Hecla Reports Accident at the Lucky Friday Mine

18.11.2011  |  Business Wire

Hecla Mining Company ('Hecla?) (NYSE:HL)
reports an accident occurred at its Lucky Friday mine in Northern Idaho
on November 17, 2011.

The accident occurred as part of the construction of the #4 Shaft at the
Lucky Friday operation. Two contractors were involved in the accident
during routine activities involving the construction of a 16-foot
diameter underground rock bin (a storage area for broken rock). The work
involved drilling, blasting, and mucking of rock into a previously
constructed area. Both men were believed to be wearing all required
personal protection equipment, including fall protection. For reasons
that are unknown at this time, the two men were drawn into material that
was moving underneath them. Both contractors were removed from the area
and transported to the hospital, and one has been released. All
personnel are accounted for.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and for a safe recovery of
the injured contractor,' said Phil Baker, President and Chief Executive
Officer. 'Operating our mines safely is a top priority for Hecla, and we
will continue to work to prevent such incidents from occurring.'

The accident is being investigated by the Company and representatives
from the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration. The workers′
families have been notified. The Lucky Friday mine has temporarily
ceased mining to investigate this accident.