Hecla Mining reported an increase of 41pc in lead output at 34,128mt in 2020 from the previous year. Zinc output is up 7pc to 63,112mt in 2020 compared to the year prior.
Zinc production in Q4, however, dipped 11pc to 14,412mt from the previous-year quarter. Lead rose 40pc over the prior-year quarter as it increased to 9,508mt in Q4.
| Hecla Mining Company | 2020 | 2019 | Pc Change | Q4 2020 | Q4 2019 | Pc Change |
| Lead | 34128 | 24210 | 41% | 9508 | 6804 | 40% |
| Zinc | 63112 | 58857 | 7% | 14412 | 16,184 | -11% |
It was a challenging year given the pandemic but operational performance was strong, the company said in a press release. The company reported average prices for each metal in 2020, lead averaged at $0.83/lb and zinc at $1.03/lb.
Greens Creek mine in 2020 suffered substantial weather events in December as Alaska was impacted by historical high winds and rains which caused damage to the mine area affecting Q4 production. Greens Creek and Lucky Friday operations of Hecla produce zinc and lead. Lucky Friday achieved full production in Q4, said the company.