Hecla Mining Company (NYSE: HL), headquartered in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, presented its growth strategy at Mining Forum Americas 2026, according to a transcript summary published September 28, 2026. Management described the company as North America's largest silver producer, with operations in the United States and Canada only. Silver supplied 68 percent of second quarter 2026 revenue. Hecla carries no debt and guides to 15.1 million to 16.1 million ounces of silver production in 2026.
Greens Creek in Alaska produced about 2.1 million ounces of silver in the second quarter and generated roughly 130 million dollars of free cash flow. The mine reported an all-in sustaining cost of negative 10.71 dollars per ounce after by-product credits. Lucky Friday in Idaho set a record with 1.5 million ounces of silver and produced more than 87 million dollars of free cash flow. A surface cooling project at Lucky Friday is targeted for completion in September 2026, and a three-phase capacity plan runs through 2044.
Growth work centers on existing assets. A pyrite concentrate circuit at Greens Creek is expected to add 1.0 million to 1.2 million ounces of silver per year, with first production targeted between the fourth quarter of 2027 and the first half of 2028. Tailings reprocessing at Greens Creek covers 10.6 million tons containing an estimated 51 million ounces of silver. Metallurgical testing for that project finished in August 2026.
Hecla also holds Nevada properties including Midas, Hollister and Aurora. Midas has a permitted mill rated at 1,200 tons per day. The 2026 exploration budget is a record 55 million dollars, split among near-mine extensions, Nevada growth and early-stage work. Management expects no large wave of capital spending and is building cash toward a target below 1 billion dollars before considering additional shareholder returns.
Source: Investing.com - https://www.investing.com/news/transcripts/hecla-mining-at-mining-forum-americas-2026-growth-plan-stays-organic-93CH-4920836