Air: Climate, Emissions & Energy Use

Climate Change & Net Zero Targets

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. Hecla 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.

Learn more about Hecla’s approach to climate change in the 2022 sustainability report.

Small Footprint

Company-wide, in 2021 we achieved an 11% reduction in GHG emissions which followed a 36% reduction in 2020.
Overall, we produced 491 silver equivalent ounces per ton of GHG.
Hecla produces two to three-times more gold equivalent ounces/ton GHG than some of the largest gold-mining companies.

Anticipating the Impact of Climate Change

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.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Hecla is working to reduce energy intensity use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Production per 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

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol

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).

Energy Use

Reducing energy consumption through streamlined processes and adoption of technology is positive for the environment and for our operating efficiency.

Energy Site Data

	Greens Creek	Casa Berardi	Lucky Friday	Nevada Operations	San Sebastian (Mexico)
Energy
Electricity Used (kWh)	69,503,672	133,330,174	62,934,616	19,592,594	1,448,758
Hydropower (kWh)	69,503,672	127,996,967	—	—	—
#2 Diesel for Mobile Equipment (gallons)	1,098,234	2,265,216	—	239,790	17,001
Biodiesel (B70) for Mobile Equipment (gallons)	—	—	233,183	—	—
#2 Diesel for Electricity Generation/Stationary (gallons)	494,689	—	—	—	—
Gasoline for Mobile Equipment (gallons)	11,957	135,534	7,423	35,187	19,885
Propane for Heating (gallons)	—	686,847	—	—	158
Natural Gas for Heating (cubic feet)	—	—	28,187,298	—	—
Used Oil for Heating (gallons)	42,150	—	—	—	—
Surface Emulsion (lbs)	—	1,849,169	—	—	—
Underground Emulsion (lbs)	2,527,590	1,051,600	738,719	69,699	—
Underground ANFO (lbs)	—	—	324,000	—	—

Alternative Energy Sources

Hecla seeks to use alternative clean energy sources to reduce our carbon footprint, including using 100% renewable hydropower to supply line power to our Casa Berardi and 96% hydropower at our Greens Creek operations. 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.

Casa Berardi Tree Planting

Hecla Quebec provided approximately 400 Casa Berardi employees with a tree to plant in celebration of “Tree and Forest Month” and to help offset our greenhouse gas emissions. Hecla is focused on reducing energy intensity consumption and GHG emissions intensity through operating efficiencies that reduce the use of electricity, diesel fuel, gasoline, natural gas, and propane.