Hecla Mining verSILBERt das Depot

mehr entgegen. Für weitere Fantasie könnte der Einsatz des Silbers in der Medizin sorgen.
Wurde Silber lange Zeit fast ausschließlich in der Schmuckindustrie verwendet, so
hat sich dieses Bild grundlegend geändert. Gerade einmal fünf Prozent des weltweit
geförderten Edelmetalls wandern in die Schmuckindustrie, die restlichen 95 Prozent
werden industriell verarbeitet. In der Medizin wird Silber momentan hauptsächlich
als Desinfektionsmittel und Therapeutikum bei der Wundheilung angewandt. Bullish gestimmte, spekulativ agierende Anleger können mit dem Long-Hebelzertifikat von der SG
(WKN SG0F77) überproportional an weiterenKurssteigerungen (Hebelfaktor 5,88, Stand
21.04.06), partizipieren, während short-gestimmte Investoren mit dem Hebelzertifikat
der UBS (WKN UB9540) an fallenden Kursen verdienen. Die Knock-out-Schwelle liegt bei
diesem Hebelzertifikat bei 15,00 USD. Bei Hebelzertifikaten gilt jedoch, dass entgegen
der Markterwartung laufende Kurse überproportional hohe Verluste für den Anleger bedeuten, die im schlimmsten Fall sogar zum Totalverlust des eingesetzten Kapitals führen können.

Quelle: Börse am Sonntag

The price of silver averaged $9.69 per ounce, with an average realized price of gold of $558 per ounce during the first quarter. Hecla's President and Chief Executive Officer, Phillips S. Baker, Jr., said, "This is the start of a great year. We continue to be on track to show further operational improvements, and precious and base metals prices are now above those experienced during the first quarter and all of last year. The price of silver is in the range to really show profits while at the same time allowing significant investments in the future through exploration. Our mines are easily supplying the cash flow we need to fund this effort. Our exploration work on the Hugh Zone silver discovery in Mexico is getting more exciting as each exploration dollar is spent, and we're making good progress on the Hollister Development Block gold project, increasing the resource at Lucky Friday, further delineating the new West Gallagher zone at Greens Creek, and Venezuelan exploration is advancing targets at both La Camorra and Block B. Truly, Hecla has low-risk exploration potential as yet unrecognized by the market, as well as tremendously undervalued properties at these increased metals prices. Those factors, along with what we believe is a precious metals bull market with some legs on it, bodes well for our stock price."

FIRST QUARTER 2006 HIGHLIGHTS

-- Gross profit of $11.7 million, a 115% increase from the first quarter a year ago

-- Revenues of $39.8 million, a 63% increase from the first quarter a year ago

-- 1.2 million ounces of silver produced at an average total cash cost of $2.05 per ounce, a 21% decrease in production costs compared to the same period of 2005

-- 42,419 ounces of gold produced, a 51% quarter-on-quarter production increase, including production of 37,620 ounces from Venezuela at an average total cash cost of $357 per ounce

-- A 25% decrease in estimated silver total average cash cost for 2006 to $2.25 per ounce; estimate for total average cash cost per ounce of gold increased to a range of $350-$375

-- 38% increase in average silver price and 30% increase in average realized gold price compared to the first quarter 2005

-- The La Camorra mine reached its one-millionth ounce of production

-- Shares of Alamos Gold Inc. sold in January, generated a $35.6 million gain, net of income taxes, and $57 million in cash

-- Continued focus on exploration and pre-development, with increasing optimism toward the West Gallagher at Greens Creek in Alaska, the Hugh Zone discovery in Mexico and positive exploration drilling below the current resource at Lucky Friday in Idaho

OPERATIONS AND EXPLORATION

Overall, operations performed well during the first quarter and silver production is expected to increase during the second half of the year, as development of the 5900 level at the Lucky Friday silver mine is finished and ground rehabilitation is completed at Greens Creek. Hecla's anticipated 2006 production is approximately 6 million ounces of silver and 150,000 ounces of gold. Baker said, "Our silver operations, all U.S. based, are outperforming our previous cost per ounce estimates and last year's already low costs. Our gold operations in Venezuela are giving us great cash flow as the La Camorra Unit begins to realize the benefits of Mina Isidora, although we have increased our cash cost per ounce estimate for gold production in 2006 because of currency exchange controls, lower productivity at the La Camorra mine and royalties tied to the price of gold. We are taking a number of steps to minimize the impact of currency restrictions and to improve productivity."

Greens Creek -- Of the total silver mined by Hecla during the first quarter of 2006, half came from the Greens Creek silver mine in Alaska, operating since 1986, in which Hecla holds an approximate 30% interest. For the first quarter of 2006, Greens Creek provided 614,094 ounces of silver for Hecla's account, at the very low average total cash cost per ounce of negative $1.28, the result of high by-product credits from gold, zinc and lead. A ground control rehabilitation program continued at Greens Creek during the first quarter, which slightly impacted production at the mine, just as it did during the fourth quarter of 2005. This program should be complete by the second half of the year, with a commensurate increase in production. Assay results from approximately 25% of the 130 holes drilled into the West Gallagher have been received. The exploration program has clearly identified a significant ore-grade resource in the West Gallagher. A large, lower-grade mineralized area surrounds the ore-grade resource. The resource continues to be open to the west and the south. Geophysical work shows a large conductor to the west, strongly indicating additional ore. The potential is good for a minable resource, typical in size to the other productive ore zones at Greens Creek. Greens Creek personnel are currently developing additional drill platforms and will begin drilling the indicated extensions in the third quarter. A resource estimate based on the drilling to date is expected by the fourth quarter.

Lucky Friday -- The Lucky Friday mine, operating since 1942 in northern Idaho, produced 626,792 ounces at an average total cash cost of $5.31 per ounce of silver during the first quarter of 2006, continuing its improvement from the fourth quarter of last year as the mine works toward achieving its planned annual production rate of 4 million ounces by the middle of 2006. The first full year of production at that rate is expected to be 2007. The 35% increase in silver production and considerably lower costs compared to the fourth quarter 2005 are a result of the new development on the 5900 level of this deep underground mine, where some early production has been achieved. However, the bulk of the production in the first quarter was still from the nearly mined-out 4900 level. Once most of the production is coming from the new 5900 level later in the year, it is anticipated that costs will decrease and production will increase even more because the new development is in the heart of the identified reserve, reducing haulage time.

Five exploration holes completed in the first quarter all returned ore grade intercepts on one or more veins. All five intercepts are outside the current resource estimate. Baker said, "I fully expect to increase the known resource at the Lucky Friday, where we already have as much resource identified as has been mined during the past 33 years at this great silver mine. The main vein in the expansion area is very robust, as evidenced by assays from our deepest exploration hole at the 6900 level, which is already 1,000 feet below our current mining level and 500 feet below our current resource. In fact, based on the geology, we believe we will continue to see this type of mineralization another 1,000 feet below the 6900 level and even beyond. This mine continues to provide good news in every aspect of the business: operations, safety and exploration."

La Camorra -- Hecla has been operating the La Camorra Unit in Venezuela since 1999, made up of the original La Camorra mine and the newly developed Mina Isidora, which is located about 100 kilometers north of the La Camorra mine. All ore from both deposits is processed through the mill at the La Camorra mine, which produced its one-millionth ounce during the first quarter of 2006. In the first quarter of 2006, the La Camorra Unit produced 37,620 ounces of gold, a 72% increase over the first quarter a year ago, due primarily to Mina Isidora production. The average total cash cost per ounce of gold was $357, including approximately $22 per ounce for obsolete supply inventory, compared to $294 per ounce in the same period of 2005. As mining progresses deeper in the older La Camorra deposit where the grade is decreasing, there are fewer mining headings, limiting flexibility and production and resulting in a decrease in tons mined from that deposit. That lower volume, costs associated with mining deeper and unfavorable currency exchange controls have resulted in a mining cost per ton increase at the La Camorra Unit. This cost increase occurred despite completion of a shaft at the La Camorra mine, which was originally intended to alleviate some of the costs of mining at depth. Even so, at the current gold price, cash margins remain healthy. However, there is enough uncertainty in some of the cost factors that the 2006 estimate of average total cash cost of production for gold has been increased to $350-$375 per ounce.

Late in the first quarter of 2006, Hecla began selling gold to the local market as required by Venezuelan law (which specifies that 15% of gold production be sold within the country). Hecla expects to sell the gold now inventoried over a number of quarters.

Exploration on Hecla's Block B in Venezuela, where Mina Isidora is located, began again in the first quarter, after completing the fourth quarter reserve analysis. Drilling results are not yet available. On the El Dorado concessions where the La Camorra mine is located, the immediate focus has turned from identifying deep resources to targeting shallower targets along strike of the deposit. There is good evidence of additional mineralization on the concessions that could be drilled from the surface once exploration permits are obtained.

The small mining cooperative program initiated by Hecla in Venezuela continues to reflect the company's values by helping the local communities and maintaining good government relations. The program includes funding and training small mining cooperatives to improve their technical, safety and environmental practices. In return, Hecla retains half of the ore it processes for the miners.

San Sebastian -- The Hugh Zone, which is an extension of the Francine vein at Hecla's San Sebastian property near Durango, Mexico, now shows persistent mineralization along a 2-kilometer strike length. Baker said, "The Hugh Zone continues to give us encouragement that we have a large minable deposit, if the mineralization proves continuous. Our aim of doubling the potential resource looks very good and we expect to confirm that later this year." Drilling is still widespread on this very large deposit, which is located on the Francine vein about 300 meters beneath the silver-rich zone that Hecla mined out last year. The Hugh Zone remains open at depth and to the east and west, and drilling from the surface will continue in the second quarter. Preliminary analysis shows net smelter returns of up to $800 per ton at current metals prices in some of the higher-grade areas of the deposit. The average production cost during the life of the San Sebastian mine (which included the upper levels of the Francine vein) was approximately $90 per ton.

More than two years of well-executed, systematic geologic work has begun to give Hecla a real understanding of the genesis of the deposits on the 200-square-mile San Sebastian property position. The current geologic understanding in the district is supporting a belief in the potential for more, and even bigger, deposits on these trends. According to Baker, "Our holdings in the Saladillo Valley may well become the next major mining district in Mexico. Three factors make me say that: First, this property appears to be the intersection of three major structural trends with a major intrusive lying at this intersection. This is probably the key to the high-grade mineralization we have mined there in the past. Second, the Hugh Zone is evidence of a stacked mineralized system similar to the 1.3-billion-ounce Guanajuato silver district just 340 miles to the southeast. And finally, this has very similar sulfidation stages to those seen in the 1.1-billion-ounce Fresnillo silver district 150 miles to the southeast." Based on this geologic understanding, drilling programs are planned for the north end of the San Sebastian property, as well as three or four other targets later this year.

Hollister Development Block -- Underground drilling at the Hollister Development Block gold exploration project in Nevada commenced during the first quarter and is continuing in the second quarter. Approximately 15% of the planned drilling is complete, with assays pending. A decision on whether the high-grade gold deposit is continuous enough to be economically mined is expected in early 2007. Hecla is earning into a 50/50 joint venture participation on the project with Great Basin Gold.

FINANCIAL

Hecla's balance sheet remains strong with no long-term debt and $54.2 million of cash and short-term investments. In addition, Hecla has a $30 million credit facility to draw upon if acquisition or capital improvement opportunities arise. The company has no silver or gold production sold forward.

During the first quarter, Hecla recognized an after-tax gain of $35.6 million on the sale of Alamos Gold Inc. stock, which was subject only to a U.S. alternative minimum tax of 2% to a historical tax loss carryforward. Hecla had invested $21 million in the stock and sold the position in January 2006, for cash proceeds of $57 million.

In the second quarter of 2006, income of $4.4 million is expected to be recognized from the sale of the Noche Buena gold exploration property in Mexico. A determination was made that the deposit did not fit Hecla's operating parameters, so the property was sold.

OTHER

In late April, the Idaho Supreme Court ruled in favor of Hecla on all counts in a lawsuit brought by Independence Lead Mines regarding the Lucky Friday mine. The Court agreed that Hecla had in all ways acted in a prudent manner in its management of the Lucky Friday. There is no avenue of appeal available to the plaintiffs, so the matter is now closed.

During the first quarter, the Board of Directors of Hecla Mining Company appointed Philip C. Wolf to the position of Vice President and General Counsel. Wolf will provide legal counsel for Hecla's business activities and is also responsible for the environmental and land departments. Wolf has more than 30 years of legal experience, the majority of it in the mining industry with Cyprus Amax Minerals and Amoco Minerals Company. After Hecla's Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Wolf will also take over the position of Corporate Secretary.

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Hecla Mining Company takes place this Friday, May 5, at 10:30 a.m. PT at the Coeur d'Alene Inn in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. At that meeting, Arthur Brown will retire as Chairman of the Board, after 39 years with Hecla. Another long-time Hecla director, John Clute, is also retiring from the Board after 25 years of service to the company. Michael B. White, who was Hecla's Corporate Secretary for 15 years, will also retire. Baker said, "The good counsel of all three of these very experienced men will be acutely missed, but they have certainly earned a long and happy retirement. We wish them all the best, and thank them for their integrity, loyalty and guidance."

Hecla Mining Company, headquartered in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, mines, processes and explores for silver and gold in the United States, Venezuela and Mexico. A 115-year-old company, Hecla has long been well known in the mining world and financial markets as a quality silver and gold producer. Hecla's common and preferred shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols HL and HL-PrB.

Statements made which are not historical facts, such as anticipated payments, litigation outcome, production, sales of assets, exploration results and plans, costs, and prices or sales performance are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated, expected or implied. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, metals price volatility, volatility of metals production and costs, exploration risks and results, political risks, project development risks, labor issues and ability to raise financing. Refer to the company's Form 10-Q and 10-K reports for a more detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected future results. The company undertakes no obligation and has no intention of updating forward-looking statements.

Cautionary Note to Investors -- The United States Securities and Exchange Commission permits mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. We use certain terms in this news release, such as "resource," "reserve," and "inferred resource" that the SEC guidelines strictly prohibit us from including in our filing with the SEC. U.S. investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 10-K. You can review and obtain copies of these filings from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.

                        HECLA MINING COMPANY
     (dollars in thousands, except per share, per ounce and per
                     pound amounts - unaudited)

                                               First Quarter Ended
                                               --------------------
HIGHLIGHTS                                      Mar. 31,    Mar. 31,
                                                 2006        2005
--------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL DATA
--------------------------------------------------
Sales:
Silver operations (2)                          $   24,215  $   14,744
Gold operations                                    15,575       9,690
                                               ----------  ----------
 Total sales                                  $   39,790  $   24,434

Gross Profit:
Silver operations (2)                          $    9,986  $    3,162
Gold operations                                     1,747       2,303
                                               ----------  ----------
 Total gross profit                           $   11,733  $    5,465

Net income (loss)                              $   38,394  $   (3,296)
Income (loss) applicable to common
shareholders                                  $   38,256  $   (3,434)
Basic income (loss) per common share           $     0.32  $    (0.03)
Cash flow used in operating activities         $     (303) $   (6,985)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities before exploration and
pre-development expenses (1)                  $    4,579  $   (2,059)
--------------------------------------------------
PRODUCTION SUMMARY - TOTALS
--------------------------------------------------
Silver - Ounces                                 1,240,886   1,418,263
Gold - Ounces                                      42,419      28,122
Lead - Tons                                         5,209       4,896
Zinc - Tons                                         5,569       5,946
Average cost per ounce of silver produced (2):
 Cash operating costs ($/oz.)                       1.80        2.49
 Total cash costs ($/oz.) (3)                       2.05        2.60
 Total production costs ($/oz.)                     4.19        4.12
Average cost per ounce of gold produced (4):
 Cash operating costs ($/oz.)                        348         285
 Total cash costs ($/oz.) (3)                        357         294
 Total production costs ($/oz.)                      508         358
--------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE METAL PRICES
--------------------------------------------------
Silver - London Fix ($/oz.)                          9.69        7.00
Gold - Realized ($/oz.)                               558         429
Gold - London Final ($/oz.)                           554         427
Lead - LME Cash (cents/pound)                        56.3        44.4
Zinc - LME Cash (cents/pound)                       101.9        59.7

(1) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities before
   exploration and pre-development expenses represents a non-U.S.
   generally accepted accounting principle (GAAP) measurement. The
   following table presents a reconciliation between cash flow used
   in operating activities to non-GAAP net cash provided by (used in)
   operating activities before exploration and pre-development
   expenses for the quarters ended March 31, 2006 and 2005:

    Cash flow used in operating activities      $  (303)  $ (6,985)
    Add exploration                               3,388      2,792
    Add pre-development expenses                  1,494      2,134
                                                -------   --------
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating
     activities before exploration and
     pre-development expenses                   $ 4,579   $ (2,059)
                                                =======   ========

(2) Includes gold produced at silver properties, which is treated as a
   by-product credit in the calculation of silver costs per ounce.

(3) Total cash costs per ounce of silver and gold represent non-U.S.
   generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) measurements. A
   reconciliation of total cash costs to cost of sales and other
   direct production costs (GAAP) can be found in the cash costs per
   ounce reconciliation section of this news release. For additional
   information, see note (1) on the cash costs per ounce
   reconciliation section.

(4) For the quarters ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, this includes gold
   produced from third-party mining operations located near the La
   Camorra mine, which is treated as a by-product credit and included
   in the calculation of gold costs per ounce.



                        HECLA MINING COMPANY
                Consolidated Statements of Operations
         (dollars and shares in thousands, except per share
                        amounts - unaudited)
                                                First Quarter Ended
                                                -------------------
                                                 Mar. 31,  Mar. 31,
                                                   2006       2005
                                                --------- -----------

Sales of products                                $ 39,790   $  24,434
                                                 --------   ---------
Cost of sales and other direct production costs    19,910      15,143
Depreciation, depletion and amortization            8,147       3,826
                                                 --------   ---------
                                                  28,057      18,969
                                                 --------   ---------
Gross profit                                       11,733       5,465
                                                 --------   ---------

Other operating expenses:
 General and administrative                        3,100       2,642
 Exploration                                       3,388       2,792
 Pre-development expenses                          1,494       2,134
 Depreciation and amortization                       309         146
 Other operating expenses                            240         692
 Provision for closed operations and
  environmental matters                              715         334
                                                 --------   ---------
                                                   9,246       8,740
                                                 --------   ---------
Income (loss) from operations                       2,487      (3,275)
                                                 --------   ---------

Other income (expense):
 Gain on sale of investments                      36,422         - -
 Interest and other income                           607         430
 Interest expense                                   (127)        (33)
                                                 --------   ---------
                                                  36,902         397
                                                 --------   ---------
Income (loss) from operations, before income
taxes                                             39,389      (2,878)
Income tax provision                                 (995)       (418)
                                                 --------   ---------

Net income (loss)                                  38,394      (3,296)
Preferred stock dividends                            (138)       (138)
                                                 --------   ---------

Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders  $ 38,256   $  (3,434)
                                                 ========   =========

Basic and diluted income (loss) per common
share after preferred stock dividends           $   0.32   $   (0.03)
                                                 ========   =========

Basic weighted average number of common shares
outstanding                                      118,756     118,381
                                                 ========   =========
Diluted weighted average number of common shares
outstanding                                      119,288     118,381
                                                 ========   =========

                        HECLA MINING COMPANY
                     Consolidated Balance Sheets
            (dollars and shares in thousands - unaudited)

                                                Mar. 31,   Dec. 31,
                                                  2006       2005
--------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
--------------------------------------------------
Current assets:
 Cash and cash equivalents                      $  42,156  $   6,308
 Short-term investments and securities held for
  sale                                             12,000     40,862
 Accounts and notes receivable                     22,267     17,595
 Inventories                                       28,019     25,466
 Other current assets                               4,903      3,546
                                                 ---------  ---------
     Total current assets                         109,345     93,777
Investments                                          3,780      2,233
Restricted cash and investments                     20,576     20,340
Properties, plants and equipment, net              137,339    137,932
Other noncurrent assets                             21,959     17,884
                                                 ---------  ---------

Total assets                                     $ 292,999  $ 272,166
                                                 =========  =========

--------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES
--------------------------------------------------
Current liabilities:
 Accounts payable and accrued expenses          $  16,323  $  16,684
 Dividends payable                                    138        138
 Accrued payroll and related benefits               9,942     10,452
 Accrued taxes                                      3,505      2,529
 Current portion of debt                            1,060        - -
 Current portion of accrued reclamation and
  closure costs                                     6,365      6,328
                                                 ---------  ---------
     Total current liabilities                     37,333     36,131
Long-term debt                                         - -      3,000
Accrued reclamation and closure costs               62,178     62,914
Other noncurrent liabilities                         9,437      8,791
                                                 ---------  ---------

Total liabilities                                  108,948    110,836
                                                 ---------  ---------

--------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
--------------------------------------------------
Preferred stock                                         39         39
Common stock                                        29,775     29,651
Capital surplus                                    511,100    508,104
Accumulated deficit                               (357,836)  (396,092)
Accumulated other comprehensive income               1,091     19,746
Treasury stock                                        (118)      (118)
                                                 ---------  ---------

Total shareholders' equity                         184,051    161,330
                                                 ---------  ---------

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity       $ 292,999  $ 272,166
                                                 =========  =========

Common shares outstanding at end of period         119,093    118,594
                                                 =========  =========



                        HECLA MINING COMPANY
                Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                 (dollars in thousands - unaudited)

                                                  First Quarter Ended
                                                  -------------------
                                                  Mar. 31,   Mar. 31,
                                                     2006      2005
--------------------------------------------------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
--------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss)                                  $ 38,394  $ (3,296)
Noncash elements included in net income (loss):
 Depreciation, depletion and amortization            8,456     3,972
 Gain on sale of investments                       (36,422)      - -
 (Gain) loss on disposition of properties, plants
   and equipment                                       (22)       14
 Gain on sale of royalty interests                    (341)     (550)
 Provision for reclamation and closure costs            98       253
 Stock compensation                                    271       161
Change in assets and liabilities:
 Accounts and notes receivable                      (7,059)     (619)
 Inventories                                        (2,553)   (3,695)
 Other current and noncurrent assets                (2,098)   (1,614)
 Accounts payable and accrued expenses                (352)     (598)
 Accrued payroll and related benefits                  456      (575)
 Accrued taxes                                         976       (24)
 Accrued reclamation and closure costs and other
  noncurrent liabilities                              (107)     (414)
                                                   --------  --------
Net cash used in operating activities                  (303)   (6,985)
                                                   --------  --------

--------------------------------------------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
--------------------------------------------------
Additions to properties, plants and equipment        (7,885)   (9,815)
Proceeds from sale of investments                    57,423       - -
Proceeds from disposition of properties, plants
and equipment                                          - -        17
Purchase of short-term investments                  (20,200)  (44,694)
Maturities of short-term investments                  8,200    42,721
Increase in restricted investments                     (236)     (133)
                                                   --------  --------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities                                          37,302   (11,904)
                                                   --------  --------

--------------------------------------------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
--------------------------------------------------
Common stock issued under stock option plans            846       161
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders               (138)     (138)
Other financing activities                               81       - -
Borrowings on debt                                    4,060       - -
Repayments of debt                                   (6,000)      - -
                                                   --------  --------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities                                          (1,151)       23
                                                   --------  --------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents                                         35,848   (18,866)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period      6,308    34,460
                                                   --------  --------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period         $ 42,156  $ 15,594
                                                   ========  ========



                        HECLA MINING COMPANY
                           Production Data

                                                 First Quarter Ended
                                                 -------------------
                                                   Mar. 31, Mar. 31,
                                                    2006     2005
--------------------------------------------------
GREENS CREEK UNIT (Reflects Hecla's 29.73% share)
--------------------------------------------------
Tons of ore milled                                   51,888    55,045
Days of operation                                        84        83
Mining cost per ton                                $  34.52  $  33.38
Milling cost per ton                               $  23.79  $  20.39
Ore grade milled - Silver (oz./ton)                   15.53     21.42
Silver produced (oz.)                               614,094   896,871
Gold produced (oz.)                                   4,728     6,200
Lead produced (tons)                                  1,615     1,847
Zinc produced (tons)                                  4,537     5,122
Average cost per ounce of silver produced (2):
 Cash operating costs                             $  (1.78) $   0.87
 Total cash costs (1)                             $  (1.28) $   1.05
 Total production costs                           $   1.95  $   3.35
Capital additions (in thousands)                   $  1,987  $    420
--------------------------------------------------
LUCKY FRIDAY UNIT
--------------------------------------------------
Tons of ore processed                                63,724    42,795
Days of operation                                        69        45
Mining cost per ton                                $  51.13  $  66.77
Milling cost per ton                               $  11.38  $   8.21
Ore grade milled - Silver (oz./ton)                   11.01     12.99
Silver produced (oz.)                               626,792   521,392
Lead produced (tons)                                  3,594     3,049
Zinc produced (tons)                                  1,032       824
Average cost of silver produced:
 Cash operating costs                             $   5.30  $   5.26
 Total cash costs (1)                             $   5.31  $   5.26
 Total production costs                           $   6.39  $   5.46
Capital additions (in thousands)                   $  2,101  $  1,811
--------------------------------------------------
LA CAMORRA UNIT
--------------------------------------------------
Tons of ore processed                                54,547    50,332
Days of operation                                        84        83
Mining cost per ton                                $ 123.24  $  62.02
Milling cost per ton                               $  16.59  $  12.24
Ore grade milled - Gold (oz./ton)                     0.701     0.448
Gold produced (oz.)                                  37,620    21,860
Average cost per ounce of gold produced:
 Cash operating costs                             $    348  $    285
 Total cash costs (1)                             $    357  $    294
 Total production costs                           $    508  $    358
Capital additions (in thousands)                   $  3,705  $  7,338

(1) Total cash costs per ounce of silver and gold represent non-U.S.
   generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) measurements. A
   reconciliation of total cash costs to cost of sales and other
   direct production costs (GAAP) can be found in the cash costs per
   ounce reconciliation section of this news release.

(2) Gold produced is treated as a by-product credit in calculating
   silver costs per ounce.



                        HECLA MINING COMPANY
    Reconciliation of Cash Costs per Ounce to Generally Accepted
                   Accounting Principles (GAAP)(1)
   (dollars and ounces in thousands, except per ounce - unaudited)

                                                  First Quarter Ended
                                                  -------------------
                                                   Mar. 31,  Mar. 31,
                                                     2006      2005
--------------------------------------------------
GOLD OPERATIONS
--------------------------------------------------
Total cash costs                                     $13,209  $ 6,181
Divided by gold ounces produced                           37       21
                                                     -------  -------
  Total cash cost per ounce produced                $   357  $   294
                                                     =======  =======
Reconciliation to GAAP (2):
  Total cash costs                                  $13,209  $ 6,181
  Depreciation                                        5,531    1,329
  Treatment & freight costs                          (1,594)    (412)
  By-product credits                                    410      306
  Change in product inventory                        (3,711)     (48)
  Reclamation, severance and other costs                (16)      31
                                                     -------  -------
  Costs of sales and other direct production costs
   and depreciation, depletion and amortization
   (GAAP)                                           $13,829  $ 7,387
                                                     =======  =======

--------------------------------------------------
SILVER OPERATIONS
--------------------------------------------------
Total cash costs (3)                                 $ 2,540  $ 3,682
Divided by silver ounces produced                      1,241    1,418
                                                     -------  -------
  Total cash cost per ounce produced                $  2.05  $  2.60
                                                     =======  =======
Reconciliation to GAAP:
  Total cash costs                                  $ 2,540  $ 3,682
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization            2,616    2,498
  Treatment & freight costs                          (6,953)  (4,851)
  By-product credits                                 15,327   10,078
  Change in product inventory                           653     (389)
  Idle facility cost (3)                                - -      511
  Reclamation, severance and other costs                 45       54
                                                     -------  -------
  Costs of sales and other direct production costs
   and depreciation, depletion and amortization
   (GAAP)                                           $14,228  $11,583
                                                     =======  =======

--------------------------------------------------
GREENS CREEK UNIT (Reflects Hecla's 29.73% share)
--------------------------------------------------
Total cash costs                                     $  (788) $   939
Divided by silver ounces produced                        614      897
                                                     -------  -------
  Total cash cost per ounce produced                $ (1.28) $  1.05
                                                     =======  =======
Reconciliation to GAAP:
  Total cash costs                                  $  (788) $   939
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization            1,943    2,022
  Treatment & freight costs                          (4,342)  (3,442)
  By-product credits                                 10,326    7,195
  Change in product inventory                          (217)     (61)
  Reclamation, severance  and other costs                42       41
                                                     -------  -------
  Costs of sales and other direct production costs
   and depreciation, depletion and amortization
   (GAAP)                                           $ 6,964  $ 6,694
                                                     =======  =======

--------------------------------------------------
LUCKY FRIDAY UNIT
--------------------------------------------------
Total cash costs                                     $ 3,328  $ 2,743
Divided by silver ounces produced                        627      521
                                                     -------  -------
  Total cash cost per ounce produced                $  5.31  $  5.26
                                                     =======  =======
Reconciliation to GAAP:
  Total cash costs                                  $ 3,328  $ 2,743
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization              673       89
  Treatment & freight costs                          (2,611)  (1,409)
  By-product credits                                  5,001    2,883
  Change in product inventory                           (36)    (328)
  Reclamation and other costs                             3       13
                                                    --------  -------
  Costs of sales and other direct production costs
   and depreciation, depletion and amortization
   (GAAP)                                           $ 6,358  $ 3,991
                                                     =======  =======

--------------------------------------------------
RECONCILIATION TO GAAP, ALL OPERATIONS
--------------------------------------------------
  Total cash costs                                  $15,749  $ 9,863
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization            8,147    3,827
  Treatment & freight costs                          (8,547)  (5,263)
  By-product credits                                 15,737   10,384
  Change in product inventory                        (3,058)    (437)
  Idle facility cost(3)                                 - -      511
  Reclamation and other costs                            29       85
                                                     -------  -------
  Costs of sales and other direct production costs
   and depreciation, depletion and amortization
   (GAAP)                                           $28,057  $18,970
                                                     =======  =======

(1) Cash costs per ounce of silver or gold represent non-U.S.
   generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) measurements that
   the company believes provide management and investors an
   indication of net cash flow, after consideration of the realized
   price received for production sold. Management also uses this
   measurement for the comparative monitoring of performance of
   mining operations period-to-period from a cash flow perspective.
   "Total cash cost per ounce" is a measure developed by gold
   companies in an effort to provide a comparable standard; however,
   there can be no assurance that our reporting of this non-GAAP
   measure is similar to that reported by other mining companies.
   Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation,
   depletion and amortization are the most comparable financial
   measures calculated in accordance with GAAP to total cash costs.

(2) Costs per ounce of gold are based on the gold produced by the La
   Camorra mine and our Block B concessions only. During the quarters
   ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, gold produced from third-party
   mining operations located near the La Camorra mine and Block B
   concessions was treated as a by-product credit and included in the
   calculation of gold costs per ounce.

(3) The mill that processed San Sebastian ore was closed due to a
   strike by mill workers during the first quarter of 2005, making
   first quarter 2005 production statistics not meaningful, including
   total cash cost per ounce produced. Mine and mill operations
   ceased in October 2005. During the first quarter 2005, cost of
   sales and other direct production costs of $511,000 were not
   included in the determination of total cash costs for silver
   operations.


Quelle: BUSINESS WIRE

Seit dem Jahr 2001 arbeite ich in der Investmentbranche und habe mich im Jahr 2004 mit Argentuminvest selbständig gemacht. Seit dieser Zeit führe ich Seminare, Vorträge und Minenpräsentationen durch. Im letzten Jahr habe ich dann die ARGENTUMINVEST  GmbH gegründet, da meine Projekte größer wurden, wie z.B. die in Kooperation mit Goldseiten durchgeführte „Internationale Fachmesse für Edelmetalle und Rohstoffe“ in München im November 2005.



silberinfo:

Der Silbermarkt ist seit dem Tiefpunkt im November 2001 kräftig in Bewegung geraten, der Kurs hat sich seitdem vervielfacht. Wie sehen Sie die weitere Entwicklung in den nächsten Jahren?



R. Mayr:

Für die nächsten Jahre sehe ich weitaus höhere Inflation und aus dieser resultierend weit höhere Kurse für den Silberpreis. Silber ist seit jeher wie Gold ein guter Inflationsindikator. Ich bin sehr bullisch für alle Edelmetalle und Rohstoffe, wobei ich dem Silber die größte Chance unter den Edelmetallen beimesse.



silberinfo:

Wie ist Ihre Meinung zum Silber-ETF? Glauben Sie, dass dieser vollständig mit physischem Silber gedeckt wird? Was könnte hinter den Kulissen „gespielt“ werden?



R. Mayr:

Es gibt sehr viele Vermutungen. Weder Sie noch ich können sicher sagen, was hinter den Kulissen gespielt wird. Da schon im letzten Jahr über 60.000 Tonnen Silber leer verkauft waren, denke ich auch nicht, daß der Silber-ETF zu 100 % gedeckt sein kann oder dies in der Zukunft bei großen Mittelzuflüssen sein wird.



silberinfo:

Mit Interesse haben wir Ihren Beitrag zur Fünfjahres-Zyklik bei Silber gelesen. Sie konstatierten, dass im Dezember 2005 ein neuer Zyklus begonnen hat, und dass der Silberpreis bis 2007 stark ansteigen werde, worauf eine längere Korrektur beginne. Sind Sie noch der gleichen Ansicht, oder haben Sie Ihr Szenario angepasst?



R. Mayr:

Ich stehe auch weiterhin zu meiner Meinung. Ab dem Spätherbst sollten wir bei Silber eine große Rally erleben, die uns über das letzte markierte Zwischenhoch von 14,78 Dollar pro Unze tragen sollte. Die Fünfjahres-Zyklik weist auf ein neues Zwischenhoch bis Anfang 2007 hin. Charttechnisch gesehen liegt der nächste Widerstand dann erst bei 23,15 Dollar/ Unze, dem alten Hoch vom 23.09.1980. Ich sehe dies natürlich auch im Zusammenhang mit den geopolitischen Ereignissen, die sich gerade abzeichnen.



silberinfo:

Sie sind Landesgruppenleiter der VTAD. Welchen Stellenwert haben bei Ihren Analysen die Kurstechnik, die Zyklen, sowie die Fundamental-Analyse? Wie bewerten Sie die verschiedenen Analyse-Methoden und wie gehen Sie bei Ihren Investment-Entscheidungen, bzw. –Empfehlungen diesbezüglich vor? Kann man Zyklik am Preis erkennen und kann man mit Kurstechnik die „Zukunft voraussagen“, um es mal salopp zu formulieren.



R. Mayr:

Ich messe der technischen Analyse eine sehr große Bedeutung bei. Den größten Erfolg erzielen Sie mit mehreren Analysemethoden gleichzeitig. Es gibt viele Marktteilnehmer, die sich nur auf einen Teilbereich der technischen Analyse konzentrieren. Dabei gibt es aber große Marktteilnehmer, die dies auszunutzen wissen und bewußt Kursziele antriggern, um so manchen Kleinanleger aus dem Markt zu treiben. Mittels der  Charttechnik können Sie gerade im Teilbereich der Zyklenanalyse zwar nicht die genaue Zukunft voraussagen, aber dennoch anhand von alten Kursmustern einen möglichen und relativ wahrscheinlichen  Kursverlauf in die Zukunft projizieren. Hierzu sind aber lange Datenreihen notwendig, um gute Ergebnisse zu erzielen.



silberinfo:

Wie hoch denken Sie persönlich, wird der Silberpreis steigen?



R. Mayr:

Ich habe ein persönliches Kursziel, das ich Ihnen heute nicht verraten werde. Mein konservatives Kursziel liegt beim alten High von 1980, nämlich 50 US-Dollar pro Unze.

Im Grunde wird es davon abhängen, wie stark die Inflation steigen wird.



silberinfo:

Ihre Meinung zum Gold/Silber-Preis-Ratio in den nächsten Jahren?

R. Mayr:

Ich gehe ganz klar davon aus, daß wir uns in einem der größten Bullenmärkte für Edelmetalle in der Geschichte befinden. Die stets wiederkehrenden Inflationen können Sie über 2.000 Jahre zurückverfolgen. In solchen Phasen haben immer die Edelmetalle am stärksten abgeschnitten. Gold wird sehr stark performen, Silber hingegen sollte noch stärker im Vergleich dazu steigen. Dies bedeutet ein stark sinkendes Teilungsverhältnis (Ratio) von Gold zu Silber in den nächsten Jahren. Aktuell liegen wir bei 1:50. Mein persönliches Ziel liegt bei zumindest 1:15, also dem langfristigen Mittel der beiden Metalle im Werteverhältnis zueinander. In einer Edelmetallhausse, wie wir sie jetzt erleben, könnte das Ratio in einer Übertreibungsphase auch an manchen Tagen wieder einstellig werden, wie es Anfang 1980 auch der Fall war.



silberinfo:

Herr Mayr, sehen Sie Anzeichen dafür, dass der Gold- und Silbermarkt manipuliert werden? Was könnten die Gründe dafür sein und glauben Sie, dass sich eine Marktintervention (wie sie ja auch ganz legal z.B. von der EZB vollbracht wird) langfristig eher negativ auswirkt und Konsequenzen mit sich trägt?



R. Mayr:

Am Ende regelt alles immer der Markt, ob mit Manipulationen oder ohne! Die negativen Konsequenzen der Inflation und ihrer Beschönigung oder Verschleierung durch mögliche Marktinterventionen oder bewußte Ausklammerung von Inflationstreibern aus Warenkörben werden uns nur dann noch härter treffen. Jedes Weltreich und jeder Staat fiel nach einem Geldwertverfall (Inflation) in sich zusammen.



silberinfo:

Wie hoch schätzen Sie die Möglichkeit ein, dass es in den nächsten Jahren bei Silber einen „Short-Squeeze“ gibt?



R. Mayr:

Sehr hoch, aber man sollte die „market maker“ nicht unterschätzen. Das haben Sie bei der kürzlichen Kurskorrektur von knapp 15 Dollar pro Feinunze Silber auf unter 10 Dollar gesehen. Ich gehe deshalb in der Zukunft von einer stark erhöhten Volatilität bei Silber aus.



silberinfo:

Wenn ein Freund Sie fragen würde, wie hoch er den Anteil an physischem Silber im Vergleich zu Gold gewichten sollte, was würden Sie ihm langfristig raten?



R. Mayr:

Für eine langfristige Anlage in Edelmetallen würde ich ihm zu 50 % Gold in kleiner Stückelung und zu 50 % Silber in Barren und Münzen raten.



silberinfo:

Welches Verhältnis der physischen Anlage zu Minenaktien würden Sie einem Freund empfehlen, der auch in Minen investieren möchte?



R. Mayr:

Ich würde in der aktuellen Wirtschaftslage zu einem Depot mit 25 % physischen Edelmetallen und zu 25 bis 30 % einzelne Minenaktien oder besser noch Rohstoff- und Minenfonds raten, damit sie ein niedrigeres Risiko durch Streuung haben.



silberinfo:

Zu welchen anderen Investitionen würden Sie gegenwärtig raten? Haben Sie Favoriten bei den Minenunternehmen?



R. Mayr:

Ich würde auch zu anderen Sachwerten wie Immobilien (exklusive Geschäftsimmobilien und Immobilienfonds zum gegenwärtigen Zeitpunkt) und wie bereits erwähnt zu Rohstoff- und Minenfonds raten. Es gibt nicht sehr viele reinrassige Silberminen, geschweige denn Minenunternehmen im Silbersektor. Die höchsten Vorkommen an Silber gibt es nach wie vor in Mexiko und hier gibt es eine handvoll guter, solider  Unternehmen, die einen sehr guten Hebel auf den Silberpreis haben.

silberinfo:

Ihre Meinung zu derivativen Produkten im Edelmetallsektor?



R. Mayr:

Mit Derivaten handle ich persönlich nicht und empfehle sie auch keinem meiner Kunden. Wie weit her es mit der Handelbarkeit von Derivaten in Zeiten starker Preisschwankungen oder gar Krisenzeiten ist, konnten Sie kürzlich bei der starken Silberpreiskorrektur feststellen. In der Zukunft erwarte ich eine weit höhere Schwankungsbreite bei den Edelmetallen. Ein Investment nicht rechtzeitig liquidieren zu können, kann für das Investment und für Sie tödlich sein, wenn Sie dadurch einen Herzinfarkt erleiden… Auf jedes Zertifikat sollte meiner Meinung nach der Aufdruck: „Vor dem Kauf konsultieren Sie bitte Ihren Arzt oder Apotheker…“ Mit physischem Silber können Sie sich beruhigt zurücklehnen und in der Jahr-hunderthausse ohne einen Dritten reich werden oder besser gesagt: Ihr Vermögen schützen!



silberinfo:

Im letzten Jahr waren Sie Mitveranstalter einer Edelmetallmesse in München. Aufmerksamen “Silberbugs“ dürfte nicht entgangen sein, dass Sie 2006 eigene Wege gehen. Gibt es Gründe dafür?



R. Mayr:

Dazu möchte ich mich nicht äußern. Es wird dieses Jahr aber definitiv zwei Veranstaltungen zum Thema Edelmetalle und Rohstoffe in München geben.



silberinfo:

Im Oktober veranstalten Sie in München die Interpremeco, was ist Ihre Vision dazu?



R. Mayr:

Ich möchte die International Precious Metals and Commodities Convention (INTERPREMECO) in der Messehalle MOC München vom 13. bis 15. Oktober 2006 zur größten Informations- und Austauschplattform für Minengesellschaften und Dienstleister im Edelmetall- und Rohstoffbereich im süddeutschen Raum machen. Hierbei möchte ich nicht nur die institutionellen Investoren, sondern vor allem auch die privaten Anleger mit der Verknüpfung von Ausstellung mit Seminar ansprechen. Über 25 hochkarätige Referenten werden den Anlegern Rede und Antwort stehen, unter Ihnen auch die Erfolgsautoren Uwe Bergold, William Engdahl und Claus Vogt. Alle Informationen zur Messe erhalten Sie auf der Webseite www.interpremeco.com. Vier Wochen vor der Veranstaltung wird man sich dort online anmelden können.



silberinfo:

Herr Mayr, vielen Dank für Ihre geschätzten Antworten. Wir wünschen Ihnen und Ihrer Familie für die Zukunft alles Gute.



Homepage: www.argentuminvest.com



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Hinweis: ARIVA.DE veröffentlicht in dieser Rubrik Analysen, Kolumnen und Nachrichten aus verschiedenen Quellen. Verantwortlich für den Inhalt ist allein der jeweilige Autor.  

Hecla's President and Chief Executive Officer Phillips S. Baker, Jr., said, "To put this in perspective for investors, the total value of these new silver resources at these two properties is the equivalent value of about two million ounces of gold, nearly twice the company's total gold resource. The entire resource increase is located in North America and is largely a result of new exploration programs on existing properties, as opposed to an acquisition of existing resources. It provides ongoing confirmation of our strategy of operating and exploring in world-class mining districts. This is a taste of more to come because we've not yet completed our work at these and other properties."

The Lucky Friday resource expansion is due to a deeper drilling program down to 6,900 feet below the surface at the Silver Shaft. That drilling extended the eastern half of the known resource at Lucky Friday down to the 6900 level, leaving the potential for the possible identification of additional resource on the western half as drilling continues. Because of the excellent results, an additional hole was drilled to the 7900 level, confirming continued mineralization. More holes are planned.

The increased resource at San Sebastian is a result of additional surface drilling on the deposit during 2005 and 2006, bringing the total silver resource at San Sebastian to about 8 million ounces, plus nearly 250 million pounds of zinc, lead and copper. The resource increase during 2006 is from a polygonal resource estimate based on an average drill hole spacing of 80 meters. Additional targets remain to be tested, because the Hugh Zone was discovered as a stacked system more than 100 vertical meters directly beneath the earlier-mined Francine vein. Hecla will soon test the potential that the Hugh Zone is stacked on top of yet an even deeper system and is planning a drill program that would test the area about 150 meters deeper than the known base of the Hugh Zone. A scoping study is under way to study key issues to move this resource into reserve.

The calculation of resources was based on metals prices well below current levels. The prices used for resource calculation, as well as the determination of silver equivalent, were $8.00 per ounce of silver, $500.00 per ounce of gold, $0.67 per pound of zinc, $0.42 per pound of lead and $2.00 per pound of copper. The determination of gold equivalent is based on a 50:1 ratio of silver to gold, the approximate ratio of current prices.

Hecla Mining Company, headquartered in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, mines, processes and explores for silver and gold in the United States, Mexico and Venezuela. A 115-year-old company, Hecla has long been well known in the mining world and financial markets as a quality silver and gold producer. Hecla's common and preferred shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols HL and HL-PrB.

Cautionary Note to Investors -- The United States Securities and Exchange Commission permits mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. We use certain terms in this news release, such as "resource" and "reserve," that the SEC guidelines strictly prohibit us from including in our filing with the SEC. U.S. investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. You can review and obtain copies of these filings from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.

Statements made which are not historical facts, such as anticipated payments, litigation outcome, production, sales of assets, exploration results and plans, costs, and prices or sales performance are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated, expected or implied. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, metals price volatility, volatility of metals production and costs, exploration risks and results, political risks, project development risks, labor issues and ability to raise financing. Refer to the company's Form 10-Q and 10-K reports for a more detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected future results. The company undertakes no obligation and has no intention of updating forward-looking statements.

Hecla's Home Page can be accessed on the Internet at: www.hecla-mining.com

Quelle:BUSINESS WIRE

URL: aktien.onvista.de/...html?ID_NEWS_TYPE=1,2,4&DATE_RANGE=mon...