[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 27, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E607]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF HECLA MINING COMPANY

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                         HON. RAUL R. LABRADOR

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 27, 2016

  Mr. LABRADOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 125th 
anniversary of Hecla Mining Company. Formed in 1891 for the purpose of 
acquiring and trading mining claims in north Idaho's Silver Valley 
mining district, Hecla is the last of this district's pioneer mining 
companies and is now the largest primary silver producer in the United 
States.
  Over the past 125 years, Hecla has weathered numerous storms 
including the Panic of 1893, the Great Depression, and two world wars. 
Minerals produced by Hecla, such as zinc and lead, have played key 
roles in our national defense while silver is a key ingredient for 
solar voltaic cells and modern electronic and medical devices. These 
resources provide the raw materials needed for economic growth across a 
myriad of sectors.
  Today, Hecla is a vital part of Idaho's economy and communities. 
Hecla employs 1,300 individuals and has provided over $1.5 million to 
support education, youth activities, community health and 
infrastructure through its charitable foundation in recent years. 
Additionally, Hecla employees serve on local school boards, as EMTs, 
elected officials, and firemen.
  I recently visited Hecla's Lucky Friday mine in Mullan, Idaho, and 
saw firsthand the state-of-the-art mining practices that are used to 
extract silver from deep in the earth. Hecla is currently taking the 
Lucky Friday mine to 10,000 feet below the surface to open up more than 
20 years of additional resources. Hecla has maintained an 
uncompromising commitment to better mining and worker safety and plays 
an important role in meeting the nation's mineral demands. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in celebrating this great milestone for Hecla 
Mining Company.

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