seismicity, improve safety and potentially increase productivity; (ii) Greens Creek’s ability to achieve adequate staffing levels in order to mine higher-grade material, which is in deeper parts of the mine; (iii) Greens Creek's estimated 2021 silver production, gold production, cost of sales, cash cost and AISC; (iv) Casa Berardi's estimated 2021 gold production, cost of sales, cash cost and AISC; (v) Ore from the 160 pit at Casa Berardi is expected to start being mined and processed in Q4 2021; (vi) Lucky Friday's estimated 2021 silver production, cost of sales, cash cost and AISC; and (vii) Company-wide estimates of future production, sales, costs of sales, cash cost, after by-product credits, AISC, after by-product credits, as well as estimated spending on capital, exploration and pre-development for 2021. The material factors or assumptions used to develop such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information include that 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, to which the Company’s operations are subject.

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     9
 

 

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) the exchange rate for the USD/CAD and USD/MXN, being approximately consistent with current levels; (v) certain price assumptions for gold, silver, lead and zinc; (vi) prices for key supplies being approximately consistent with current levels; (vii) the accuracy of our current mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; (viii) 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; (ix) counterparties performing their obligations under hedging instruments and put option contracts; (x) sufficient workforce is available and trained to perform assigned tasks; (xi) weather patterns and rain/snowfall within normal seasonal ranges so as not to impact operations; (xii) relations with interested parties, including Native Americans, remain productive; (xiii) economic terms can be reached with third-party mill operators who have capacity to process our ore; (xiv) maintaining availability of water rights; (xv) factors do not arise that reduce available cash balances, (xvi) there being no material increases in our current requirements to post or maintain reclamation and performance bonds or collateral related thereto.

 

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; (vi) conflict resolution and outcome of projects or oppositions; (vii) litigation, political, regulatory, labor and environmental risks; (viii) exploration risks and results, including that mineral resources are not mineral reserves, they do not have demonstrated economic viability and there is no certainty that they can be upgraded to mineral reserves through continued exploration; (ix) the failure of counterparties to perform their obligations under hedging instruments; (x) we take a material impairment charge on our Nevada operations; (xi) we are unable to remain in compliance with all terms of the credit agreement in order to maintain continued access to the revolver, and (xii) we are unable to refinance the maturing senior notes. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors, see the Company’s 2020 Form 10-K, filed on February 18, 2021, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as well as the Company’s other SEC filings. The Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly, revisions to any “forward-looking statement,” including, without limitation, outlook, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this presentation, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Investors should not assume that any lack of update to a previously issued “forward-looking statement” constitutes a reaffirmation of that statement. Continued reliance on “forward-looking statements” is at investors’ own risk.

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Russell Lawlar

Senior Vice President - CFO and Treasurer

 

Jeanne DuPont

Senior Communications Coordinator

 

800-HECLA91 (800-432-5291)

Investor Relations

Email: hmc-info@hecla-mining.com

Website: www.hecla-mining.com

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     10
 

 

HECLA MINING COMPANY

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts - unaudited)

 

   

Third Quarter Ended

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30,
2021

   

September 30,
2020

   

September 30,
2021

   

September 30,
2020

 

Sales of products

  $ 193,560     $ 199,703     $ 622,395     $ 502,983  

Cost of sales and other direct production costs

    112,542       103,025       318,917       280,303  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    45,790       37,990       138,918       112,492  
      158,332       141,015       457,835       392,795  

Gross profit

    35,228       58,688       164,560       110,188  
                                 

Other operating expenses:

                               

General and administrative

    8,874       11,713       27,985       27,631  

Exploration

    13,675       3,407       27,993       7,899  

Pre-development

    3,433       759       7,046       1,857  

Other operating expense

    3,344       3,499       10,626       5,864  

Provision or closed operations and environmental matters

    7,564       1,254       12,297       2,807  

Ramp-up and suspension costs

    6,910       1,541       17,014       24,109  

Foundation grant

                      1,970  
      43,800       22,173       102,961       72,137  

(Loss) income from operations

    (8,572 )     36,515       61,599       38,051  

Other income (expense):

                               

Gain on exchange of investments

                1,158        

Unrealized (loss) gain on investments

    (2,861 )     3,979       (7,117 )     9,410  

Gain (loss) on derivative contracts

    12,148       (6,666 )     (4,692 )     (12,775 )

Net foreign exchange gain (loss)

    3,995       (2,196 )     24       1,235  

Other expense

    247       (392 )     (192 )     (2,141 )

Interest expense

    (10,469 )     (10,779 )     (31,484 )     (38,919 )
      3,060       (16,054 )     (42,303 )     (52,600 )

(Loss) income before income and mining taxes

    (5,512 )     20,461       19,296       (14,549 )

Income and mining tax benefit (provision)

    4,533       (5,151 )     3,924       (7,423 )

Net (loss) income

    (979 )     15,280       23,220       (21,972 )

Preferred stock dividends

    (138 )     (138 )     (414 )     (414 )

(Loss) income applicable to common shareholders

  $ (1,117 )   $ 15,142     $ 22,806     $ (22,386 )

Basic (loss) income per common share after preferred dividends (in cents)

    (0.2 )     2.9       4.3       (2.5 )

Diluted (loss) income per common share after preferred dividends

    (0.2 )     2.8       4.2       (2.5 )

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic

    536,966       529,838       535,542       526,098  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted

    536,966       535,788       541,769       526,098  

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     11
 

 

HECLA MINING COMPANY

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(dollars in thousands - unaudited)

 

   

Third Quarter Ended

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30, 2021

   

September 30, 2020

   

September 30, 2021

   

September 30, 2020

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                               

Net (loss) income

  $ (979 )   $ 15,280     $ 23,220     $ (12,562 )

Non-cash elements included in net (loss) income:

                               

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    46,939       40,478       139,800       120,076  

Gain on exchange of investments

                (1,158 )      

Unrealized loss (gain) on investments

    2,861       (3,979 )     7,117       (9,410 )

Write-down to stockpile inventory

    93             6,524        

Provision for reclamation and closure costs

    1,638       1,545       7,821       4,638  

Stock compensation

    1,472       2,801       4,774       5,229  

Deferred income taxes

    (10,141 )     (629 )     (17,886 )     (4,578 )

Amortization of loan origination fees and loss on extinguishment of debt

    488       442       1,406       3,066  

(Gain) loss on derivative contracts

    (16,053 )     (6,705 )     (13,937 )     4,483  

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

    (3,842 )     915       615       (2,810 )

Foundation grant

                      1,970  

Other non-cash items, net

    (390 )     (14 )     (239 )     559  

Change in assets and liabilities:

                               

Accounts receivable

    5,634       2,309       (3,798 )     (3,741 )

Inventories

    16,653       (8,510 )     22,372       (13,090 )

Other current and non-current assets

    (2,475 )     7,672       1,650       6,748  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

    (8,200 )     13,653       (14,689 )     (1,762 )

Accrued payroll and related benefits

    3,522       5,899       (1,829 )     11,317  

Accrued taxes

    3,729       (636 )     2,730       3,276  

Accrued reclamation and closure costs and other non-current liabilities

    1,793       2,918       2,489       2,483  

Cash provided by operating activities

    42,742       73,439       166,982       115,892  
                                 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

                               

Additions to properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests

    (26,899 )     (23,693 )     (80,210 )     (54,382 )

Proceeds from disposition of properties, plants and equipment

    431       105       562       305  

Proceeds from exchange of investments

    1,811             1,811        

Purchase of carbon credits

    (200 )           (200 )      

Purchases of investments

          (1,024 )           (1,661 )

Net cash used in investing activities

    (24,857 )     (24,612 )     (78,037 )     (55,738 )
                                 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

                               

Acquisition of treasury shares

                (4,525 )     (2,745 )

Dividends paid to common shareholders

    (6,040 )     (1,329 )     (16,755 )     (3,951 )

Dividends paid to preferred shareholders

    (138 )     (138 )     (414 )     (414 )

Credit facility fees paid

    (26 )     (736 )     (108 )     (1,287 )

Borrowings on debt

          27,607             707,107  

Repayments of debt

          (50,000 )           (716,500 )

Payments on finance leases

    (1,828 )     (1,406 )     (5,598 )     (4,246 )

Net cash used in financing activities

    (8,032 )     (26,002 )     (27,400 )     (22,036 )

Effect of exchange rates on cash

    (443 )     (79 )     (471 )     (1,873 )

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

    9,410       22,746       61,074       36,245  

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    182,547       76,976       130,883       63,477  

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 191,957     $ 99,722     $ 191,957     $ 99,722  

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     12
 

 

HECLA MINING COMPANY

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(dollars and share in thousands - unaudited)

 

   

September 30, 2021

   

December 31, 2020

 

ASSETS

               

Current assets:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 190,904     $ 129,830  

Accounts receivable:

               

Trade

    32,821       27,864  

Taxes

               

Other, net

    10,152       11,329  

Inventories

    58,439       96,175  

Derivative assets

    5,220       3,470  

Other current assets

    12,744       15,644  

Total current assets

    310,280       284,312  

Investments

    8,030       15,148  

Restricted cash

    1,053       1,053  

Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net

    2,331,018       2,378,074  

Operating lease right-of-use assets

    8,201       10,628  

Deferred income taxes

    5,576       2,912  

Derivative assets

    6,748       4,558  

Other non-current assets

    3,511       3,525  

Total assets

  $ 2,674,417     $ 2,700,210  
                 

LIABILITIES

               

Current liabilities:

               

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  $ 62,571     $ 68,516  

Accrued payroll and related benefits

    26,493       31,807  

Accrued taxes

    8,557       5,774  

Finance leases

    5,637       6,491  

Operating leases

    2,385       3,008  

Other current liabilities

    103       138  

Accrued reclamation and closure costs

    11,036       5,582  

Accrued interest

    5,221       14,157  

Derivatives liabilities

    4,179       11,737  

Total current liabilities

    126,182       147,210  

Finance leases

    8,540       9,274  

Operating leases

    5,820       7,634  

Accrued reclamation and closure costs

    108,670       110,466  

Long-term debt

    507,712       507,242  

Deferred tax liability

    142,750       156,091  

Pension liability

    26,229       44,144  

Derivatives liabilities

    752       18  

Other non-current liabilities

    4,787       4,346  

Total liabilities

    931,442       986,425  
                 

SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY

               

Preferred stock

    39       39  

Common stock

    136,350       134,629  

Capital surplus

    2,032,334       2,003,576  

Accumulated deficit

    (362,023 )     (368,074 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (35,704 )     (32,889 )

Treasury stock

    (28,021 )     (23,496 )

Total shareholders equity

    1,742,975       1,713,785  

Total liabilities and shareholders equity

  $ 2,674,417     $ 2,700,210  

Common shares outstanding

    537,977       531,666  

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     13
 

HECLA MINING COMPANY

Production Data

 

   

Three Months Ended

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30, 2021

   

September 30, 2020

   

September 30, 2021

   

September 30, 2020

 

GREENS CREEK UNIT

                               

Tons of ore milled

    211,142       215,237       620,153       629,316  

Total production cost per ton

                               

Ore grade milled - Silver (oz./ton)

    11.14       15.04       13.84       15.79  

Ore grade milled - Gold (oz./ton)

    0.068       0.084       0.079       0.084  

Ore grade milled - Lead (%)

    2.68

%

    3.26

%

    2.96

%

    3.22

%

Ore grade milled - Zinc (%)

    7.05

%

    8.17

%

    7.41

%

    7.76

%

Silver produced (oz.)

    1,837,270       2,634,436       6,980,587       8,164,062  

Gold produced (oz.)

    9,734       12,838       35,859       38,215  

Lead produced (tons)

    4,591       5,909       15,142       16,996  

Zinc produced (tons)

    13,227       16,187       41,191       44,858  

Cash cost, after by-product credits, per silver ounce (1)

  $ 0.74     $ 3.00     $ (1.03 )   $ 4.45  

AISC, after by-product credits, per silver ounce (1)

  $ 5.94     $ 6.58     $ 2.40     $ 7.03  

Capital additions (in thousands)

  $ 6,228     $ 8,265     $ 17,459     $ 18,276  

LUCKY FRIDAY UNIT

                               

Tons of ore milled

    78,227       55,050       241,740       109,951  

Total production cost per ton

                               

Ore grade milled - Silver (oz./ton)

    11.21       12.10       11.34       11.43  

Ore grade milled - Lead (%)

    7.22

%

    7.35

%

    7.43

%

    7.33

%

Ore grade milled - Zinc (%)

    3.3

%

    3.76

%

    3.48

%

    3.89

%

Silver produced (oz.)

    831,532       636,389       2,608,727       1,201,674  

Lead produced (tons)

    5,313       3,841       17,006       7,624  

Zinc produced (tons)

    2,319       1,810       7,673       3,841  

Cash cost, after by-product credits, per silver ounce (1)

  $ 6.36     $     $ 7.37     $  

AISC, after by-product credits, per silver ounce (1)

  $ 16.79           $ 15.00        

Capital additions (in thousands)

  $ 7,534     $ 5,547     $ 19,177     $ 14,603  

CASA BERARDI UNIT

                               

Tons of ore milled - underground

    167,435       157,734       533,262       472,936  

Tons of ore milled - surface pit

    230,708       130,948       607,967       427,784  

Tons of ore milled - total

    398,143       288,682       1,141,229       900,720  

Surface tons mined - ore and waste

    1,483,231       1,410,505       4,996,522       4,065,596  

Total production cost per ton

                               

Ore grade milled - Gold (oz./ton) - underground

    0.155       0.124       0.159       0.132  

Ore grade milled - Gold (oz./ton) - surface pit

    0.037       0.052       0.051       0.051  

Ore grade milled - Gold (oz./ton) - combined

    0.087       0.114       0.102       0.114  

Ore grade milled - Silver (oz./ton)

    0.02       0.02       0.03       0.02  

Gold produced (oz.) - underground

    24,170       19,605       75,180       62,260  

Gold produced (oz.) - surface pit

    5,552       6,800       22,065       21,652  

Gold produced (oz.) - total

    29,722       26,405       97,245       83,913  

Cash cost, after by-product credits, per gold ounce (1)

  $ 1,175     $ 1,398     $ 1,127     $ 1,181  

AISC, after by-product credits, per gold ounce (1)

  $ 1,476     $ 1,855     $ 1,387     $ 1,493  

Capital additions (in thousands)

  $ 12,377     $ 11,629     $ 38,377     $ 24,413  

SAN SEBASTIAN

                               

Tons of ore milled

          47,093             104,216  

Total production cost per ton

                               

Ore grade milled - Silver (oz./ton)

          6.27             8.11  

Ore grade milled - Gold (oz./ton)

          0.052             0.07  

Silver produced (oz.)

          266,691             772,158  

Gold produced (oz.)

          1,931             6,064  

Cash cost, after by-product credits, per silver ounce (1)

        $ 7.53           $ 5.93  

AISC, after by-product credits, per silver ounce (1)

        $ 8.87           $ 6.76  

Capital additions (in thousands)

  $ 3     $ 233     $ 10     $ 537  

Nevada Operations

                               

Tons of ore milled

    11,953             67,359       27,984  

Total production cost per ton

                               

Ore grade milled - Gold (oz./ton)

    0.234             0.324       1.232  

Ore grade milled - Silver (oz./ton)

                               

Gold produced (oz.)

    2,751             20,246       31,756  

Silver produced (oz.)

    270             45,395       37,443  

Cash cost, after by-product credits, per gold ounce (1)

  $ 1,038     $     $ 1,124     $ 716  

AISC, after by-product credits, per gold ounce (1)

  $ 1,167           $ 1,167     $ 787  

Capital additions (in thousands)

  $ 29     $ 380     $ 195     $ 1,849  

 

(1) Cash cost, after by-product credits, per ounce and AISC, after by-product credits. per ounce represent non-U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) measurements. A reconciliation of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization (GAAP) to cash cost, after by-product credits can be found in the cash cost 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. The primary metal produced at Casa Berardi and Nevada is gold, with a by-product credit for the value of silver production.

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     14
 

 

 

Non-GAAP Measures

(Unaudited)

 

Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP)

 

The tables below present reconciliations between the most comparable GAAP measure of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization to the non-GAAP measures of Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, AISC, Before By-product Credits and AISC, After By-product Credits for our operations at the Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, San Sebastian, Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations units for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

 

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce are measures developed by precious metals companies (including the Silver Institute and the World Gold Council) in an effort to provide a uniform standard for comparison purposes. There can be no assurance, however, that these non-GAAP measures as we report them are the same as those reported by other mining companies.

 

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce is an important operating statistic that we utilize to measure each mine's operating performance. AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce is an important operating statistic that we utilize as a measure of our mines' net cash flow after costs for exploration, pre-development, reclamation, and sustaining capital. Current GAAP measures used in the mining industry, such as cost of goods sold, do not capture all the expenditures incurred to discover, develop and sustain silver and gold production. Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce also allow us to benchmark the performance of each of our mines versus those of our competitors. As a silver and gold mining company, we also use these statistics on an aggregate basis - aggregating the Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and San Sebastian mines, to compare our performance with that of other primary silver mining companies and aggregating Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations for comparison with other gold mining companies. Similarly, these statistics are useful in identifying acquisition and investment opportunities as they provide a common tool for measuring the financial performance of other mines with varying geologic, metallurgical and operating characteristics.

 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and AISC, Before By-product Credits include all direct and indirect operating cash costs related directly to the physical activities of producing metals, including mining, processing and other plant costs, third-party refining expense, on-site general and administrative costs, royalties and mining production taxes. AISC, Before By-product Credits for each mine also includes on-site exploration, reclamation, and sustaining capital costs. AISC, Before By-product Credits for our consolidated silver properties also includes corporate costs for general and administrative expense and sustaining exploration and capital costs. By-product credits include revenues earned from all metals other than the primary metal produced at each unit. As depicted in the tables below, by-product credits comprise an essential element of our silver unit cost structure, distinguishing our silver operations due to the polymetallic nature of their orebodies.

 

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce provide management and investors an indication of operating cash flow, after consideration of the average price, received from production. We also use these measurements for the comparative monitoring of performance of our mining operations period-to-period from a cash flow perspective.

 

The Casa Berardi, Nevada Operations and combined gold properties information below reports Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce for the production of gold, its primary product, and by-product revenues earned from silver, which is a by-product at Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations. Only costs and ounces produced relating to units with the same primary product are combined to represent Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce. Thus, the gold produced at our Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations units is not included as a by-product credit when calculating Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce for the total of Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and San Sebastian, our combined silver properties. Similarly, the silver produced at our other three units is not included as a by-product credit when calculating the gold metrics for Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations.

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     15
 

 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2021

 
   

Greens

Creek

   

Lucky

Friday(2)

   

San

Sebastian(3)

   

Corporate(4)

   

Total Silver

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  $ 55,193       23,591     $             $ 78,784  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    (13,097 )     (6,590 )                   (19,687 )

Treatment costs

    7,979       3,427                     11,406  

Change in product inventory

    (122 )     (68 )                   (190 )

Reclamation and other costs

    (786 )     (281 )                   (1,067 )

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

    49,167       20,079                     69,246  

Reclamation and other costs

    848       264                     1,112  

Exploration

    2,472                   474       2,946  

Sustaining capital

    6,228       8,406                   14,634  

General and administrative

                            8,874       8,874  

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

    58,715       28,749                     96,812  

By-product credits:

                                       

Zinc

    (25,295 )     (4,611 )                   (29,906 )

Gold

    (14,864 )                         (14,864 )

Lead

    (7,640 )     (10,188 )   $               (17,828 )

Total By-product credits

    (47,799 )     (14,799 )                   (62,598 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

  $ 1,368     $ 5,280     $             $ 6,648  

AISC, After By-product Credits

  $ 10,916     $ 13,950     $             $ 34,214  

Divided by silver ounces produced

    1,837       832                     2,669  

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 26.76     $ 24.14     $             $ 25.93  

By-product credits per ounce

    (26.02 )   $ (17.79 )                   (23.44 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 0.74     $ 6.35     $             $ 2.49  

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 31.96     $ 34.58     $             $ 36.26  

By-product credits per ounce

    (26.02 )   $ (17.79 )                   (23.44 )

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 5.94       16.79     $             $ 12.82  

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     16
 

 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2021

 
   

Casa Berardi(5)

   

Nevada Operations(6)

   

Total Gold

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  $ 58,164     $ 21,384     $ 79,548  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    (19,968 )     (6,135 )     (26,103 )

Treatment costs

    475       1       476  

Change in product inventory

    (3,369 )     (12,389 )     (15,758 )

Reclamation and other costs

    (210 )           (210 )

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

    35,092       2,861       37,953  

Reclamation and other costs

    209       327       536  

Exploration

    1,541             1,541  

Sustaining capital

    7,208       29       7,237  

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

    44,050       3,217       47,267  

By-product credits:

                       

Silver

    (169 )     (6 )     (175 )

Total By-product credits

    (169 )     (6 )     (175 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

  $ 34,923     $ 2,855     $ 37,778  

AISC, After By-product Credits

  $ 43,881     $ 3,211     $ 47,092  

Divided by gold ounces produced

    30       3       33  

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 1,181     $ 1,040     $ 1,168  

By-product credits per ounce

    (6 )     (2 )     (5 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 1,175     $ 1,038     $ 1,163  

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 1,482     $ 1,169     $ 1,455  

By-product credits per ounce

    (6 )     (2 )     (5 )

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 1,476     $ 1,167     $ 1,450  

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     17
 

 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2021

 
   

Total Silver

   

Total Gold

   

Total

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  $ 78,784       79,548     $ 158,332  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    (19,687 )     (26,103 )     (45,790 )

Treatment costs

    11,406       476       11,882  

Change in product inventory

    (190 )     (15,758 )     (15,948 )

Reclamation and other costs

    (1,067 )     (210 )     (1,277 )

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

    69,246       37,953       107,199  

Reclamation and other costs

    1,112       536       1,648  

Exploration

    2,946       1,541       4,487  

Sustaining capital

    14,634       7,237       21,871  

General and administrative

    8,874             8,874  

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

    96,812       47,267       144,079  

By-product credits:

                       

Zinc

    (29,906 )           (29,906 )

Gold

    (14,864 )           (14,864 )

Lead

    (17,828 )           (17,828 )

Silver

            (175 )     (175 )

Total By-product credits

    (62,598 )     (175 )     (62,773 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

  $ 6,648     $ 37,778     $ 44,426  

AISC, After By-product Credits

  $ 34,214     $ 47,092     $ 81,306  

Divided by ounces produced

    2,669       33          

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 25.93     $ 1,168          

By-product credits per ounce

    (23.44 )     (5 )        

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 2.49     $ 1,163          

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 36.26     $ 1,455          

By-product credits per ounce

    (23.44 )     (5 )        

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 12.82     $ 1,450          

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     18
 

 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
   

Greens Creek

   

Lucky Friday(2)

   

San Sebastian

   

Corporate(4)

   

Total Silver

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  $ 48,105     $ 21,500     $ 5,960             $ 75,565  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    (11,735 )     (2,956 )     (781 )             (15,472 )

Treatment costs

    22,675       4,038       81               26,794  

Change in product inventory

    2,899       11       826               3,736  

Reclamation and other costs

    (891 )           (392 )             (1,283 )

Exclusion of Lucky Friday cash costs

          (22,593 )                     (22,593 )

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

    61,053             5,694               66,747  

Reclamation and other costs

    788             114               902  

Exploration

    370                   429       799  

Sustaining capital

    8,265             244       38       8,547  

General and administrative

                            10,345       10,345  

AISC, Before By-product Credits (2)

    70,476             6,052               87,340  

By-product credits:

                                       

Zinc

    (23,772 )                         (23,772 )

Gold

    (21,226 )           (3,686 )             (24,912 )

Lead

    (8,149 )                         (8,149 )

Total By-product credits

    (53,147 )           (3,686 )             (56,833 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

  $ 7,906     $     $ 2,008             $ 9,914  

AISC, After By-product Credits

  $ 17,329     $     $ 2,366             $ 30,507  

Divided by ounces produced

    2,634               267               2,901  

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 23.18     $     $ 21.34             $ 23.00  

By-product credits per ounce

    (20.18 )           (13.81 )             (19.59 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 3.00     $     $ 7.53             $ 3.41  

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 26.76     $     $ 22.68             $ 30.11  

By-product credits per ounce

    (20.18 )           (13.81 )             (19.59 )

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 6.58     $     $ 8.87             $ 10.52  

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     19
 

 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
   

Casa Berardi

   

Nevada Operations

   

Total Gold

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  $ 51,573     $ 13,877     $ 65,450  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    (15,223 )     (7,295 )     (22,518 )

Treatment costs

    562             562  

Change in product inventory

    543       6,920       7,463  

Reclamation and other costs

    (449 )     (324 )     (773 )

Exclusion of Nevada cash costs

          (13,178 )     (13,178 )

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

    37,006             37,006  

Reclamation and other costs

    97             97  

Exploration

    335             335  

Sustaining capital

    11,629             11,629  

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

    49,067             49,067  

By-product credits:

                       

Silver

    (93 )           (93 )

Total By-product credits

    (93 )           (93 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

  $ 36,913     $     $ 36,913  

AISC, After By-product Credits

  $ 48,974     $     $ 48,974  

Divided by ounces produced

    26             26  

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 1,402     $     $ 1,402  

By-product credits per ounce

    (4 )           (4 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 1,398     $     $ 1,398  

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 1,859     $     $ 1,859  

By-product credits per ounce

    (4 )           (4 )

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 1,855     $     $ 1,855  

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     20
 

 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
   

Total Silver

   

Total Gold

   

Total

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  $ 75,565       65,450     $ 141,015  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    (15,472 )     (22,518 )     (37,990 )

Treatment costs

    26,794       562       27,356  

Change in product inventory

    3,736       7,463       11,199  

Reclamation and other costs

    (1,283 )     (773 )     (2,056 )

Exclusion of cash costs

    (22,593 )     (13,178 )     (35,771 )

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

    66,747       37,006       103,753  

Reclamation and other costs

    902       97       999  

Sustaining exploration

    799       335       1,134  

Sustaining capital

    8,547       11,629       20,176  

General and administrative

    10,345             10,345  

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

    87,340       49,067       136,407  

By-product credits:

                       

Zinc

    (23,772 )           (23,772 )

Gold

    (24,912 )           (24,912 )

Lead

    (8,149 )           (8,149 )

Silver

            (93 )     (93 )

Total By-product credits

    (56,833 )     (93 )     (56,926 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

  $ 9,914     $ 36,913     $ 46,827  

AISC, After By-product Credits

  $ 30,507     $ 48,974     $ 79,481  

Divided by ounces produced

    2,901       26          

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 23.00     $ 1,402          

By-product credits per ounce

    (19.59 )     (4 )        

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 3.41     $ 1,398          

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 30.11     $ 1,859          

By-product credits per ounce

    (19.59 )     (4 )        

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 10.52     $ 1,855          

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     21
 

 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021

 
   

Greens Creek

   

Lucky Friday(2)

   

San Sebastian(3)

   

Corporate(4)

   

Total Silver

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  $ 163,861     $ 74,287     $ 95             $ 238,243  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    (42,410 )     (20,328 )                   (62,738 )

Treatment costs

    27,444       13,087                     40,531  

Change in product inventory

    (156 )     (1,757 )                   (1,913 )

Reclamation and other costs

    (1,777 )     (840 )     (95 )             (2,712 )

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

    146,962       64,449                     211,411  

Reclamation and other costs

    2,543       792                     3,335  

Sustaining exploration

    3,895                   1,359       5,254  

Sustaining capital

    17,459       19,104                   36,563  

General and administrative

                            27,985       27,985  

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

    170,859       84,345                     284,548  

By-product credits:

                                       

Zinc

    (74,571 )     (14,457 )                   (89,028 )

Gold

    (56,299 )                         (56,299 )

Lead

    (23,265 )     (30,762 )                   (54,027 )

Total By-product credits

    (154,135 )     (45,219 )                   (199,354 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

  $ (7,173 )   $ 19,230     $             $ 12,057  

AISC, After By-product Credits

  $ 16,724     $ 39,126     $             $ 85,194  

Divided by silver ounces produced

    6,981       2,609                     9,590  

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

  $ 21.05     $ 24.70     $             $ 22.05  

By-product credits per ounce

    (22.08 )     (17.33 )                   (20.79 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

  $ (1.03 )   $ 7.37     $             $ 1.26  

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

  $ 24.48     $ 32.33     $             $ 29.67  

By-product credits per ounce

    (22.08 )     (17.33 )                   (20.79 )

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

  $ 2.40     $ 15.00     $             $ 8.88  

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     22
 

 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021

 
   

Casa Berardi(5)

   

Nevada Operations (6)

   

Total Gold

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  $ 172,760     $ 46,832     $ 219,592  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    (61,159 )     (15,021 )     (76,180 )

Treatment costs

    1,723       1,731       3,454  

Change in product inventory

    (2,401 )     (9,951 )     (12,352 )

Reclamation and other costs

    (632 )     299       (333 )

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

    110,291       23,890       134,181  

Reclamation and other costs

    632       681       1,313  

Sustaining exploration

    3,551             3,551  

Sustaining capital

    21,030       195       21,225  

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

    135,504       24,766       160,270  

By-product credits:

                       

Silver

    (656 )     (1,131 )     (1,787 )

Total By-product credits

    (656 )     (1,131 )     (1,787 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

  $ 109,635     $ 22,759     $ 132,394  

AISC, After By-product Credits

  $ 134,848     $ 23,635     $ 158,483  

Divided by gold ounces produced

    97       20       117  

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

  $ 1,134     $ 1,180     $ 1,142  

By-product credits per ounce

    (7 )     (56 )     (15 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

  $ 1,127     $ 1,124     $ 1,127  

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

  $ 1,394     $ 1,223     $ 1,364  

By-product credits per ounce

    (7 )     (56 )     (15 )

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

  $ 1,387     $ 1,167     $ 1,349  

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     23
 

 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021

 
   

Total Silver

   

Total Gold

   

Total

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  $ 238,243       219,592     $ 457,835  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    (62,738 )     (76,180 )     (138,918 )

Treatment costs

    40,531       3,454       43,985  

Change in product inventory

    (1,913 )     (12,352 )     (14,265 )

Reclamation and other costs

    (2,712 )     (333 )     (3,045 )

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

    211,411       134,181       345,592  

Reclamation and other costs

    3,335       1,313       4,648  

Sustaining exploration

    5,254       3,551       8,805  

Sustaining capital

    36,563       21,225       57,788  

General and administrative

    27,985             27,985  

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

    284,548       160,270       444,818  

By-product credits:

                       

Zinc

    (89,028 )           (89,028 )

Gold

    (56,299 )           (56,299 )

Lead

    (54,027 )           (54,027 )

Silver

            (1,787 )     (1,787 )

Total By-product credits

    (199,354 )     (1,787 )     (201,141 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

  $ 12,057     $ 132,394     $ 144,451  

AISC, After By-product Credits

  $ 85,194     $ 158,483     $ 243,677  

Divided by ounces produced

    9,590       117          

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 22.05     $ 1,142          

By-product credits per ounce

    (20.79 )     (15 )        

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 1.26     $ 1,127          

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 29.67     $ 1,364          

By-product credits per ounce

    (20.79 )     (15 )        

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 8.88     $ 1,349          

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     24
 

 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
   

Greens Creek

   

Lucky Friday(2)

   

San Sebastian

   

Corporate(4)

   

Total Silver

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  $ 153,496     $ 35,787     $ 18,271             $ 207,554  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    (37,152 )     (5,152 )     (3,149 )             (45,453 )

Treatment costs

    58,517       7,502       232               66,251  

Change in product inventory

    1,749       807       681               3,237  

Reclamation and other costs

    (478 )           (1,050 )             (1,528 )

Exclusion of Lucky Friday cash costs

          (38,944 )                     (38,944 )

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

    176,132             14,985               191,117  

Reclamation and other costs

    2,365             342               2,707  

Sustaining exploration

    374                   1,362       1,736  

Sustaining capital

    18,276             299       38       18,613  

General and administrative

                            26,263       26,263  

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

    197,147             15,626               240,436  

By-product credits:

                                       

Zinc

    (59,711 )                         (59,711 )

Gold

    (57,850 )           (10,402 )             (68,252 )

Lead

    (22,208 )                         (22,208 )

Total By-product credits

    (139,769 )           (10,402 )             (150,171 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

  $ 36,363     $     $ 4,583             $ 40,946  

AISC, After By-product Credits

  $ 57,378     $     $ 5,224             $ 90,265  

Divided by ounces produced

    8,164             772               8,936  

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 21.57     $     $ 19.41             $ 21.39  

By-product credits per ounce

    (17.12 )           (13.47 )             (16.81 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 4.45     $     $ 5.94             $ 4.58  

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 24.15     $     $ 20.23             $ 26.90  

By-product credits per ounce

    (17.12 )           (13.47 )             (16.81 )

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 7.03     $     $ 6.76             $ 10.09  

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     25
 

 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
   

Casa Berardi

   

Nevada Operations

   

Total Gold

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  $ 140,893     $ 44,348     $ 185,241  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    (44,314 )     (22,725 )     (67,039 )

Treatment costs

    1,693       45       1,738  

Change in product inventory

    1,751       15,869       17,620  

Reclamation and other costs

    (637 )     (978 )     (1,615 )

Exclusion of Nevada cash costs

          (13,178 )     (13,178 )

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

    99,386       23,381       122,767  

Reclamation and other costs

    287       654       941  

Sustaining exploration

    1,493             1,493  

Sustaining capital

    24,413       1,600       26,013  

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

    125,579       25,635       151,214  

By-product credits:

                       

Silver

    (285 )     (635 )     (920 )

Total By-product credits

    (285 )     (635 )     (920 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

  $ 99,101     $ 22,746     $ 121,847  

AISC, After By-product Credits

  $ 125,294     $ 25,000     $ 150,294  

Divided by ounces produced

    84       32       116  

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 1,184     $ 736     $ 1,061  

By-product credits per ounce

    (3 )     (20 )     (8 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 1,181     $ 716     $ 1,053  

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 1,496     $ 807     $ 1,307  

By-product credits per ounce

    (3 )     (20 )     (8 )

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 1,493     $ 787     $ 1,299  

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     26
 

 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
   

Total Silver

   

Total Gold

   

Total

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  $ 207,554       185,241     $ 392,795  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    (45,453 )     (67,039 )     (112,492 )

Treatment costs

    66,251       1,738       67,989  

Change in product inventory

    3,237       17,620       20,857  

Reclamation and other costs

    (1,528 )     (1,615 )     (3,143 )

Exclusion of cash costs

    (38,944 )     (13,178 )     (52,122 )

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

    191,117       122,767       313,884  

Reclamation and other costs

    2,707       941       3,648  

Sustaining exploration

    1,736       1,493       3,229  

Sustaining capital

    18,613       26,013       44,626  

General and administrative

    26,263             26,263  

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

    240,436       151,214       391,650  

By-product credits:

                       

Zinc

    (59,711 )           (59,711 )

Gold

    (68,252 )           (68,252 )

Lead

    (22,208 )           (22,208 )

Silver

            (920 )     (920 )

Total By-product credits

    (150,171 )     (920 )     (151,091 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

  $ 40,946     $ 121,847     $ 162,793  

AISC, After By-product Credits

  $ 90,265     $ 150,294     $ 240,559  

Divided by ounces produced

    8,936       116          

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 21.39     $ 1,061          

By-product credits per ounce

    (16.81 )     (8 )        

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 4.58     $ 1,053          

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 26.90     $ 1,307          

By-product credits per ounce

    (16.81 )     (8 )        

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 10.09     $ 1,299          

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     27
 

 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Previous Estimate for Twelve Months Ended

December 31, 2021

 
   

Casa Berardi

   

Nevada Operations

   

Total Gold

 

Total cost of sales

  $ 212,000     $ 41,000     $ 253,000  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    (87,500 )     (5,600 )     (93,100 )

Treatment costs

    400       4,600       5,000  

Change in product inventory

    (9,000 )     (11,600 )     (20,600 )

Reclamation and other costs

    300       500       800  

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

    116,200       28,900       145,100  

Reclamation and other costs

    500       100       600  

Exploration

    3,800             3,800  

Sustaining capital

    31,500       2,000       33,500  

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

    152,000       31,000       183,000  

By-product credits:

                       

Silver

    (600 )     (550 )     (1,150 )

Total By-product credits

    (600 )     (550 )     (1,150 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

  $ 115,600     $ 28,350     $ 143,950  

AISC, After By-product Credits

  $ 151,400     $ 30,450     $ 181,850  

Divided by gold ounces produced

    127       21       148  

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

  $ 919     $ 1,376     $ 984  

By-product credits per gold ounce

    (5 )     (26 )     (8 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

  $ 914     $ 1,350     $ 976  

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

  $ 1,201     $ 1,476     $ 1,241  

By-product credits per gold ounce

    (5 )     (26 )     (8 )

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

  $ 1,196     $ 1,450     $ 1,233  

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     28
 

 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Previous Estimate for Twelve Months Ended

December 31, 2021

 
   

Total Silver

   

Total Gold

   

Total

 

Total cost of sales

  $ 303,400     $ 253,000     $ 556,400  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    (81,000 )     (93,100 )     (174,100 )

Treatment costs

    55,100       5,000       60,100  

Change in product inventory

    4,000       (20,600 )     (16,600 )

Reclamation and other costs

    5,500       800       6,300  

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

    287,000       145,100       432,100  

Reclamation and other costs

    5,000       600       5,600  

Exploration

    4,000       3,800       7,800  

Sustaining capital

    58,000       33,500       91,500  

General and administrative

    34,500             34,500  

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

    388,500       183,000       571,500  

By-product credits:

                       

Zinc

    (100,500 )           (100,500 )

Gold

    (70,000 )           (70,000 )

Lead

    (66,900 )           (66,900 )

Silver

            (1,150 )     (1,150 )

Total By-product credits

    (237,400 )     (1,150 )     (238,550 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

  $ 49,600     $ 143,950     $ 193,550  

AISC, After By-product Credits

  $ 151,100     $ 181,850     $ 332,950  

Divided by ounces produced

    13,450       148          

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 21.34     $ 984          

By-product credits per ounce

    (17.65 )     (8 )        

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 3.69     $ 976          

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 28.88     $ 1,241          

By-product credits per ounce

    (17.65 )     (8 )        

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 11.23     $ 1,233          

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     29
 

 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Current Estimate for Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2021

(Unchanged from Previous Estimate)

 
   

Greens Creek

   

Lucky Friday

   

San Sebastian

   

Corporate(4)

   

Total Silver

 

Total cost of sales

  $ 222,000     $ 102,500     $             $ 324,500  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    (59,200 )     (27,400 )                   (86,600 )

Treatment costs

    37,500       14,500                     52,000  

Change in product inventory

    (3,700 )     (1,250 )                   (4,950 )

Reclamation and other costs

    1,500       1,500                     3,000  

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

    198,100       89,850                     287,950  

Reclamation and other costs

    3,400       1,000                     4,400  

Exploration

    4,300                   1,732       6,032  

Sustaining capital

    35,000       26,500                     61,500  

General and administrative

                      38,700       38,700  

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

    240,800       117,350                     398,582  

By-product credits:

                                       

Zinc

    (98,000 )     (17,000 )                   (115,000 )

Gold

    (75,100 )                         (75,100 )

Lead

    (31,000 )     (43,000 )                   (74,000 )

Total By-product credits

    (204,100 )     (60,000 )                   (264,100 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

  $ (6,000 )   $ 29,850     $             $ 23,850  

AISC, After By-product Credits

  $ 36,700     $ 57,350     $             $ 134,482  

Divided by silver ounces produced

    9,850       3,600                     13,450  

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

  $ 20.11     $ 24.96     $             $ 21.41  

By-product credits per silver ounce

    (20.72 )     (16.67 )                   (19.64 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

  $ (0.61 )   $ 8.29     $             $ 1.77  

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

  $ 24.45     $ 32.60     $             $ 29.63  

By-product credits per silver ounce

    (20.72 )     (16.67 )                   (19.64 )

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

  $ 3.73     $ 15.93     $             $ 9.99  

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     30
 

 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Current Estimate for Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2021

 
   

Casa Berardi

   

Nevada Operations

   

Total Gold

 

Total cost of sales

  $ 230,400     $ 42,600     $ 273,000  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    (81,500 )     (14,500 )     (96,000 )

Treatment costs

    500       5,000       5,500  

Change in product inventory

    (8,200 )     (4,650 )     (12,850 )

Reclamation and other costs

    550       675       1,225  

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

    141,750       29,125       170,875  

Reclamation and other costs

    700       300       1,000  

Exploration

    4,400             4,400  

Sustaining capital

    31,300       125       31,425  

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

    178,150       29,550       207,700  

By-product credits:

                       

Silver

    (840 )     (1,125 )     (1,965 )

Total By-product credits

    (840 )     (1,125 )     (1,965 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

  $ 140,910     $ 28,000     $ 168,910  

AISC, After By-product Credits

  $ 177,310     $ 28,425     $ 200,735  

Divided by gold ounces produced

    133       21       153  

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

  $ 1,069     $ 1,421     $ 1,076  

By-product credits per gold ounce

    (6 )     (55 )     (13 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

  $ 1,063     $ 1,366     $ 1,066  

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

  $ 1,344     $ 1,441     $ 1,322  

By-product credits per gold ounce

    (7 )     (55 )     (13 )

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

  $ 1,337     $ 1,386     $ 1,309  

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     31
 

 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Current Estimate for Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2021

 
   

Total Silver

   

Total Gold

   

Total

 

Total cost of sales

  $ 324,500     $ 273,000     $ 597,500  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    (86,600 )     (96,000 )     (182,600 )

Treatment costs

    52,000       1,700       53,700  

Change in product inventory

    (4,950 )     (14,750 )     (19,700 )

Reclamation and other costs

    3,000       1,175       4,175  

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

    287,950       165,125       453,075  

Reclamation and other costs

    4,400       1,275       5,675  

Exploration

    6,032       4,400       10,432  

Sustaining capital

    61,500       31,485       92,985  

General and administrative

    38,700             38,700  

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

    398,582       202,285       600,867  

By-product credits:

                       

Zinc

    (115,000 )           (115,000 )

Gold

    (75,100 )           (75,100 )

Lead

    (74,000 )           (74,000 )

Silver

            (2,040 )     (2,040 )

Total By-product credits

    (264,100 )     (2,040 )     (266,140 )

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

  $ 23,850     $ 163,085     $ 186,935  

AISC, After By-product Credits

  $ 134,482     $ 202,285     $ 334,727  

Divided by ounces produced

    13,450       153          

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 21.41     $ 1,076          

By-product credits per ounce

    (19.64 )     (13 )        

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 1.77     $ 1,063          

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 29.63     $ 1,322          

By-product credits per ounce

    (19.64 )     (13 )        

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

  $ 9.99     $ 1,309          

 

 

(1)

Includes all direct and indirect operating costs related to the physical activities of producing metals, including mining, processing and other plant costs, third-party refining and marketing expense, on-site general and administrative costs and royalties, before by-product revenues earned from all metals other than the primary metal produced at each unit. AISC, Before By-product Credits also includes on-site exploration, reclamation, and sustaining capital costs.

 

(2)

The unionized employees at Lucky Friday were on strike from March 2017 until January 2020, and production at Lucky Friday was limited from the start of the strike until the ramp-up was substantially completed in the fourth quarter of 2020. Costs related to ramp-up activities totaling $5.4 million, along with $6.3 million in non-cash depreciation expense, in the first nine months of 2020 have been excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, AISC, Before By-product Credits, and AISC, After By-product Credits.

 

(3)

Mining at San Sebastian was completed in the third quarter of 2020, and milling was completed in the fourth quarter of 2020. Suspension-related costs at San Sebastian totaling $2.0 million for the first nine months of 2021 are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, AISC, Before By-product Credits, and AISC, After By-product Credits.

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     32
 

 

(4)

AISC, Before By-product Credits for our consolidated silver properties includes corporate costs for general and administrative expense, exploration and sustaining capital.

 

(5)

In late March 2020, the Government of Quebec ordered the mining industry to reduce to minimum operations as part of the fight against the COVID-19 virus, causing us to suspend our Casa Berardi operations from approximately March 24 until April 15, when limited mining operations resumed, resulting in reduced mill throughput. Suspension-related costs totaling $1.6 million for the first nine months of 2020 are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, AISC, Before By-product Credits, and AISC, After By-product Credits.

 

(6)

Production was suspended at the Hollister and Midas mines and Aurora mill in the latter part of 2019. Suspension-related costs at Nevada Operations totaling $15.0 million and $9.6 million for the first nine months of 2021 and 2020, respectively, are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, AISC, Before By-product Credits, and AISC, After By-product Credits.

 

 

Reconciliation of Cash Provided by Operating Activities (GAAP) to Free Cash Flow (non-GAAP)

 

This release refers to a non-GAAP measure of free cash flow, calculated as cash provided by operating activities, less additions to properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests. Management believes that, when presented in conjunction with comparable GAAP measures, free cash flow is useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance. The following table reconciles cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow:

 

Dollars are in thousands

 

Three Months Ended

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

Sept 30, 2021

   

Sept 30, 2020

   

Sept 30, 2021

   

Sept 30, 2020

 

Cash provided by operating activities

  $ 42,742     $ 73,439     $ 166,982     $ 115,892  

Less: Additions to properties, plants equipment and mineral interests

    (26,899 )     (23,693 )     (80,210 )     (54,382 )
                                 

Free cash flow

  $ 15,843     $ 49,746     $ 86,772     $ 61,510  

 

  Investor Relations, Hecla Mining Company – 1-800-432-5291 – hmc-info@hecla-mining.com     33