Hecla Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

Record revenues, Second highest silver reserves, Second highest silver production, Deleveraging continues

Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) ("Hecla", "we", "our" or the "Company") today announced fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial and operating results.

2024 HIGHLIGHTS

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Financial Achievements:

• Generated record sales of $929.9 million.
• Reported net income applicable to common stockholders of $35.3 million, or $0.06 per share.
• Generated record Adjusted EBITDA of $337.9 million, continued deleveraging and reduced net debt, improved net leverage ratio* to 1.6x from 2.7x a year ago.¹
• Cash flow from operating activities was $218.3 million, an increase of $142.8 million over 2023 with strong free cash flow generation at Greens Creek and Lucky Friday.
• Greens Creek generated $186.5 million in cash flow from operations and $146.7 million in free cash flow.²
• Lucky Friday generated $131.4 million in cash flow from operations and $81.8 million in free cash flow (including $50 million in insurance receipts).²

Operational Excellence:

• Reported silver reserves of 240 million ounces, second highest in the Company's 134-year history.
• Produced 16.2 million ounces of silver, second highest in the Company's history.
• Produced 142 thousand ounces of gold, exceeding consolidated guidance.
• Achieved consolidated silver production and cost guidance.
• Set multiple records at Lucky Friday -
  • Highest tons of ore mined and milled in the mine's 80-year history.
  • Highest zinc production of 13,513 tons.
  • Production of 4.9 million ounces of silver, highest since 2000.
• Keno Hill produced 2.8 million ounces of silver while increasing silver reserves by 17% to 64.3 million ounces.
• All-Injury Frequency Rate outperformed national average of mining companies by 6%.

*Net leverage ratio is calculated as current debt, long-term debt and finance leases less cash divided by trailing twelve-month adjusted EBITDA.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR 2025

• Continue to strengthen the balance sheet with a focus on highest risk-adjusted return projects and free cash flow generation.
• Advance Keno Hill's permitting and investment in critical infrastructure to chart the path for sustained profitability.
• Optimize operating portfolio through strategic review of Casa Berardi.
• Evaluate extensive exploration portfolio for opportunities to generate shareholder value.
• Drive operational excellence through implementation of standardized enterprise systems and advanced analytics to optimize mine planning and cost management, driving sustained profitability and efficient capital allocation.

"In balancing our proud heritage with our refocused forward-looking vision, we are implementing a strategic shift that emphasizes sustainable profitable growth and operational excellence while continuing to focus on industry leading safety standards," said Rob Krcmarov, President and CEO. "Our renewed focus on optimizing cash flow generation and return on capital investment will drive shareholder value, supported by four key pillars: stakeholder relationship management, capital discipline, technical innovation, and environmental stewardship. As part of this commitment to disciplined capital allocation, we have streamlined our dividend policy to eliminate the silver-linked component, enabling us to pursue significant growth opportunities, particularly at Keno Hill."

Krcmarov continued, "As we advance into 2025, our key priorities include driving operational excellence through standardized systems and processes, improving our safety performance, evaluating strategic alternatives for Casa Berardi, and advancing Keno Hill's permitting and infrastructure to achieve sustained profitability. We are optimizing our exploration portfolio to maximize returns, focusing on projects that offer the highest risk-adjusted returns and potential for strong free cash flow generation while upholding our commitment to responsible mining practices. With silver markets facing their fifth consecutive deficit year, driven by record industrial demand and growing safe-haven investment, Hecla's position as the largest silver producer in the U.S. and Canada positions us well to capitalize on these favorable fundamentals."

FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW

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In the following table and throughout this release, "total cost of sales" is comprised of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization; "prior year" refers to 2023, and "prior quarter" refers to the third quarter of 2024.

Sales increased to $929.9 million for the year through higher realized prices (silver, gold, and zinc) and higher sales volumes (silver, lead, and zinc), which were partially offset by lower gold sales volumes. Silver, lead, and zinc sales volumes increased primarily due to the resumption of operations at Lucky Friday on January 9, 2024, following the suspension of operations in August 2023 due to a fire in the underground secondary egress.

Gross profit for the year was $198.2 million, an increase of 75% over 2023. The increase is attributable to (i) Greens Creek gross profit increasing by $28.8 million due to higher realized prices for all metals except lead, which was partially offset by lower sales volumes of all metals except zinc, (ii) Lucky Friday gross profit increased by $26.6 million due to higher realized prices and volumes reflecting an almost full year of operation versus seven months in 2023, and (iii) at Casa Berardi, the gross loss decreased by $29.7 million reflecting the benefit of higher realized gold prices which offset lower gold sales volumes.

Net income applicable to common stockholders was $35.3 million compared to a prior year loss of $84.8 million. The improvement over the prior year was primarily related to:

• Collection of $50 million of Lucky Friday insurance proceeds included in other operating income.
• Ramp-up and suspension costs decreased by $32.9 million, reflecting the impact of Lucky Friday returning to full production in 2024.
• A foreign exchange gain of $7.6 million versus a loss of $3.8 million, reflecting the impact of the U.S. dollar appreciation compared to the Canadian dollar.

Partly offset by:

• A non-cash write-down of $14.6 million, $13.9 million of which was related to the remote vein mine ("RVM"). The RVM was determined to be unnecessary due to the success of the Underhand Closed Bench mining method at Lucky Friday and the vendor decided to terminate the program and exit that line of business.
• An increase in income and mining tax provision of $29.2 million, reflecting higher taxable income realized by our US tax group while unable to recognize losses in Canada.

Consolidated silver total cost of sales in 2024 was $487.6 million, an increase of 28% from the prior year, primarily due to the resumption of production at Lucky Friday in January, higher labor and maintenance costs at Greens Creek, and additional costs allocated to cost of sales at Keno Hill due to higher revenues as a result of increased production.

Cash costs and AISC per silver ounce, each after by-product credits, were $2.72 and $13.06, respectively, and within guidance. Cash costs decreased primarily due to lower treatment charges, higher by-product credits (due to increased production and realized prices) and higher silver production. AISC was higher due to higher sustaining capital at Greens Creek and Lucky Friday, and higher corporate general and administrative expenses.^3,4

Gold total cost of sales for Casa Berardi was consistent with the prior year as production costs remained stable year over year.

Cash costs and AISC per gold ounce, each after by-product credits, were $1,762 and $1,990 respectively, an increase over the prior year as lower production costs and sustaining capital spend was partially offset by lower gold production.^3,4

Adjusted EBITDA for the year was $337.9 million, a 62% increase over the prior year. The ratio of net debt to adjusted EBITDA (net leverage ratio) improved to 1.6 times from 2.7 times due to strong EBITDA generation in 2024 and reduction in net debt.¹ Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2024 were $26.9 million and included $23 million drawn on the revolving credit facility.

Cash provided by operating activities was $218.3 million, an increase of $142.8 million from the prior year primarily due to higher net income partially offset by unfavorable working capital changes, including an increase of accounts receivable (Lucky Friday resumed production and Keno Hill ramped up operations), increase in inventories, and timing of accounts payable payments.

Capital investment, net of finance leases, was $214.5 million in 2024, compared to $223.9 million in the prior year. The decrease was due to (i) lower capital investment at Lucky Friday due to the prior year requiring additional capital to establish an alternative secondary escapeway as a result of the fire, (ii) decreased capital investment at Casa Berardi as the mine transitions to a surface only operation in mid-2025. These decreases were partially offset by (i) higher capital investment at Keno Hill for critical infrastructure projects including the dry stack tailings facility ("DSTF"), mobile equipment purchases, and mine development and (ii) other sustaining capital projects at Greens Creek.

Free cash flow for the year was $3.8 million, compared to negative $148.4 million in the prior year, with the increase primarily due to higher cash flow from operations.²

Hedging Update: Forward Sales Contracts for Base Metals and Foreign Currency

The Company uses financially settled forward sales contracts to manage exposures to zinc and lead price changes in forecasted concentrate shipments. On December 31, 2024, the Company had contracts covering approximately 23% and 34% of the forecasted payable zinc and lead production for 2025 - 2026 at an average price of $1.39 and $1.01 per pound, respectively.

The Company also manages Canadian dollar ("CAD") exposure through forward contracts. At December 31, 2024, the Company had hedged approximately 47% of forecasted Casa Berardi and Keno Hill CAD denominated direct production costs through 2026 at an average CAD/USD rate of 1.34. The Company has also hedged approximately 23% of Casa Berardi and Keno Hill CAD denominated total capital expenditures through 2026 at 1.38.

OPERATIONS OVERVIEW

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Greens Creek Mine - Alaska

Operational Review

Greens Creek produced 8.5 million ounces of silver and 55,275 ounces of gold in 2024. Zinc production was consistent with the prior year while lead production declined 6% due to lower grades.

Silver and gold production in the fourth quarter increased by 2% and 26% respectively, over the prior quarter, delivering 1.9 million ounces of silver and 14,804 ounces of gold. Fourth quarter silver production was lower than planned as equipment availability affected backfill cycles, resulting in a delay in the mining sequence of higher-grade stopes. Silver grades are expected to increase through the first quarter of 2025 as backfill cycles improve.

Fourth Quarter Financial Review

Sales in the fourth quarter were $112.0 million, a decrease of 4% over the prior quarter, as higher realized prices for all metals were offset by lower sales volumes.

Total cost of sales was $67.9 million, a decrease of 8% over the prior quarter, primarily due to lower sales volumes, while total production costs remained stable quarter-over-quarter. Cash costs and AISC per silver ounce, each after by-product credits, were negative $5.86 and $2.62 and decreased over the prior quarter due to lower treatment charges, higher silver production, and higher by-product credits (higher prices and production).^3,4

Cash flow from operations was $60.4 million, an increase of 12% over the prior quarter due to higher gross margin and favorable working capital changes. Capital investment was $15.8 million during the quarter, an increase of $4.3 million over the prior quarter, primarily due to mobile equipment purchases.

Free cash flow for the quarter of $45.8 million was consistent with the prior quarter as higher capital investment offset the increase in cash flow from operation.

2024 Financial Review

Sales in 2024 were $421.6 million, an increase of 10% compared to the prior year as higher realized prices for all metals except lead, and higher zinc volumes were partially offset by lower sales volumes of other metals.

Total cost of sales increased 3% to $268.1 million due to higher labor and contractor costs and higher equipment maintenance costs. Cash costs and AISC per silver ounce (each after by-product credits) were negative $0.05 and $5.65, respectively, lower than the prior year due to higher by-product credits (higher by-product prices offset lower gold and lead production) and lower treatment charges, which offset lower silver production, higher costs and capital investment.^3,4

Cash flow from operations for the year was $186.5 million and increased 19% over the prior year due to higher revenues. Capital investment was $47.8 million during the year, an increase of 10% over the prior year, primarily due to increased mine development and mobile equipment purchases.

Free cash flow generation for the year was $146.7 million and increased 21% over the prior year as higher sales were partially offset by higher costs and capital spend.²

Please refer to guidance section of the release for production, cost, and capital guidance for 2025.

Lucky Friday Mine - Idaho

Operational Review

In 2024, Lucky Friday delivered solid operational performance, producing 4.9 million ounces of silver, an increase of 58% over the prior year (2023 production was negatively impacted by the suspension of operations for five months due to the fire). In 2024, the mine set multiple production records, including record tons mined (ore and waste), record throughput, record zinc production and the highest silver and lead production since 2000.

Fourth quarter silver production was 1.3 million ounces, an increase of 13% over the prior quarter due to higher silver grades and mill throughput.

Fourth Quarter Financial Review

Sales in the fourth quarter were $57.7 million, an increase of 13% over the prior quarter due to higher realized prices for all metals and higher sales volumes.

Cost of sales were $40.2 million, in line with the prior quarter. Cash costs and AISC per silver ounce, each after by-product credits, were $7.68 and $17.12, respectively, and decreased over the prior quarter primarily due to higher by-product credits (higher prices and production) and higher silver production.^3,4

Cash flow from operations was $25.3 million, a decrease of 26% over the prior quarter which was favorably impacted by insurance receipts of $14.8 million. Capital investment increased to $12.6 million, a 13% increase over the prior quarter due to increased development and other sustaining capital investments. Free cash flow for the quarter was $12.7 million and decreased over the prior quarter due to favorable impact of insurance receipts in the prior quarter.

2024 Financial Review

Sales in 2024 were $203.2 million, an increase of 75% over the prior year, attributable to higher silver and base metal production (reflecting almost twelve full months of production versus seven months in the prior year) and higher realized prices. Gross profit in 2024 was $58.7 million, an increase of 83% over 2023, due to the abovementioned reasons.

Cash costs and AISC per silver ounce, each after by-product credits, were $7.80 and $16.50, respectively, an increase over the prior year mainly due to higher costs reflecting a full year of production.^3,4

Cash flow from operations for the year was $131.4 million, an increase of 128% over the prior year, reflecting the receipt of insurance proceeds throughout the year. Capital investment, net of leases, for the year was $49.6 million; major capital projects executed were mine development, equipment purchases, and pre-production drilling. Free cash flow for the year was $81.8 million and includes $50 million of insurance receipts.²

Please refer to guidance section of the release for production, cost, and capital guidance for 2025.

Keno Hill - Yukon Territory

Operational Review

Keno Hill produced 2.8 million ounces of silver, an increase of 85% over prior year and within guidance of 2.7-3.0 million ounces. Mill throughput for the year averaged 299 tons per day ("tpd"), below the permitted capacity of 440 tpd.

Fourth quarter silver production was nearly 630,000 ounces, an increase of 5% over the prior quarter, attributable to higher silver grades. Mill throughput averaged 251 tpd in the fourth quarter and was impacted by the suspension of milling operations for 25 days due to delays relating to the DSTF (including permitting), and an additional 10 days due to the power curtailments by Yukon Energy Corporation ("YEC"), the utility that supplies power to the mine. The Company estimates the power curtailments lowered production by approximately 130,000 ounces in the fourth quarter.

Fourth Quarter Financial Review

Sales in the fourth quarter were $15.4 million, and decreased 22% over the prior quarter due to lower volumes sold. Total expenditures on production costs (excluding depreciation) were $21.4 million.

Cash flow from operations was negative $1.8 million and improved over the prior quarter due to favorable working capital changes. Capital investments during the quarter were $15.6 million and included mine development and construction of the DSTF. Free cash flow was negative $14.7 million, an improvement of $3.8 million over the prior quarter due to the improvement in cash flow from operations.

2024 Financial Review

Sales in 2024 were $75.0 million, an increase of 111% over the prior year, due to higher volumes sold and higher realized prices. Total expenditures on production costs (excluding depreciation) were $91.8 million.

Cash flow from operations was negative $17.7 million, and improved over the prior year due to higher sales. Capital investment increased 23% due to higher mine development, equipment, and investment in critical infrastructure projects like the DSTF. Free cash flow for the year was negative $64.8 million, in line with the prior year.

Outlook

Victoria Gold's Eagle Mine heap leach pad incident in June 2024, although unrelated to Hecla and Keno Hill, caused the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun ("FNNND") to express strong positions on mining activities within their Traditional Territory, where Keno Hill is located, including a call to halt all mining. This has slowed the Company’s permitting efforts as the Yukon Government is required to consult with the FNNND on permitting matters. Progress continues to be made on permitting, but significant challenges remain. Further, power curtailment by YEC at Keno Hill has continued into 2025, resulting in 8 days of operational stoppage as of this release. Disruptions are expected to continue through the first half of 2025, due to cold temperatures and YEC’s insufficient generating capacity relating to an out-of-service hydro-electric turbine that is not expected to be repaired until summer 2025. However, the Yukon Premier has committed resources to review and resolve the power deficit at Keno Hill in the coming months. Considering electrical reliability challenges, along with ongoing discussions with the Yukon Government and the FNNND regarding the Eagle Mine incident, we project 2025 silver production to remain comparable to 2024 levels, with growth expected to resume in 2026.

Despite these issues at Keno Hill, the Company has charted a path to achieve sustainable profitable production through a phased approach to throughput optimization. The immediate focus is on achieving consistent performance at the current permitted capacity of 440 tpd while investing in infrastructure and advancing critical permitting for future expansion to approximately 600 tpd. Increased throughput is critical for generating returns at this remote operation due to its high fixed costs. The expansion pathway, supported by the mine's robust resource base and recent increase in silver reserves to over 64 million ounces, is expected to meet the Company’s investment threshold criteria at current silver prices. While permitting timelines in Yukon have been impacted by broader regional developments, the Company is engaged with stakeholders and regulatory authorities to advance permits. The goal of a disciplined approach that focuses on operational and environmental excellence is to unlock Keno Hill's significant value potential.

Please refer to guidance section of the release for detailed production, cost, and capital guidance for 2025.

Casa Berardi - Quebec

Operational Review

Casa Berardi produced 86,648 ounces of gold in 2024, a decrease of 4% over the prior year, due to lower surface grades, which offset higher throughput from open pit operations. Mined tons (ore and waste) in the 160 open pit increased 56% over the prior year, while costs, both operating and capital were consistent with the prior year. The mine is expected to transition to a surface only operation by mid-2025, when the stripping ratio for the 160 pit is expected to decline, and mill throughput is expected to be sourced completely from the pit.

Fourth quarter production was 20,923 ounces of gold, an increase of 2% over the prior quarter, due to higher throughput.

Fourth Quarter Financial Review

Sales in the fourth quarter were $59.2 million, an increase of 18% over the prior quarter, primarily due to higher gold prices.

Total cost of sales was $51.7 million, an increase of 12% over the prior quarter, due to higher sales volumes, and higher contractor costs. Cash costs and AISC per gold ounce, each after by-product credits, were $1,936 and $2,203, respectively, and increased over the prior quarter due to higher production costs attributable to higher ore and waste tons mined and milled during the quarter, and include losses of $38.7 per ounce on foreign exchange hedges.^3,4

Cash flow from operations was $12.4 million, a 19% decrease over the prior quarter due to unfavorable working capital changes (timing of accounts payable payments). Capital investment for the quarter was $16.4 million, net of capital leases of $5.0 million ($5.4 million and $11.0 million in sustaining and non-sustaining capital investment, respectively). Non-sustaining capital was primarily related to construction costs of tailings facilities. Free cash flow for the quarter was negative $4.1 million and decreased over the prior quarter due to lower cash flow from operations.²

2024 Financial Review

Sales for 2024 were $209.7 million, an increase of 18% over the prior year due to higher realized prices partially offset by lower gold production and related total production costs.

Full-year total cost of sales was $223.6 million, in line with the prior year. Cash costs and AISC per gold ounce, each after by-product credits, were $1,762 and $1,990, respectively.^3,4 The year-over-year increase in cash costs per gold ounce was primarily attributable to lower gold production.

Cash flow from operations for the year was $48.7 million, a significant increase over the prior year, due to a $29.7 million reduction in gross loss. Capital investment of $60.7 million (net of capital leases of $5.0 million) was primarily related to construction of the Cell 7 tailings facility. Free cash flow was negative $11.1 million, an improvement of $52.5 million over the prior year, attributable to the increase in cash flow from operations.

Outlook

Casa Berardi is transitioning from a combined underground and surface operation to a surface only operation. By mid-2025, the Company expects to be mining only the 160 open pit, as the higher margin stopes of the west underground mine should be exhausted. With the expected decline in 160 pit's strip ratio, the mine's economics are expected to improve with free cash flow generation commencing in the second half of 2025.

Casa Berardi is expected to produce gold from the 160 pit until 2027. At current gold prices, the 160 pit is expected to generate strong free cash flow from the second half of 2025 (when the pit's strip ratio is expected to decline) until 2027. Upon completion of mining at the 160 pit, and milling the remaining stockpiles, Casa Berardi is expected to have a production gap commencing in 2027 and continuing until 2032 or later. During this time, the focus is expected to be on investing in permitting, infrastructure and equipment, as well as de-watering and stripping two expected new open pits, the Principal and West Mine Crown Pillar pits. Upon conclusion of the hiatus and related permitting and construction, the Company expects the mine to generate significant free cash flow at current gold prices. Given the expected hiatus in future production and the uncertainty surrounding permitting and timing of construction of the new open pits, the Company continues to consider strategic alternatives for Casa Berardi.

Please refer to guidance section of the release for production, cost, and capital guidance for 2025.

EXPLORATION AND PRE-DEVELOPMENT

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Exploration and pre-development expenses totaled $5.7 million for the fourth quarter and $27.3 million for the entire year. During the fourth quarter, exploration activities focused on targets at Keno Hill and Greens Creek.

For the year ended 2024, the Company reported silver reserves of 239.8 million ounces, the second highest in the Company's history and only 1 million ounces lower than the record reserves in 2022. The 2024 exploration program and resulting reinterpretations were particularly successful at expanding Keno Hill's silver reserves, which increased by 17%, and nearly replacing silver production at Greens Creek. A breakdown of the Company's reserves and resources is located in Table A at the end of this news release.

Selected drill intercepts for the two operations are shown below. For further details on the Company's 2024 exploration and pre-development program and 2025 planned expenditures as well as reserves and resources at year-end 2024, please refer to the news release entitled "Hecla Reports Exploration Results and Reserves" released on February 12, 2025.

Keno Hill

Bermingham Vein Zone

• Footwall Vein: 36.6 ounce per ton ("opt") silver, 3.0% lead, and 0.9% zinc over 11.2 feet
• Includes: 48.4 opt silver, 3.7% lead, and 1.0% zinc over 8.1 feet
• Main Vein: 42.8 oz/ton silver, 9.3% lead, and 9.7% zinc over 6.8 feet

Greens Creek

West Zone

• 34.6 opt silver, 0.44 oz/ton gold, 2.8% lead and 5.9% zinc over 12.1 feet
• 40.1 opt silver, 0.36 oz/ton gold, 4.3% lead and 8.2% zinc over 8.0 feet

DIVIDENDS

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Revision to Dividend Policy

The Company has revised its common stock dividend policy, maintaining the base cash dividend of $0.015 per share ($0.00375 per share quarterly) while eliminating the silver-linked component. The revised dividend policy supports the Company's capital allocation priorities of (i) investing in high-return organic growth opportunities, with a focus on development of Keno Hill, (ii) strengthening the balance sheet and enhancing financial flexibility, and (iii) delivering disciplined shareholder returns.

Pursuant to the revised dividend policy, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.00375 per share of common stock payable on or about March 24, 2025, to stockholders of record on March 10, 2025.

Preferred Stock

The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.875 per share of Series B preferred stock, payable on or about April 1, 2025, to stockholders of record on March 14, 2025.

2025 GUIDANCE ⁶

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In the tables below the Company provides production, cost, and capital guidance on a consolidated basis and by mine, as well as projected consolidated exploration and pre-development expenditures.

2025 Production Outlook

Consolidated silver production is expected to be 15.5-17.0 million ounces, in line with 2024 silver production.

• Greens Creek's silver production is expected to be 8.1-8.8 million ounces, consistent with 2024 production. Base metal production for the mine is also expected to be in line with 2024, while gold production is expected to decline due to lower grades.
• Lucky Friday's silver production is expected to be 4.7-5.1 million ounces, consistent with 2024 production.
• Keno Hill silver production is expected to be 2.7-3.1 million ounces, consistent with 2024 production, as the Company continues to focus on permitting matters and execution of critical infrastructure projects. Keno Hill's infrastructure (primarily camp facilities) is expected to face higher demand than in 2024 from the Company's environmental remediation services subsidiary, ERDC, which performs environmental remediation work in Yukon on behalf of the Canadian government.

Consolidated gold production is expected to decrease to 120-130 thousand ounces, primarily due to less production at Casa Berardi as the mine transitions to a surface only operation during the year.

* Equivalent ounces include Lead and Zinc production

2025 Cost Guidance

• At Greens Creek, guidance for cash costs per silver ounce (after by-product credits) is higher compared to 2024 due to expected increases in labor and power costs, the latter resulting from expected maintenance at the hydropower utility that supplies power to the mine (requiring the mine to generate using more expensive diesel power), as well as lower price assumptions for by-products (resulting in lower by-product credits). The increase in guidance for AISC per silver ounce (after by-product credits) is attributable to planned higher capital investment.
• At Lucky Friday, guidance for cash costs per silver ounce (after by-product credits) is lower for 2025 compared to 2024 as 2024 was impacted by higher than expected costs incurred as the mine ramped-up to full production in the first quarter of the year. The increase in guidance for AISC per silver ounce (after by-product credits) is attributable to planned higher capital spend.
• At Keno Hill, expenditures on production costs, excluding depreciation, are expected to be $15-$17 million per quarter. Guidance for cash costs and AISC per silver ounce (after by-product credits) will be provided when the mine reaches commercial production.
• At Casa Berardi, guidance for cash costs and AISC per gold ounce (after by-product credits) is lower than 2024 as costs and capital are expected to decrease with the mine's transition to an open-pit only operation in mid-2025.

2025 Capital and Exploration Guidance

Consolidated capital investment is expected to be $222-$242 million and is expected to increase over 2024 due to increased investment at Greens Creek and Lucky Friday.

• Greens Creek's planned increase in capital investment is primarily attributable to engineering and construction related to the expansion of its DSTF, which is expected to increase tailings capacity to 2040.
• Lucky Friday's planned increase in capital investment is due to increased development and a surface cooling project, which is critical to increase the designed cooling capacity at the mine over its reserve mine-life of seventeen years.
• Expected capital spend at Keno Hill comprises mine development and mine infrastructure projects, including a paste backfill plant, DSTF, and water treatment plant.
• Casa Berardi's expected growth capital investment includes tailings construction costs.

Exploration and pre-development expenditures are expected to be $28 million, with the focus at Greens Creek and Keno Hill, with some planned spend at Nevada and Lucky Friday.

CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST

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A conference call and webcast will be held on Friday, February 14, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss these results. We recommend that you dial in at least 10 minutes before the call commencement. You may join the conference call by dialing toll-free 1-800-715-9871 or for international dialing 1-646-370-1963. The Conference ID is 4812168 and must be provided when dialing in. Hecla's live and archived webcast can be accessed at https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/766866042 or www.hecla.com under Investors.

VIRTUAL INVESTOR EVENT

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Hecla will be holding a Virtual Investor Event on Friday, February 14, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

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 Financial, Exploration, Operations, ESG 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 Anvita M. Patil, Vice President, Investor Relations and Treasurer at hmc-info@hecla.com or 208-769-4100.

One-on-One meeting URL: https://calendly.com/2024-feb-vie

ABOUT HECLA

Founded in 1891, Hecla Mining Company (NYSE: HL) is the largest silver producer in the United States and Canada. In addition to operating mines in Alaska, Idaho, and Quebec, Canada, the Company is developing a mine in the Yukon, Canada, and 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 United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures cited in this release and listed below are reconciled to their most comparable GAAP measure at the end of this release.

⁽¹⁾ Adjusted net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders is a non-GAAP measurement, a reconciliation of which to net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders, the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found at the end of the release. Adjusted net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders is a measure used by management to evaluate the Company's operating performance but should not be considered an alternative to net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders as defined by GAAP. They exclude certain impacts which are of a nature which we believe are not reflective of our underlying performance. Management believes that adjusted net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders per common share provides investors with the ability to better evaluate our underlying operating performance.

⁽²⁾ Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure calculated as cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. Cash provided by operating activities for the Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, Keno Hill, and Casa Berardi operating segments excludes exploration and pre-development expense, as it is a discretionary expenditure and not a component of the mines’ operating performance. Capital expenditures refers to Additions to properties, plants and equipment from the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, net of finance leases.

⁽³⁾ Cash costs, after by-product credits, per silver and gold ounce is a non-GAAP measurement, a reconciliation of total cost of sales, 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 primary silver mining company, management also uses the statistic on an aggregate basis - aggregating the Greens Creek and Lucky Friday mines to compare performance with that of other silver 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.

⁽⁴⁾ All-in sustaining cost (AISC), after by-product credits, is a non-GAAP measurement, a reconciliation of which to total cost of sales, the closest GAAP measurement, can be found in the end of the release. AISC, after by-product credits, includes total cost of sales and other direct production costs, expenses for reclamation at the mine sites and all site sustaining capital costs. AISC, after by-product credits, is calculated net of depreciation, depletion, and amortization and by-product credits. Prior year presentation has been adjusted to conform with current year presentation.

⁽⁵⁾ Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measurement, a reconciliation of which to net loss, the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found at the end of the release. Adjusted EBITDA is a measure used by management to evaluate the Company's operating performance but should not be considered an alternative to net loss, or cash provided by operating activities as those terms are defined by GAAP, and does not necessarily indicate whether cash flows will be sufficient to fund cash needs. In addition, the Company may use it when formulating performance goals and targets under its incentive program. Net debt to adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measurement, a reconciliation of which to debt and net income (loss), the most comparable GAAP measurements, can be found at the end of the release. It is an important measure for management to measure relative indebtedness and the ability to service the debt relative to its peers. It is calculated as total debt outstanding less total cash on hand divided by adjusted EBITDA.

⁽⁶⁾ Expectations for 2025 include silver, gold, lead, and zinc production from Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, Keno Hill, and Casa Berardi converted using gold $2,550/oz, silver $28/oz, zinc $1.25/lb, and lead $0.85/lb. Numbers are rounded.

Current GAAP measures used in the mining industry, such as total cost of goods sold, do not capture all the expenditures incurred to discover, develop and sustain silver and gold production. Management believes that AISC is a non-GAAP measure that provides additional information to management, investors and analysts to help (i) in the understanding of the economics of our operations and performance compared to other producers and (ii) in the transparency 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.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements, Including 2025 Outlook

This news 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. Words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expects”, “intends”, “projects”, “believes”, “estimates”, “targets”, “anticipates” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements may include, without limitation: (i) Silver grades at Greens Creek are expected to increase through the first quarter of 2025 as backfill cycles improve; (ii) production is expected to increase at Keno Hill in 2026; (iii) Yukon Energy Corporation's out-of-service hydro-electric turbine is expected to be repaired by summer 2025; (iv) Keno Hill's expected increase in throughput to 600 tons per day and production growth to sustainable profitable production is expected to meet the Company's investment threshold criteria at current silver prices; (v) Casa Berardi is expected to 1) continue underground production through mid-2025, 2) produce gold from the 160 pit until 2027, and 3) have a production gap commencing in 2027 to 2032 or later. During this time, the focus is expected to be on investing in infrastructure and equipment, permitting and de-watering and stripping two expected new open pits, Principal and West Mine Crown Pillar. Upon conclusion of the hiatus and related permitting and construction, the Company expects the mine to generate significant free cash flow, particularly at current gold prices; (vi) projected total cost of sales, as well as cash costs and AISC per ounce (in each case after by-product credits) for Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, and Casa Berardi individually and for silver overall for 2025; (vii) Lucky Friday's reserve mine-life is expected to be eighteen years; (viii) Company-wide and mine-specific estimated spending on capital, exploration and predevelopment for 2025; and (ix) Company-wide and mine-specific estimated silver, gold, silver-equivalent and gold-equivalent ounces of production for 2025. 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. 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 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) there being no significant changes to the availability of employees, vendors and equipment; (ix) 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; (x) counterparties performing their obligations under hedging instruments and put option contracts; (xi) sufficient workforce is available and trained to perform assigned tasks; (xii) weather patterns and rain/snowfall within normal seasonal ranges so as not to impact operations; (xiii) relations with interested parties, including First Nations and Native Americans, remain productive; (xiv) maintaining availability of water rights; (xv) factors do not arise that reduce available cash balances; and (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; and (vi) litigation, political, regulatory, labor and environmental risks. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors, see the Company's 2024 Form 10-K filed on February 13, 2025, 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.

Cautionary Statements to Investors on Reserves and Resources

This news release uses the terms “mineral resources”, “measured mineral resources”, “indicated mineral resources” and “inferred mineral resources.” Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. You should not assume that all or any part of measured or indicated mineral resources will ever be converted into mineral reserves. Further, inferred mineral resources have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically, and an inferred mineral resource may not be considered when assessing the economic viability of a mining project, and may not be converted to a mineral reserve. We report reserves and resources under the SEC’s mining disclosure rules (“S-K 1300”) and Canada’s National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) because we are a “reporting issuer” under Canadian securities laws. Unless otherwise indicated, all resource and reserve estimates contained in this press release have been prepared in accordance with S-K 1300 as well as NI 43-101.

Qualified Person (QP)

Kurt D. Allen, MSc., CPG, VP -Exploration of Hecla Mining Company and Keith Blair, MSc., CPG, Chief Geologist of Hecla Limited, who serve as a Qualified Person under S-K 1300 and NI 43-101, supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information concerning Hecla’s mineral projects in this news release. Technical Report Summaries for the Company’s Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, Casa Berardi and Keno Hill properties are filed as exhibits 96.1 - 96.4, respectively, to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and are available at www.sec.gov. Information regarding data verification, surveys and investigations, quality assurance program and quality control measures and a summary of analytical or testing procedures for (i) the Greens Creek Mine are contained in its Technical Report Summary and in its NI 43-101 technical report titled “Technical Report for the Greens Creek Mine” effective date December 31, 2018, (ii) the Lucky Friday Mine are contained in its Technical Report Summary and in its NI 43-101 technical report titled “Technical Report for the Lucky Friday Mine Shoshone County, Idaho, USA” effective date April 2, 2014, (iii) Casa Berardi are contained in its Technical Report Summary and in its NI 43-101 technical report titled “Technical Report on the Casa Berardi Mine, Northwestern Quebec, Canada” effective date December 31, 2023, (iv) Keno Hill is contained in its Technical Report Summary titled “S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary on the Keno Hill Mine, Yukon, Canada” and in its NI 43-101 technical report titled “Technical Report on the Keno Hill Mine, Yukon, Canada” effective date December 31, 2023, and (v) the San Sebastian Mine, Mexico, are contained in a NI 43-101 technical report prepared for Hecla titled “Technical Report for the San Sebastian Ag-Au Property, Durango, Mexico” effective date September 8, 2015. Also included in each Technical Report Summary and technical report listed above is a description of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate mineral reserves and resources and a general discussion of the extent to which the estimates may be affected by any known environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant factors. Information regarding data verification, surveys and investigations, quality assurance program and quality control measures and a summary of sample, analytical or testing procedures are contained in NI 43-101 technical reports prepared for Klondex Mines Ltd. for (i) the Fire Creek Mine (technical report dated March 31, 2018), (ii) the Hollister Mine (technical report dated May 31, 2017, amended August 9, 2017), and (iii) the Midas Mine (technical report dated August 31, 2014, amended April 2, 2015). Information regarding data verification, surveys and investigations, quality assurance program and quality control measures and a summary of sample, analytical or testing procedures are contained in a NI 43-101 technical reports prepared for ATAC Resources Ltd. for (i) the Osiris Project (technical report dated July 28, 2022) and (ii) the Tiger Project (technical report dated February 27, 2020). Copies of these technical reports are available under the SEDAR profiles of Klondex Mines Unlimited Liability Company and ATAC Resources Ltd., respectively, at www.sedar.com (the Fire Creek technical report is also available under Hecla’s profile on SEDAR). Mr. Allen and Mr. Blair reviewed and verified information regarding drill sampling, data verification of all digitally collected data, drill surveys and specific gravity determinations relating to all the mines. The review encompassed quality assurance programs and quality control measures including analytical or testing practice, chain-of-custody procedures, sample storage procedures and included independent sample collection and analysis. This review found the information and procedures meet industry standards and are adequate for Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimation and mine planning purposes.