Hecla Declares Preferred Dividend

Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL)
today announced its Board of Directors has elected to declare the
regular quarterly dividend of $0.875 per share on the outstanding Series
B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.

The regular quarterly dividend of $0.875 per share, on a total of
157,816 shares outstanding of the Series B Cumulative Convertible
Preferred Stock, represents a total amount to be paid of approximately
$138,000. The cash dividend is payable July 1, 2011, to shareholders of
record on June 15, 2011.

About Hecla

Established in 1891, Hecla Mining Company is the largest and lowest cash
cost silver producer in the U.S. The company has two operating mines and
exploration properties in four world-class silver mining districts in
the U.S. and Mexico.

Cautionary Statements

Statements made which are not historical facts, such as anticipated
payments, litigation outcome (including settlement negotiations),
production, sales of assets, exploration results and plans, costs, and
prices or sales performance are 'forward-looking statements' within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and
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, metals price volatility, volatility of metals production and costs,
environmental and litigation risks, operating risks, project development
risks, political 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.

Hecla Mining Company

M?nie Hennessey, 604-694-7729

Vice
President ? Investor Relations

Direct Main: 800-HECLA91
(800-432-5291)

hmc-info@hecla-mining.com

www.hecla-mining.com