[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 87 (Friday, June 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1250]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNITION OF ART BROWN OF HECLA MINING CO.

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                       HON. C.L. ``BUTCH'' OTTER

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2003

  Mr. OTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of the 
House the distinguished accomplishments of Art Brown, chief executive 
officer of Hecla Mining Company, on the occasion of his retirement.
  Art Brown retired last month from Hecla Mining after 36 years of 
service. Mr. Brown was manager of the Lucky Friday Mine in 1979, when 
silver prices rose from $5 to $50 per ounce, and Hecla became the No. 1 
performer on the New York Stock Exchange. Last year, Hecla's stock rose 
400 percent, again making it a top NYSE performer. However, it was not 
an easy task to keep the company afloat during the years between in 
which it was plagued by low market prices, environmental litigation and 
cash-flow problems. Under Mr. Brown's leadership, however, the company 
has moved from close to bankruptcy to a viable, growing enterprise 
producing record amounts of gold and silver in 2002. Under the 
visionary leadership of Art Brown, Hecla Mining Co. has survived and 
flourished. The company is now positioned to move forward into a future 
of growth and continued profitability.
  I congratulate Art Brown on his success, and wish him an enjoyable 
retirement.

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