<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001437749-13-002305.txt : 20130305
<SEC-HEADER>0001437749-13-002305.hdr.sgml : 20130305
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20130305130238
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001437749-13-002305
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	8-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		3
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20130305
ITEM INFORMATION:		Other Events
ITEM INFORMATION:		Financial Statements and Exhibits
FILED AS OF DATE:		20130305
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20130305

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			HECLA MINING CO/DE/
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000719413
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	MINING, QUARRYING OF NONMETALLIC MINERALS (NO FUELS) [1400]
		IRS NUMBER:				770664171
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		8-K
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-08491
		FILM NUMBER:		13664785

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		6500 N MINERAL DRIVE SUITE 200
		STREET 2:		NONE
		CITY:			COEUR D'ALENE
		STATE:			ID
		ZIP:			83815-9408
		BUSINESS PHONE:		2087694100

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		6500 N MINERAL DRIVE SUITE 200
		STREET 2:		NONE
		CITY:			COEUR D'ALENE
		STATE:			ID
		ZIP:			83815-9408
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>8-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>hl20130305_8k.htm
<DESCRIPTION>FORM 8-K
<TEXT>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA1><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>UNITED STATES</B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA4><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>WASHINGTON, DC 20549</B></FONT></P>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA5><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">____________________</FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" ploc="AFTER"><BR></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA6><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>FORM 8-K</B></FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" ploc="AFTER"><BR></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA7><FONT style="FONT-VARIANT: small-caps; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>d<FONT style="FONT-VARIANT: small-caps">) of<BR>The Securities Exchange Act of 1934</FONT></B></FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" ploc="AFTER"><BR></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA8><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): <B>March 5, 2013</B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA9><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA10><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>HECLA MINING COMPANY</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B><BR></B>(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)</FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" ploc="AFTER"><BR></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA11><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
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<P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" id=PARA15><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>Delaware</B></FONT></P></TD>
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<P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" id=PARA17><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>1-8491</B></FONT></P></TD>
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<P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" id=PARA19><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>77-0664171</B></FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
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<P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" id=PARA23><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(State or Other Jurisdiction</FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 34%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" id=PARA25><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(Commission File Number)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 33%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" id=PARA27><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(IRS Employer Identification No.)<BR>of Incorporation)</FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA28><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B><BR>6500 North Mineral Drive, Suite 200</B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA29><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83815-9408</B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA30><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA31><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA32><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA33><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>(208) 769-4100</B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA34><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code) <BR><BR><B>N/A</B><BR>(Former name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)</FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" ploc="AFTER"><BR></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA35><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA36><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#9746;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt">&#9746;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12(b))<BR><B>&#9744;</B></FONT> <FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT> <FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))<BR><B>&#9744;</B></FONT> <FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT> <FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</FONT> </P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA46><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
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<P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" id=PARA47.1>&nbsp;</P>
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<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%" id=PGFTR47 >&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%; DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" id=PGNUM47 >1</DIV>
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<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; WIDTH: 100%" id=PGHDR47 >&nbsp;</DIV></DIV>
<P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" id=PARA47.2>&nbsp;</P>
<P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" ploc="BEFORE"><BR></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA48><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>Item 8.01 Other Events</B></FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" ploc="AFTER"><BR></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA49><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA50><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">On March 5, 2013, the Company issued a news release with respect to the Arrangement Agreement entered into with Aurizon. A copy of the news release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, and is incorporated herein by reference. </FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA51><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA52><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits</B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA53><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
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<TD style="WIDTH: 36pt">&nbsp;</TD>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" id=PARA56><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(c)</FONT></P></TD>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" id=PARA57><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Exhibits</FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA58><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" id=PARA61><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">99.1</FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" id=PARA62><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">News Release dated March 5, 2013. *</FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"><BR></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA63><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">____________________</FONT><BR></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA64><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA65><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Filed herewith.</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA66><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA67><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><U>SIGNATURE</U></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA68><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA69><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA70><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA74><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA75><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
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<P style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" id=PARA72><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">HECLA MINING COMPANY</FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" id=PARA84><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">By:</FONT></P></TD>
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<P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" id=PARA86><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">/s/ David C. Sienko</FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" id=PARA91><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">David C. Sienko</FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" id=PARA92><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Vice President and General Counsel</FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA93><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA94><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Dated: March 5, 2013</FONT></P>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt">2</P></BODY></HTML>
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<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-99
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>hl20130305_8kex99-1.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 99.1
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" id=PARA1><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>Exhibit 99.1</B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA96><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
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<P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" id=PARA3><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><B>NEWS RELEASE</B></FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA98><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA100><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA109><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><B>HECLA&#146;S AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE AURIZON IS SUPERIOR FOR AURIZON SHAREHOLDERS </B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA110><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA111><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA112><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">March 5, 2013</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA113><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA114><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">COEUR D&#146;ALENE, IDAHO -- Hecla Mining Company (<U>NYSE:HL</U></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">) (Hecla) (Company) today reiterated the superiority of its agreed-upon transaction with Aurizon Mines Ltd. (TSX:ARZ) (NYSE:AZK) (Aurizon), announced on March 4, 2013, and strongly urges shareholders to <B><U>reject</U></B> the Alamos offer. </FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA115><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA116><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">President and Chief Executive officer, Phillips S. Baker, Jr. said, "Our offer is superior to the Alamos offer by CAD$0.27, based on yesterday&#146;s closing prices, and includes a 68% higher cash component. Tendering to the Alamos offer risks depriving Aurizon shareholders of the premium our offer represents as well as the significant upside we see in a Hecla-Aurizon combination.&nbsp;As a North America focused precious metals producer, we believe&nbsp;the combined company will deliver increased value well into the future."</FONT></P>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA117><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Hecla&#146;s arrangement agreement is superior to the unsolicited Alamos offer for many reasons, included but not limited to:</FONT></P>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" id=PARA120><FONT size=+0><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#9679;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"></FONT></FONT></P></TD>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" id=PARA121><FONT size=+0><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Implied value is superior &#150; Implied value of Hecla&#146;s offer of CAD$4.55, based on closing prices on March 4, 2013, represents a CAD$0.27 premium to the current implied value of Alamos offer of C$4.28</FONT></FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" id=PARA124><FONT size=+0><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#9679;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"></FONT></FONT></P></TD>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" id=PARA125><FONT size=+0><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Larger cash component &#150; Hecla&#146;s agreement has a 68% higher cash component than the Alamos offer</FONT></FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" id=PARA128><FONT size=+0><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#9679;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"></FONT></FONT></P></TD>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" id=PARA129><FONT size=+0><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Superior business logic &#150; the combined company will have low cost operating mines with long lives in mining friendly jurisdictions</FONT></FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" id=PARA132><FONT size=+0><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#9679;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"></FONT></FONT></P></TD>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" id=PARA133><FONT size=+0><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Reduced operating risk &#150; 120 years of mining experience, most of it in underground mines similar to Casa Berardi</FONT></FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" id=PARA136><FONT size=+0><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#9679;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"></FONT></FONT></P></TD>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" id=PARA137><FONT size=+0><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Growth opportunities &#150; enhanced exposure to exploration and pre-development projects</FONT></FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" id=PARA138><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"></FONT>&nbsp;</P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Separately, Aurizon today reiterated its recommendation that shareholders support the Hecla transaction and do not tender into the Alamos offer or withdraw tenders already made. Aurizon urged shareholders who have tendered to immediately withdraw tendered shares.</FONT></P>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA142><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Mr. Baker continued, &#147;We believe that the combination of Aurizon and Hecla provides the best opportunity for operational synergies and the creation of lasting value for shareholders. The new company will have three long life low cost assets in mining friendly jurisdictions. We have followed Aurizon and Casa Berardi for the past 7 years and believe strongly in the asset, its exploration upside, and the benefits of where the project is located. We invite the Aurizon shareholders to join us as we build a leading diversified silver and gold producer.&#148;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA143><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA144><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>About Hecla Mining Company</B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA145><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA146><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) is a leading low cost U.S. silver producer with operating mines in Alaska and Idaho, exploration and pre-development properties in four world-class silver mining districts in the U.S. and Mexico, and an exploration office and investments in early-stage silver exploration projects in Canada.</FONT></P>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA148><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>Additional Information and Where to Find It </B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA149><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA150><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>This&nbsp;material</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>relates to Hecla&#146;s proposed acquisition (the &#147;Transaction&#148;) of Aurizon. Shares of Hecla&#146;s common stock (the &#147;Hecla Shares&#148;) issued in connection with the proposed Transaction may be registered pursuant to a registration statement to be filed with the SEC or issued pursuant to an available exemption. This information is not a substitute for any registration statement or any other document that Hecla may file with the SEC or&nbsp;that it or Aurizon may send to&nbsp;their respective</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B> </B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>shareholders in connection with the offer&nbsp;and/or issuance of Hecla Shares. Investors are urged to read&nbsp;any</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>registration statement, if and when filed, and all other relevant documents that may be filed with the SEC&nbsp;or with Canadian regulatory authorities</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>as and if they become available because they will contain important information about the issuance of Hecla Shares.&nbsp;&nbsp;Documents, if and when filed</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>with the SEC, will be available free of charge at the SEC&#146;s website (</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><U>www.sec.gov</U></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>). You may also obtain these documents by contacting Hecla&#146;s Investor Relations department at Hecla Mining Company; Investor Relations; </B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>1-800-HECLA91 (1-800-432-5291); </B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><U>hmc-info@hecla-mining.com</U></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>. This release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA151><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA152><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>In connection with the proposed transaction,&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>Aurizon&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>will file</B>&nbsp;<B>proxy soliciting materials</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>with the SEC&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>and/or Canadian regulatory authorities</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>. The information contained in&nbsp;any such filing&nbsp;may n</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>ot be complete and may be&nbsp;updated, amended or</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>changed. SHARE</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ&nbsp;&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>SUCH MATERIALS</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>WHEN</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B> AVAILABLE AND ANY OTHER&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>RELEVANT MATERIALS FILED WITH THE SEC&nbsp;</B>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>AND/OR CANADIAN REGULATORY AUTHORITIES</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B> </B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES THERETO.</B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA153><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA154><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>Proxy solicitation&nbsp;materials will be mailed to</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>Aurizon&#146;s&nbsp;shareholders seeking their approval of the proposed transaction. Anyone</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>&nbsp;may also obtain a copy of&nbsp;such materials</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B> free of charge once available by directing a request to: Hecla Mining Company 6500 N Mineral Drive, Suite 200, Coeur d&#146;Alene, ID 83815-9408. 1-800-HECLA91 (1-800-432-5291) </B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>Attention: Investor Relations. In addition,&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>any&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>relevant materials filed with the SEC will be available free of charge at the SEC&#146;s website at </B><U><I>www.sec.gov</I></U></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B> or&nbsp;&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>interested persons</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>may access copies of such documentation filed with the SEC by the Company by visiting the Investors section of the Company&#146;s website at www.hecla-mining.com.</B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA156><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B></B></FONT>&nbsp;</P>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><B>Cautionary Statements</B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA158><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA159><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Statements made which are not historical facts, such as anticipated payments, litigation outcome, production, sales of assets, exploration results and plans, prospects and opportunities including reserves, resources, and mineralization, costs, and prices or sales performance are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as &#147;may&#148;, &#147;will&#148;, &#147;should&#148;, &#147;expects&#148;, &#147;intends&#148;, &#147;projects&#148;, &#147;believes&#148;, &#147;estimates&#148;, &#147;targets&#148;, &#147;anticipates&#148; and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated, expected or implied. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the completion of Transaction, the risk that expected synergies or cost savings resulting from the Transaction may not be achieved, metals price volatility, volatility of metals production and costs, environmental and litigation risks, operating risks, project development risks, political and regulatory risks, labor issues, ability to raise financing and exploration risks and results. Refer to the company's Form 10-K and 10-Q reports for a more detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected future results. The company undertakes no obligation and has no intention of updating forward-looking statements other than as may be required by law.</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA160><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA161><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Similarly, please refer to the securities filings of Aurizon for further information concerning risks applicable to it and its forward-looking information.</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA162><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA163><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA164><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">For further information, please contact:</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA165><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA166><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Jim Sabala, Sr. VP and CFO</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA167><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">or</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA168><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Mike Westerlund, VP-Investor Relations</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA169><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA170><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Hecla Mining Company</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA171><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Investor Relations</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA172><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Direct Main: 1-800-HECLA91 (1-800-432-5291) </FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA173><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><U>hmc-info@hecla-mining.com</U></FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN: 0pt" id=PARA174><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><U>www.hecla-mining.com</U></FONT></P></BODY></HTML>
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