Hecla says Idaho mine production likely to be suspended throughout 2023

Hecla says Idaho mine production likely to be suspended throughout 2023

Mining News Pro - Hecla Mining said on Monday production at its Idaho mine, which earlier reported a fire, was likely to remain suspended throughout this year, prompting the company to lower its silver output forecast for the period.

The company said last month a “fall of ground” incident occurred in one of the shafts at its Lucky Friday mine — among the top silver producing mines in the US — and subsequently suspended operations.

On Monday, the company said the fire has been extinguished and repair work was underway at the mine. The work is anticipated to suspend production for the remainder of 2023.

The miner lowered its full-year 2023 silver production forecast to between 14.5 million and 15.5 million ounces, compared with its earlier projection of between 16 million and 17.5 million ounces.

Source: Reuters