Strike at Lucky Friday Mine has little effect on Hecla’s silver production, official says

Hecla Mining Co. produced 3.4 million ounces of silver during the first quarter, with a strike at the Lucky Friday Mine having minimal effect on output, company officials said Thursday.

The miners went on strike March 13 after months of negotiations failed to produce a new contract. The underground mine in Mullan, Idaho, produced 680,782 ounces of silver during the first quarter, compared to 977,084 ounces during the same period last year.

Hecla’s first quarter silver production from its Greens Creek Mine in Alaska and the San Sebastian Mine in Mexico exceeded expectations, offsetting the Lucky Friday’s shortfall, said Phil Baker, Hecla’s president and CEO.

The company’s first quarter earnings will be released May 8.