Hecla waits for higher prices

Article Excerpt

HECLA MINING $2.98 (New York symbol HL; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (208-769- 4100; www.hecla-mining.com; Shares outstanding: 342.6 million; Market cap: $1.0 billion) explores for, mines and processes silver and gold in the U.S. and Mexico. Most of the company’s silver output comes from its Greens Creek mine in Alaska and its Lucky Friday project in Idaho. Its gold production mainly comes from its newly acquired Casa Berardi mine in Quebec. All of Hecla’s mines have potential for higher production, including Casa Berardi, where the company is deepening the mine shaft to boost output and extend the project’s life. However, Hecla is cutting back on capital spending while it waits for higher gold and silver prices. Hecla Mining is a hold. hold…