[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 19, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S88]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING HECLA MINING COMPANY

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 125th 
anniversary of Hecla Mining Company, which is celebrating a remarkable 
milestone in its long and important history in the State of Idaho.
  Hecla Mining Company was formed in October of 1891 for the purposes 
of acquiring and trading mining claims in what was then north Idaho's 
newly discovered Silver Valley. Mining played an integral role in the 
settlement of the West and, in particular, north Idaho. The resulting 
mining boom employed thousands of people living in the region. The 
Silver Valley has produced more than 1.2 billion ounces of silver. 
Hecla is now the last of the area's pioneer mining companies and the 
largest primary silver producer in the United States.
  Hecla has not just weathered the storms of the last 125 years; 
rather, it has been shaped by them. The company and its workers' grit 
and resolve enabled their perseverance through the Panic of 1893, the 
Great Depression, and two World Wars; and they have had many 
achievements worthy of reflection. The minerals produced by Hecla 
played a key role in our Nation's defense and continue to play an 
integral role in the pursuit of alternative energy sources and other 
essential uses. Silver is a key ingredient for solar voltaic cells and 
is important for modern electronic and medical applications.
  Hecla also advanced techniques that improved mine worker safety and 
works to deepen its connection with the communities in which it 
operates, while resolving legacy environmental issues. Additionally, 
Hecla is currently taking the Lucky Friday mine to 10,000 feet below 
the surface--opening up more than 20 years of additional resources.
  The company and its approximately 1,300 workers provide tremendous 
economic and charitable benefits to communities and our Nation. Hecla's 
charitable foundation has provided more than $1.5 million in the last 7 
years alone in support of education, youth activities, community 
health, and infrastructure. The company estimates that its Lucky Friday 
Mine in north Idaho has provided more than $1 billion to the local and 
State economy in the last 5 years. Hecla's employees support numerous 
community needs, including serving on school boards and other elected 
positions, as emergency medical technicians and firemen.
  Congratulations, Hecla Mining Company and employees, on 125 years of 
accomplishments. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to 
strengthening our communities, Idaho, and Nation. I wish you all the 
best for continued success.

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