Hecla Mining Focuses on Silver, Cuts Debt, and Eyes Growth

Company outlines strategy to strengthen balance sheet and invest in key projects

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:06am

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Hecla Mining (NYSE: HL) outlined its plans to deepen its focus on silver production, strengthen its financial position by reducing debt, and invest in internal growth opportunities during a webcast hosted by Lytham Partners. Mike Parkin, Hecla's Vice President of Strategy and Investor Relations, discussed the company's transformation over the past year and a half under new CEO Rob Krcmarov, including meeting production and cost guidance targets in 2025.

Why it matters

As one of North America's leading silver producers, Hecla's strategic shift towards silver and efforts to improve its financial flexibility and invest in growth projects are significant for the precious metals industry. The company's approach highlights the importance of cost control, reserve life, and project development in a volatile market environment.

The details

Parkin said Hecla is selling its Casa Berardi gold mine in Quebec to Orezone, further reinforcing the company's focus on silver. He noted Hecla's average reserve life of over 13 years, nearly double the industry average. The company met its 2025 guidance for silver and gold production, costs, and capital spending, while also reducing debt and improving free cash flow and safety performance.

  • Hecla expects the Casa Berardi mine sale to Orezone to close 'fairly soon'.
  • The company is working towards permitted throughput of 440 tons per day at its Keno Hill mine over the next couple of years.
  • Hecla is evaluating a potential restart of its Midas mine in Nevada in about five years, after additional exploration, investment, and permitting work.

The players

Hecla Mining Company

A diversified mining enterprise focused on the exploration, development and production of silver and gold, with by-product credits from lead and zinc. Hecla is one of the oldest publicly traded precious metals companies in the United States, founded in 1891 and headquartered in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Rob Krcmarov

The CEO of Hecla Mining, who has led the company's transformation over the past year and a half.

Mike Parkin

The Vice President of Strategy and Investor Relations at Hecla Mining, who presented the company's strategy and outlook during the Lytham Partners webcast.

Orezone

The company that is acquiring Hecla's Casa Berardi gold mine in Quebec.

Robert Blum

The Managing Partner at Lytham Partners, who participated in the Q&A segment of the Hecla Mining webcast.

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What they’re saying

“Hecla is the 'lowest cost silver producer' in 2024 and that company guidance suggests it could maintain that positioning again in 2026.”

— Mike Parkin, Vice President of Strategy and Investor Relations, Hecla Mining

“Silver's role in industrial applications tends to support a 'floor price,' citing a market that he said has been in deficit for several years and is 'not likely to change.'”

— Mike Parkin, Vice President of Strategy and Investor Relations, Hecla Mining

What’s next

Hecla is prioritizing internal project advancement, including the ramp-up at its Keno Hill mine and a tailings reprocessing initiative at its Greens Creek operation. The company is also evaluating a potential restart of its Midas mine in Nevada in about five years, pending additional exploration, investment, and permitting work.

The takeaway

Hecla's strategic shift towards silver, debt reduction, and focus on internal growth projects position the company to capitalize on the precious metals market's long-term fundamentals, while also improving its financial flexibility and operational efficiency.