Hecla embraces advanced technologies and practices to enhance social license, improve safety, enhance productivity, improve environmental stewardship, reduce environmental impact, and improve efficiency. We cultivate a culture of respect, trust, and continuous improvement to drive shareholder value and operational success. Our company pioneers innovative approaches to business, striving for excellence in every aspect of operations.
One example of innovation at our Lucky Friday operation in the patented Underhand Closed Bench (UCB) method for underground mining to achieve better control of fault-slip seismic events that significantly improves safety. The method has dramatically increased both safety and productivity at the 80-year-old mine, achieving an AIFR of 0.66 and and an increase in silver production. In 2024, even with a production ramp-up, processed ore tons at Lucky Friday were record-breaking. The mine had its third best year for silver, fourth best for lead production, and best year for zinc production. The Lucky Friday’s safety record was the strongest it’s ever been during a full production year. The UCB mining method we developed has been a complete game changer in terms of both safety and production.
Learn more in our 2024 Sustainability Report and by watching our UCB animation video.
By automating certain mining tasks, we allow miners to do more planning and problem solving while the machines do the repetitive work tasks.
Fiber optic cable and “hotspots” bring wireless technology more than a mile below the surface in solid rock, enabling our workers to use tablets underground.
Hecla places particular emphasis on ensuring employees are able to manage and execute emerging technologies that make our workplace safer and more efficient. For example, for our Lucky Friday workforce, we provide online training in coordination with North Idaho College through TPC Training and hands-on training by Caterpillar and Epiroc to ensure our maintenance employees continually expand their skill sets.
At our Keno Hill operation, we upgraded our water treatment plant with automated systems to minimize manual intervention and reduce the risk of human error. Standard operating procedures and a dedicated operator training program have been implemented. In 2025, upgraded underground water management infrastructure was commissioned, enhancing water flow consistency and improving treatment efficiency. Engineering and testing are ongoing to inform future system upgrades.
Greens Creek implemented cameras in haulage equipment on the mine surface to support fatigue management.
