Hecla Lucky Friday Mine Accident Update

Hecla Mining Company ('Hecla?) (NYSE:HL)
is saddened by the news that Brandon Lloyd Gray, the 26-year-old miner
critically injured at its Lucky Friday mine in North Idaho on November
17, succumbed to his injuries early Saturday morning with his family at
his side. Gray, a miner since 2008, had been working for Cementation
Inc. since February 2011, a company that is under contract for the
construction of the mine′s #4 Shaft.

'We are deeply saddened by Brandon′s passing,? said Phil Baker,
President and Chief Executive Officer. 'Everyone at Hecla extends our
sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.?

Mike Nadon, President of Cementation U.S.A. said, 'The whole Cementation
family is grieving this terrible loss, and our immediate focus is in
supporting Brandon′s family with our assistance and our prayers.?

Immediately following the accident, Hecla chose to cease mining
operations at the Lucky Friday mine in order to focus our attention on
the emergency response and to provide support to the affected employees
and families of both Hecla and Cementation. The federal Mine Safety and
Health Administration ('MSHA?) subsequently issued a 103(j) order. An
integrated team of Hecla and Cementation as well as representatives from
MSHA are investigating the accident, which is unrelated to the fall of
ground accident that occurred on April ?15,^, 2011. A
start-up date for resuming operations has not yet been established.

'Hecla is committed to preventing such accidents from happening,? added
Phil Baker, President and Chief Executive Officer. 'We will continue to
emphasize safety throughout all of our properties.?

For further information, please contact:

Hecla Mining Company

M?lanie Hennessey, Vice President ? Investor
Relations, 604-694-7729

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

Email:
hmc-info@hecla-mining.com

Website:
www.hecla-mining.com