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© 2022 Hecla Mining Company. All rights reserved
Hecla continues to be an industry leader in low emissions silver production, with the highest ratio of silver ounces produced per metric tonne of GHG emissions. As a supplier of a metal vital to the energy transition, we strive to reduce our emissions wherever possible and offset the remainder. We achieved net zero carbon emissions in 2021 as a result of our purchases of carbon credit in the form of certified emission reductions tied to the Stung Tatay Hydroelectric Project in Cambodia.
To demonstrate Hecla’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, we have set targets for reductions in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions.
2020: 36% reduction in GHG emissions
2021: 11% reduction in GHG emissions
Hecla recognizes that the impacts of climate change are expected to create greater potential risks for its operations, including risks posed by increased frequency of droughts and more extreme weather events such as intense rainfalls. Potential operational risks include higher volumes of mine contact water requiring storage and treatment, increased requirements for stormwater diversion and associated water management systems, and reduced availability of freshwater. As part of our enterprise risk management processes, we are committed to incorporating climate-related risks and opportunities into our risk management and strategic planning processes aligned with the TCFD (Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures) framework.
Hecla is working to reduce energy intensity use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
2019 |
2020 |
2021 | |
---|---|---|---|
Ag ounces |
12,605,234 |
13,542,957 |
12,887,240 |
Ag-Equivalent ounces |
47,200,000 |
40,700,000 |
37,573,889 |
Au-Equivalent ounces* |
674,286 |
581,429 |
525,531* |
GHG Scope 1 (metric tonnes, CO2 e)*** |
102,675 |
57,580 |
52,932 |
GHG Scope 2 (metric tonnes CO2 e)*** |
32,626 |
28,390 |
23,618 |
GHG Scope 1 & 2 (metric tonnes CO2 e)** |
135,301 |
85,970 |
76,550 |
Total Energy kWh |
689,062,509
|
500,244,722 |
497,954,623 |
kWh Electricity |
308,565,571
|
288,404,740 |
290,013,758 |
Metric Tonnes GHG/Ag ounce |
0.010
|
0.006 |
0.006 |
Ag ounces/Metric Tonnes GHG |
93
|
157 |
168 |
Ag-Equivalent ounces/Metric Tonnes GHG |
349
|
473 |
491 |
Au-Equivalent ounces/Metric Tonnes GHG |
5.0
|
6.8 |
6.9 |
* 2019 and 2020 Au-Equivalent ounces have been calculated using the long-term average ratio of 70 Ag-ounces per Au-ounce
** 2021 Au-Equivalent ounces have been calculated using the long-term average ratio of 71.50 Ag-ounces per Au-ounce
*** Hecla previously reported GHG emissions in imperial tons, this has been changed to reflect the correct unit of metric tonnes CO2e
To determine Hecla’s Scope 1 carbon dioxide emissions, a third-party consultant utilizes U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reporting standards, protocols, methodologies, and other related guidance.
The GHG guidance is based on The Greenhouse Gas Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (GHG Protocol) developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
Reducing energy consumption through streamlined processes and adoption of technology is positive for the environment and for our operating efficiency. Review our ESG data tables for a breakdown of our energy usage by site.
Energy |
kWh |
% of total kWh |
---|---|---|
Total Energy Consumed |
508,886,777 | |
Electricity—from line power |
275,490,812 |
54.1% |
Percent line power from hydropower–76% | ||
Electricity—on site by diesel generation |
14,825,986 |
2.9% |
Diesel (gal) 4,991,558 |
187,962,640 |
36.9% |
Gasoline (gal) 228,592 |
7,510,930 |
1.5% |
Natural Gas (CF) 24,615,094 |
7,218,503 |
1.4% |
Propane (gal) 635,810 |
17,789,964 |
3.5% |
100% |
In addition to creating efficiencies to reduce energy intensity consumption and GHG intensity emissions, Hecla uses alternative energy sources whenever possible to further reduce our carbon footprint. Line power to our Greens Creek, Casa Berardi, and Lucky Friday operations utilizes a high percentage of renewable hydropower.
Hydropower Use at Greens Creek
Greens Creek’s purchase of surplus hydropower has benefitted Juneau residents in the form of reduced rates to the tune of over $70 million since 2009. The purchase of renewable energy from Alaska Electric Light & Power reduces the carbon emissions that the mine would otherwise produce while helping to pay for hydroelectric infrastructure that will benefit Juneau residents for generations to come.