Hecla Maintains 2011 Production and Cash Cost Guidance

Hecla Mining Company ('Hecla?) (NYSE:HL)
reports that the suspension of operation on November 18 at its Lucky
Friday mine is not expected to impact the 2011 silver production
guidance of 9 to 10 million ounces and cash cost of approximately $1.00
per ounce, net of by-products.

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. Words
such as 'may?, 'will?, 'should?, 'expects?, 'intends?, 'projects?,
'believes?, 'estimates?, 'targets?, 'anticipates? 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, 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 of updating forward-looking
statements other than as may be required by law.

For further information, please contact:

Hecla Mining Company

M?lanie Hennessey

Vice President ?
Investor Relations

Direct: 604-694-7729

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

hmc-info@hecla-mining.com

www.hecla-mining.com