Edgar Filing: HECLA MINING CO/DE/

hl20150930_10q.htm Table Of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015

Commission file number

1-8491

HECLA MINING COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

	Delaware	77-0664171
	(State or other jurisdiction of	(I.R.S. Employer
	incorporation or organization)	Identification No.)

	6500 Mineral Drive, Suite 200
	Coeur d'Alene, Idaho	83815-9408
	(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

208-769-4100
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes XX . No .

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes XX . No___.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one):

Large Accelerated Filer XX. Accelerated Filer .

Non-Accelerated Filer . Smaller reporting company .

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes . No XX.

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Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class

Shares Outstanding November 2, 2015

Common stock, par value

$0.25 per share

378,112,840

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Hecla Mining Company and Subsidiaries

Form 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2015

INDEX*

		Page
PART I - Financial Information

	Item 1 – Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014	3

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss - Three Months Ended and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014	4

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014	5

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	6

	Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	30

	Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	53

	Item 4. Controls and Procedures	55

PART II - Other Information

	Item 1 – Legal Proceedings	55

	Item 1A – Risk Factors	55

	Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures	55

	Item 6 – Exhibits	55

	Signatures	56

	Exhibits	57


*Items 2, 3 and 5 of Part II are omitted as they are not applicable.

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Part I - Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

Hecla Mining Company and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except shares)

	September 30, 2015			December 31, 2014
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	174,454		$	209,665
Accounts receivable:
Trade		10,384			17,696
Taxes		14,219			10,392
Other, net		12,970			6,792
Inventories:
Concentrates, doré, and stockpiled ore		20,281			25,999
Materials and supplies		23,325			21,474
Current deferred income taxes		19,573			12,029
Other current assets		15,957			12,312
Total current assets		291,163			316,359
Non-current investments		2,003			4,920
Non-current restricted cash and investments		999			883
Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net		1,878,177			1,831,564
Non-current deferred income taxes		93,037			98,923
Reclamation insurance asset		16,800			—
Other non-current assets and deferred charges		3,034			9,415
Total assets	$	2,285,213		$	2,262,064
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	47,724		$	41,869
Accrued payroll and related benefits		23,497			27,956
Accrued taxes		7,078			4,241
Current portion of capital leases		9,492			9,491
Current portion of debt		1,981			—
Current portion of accrued reclamation and closure costs		20,788			1,631
Other current liabilities		15,056			5,797
Total current liabilities		125,616			90,985
Capital leases		9,485			13,650
Accrued reclamation and closure costs		70,822			55,619
Long-term debt		501,281			498,479
Non-current deferred tax liability		125,753			153,300
Other noncurrent liabilities		50,485			53,057
Total liabilities		883,442			865,090
Commitments and contingencies
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, 5,000,000 shares authorized:
Series B preferred stock, $0.25 par value, 157,816 shares issued and outstanding, liquidation preference — $7,891		39			39
Common stock, $0.25 par value, authorized 500,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 2015 — 377,697,406 shares and 2014 — 367,376,863 shares		95,114			92,382
Capital surplus		1,517,514			1,486,750
Accumulated deficit		(168,522	)		(141,306	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(31,640	)		(32,031	)
Less treasury stock, at cost; 2015 — 2,764,973 and 2014 — 2,151,482 shares issued and held in treasury		(10,734	)		(8,860	)
Total shareholders’ equity		1,401,771			1,396,974
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,285,213		$	2,262,064

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Hecla Mining Company and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)

(Dollars and shares in thousands, except for per-share amounts)

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2015			September 30, 2014			September 30, 2015			September 30, 2014
Sales of products	$	104,941		$	135,507		$	328,230		$	378,796
Cost of sales and other direct production costs		79,273			86,680			220,805			235,460
Depreciation, depletion and amortization		28,229			26,804			80,649			80,342
		107,502			113,484			301,454			315,802
Gross profit (loss)		(2,561	)		22,023			26,776			62,994
Other operating expenses:
General and administrative		9,461			7,884			26,477			23,984
Exploration		5,540			5,797			14,748			13,086
Pre-development		1,696			391			3,834			1,247
Other operating expense		743			442			2,137			1,853
Provision for closed operations and reclamation		1,181			1,238			10,983			3,609
Acquisition costs		15			—			2,162			—
		18,636			15,752			60,341			43,779
Income (loss) from operations		(21,197	)		6,271			(33,565	)		19,215
Other income (expense):
Gain (loss) on derivative contracts		3,347			(411	)		8,252			(2,560	)
Loss on disposition of investments		—			—			—			—
Unrealized loss on investments		(100	)		(2,830	)		(3,226	)		(2,750	)
Foreign exchange gain		9,077			7,299			19,518			6,051
Interest and other income		100			32			173			208
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized		(6,617	)		(6,505	)		(19,350	)		(20,307	)
		5,807			(2,415	)		5,367			(19,358	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		(15,390	)		3,856			(28,198	)		(143	)
Income tax benefit (provision)		5,500			(180	)		4,193			1,062
Net income (loss)		(9,890	)		3,676			(24,005	)		919
Preferred stock dividends		(138	)		(138	)		(414	)		(414	)
Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders	$	(10,028	)	$	3,538		$	(24,419	)	$	505
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	$	(9,890	)	$	3,676		$	(24,005	)	$	919
Reclassification of loss on disposition or impairment of marketable securities included in net income (loss)		—			2,425			2,993			2,425
Defined benefit pension plan costs		—			—			—			(1,192	)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments		(391	)		(149	)		(2,603	)		205
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(10,281	)	$	5,952		$	(23,615	)	$	2,357
Basic income (loss) per common share after preferred dividends	$	(0.03	)	$	0.01		$	(0.07	)	$	—
Diluted income (loss) per common share after preferred dividends	$	(0.03	)	$	0.01		$	(0.07	)	$	—
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic		377,508			359,472			372,555			348,801
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted		377,508			362,262			372,555			354,673
Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.0025		$	0.0025		$	0.0075		$	0.0075

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Hecla Mining Company and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2015			September 30, 2014
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(24,005	)	$	919
Non-cash elements included in net income (loss):
Depreciation, depletion and amortization		81,475			81,116
Unrealized loss on investments		3,060			2,750
Loss (gain) on disposition of properties, plants, equipment, and mineral interests		175			(49	)
Provision for reclamation and closure costs		11,028			3,646
Stock compensation		4,036			3,826
Deferred income taxes		(1,781	)		(5,859	)
Amortization of loan origination fees		1,365			1,703
Loss on derivative contracts		9,561			6,458
Foreign exchange gain		(17,566	)		(5,932	)
Other non-cash items, net		45			(914	)
Change in assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions:
Accounts receivable		(2,951	)		10,952
Inventories		4,382			7,125
Other current and non-current assets		(6,779	)		(1,097	)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		3,986			(4,446	)
Accrued payroll and related benefits		2,221			10,205
Accrued taxes		2,782			(1,541	)
Accrued reclamation and closure costs and other non-current liabilities		7,934			(50,094	)
Cash provided by operating activities		78,968			58,768
Investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests		(95,399	)		(90,697	)
Acquisition of Revett, net of cash acquired		(809	)		—
Proceeds from disposition of properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests		277			447
Purchases of investments		(947	)		(580	)
Changes in restricted cash and investment balances		—			4,334
Net cash used in investing activities		(96,878	)		(86,496	)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of warrants		—			54,418
Acquisition of treasury shares		(1,875	)		(3,740	)
Dividends paid to common shareholders		(2,796	)		(2,629	)
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders		(414	)		(414	)
Credit facility and debt issuance fees paid		(123	)		(705	)
Payments on debt		(216	)		—
Payments on capital leases		(7,833	)		(6,893	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(13,257	)		40,037
Effect of exchange rates on cash		(4,044	)		(2,124	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(35,211	)		10,185
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		209,665			212,175
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	174,454		$	222,360
Significant non-cash investing and financing activities:
Addition of capital lease obligations	$	4,346		$	3,450
Common stock issued for the acquisition of Revett	$	19,133		$	—
Payment of accrued compensation in restricted stock units	$	3,016		$	4,600
Senior Notes contributed to pension plan, par value	$	—		$	6,500

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Note 1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and notes to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items and items which are nonrecurring, necessary to present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Hecla Mining Company and its consolidated subsidiaries (“we” or “our” or “us”). See Note 4 and Note 13 for information on adjustments which are nonrecurring contained in the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements. These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related footnotes as set forth in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as it may be amended from time to time.

The results of operations for the periods presented may not be indicative of those which may be expected for a full year. The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in audited financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures are adequate for the information not to be misleading.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, and the disclosures of contingent liabilities. Accordingly, ultimate results could differ materially from those estimates.

On June 15, 2015, we completed the acquisition of Revett Mining Company, Inc. ("Revett"), giving us ownership of the Rock Creek project and various other interests in Northwest Montana. The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements included herein reflect our ownership of the assets previously held by Revett as of the June 15, 2015 acquisition date. See Note 13 for more information.

Note 2. Investments and Restricted Cash

Investments

At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair value of our non-current investments was $2.0 million and $4.9 million, respectively. Our non-current investments consist of marketable equity securities, which are carried at fair value as they are classified as “available-for-sale.” The cost bases of our non-current investments were approximately $4.2 million and $7.3 million, respectively, at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. During the first quarter of 2015, we recognized a $2.8 million impairment charge against earnings, as we determined the impairment to be other-than-temporary. We also acquired equity in another mining company for a total cost of $0.9 million during the first quarter of 2015. Due to the acquisition of Revett in June 2015, the basis in previously held stock was eliminated, reducing the cost basis of our non-current investments by $0.5 million, with a $0.2 million unrealized loss included in current earnings.

At September 30, 2015, total unrealized loss positions of $2.2 million, net of unrealized gains of $6 thousand, for our non-current investments were included in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Restricted Cash and Investments

Various laws, permits, and covenants require that we have financial assurances in place for certain environmental and reclamation obligations and other potential liabilities. These restricted investments are used primarily for reclamation funding or for funding surety bonds, and were $1.0 million at September 30, 2015 and $0.9 million at December 31, 2014.

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Note 3. Income Taxes

Major components of our income tax provision (benefit) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Current:
Domestic	$	(4,776	)	$	(778	)	$	(2,911	)	$	4,529
Foreign		451			3			606			386
Total current income tax provision (benefit)		(4,325	)		(775	)		(2,305	)		4,915

Deferred:
Domestic		1,812			2,043			5,400			(4,973	)
Foreign		(2,987	)		(1,088	)		(7,288	)		(1,004	)
Total deferred income tax provision (benefit)		(1,175	)		955			(1,888	)		(5,977	)
Total income tax provision (benefit)	$	(5,500	)	$	180		$	(4,193	)	$	(1,062	)

As of September 30, 2015, we have a net deferred tax asset in the U.S. of $ 112.6 million and a net deferred tax liability in Canada of $126.3 million for a consolidated worldwide net deferred tax liability of $13.7 million. Our ability to utilize our deferred tax assets depends on future taxable income generated from operations within the United States; valuation allowances are provided for that portion of our deferred tax assets for which we believe it is more likely than not that we will not realize a benefit. This judgment is based on several assumptions and estimates including life-of-mine operating plans and our estimates of future metals prices. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the balances of the valuation allowances on our deferred tax assets were $42 million and $32 million, respectively, primarily for net operating loss carryforwards.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2015, there was a change in judgment about the realizability of our deferred tax assets in the U.S. Based on revised projections of future taxable income, certain tax net operating losses are projected to expire before utilization. The valuation allowance in the U.S. increased to $19.7 million based on this change in judgment.

The current income tax provisions for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 vary from the amounts that would have resulted from applying the statutory income tax rate to pre-tax income primarily due to the effects of percentage depletion for all periods presented, the impact of taxation in foreign jurisdictions, and the change in valuation allowance.

Note 4. Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations

General

We follow the FASB Accounting Standards Codification guidance in determining our accruals and disclosures with respect to loss contingencies, and evaluate such accruals and contingencies for each reporting period. Accordingly, estimated losses from loss contingencies are accrued by a charge to income when information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that a liability could be incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal expenses associated with the contingency are expensed as incurred. If a loss contingency is not probable or reasonably estimable, disclosure of the loss contingency is made in the financial statements when it is at least reasonably possible that a material loss could be incurred.

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Rio Grande Silver Guaranty

Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Rio Grande Silver Inc. (“Rio”), is party to a joint venture with Emerald Mining & Leasing, LLC (“EML”) and certain other parties with respect to a land package in the Creede Mining District of Colorado that is adjacent to other land held by Rio. Rio holds a 70% interest in the joint venture. In connection with the joint venture, we are required to guarantee certain environmental remediation-related obligations of EML to a third party up to a maximum liability to us of $2.5 million. As of September 30, 2015, we have not been required to make any payments pursuant to the guaranty. We may be required to make payments in the future, limited to the $2.5 million maximum liability, should EML fail to meet its obligations to the third party. However, to the extent that any payments are made by us under the guaranty, EML, in addition to other parties, have jointly and severally agreed to reimburse and indemnify us for any such payments. We have not recorded a liability relating to the guaranty as of September 30, 2015.

Lucky Friday Water Permit Matters

Over the last several years, the Lucky Friday unit has experienced several regulatory issues relating to its water discharge permits and water management more generally. In December 2013, the EPA issued to Hecla Limited a notice of violation (“2013 NOV”) alleging certain storm water reporting violations under Lucky Friday’s Clean Water Act Multi-Sector General Stormwater Permit for Industrial Activities. The alleged violations were resolved. The 2013 NOV also contained a request for information under Section 308 of the Clean Water Act directing Hecla Limited to undertake a comprehensive groundwater investigation of Lucky Friday’s tailings pond no. 3 to evaluate whether the pond is causing the discharge of pollutants via seepage to groundwater that is discharging to surface water.

We have not completed the investigation called for by the request for information contained in the 2013 NOV, and thus we do not know what the impact of the investigation will be.

Hecla Limited strives to maintain its water discharges at the Lucky Friday unit in full compliance with its permits and applicable laws; however, we cannot provide assurance that in the future it will be able to fully comply with the permit limits and other regulatory requirements regarding water management.

Johnny M Mine Area near San Mateo, McKinley County, New Mexico

In May 2011, the EPA made a formal request to Hecla Mining Company for information regarding the Johnny M Mine Area near San Mateo, McKinley County, New Mexico, and asserted that Hecla Mining Company may be responsible under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA") for environmental remediation and past costs the EPA has incurred at the site. Mining at the Johnny M was conducted for a limited period of time by a predecessor of our subsidiary, Hecla Limited. In August 2012, Hecla Limited and the EPA entered into a Settlement Agreement and Administrative Order on Consent for Removal Action (“Consent Order”), pursuant to which Hecla Limited agreed to pay (i) $1.1 million to the EPA for its past response costs at the site and (ii) any future response costs at the site under the Consent Order, in exchange for a covenant not to sue by the EPA. Hecla Limited paid the approximately $1.1 million to the EPA for its past response costs and in December 2014, submitted to EPA the Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis (“EE/CA”) for the site. The EE/CA evaluates three alternative response actions: 1) no action, 2) off-site disposal, and 3) on-site disposal. The range in estimated costs of these alternatives is $0 to $221 million. In the EE/CA, Hecla Limited recommended that EPA approve on-site disposal, which is currently estimated to cost $5.6 million, on the basis that it is the most appropriate response action under CERCLA. In June 2015, the EPA approved the EE/CA, with a few minor conditions. The EPA still needs to publish the EE/CA for public notice and comment, and the agency will not make a final decision on the appropriate response action until the public comment process is complete. EPA anticipates that Hecla Limited will implement the selected response action pursuant to an amendment to the Consent Order or a new order to be negotiated with Hecla Limited. Based on the foregoing, we believe it is probable that Hecla Limited will incur a liability for remediation at the site, and our best estimate of that liability as of the date of this report is $5.6 million, and we have accrued that amount. There can be no assurance that Hecla Limited’s liability will not be more than $5.6 million, or that its ultimate liability will not have a material adverse effect on Hecla Limited’s or our results from operations or financial position.

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Carpenter Snow Creek Site, Cascade County, Montana

In July 2010, the EPA made a formal request to Hecla Mining Company for information regarding the Carpenter Snow Creek Superfund Site located in Cascade County, Montana. The Carpenter Snow Creek Site is located in a historic mining district, and in the early 1980s Hecla Limited leased 6 mining claims and performed limited exploration activities at the site. Hecla Limited terminated the mining lease in 1988.

In June 2011, the EPA informed Hecla Limited that it believes Hecla Limited, among several other viable companies, may be liable for cleanup of the site or for costs incurred by the EPA in cleaning up the site. The EPA stated in the June 2011 letter that it has incurred approximately $4.5 million in response costs and estimated that total remediation costs may exceed $100 million. Hecla Limited cannot with reasonable certainty estimate the amount or range of liability, if any, relating to this matter because of, among other reasons, the lack of information concerning the site.

South Dakota and Colorado Superfund Sites Related to CoCa Mines, Inc.

In 1991, Hecla Limited acquired all of the outstanding common stock of CoCa Mines, Inc. (“CoCa”). CoCa is alleged to have prior property interests at the Gilt Edge Mine Superfund site in Lawrence County, South Dakota, and to have been engaged in exploration and mining activities at or near the Nelson Tunnel/Commodore Waste Rock Pile Superfund site in Creede, Colorado. The United States has alleged that CoCa, along with other parties, is a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) at each of the sites. The United States bases its claims of liability on allegations of CoCa’s historical relationship to each site, and that CoCa has succeeded to the liabilities of one or more predecessor entities that may have held certain property interests at the sites or undertaken certain activities.

The United States alleges that estimated total costs associated with the Gilt Edge site may exceed $225 million, including both past and future response costs. For the Nelson Tunnel/Commodore site, the EPA is seeking a total of approximately $5 million for past response costs, plus an undetermined amount of interest from CoCa, Hecla Limited, and other PRPs. The EPA stated that it is continuing its remedial investigation/feasibility study at the Nelson Tunnel/Commodore site, and once that is complete, it will begin remedial design and remedial action for the site. Presumably, the EPA also could seek reimbursement of at least some of those costs from viable PRPs.

We believe that it is reasonably possible that CoCa faces some liability under CERCLA based on its historical relationship to the Gilt Edge and Nelson Tunnel/Commodore sites. In the event CoCa incurs a liability at either site, it has limited assets with which to satisfy any claim. Because of this, we believe that it is possible that the United States will seek to recover some of the alleged costs associated with the sites from Hecla Limited, as the sole stockholder of CoCa. However, we believe Hecla Limited has strong defenses and would vigorously defend against any such claim.

Settlement negotiations with the United States have been ongoing since 2010 with respect to the Gilt Edge site and since 2014 with respect to the Nelson Tunnel/Commodore site. Although we have not reached a final settlement with the United States, based on the current status of negotiations we believe it is probable that CoCa will incur a settlement liability for response costs at the sites. Our best estimate of that net liability as of the date of this report, after payments from insurance proceeds and from another party to the Gilt Edge settlement, is $9.9 million. We have accrued that net amount by recording a liability for the total estimated amount that would be paid by CoCa and an asset for the estimated amount that would be recovered by CoCa from insurers and the other party to the settlement.

There can be no assurance that we will be able to resolve these matters through settlement. Similarly, despite efforts to reasonably estimate potential liability at the Gilt Edge and Nelson Tunnel/Commodore sites, there can be no assurance that we have accurately estimated such liability, or that the accrual actually represents the total amount for which CoCa or Hecla Limited could be found liable in the event these matters are not settled but instead litigated. Accordingly, in the event these matters are not settled, our accrual could change, perhaps rapidly and materially.

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Senior Notes

On April 12, 2013, we completed an offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes ("Notes") due 2021. The net proceeds from the offering of the Notes were used to partially fund the acquisition of Aurizon Mines Ltd. ("Aurizon") and for general corporate purposes, including expenses related to the Aurizon acquisition. In 2014, we completed additional issuances of our Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $6.5 million, which were contributed to our pension plan to satisfy the funding requirement for 2014. Interest on the Notes is payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing November 1, 2013. See Note 9 for more information.

Other Commitments

Our contractual obligations as of September 30, 2015 included approximately $21.3 million for various costs. In addition, our open purchase orders at September 30, 2015 included approximately $7.2 million, $0.7 million, and $1.5 million, respectively, for various capital items at the Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, and Casa Berardi units, and approximately $0.7 million, $1.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively, for various non-capital costs at the Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and Casa Berardi units. We also have total commitments of approximately $19.8 million relating to scheduled payments on capital leases, including interest, primarily for equipment at our Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and Casa Berardi units (see Note 9 for more information). As part of our ongoing business and operations, we are required to provide surety bonds, bank letters of credit, and restricted deposits for various purposes, including financial support for environmental reclamation obligations and workers compensation programs. As of September 30, 2015, we had surety bonds totaling $92.3 million in place as financial support for future reclamation and closure of the Greens Creek and Troy mines, self insurance, and employee benefit plans. In addition, we had letters of credit for approximately $8.1 million outstanding as of September 30, 2015 for environmental reclamation and workers' compensation insurance bonding. We also held a $6.5 million restricted deposit at September 30, 2015 as financial support for reclamation of the Troy mine acquired as part of the Revett acquisition. The obligations associated with these instruments are generally related to performance requirements that we address through ongoing operations. As the requirements are met, the beneficiary of the associated instruments cancels or returns the instrument to the issuing entity. Certain of these instruments are associated with operating sites with long-lived assets and will remain outstanding until closure of the sites. We believe we are in compliance with all applicable bonding and will be able to satisfy future bonding requirements as they arise.

Other Contingencies

In March 2012, Hecla Limited received notice of a complaint filed against it by the United Steel Workers, Local 5114, with the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission ("FMSHRC") for compensation for bargaining unit workers at the Lucky Friday mine idled as a result of the temporary suspension of production at the mine. The complaint alleged the bargaining unit workers were entitled to compensation under Section 111 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 the "Mine Act") from November 16, 2011 - the date an order was issued by the Mine Safety Health Administration (“MSHA”) to Hecla Limited - until June 12, 2013 - the date the order was terminated. On February 4, 2015, the judge hearing the case issued an Order finding the applicable period of time for compensation under Section 111 of the Mine Act to be approximately 8 days and the compensation owed to the employees to be approximately $13,000, plus interest. On March 4, 2015, the Union filed an appeal for discretionary review with the FMSHRC. On March 12, 2015, the FMSHRC issued a notice granting discretionary review, and oral arguments scheduled for November 17, 2015. We believe the claim is without merit, and that all wages due under Section 111, which was an immaterial amount, have already been paid. Therefore, we have not recorded a liability relating to the claim as of September 30, 2015. The value of the union's claim is estimated to be in the range of $0 to $10 million.

On April 12, 2013, the family of Larry Marek, an employee of Hecla Limited who was fatally injured in an April 2011 accident, filed a lawsuit against us and certain of our officers and employees seeking damages for, among other claims, wrongful death and infliction of emotional distress. No dollar amount of damages is specified in the complaint, which was filed in state court in Idaho (Kootenai County District Court). On April 21, 2015, the judge hearing the case granted Hecla’s motion for summary judgment and dismissed the case. The plaintiffs have appealed the decision to the Idaho Supreme Court. We cannot predict the outcome of this matter, however, we believe the case is without merit and are vigorously defending this lawsuit.

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On December 11, 2013, four employees of Hecla Limited who were injured in a December 2011 rock burst filed a lawsuit against us and certain of our employees seeking damages for, among other claims, intentional and willful injury and infliction of emotional distress. The plaintiffs seek damages in excess of $1,000,000, as claimed in the complaint, which was filed in state court in Idaho (Kootenai County District Court). On August 28, 2015, the judge hearing the case granted Hecla’s motion for summary judgment and dismissed the case. The plaintiffs have appealed the decision to the Idaho Supreme Court. We cannot predict the outcome of this matter, however, we believe the case is without merit and intend to vigorously defend this lawsuit.

We also have certain other contingencies resulting from litigation, claims, EPA investigations, and other commitments and are subject to a variety of environmental and safety laws and regulations incident to the ordinary course of business. We currently expect that the resolution of such contingencies will not materially affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, in the future, there may be changes to these contingencies, and additional contingencies may occur as well, any of which might result in an accrual or a change in the estimated accruals recorded by us, and there can be no assurance that their ultimate disposition will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 5. Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

We are authorized to issue 500,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.25 par value per share. At September 30, 2015, there were 380,462,379 shares of our common stock issued and 2,764,973 shares issued and held in treasury, for a net of 377,697,406 shares outstanding.

The following table reconciles weighted average shares outstanding used in the computations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (thousands, except per-share amounts):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Numerator
Net income (loss)	$	(9,890	)	$	3,676		$	(24,005	)	$	919
Preferred stock dividends		(138	)		(138	)		(414	)		(414	)
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	(10,028	)	$	3,538		$	(24,419	)	$	505

Denominator
Basic weighted average common shares		377,508			359,472			372,555			348,801
Dilutive warrants, stock options and restricted stock		—			2,790			—			5,872
Diluted weighted average common shares		377,508			362,262			372,555			354,673
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	$	(0.03	)	$	0.01		$	(0.07	)	$	—
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	$	(0.03	)	$	0.01		$	(0.07	)	$	—

Diluted income (loss) per share for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 excludes the potential effects of outstanding shares of our convertible preferred stock, as their conversion and exercise would have no effect on the calculation of dilutive shares.

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For the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015, all outstanding options, restricted share units, and warrants were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share, as our reported net losses for those periods would cause their conversion and exercise to have no effect on the calculation of loss per share. For the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014, options to purchase 259,342 shares of our common stock were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share, as the exercise price of the options exceeded the average price of our stock during those periods and therefore would not affect the calculation of earnings per share.

Note 6. Business Segments

We are currently organized and managed in four reporting segments: the Greens Creek unit, the Lucky Friday unit, the Casa Berardi unit and the San Sebastian unit.

In the third quarter of 2015, we made the decision to develop a mine at the San Sebastian unit with the goal of commencing ore production by the end of 2015. As a result, we believe the San Sebastian unit now meets the criteria for consideration as a reportable segment. Activities at the San Sebastian unit were previously included in the amounts presented as "other."

General corporate activities not associated with operating units and their various exploration activities, as well as discontinued operations and idle properties, are presented as “other.” Interest expense, interest income and income taxes are considered general corporate items, and are not allocated to our segments.

The following tables present information about reportable segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Greens Creek	$	54,351		$	67,763		$	175,749		$	186,808
Lucky Friday		13,916			27,883			48,376			71,740
Casa Berardi		36,674			39,861			104,105			120,248
San Sebastian		—			—			—			—
	$	104,941		$	135,507		$	328,230		$	378,796
Income (loss) from operations:
Greens Creek	$	21		$	8,874		$	24,664		$	28,724
Lucky Friday		(3,894	)		9,007			(933	)		20,105
Casa Berardi		(2,603	)		395			(6,567	)		4,940
San Sebastian		(2,420	)		(1,614	)		(7,269	)		(3,511	)
Other		(12,301	)		(10,391	)		(43,460	)		(31,043	)
	$	(21,197	)	$	6,271		$	(33,565	)	$	19,215

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The following table presents identifiable assets by reportable segment as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):

		September 30, 2015		Deceember 31, 2014
Identifiable assets:
Greens Creek	$	702,244	$	704,121
Lucky Friday		389,700		356,482
Casa Berardi		776,442		800,961
San Sebastian		2,612		1,529
Other		414,215		398,971
	$	2,285,213	$	2,262,064

Note 7. Employee Benefit Plans

We sponsor defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all U.S. employees. Net periodic pension cost for the plans consisted of the following for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014
Service cost	$	1,054		$	1,020
Interest cost		1,206			1,186
Expected return on plan assets		(1,345	)		(1,249	)
Amortization of prior service cost		(84	)		(84	)
Amortization of net loss		1,065			756
Net periodic pension cost	$	1,896		$	1,629

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014
Service cost	$	3,162		$	3,060
Interest cost		3,618			3,558
Expected return on plan assets		(4,036	)		(3,747	)
Amortization of prior service cost		(253	)		(252	)
Amortization of net loss		3,195			2,268
Net periodic pension cost	$	5,686		$	4,887

In January 2015, we contributed approximately $5.0 million in shares of our common stock to our defined benefit plans, with no additional contributions required during the rest of 2015. We expect to contribute approximately $0.4 million to our unfunded supplemental executive retirement plan during 2015.

Note 8. Shareholders’ Equity

Stock-based Compensation Plans

We periodically grant restricted stock unit awards and/or shares of common stock to our employees and directors. We measure compensation cost for restricted stock units and stock grants at the closing price of our stock at the time of grant. Restricted stock unit grants vest after a specified period with compensation cost amortized over that period. Although we have no current plans to issue stock options, we may do so in the future.

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On March 5, 2015, the Board of Directors granted 911,148 shares of common stock to employees for payment of annual and long-term incentive compensation for the period ended December 31, 2014. The shares were distributed in March 2015, and $3.0 million in expense related to the stock awards was recognized as of December 31, 2014.

On July 1, 2015, the Board of Directors granted the following restricted stock unit awards to employees:

•

1,936,057 restricted stock units, with one third of those vesting in July 2016, one third vesting in July 2017, and one third vesting in July 2018;

•

149,597 restricted stock units, with one half of those vesting in July 2016 and one half vesting in July 2017; and

•

77,862 restricted stock units that vest in July 2016.

The $1.9 million in expense related to the unit awards discussed above vesting in 2016 will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the twelve months following the date of the award. The $1.8 million in expense related to the unit awards discussed above vesting in 2017 will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the twenty-four months following the date of the award. The $1.6 million in expense related to the unit awards discussed above vesting in 2018 will be recognized over the thirty-six month period following the date of the award.

In the first nine months of of 2015, a total of 235,l34 shares of common stock were granted to nonemployee directors. We granted a total of 150,378 shares of common stock to nonemployee directors in the first nine months of 2014.

Stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock unit grants to employees and shares issued to nonemployee directors recorded in the first nine months of 2015 totaled $4.0 million, compared to $3.8 million in the same period last year.

In connection with the vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, employees have in the past, at their election and when permitted by us, chosen to satisfy their minimum tax withholding obligations through net share settlement, pursuant to which the Company withholds the number of shares necessary to satisfy such withholding obligations. As a result, in the first nine months of 2015 we withheld 613,698 shares valued at approximately $1.9 million, or approximately $3.05 per share. In the first nine months of 2014 we withheld 695,961 shares valued at approximately $2.3 million, or approximately $3.27 per share.

Common Stock Dividends

In September 2011 and February 2012, our Board of Directors adopted a common stock dividend policy that has two components: (1) a dividend that links the amount of dividends on our common stock to our average quarterly realized silver price in the preceding quarter, and (2) a minimum annual dividend of $0.01 per share of common stock, in each case, payable quarterly, if and when declared. For illustrative purposes only, the table below summarizes potential per share dividend amounts at different quarterly average realized price levels according to the first component of the policy:

Quarterly average realized silver price per ounce		Quarterly dividend per share		Annualized dividend per share
$	30	$	0.01	$	0.04
$	35	$	0.02	$	0.08
$	40	$	0.03	$	0.12
$	45	$	0.04	$	0.16
$	50	$	0.05	$	0.20

On November 3, 2015, our Board of Directors declared a common stock dividend, pursuant to the minimum annual dividend component of the policy described above, of $0.0025 per share, for a total dividend of $0.9 million payable in December 2015. Because the average realized silver price for the third quarter of 2015 was $14.54 per ounce, below the minimum threshold of $30 according to the policy, no silver-price-linked component was declared or paid. The declaration and payment of common stock dividends is at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors.

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Common Stock Repurchase Program

On May 8, 2012, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program. Under the program, we are authorized to repurchase up to 20 million shares of our outstanding common stock from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions, depending on prevailing market conditions and other factors. The repurchase program may be modified, suspended or discontinued by us at any time. Whether or not we engage in repurchases from time to time may depend on a variety of factors, including not only price and cash resources, but customary black-out restrictions, whether we have any material inside information, limitations on share repurchases or cash usage that may be imposed by our credit agreement or in connection with issuances of securities, alternative uses for cash, applicable law, and other investment opportunities from time to time. As of September 30, 2015, 934,100 shares have been purchased at an average price of $3.99 per share, leaving approximately 19.1 million shares that may yet be purchased under the program. The closing price of our common stock at November 2, 2015, was $2.13 per share.

Warrants

At September 30, 2015, we had 2,249,550 warrants outstanding, with each warrant exercisable for 0.1622 of a share of our common stock at an exercise price of $6.17 per share. The warrants expire in March 2016.

Note 9. Senior Notes, Credit Facility, and Capital Leases

Senior Notes

On April 12, 2013, we completed an offering of $500 million in aggregate principal amount of our Senior Notes due May 1, 2021, and in 2014, an additional $6.5 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes was issued to our pension plan in order to satisfy the funding requirement for 2014. The Notes are governed by the Indenture, dated as of April 12, 2013, as amended (the “Indenture”), among Hecla Mining Company ("Hecla") and certain of our subsidiaries and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. The net proceeds from the initial offering of the Notes ($490 million) were used to partially fund the acquisition of Aurizon and for general corporate purposes, including expenses related to the Aurizon acquisition.

The Notes are recorded net of a 2% initial purchaser discount totaling $10 million at the time of the April 2013 issuance and having an unamortized balance of $7.1 million as of September 30, 2015. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.875% per year from the date of original issuance or from the most recent payment date on which interest has been paid or provided for. Interest on the Notes is payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing November 1, 2013. During the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, interest expense related to the Notes and amortization of the initial purchaser discount and fees related to the issuance of the Notes, net of $10.0 million and $8.6 million, respectively, in capitalized interest, totaled $17.2 million and $18.6 million, respectively.

The Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by certain of our subsidiaries (the "Guarantors"). The Notes and the guarantees are, respectively, Hecla's and the Guarantors' general senior unsecured obligations and are subordinated to all of Hecla's and the Guarantors' existing and future secured debt to the extent of the assets securing that secured debt. In addition, the Notes are effectively subordinated to all of the liabilities of Hecla's subsidiaries that are not guaranteeing the Notes, to the extent of the assets of those subsidiaries.

The Notes will be redeemable in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time on or after May 1, 2016, on the redemption dates and at the redemption prices specified in the Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. Prior to May 1, 2016, we may redeem some or all of the Notes at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, plus a “make whole” premium. We may redeem up to 35% of the Notes before May 1, 2016 with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings.

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Upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the Indenture), each holder of Notes will have the right to require us to purchase all or a portion of such holder's Notes pursuant to a change of control offer (as defined in the Indenture), at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase, subject to the rights of holders of the Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.

Credit Facilities

In February 2014, we entered into a $100 million senior secured revolving credit facility, which was amended in November 2014 to extend the maturity date to November 18, 2018. The credit facility is collateralized by the shares of common stock held in our material domestic subsidiaries and by our joint venture interests in the Greens Creek mine, all of our rights and interests in the joint venture agreement, and all of our rights and interests in the assets of the joint venture. This credit facility replaced our previous $100 million credit facility which had the same terms of collateral as described above. Below is information on the interest rates, standby fee, and financial covenant terms under our current credit facility:

Interest rates:
Spread over the London Interbank Offer Rate	2.25	-	3.25	%
Spread over alternative base rate	1.25	-	2.25	%
Standby fee per annum on undrawn amounts		0.50%
Covenant financial ratios:
Senior leverage ratio (debt secured by liens/EBITDA)	not more than 2.50:1
Leverage ratio (total debt less unencumbered cash/EBITDA)	not more than 4.00:1
Interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/interest expense)	not less than 3.00:1

We were in compliance with all covenants under the credit agreement and no amounts were outstanding as of September 30, 2015. We have not drawn funds on the revolving credit facility as of the filing date of this report.

Note Payable

As a result of the merger with Revett, discussed in Note 13, we acquired a note payable having a principal balance of $3.8 million as of September 30, 2015. The note has a maturity date of February 2017 and an interest rate of 6.25% per year, and is collateralized by certain equipment at the Troy mine. $2.0 million of the note payable was classified as current, with the remaining $1.8 million classified as non-current, as of September 30, 2015.

Capital Leases

We have entered into various lease agreements, primarily for equipment at our Greens Creek and Lucky Friday units, which we have determined to be capital leases. At September 30, 2015, the total liability balance associated with capital leases, including certain purchase option amounts, was $19.0 million, with $9.5 million of the liability classified as current and the remaining $9.5 million classified as non-current. At December 31, 2014, the total liability balance associated with capital leases was $23.1 million, with $9.5 million of the liability classified as current and $13.7 million classified as non-current. The total obligation for future minimum lease payments was $19.8 million at September 30, 2015, with $0.8 million attributed to interest.

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At September 30, 2015, the annual maturities of capital lease commitments, including interest, are (in thousands):

Twelve-month period ending September 30,
2016	$	9,450
2017		5,876
2018		3,294
2019		1,123
2020		71
Total		19,814
Less: imputed interest		(837	)
Net capital lease obligation	$	18,977

Note 10. Developments in Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 Revenue Recognition, replacing guidance currently codified in Subtopic 605-10 Revenue Recognition-Overall with various SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins providing interpretive guidance. ASU No. 2014-09 establishes a new five step principle-based framework in an effort to significantly enhance comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets. ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We are in the process of evaluating this guidance and our method of adoption.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03 Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The update requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of being presented as an asset. Debt disclosures will include the face amount of the debt liability and the effective interest rate. The update requires retrospective application and represents a change in accounting principle. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. ASU No. 2015-03 is not expected to have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Note 11. Derivative Instruments

At times, we may use commodity forward sales commitments, commodity swap contracts and commodity put and call option contracts to manage our exposure to fluctuation in the prices of certain metals which we produce. Contract positions are designed to ensure that we will receive a defined minimum price for certain quantities of our production, thereby partially offsetting our exposure to fluctuations in the market prices. These instruments do, however, expose us to (i) credit risk in the event of non-performance by counterparties for contracts in which the contract price exceeds the spot price of a commodity and (ii) price risk to the extent that the spot price exceeds the contract price for quantities of our production subject to contract positions.

We are currently using financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our concentrate shipments between the time of shipment and final settlement. In addition, we use financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of zinc and lead (but not silver and gold) contained in our forecasted future concentrate shipments. These contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting and are marked-to-market through earnings each period. At September 30, 2015, we recorded a current asset of $1.8 million for these contracts, which is included in other current assets and is net of $0.5 million for contracts in a liability position.

We recognized a $6.1 million net gain during the first nine months of 2015 on the contracts utilized to manage exposure to prices of metals in our concentrate shipments, which is included in sales of products. The net gain recognized on the contracts offsets losses related to price adjustments on our provisional concentrate sales due to changes to silver, gold, lead and zinc prices between the time of sale and final settlement.

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We recognized an $8.3 million net gain during the first nine months of 2015 on the contracts utilized to manage exposure to prices for forecasted future concentrate shipments, which includes $18.8 million in gains realized on settled contracts. During the first nine months of 2015, we monetized a number of favorable base metal contracts for proceeds of $16.5 million because of the sustained weakened price environment, and all contracts under this program were closed as of September 30, 2015. The net gain on these contracts is included as a separate line item under other income (expense), as they relate to forecasted future shipments, as opposed to sales that have already taken place but are subject to final pricing as discussed in the preceding paragraph. The net gain during the first nine months of 2015 is the result of decreasing zinc and lead prices. This program, when utilized, is designed to mitigate the impact of potential future declines in lead and zinc prices from the price levels established in the contracts (see average price information below).

The following tables summarize the quantities of metals committed under forward sales contracts at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

September 30, 2015

Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)

Average price per ounce/pound

Silver

Gold

Zinc

Lead

Silver

Gold

Zinc

Lead

(ounces)

(pounds)

(ounces)

(pounds)

Contracts on provisional sales

2015 settlements

1,271

18,684

6,283

14.74

1,135

0.85

0.76

December 31, 2014	Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)								Average price per ounce/pound
	Silver		Gold		Zinc		Lead		Silver		Gold		Zinc		Lead
	(ounces)		(ounces)		(pounds)		(pounds)		(ounces)		(ounces)		(pounds)		(pounds)
Contracts on provisional sales
2015 settlements		1,607		6		19,456		8,378	$	16.06	$	1,195	$	1.01	$	0.87

Contracts on forecasted sales
2015 settlements		—		—		46,738		29,652	N/A		N/A		$	0.96	$	1.07
2016 settlements		—		—		44,699		34,337	N/A		N/A		$	0.99	$	1.03
2017 settlements		—		—		1,984		—	N/A		N/A		$	1.04	N/A

Our concentrate sales are based on a provisional sales price containing an embedded derivative that is required to be separated from the host contract for accounting purposes. The host contract is the receivable from the sale of the concentrates at the forward price at the time of the sale. The embedded derivative, which does not qualify for hedge accounting, is adjusted to market through earnings each period prior to final settlement.

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Note 12. Fair Value Measurement

The table below sets forth our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis and the fair value calculation input hierarchy level that we have determined applies to each asset and liability category (in thousands).

Description	Balance at September 30, 2015		Balance at December 31, 2014		Input Hierarchy Level
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents:
Money market funds and other bank deposits	$	174,454	$	209,665	Level 1
Available for sale securities:
Equity securities – mining industry		2,003		4,920	Level 1
Trade accounts receivable:
Receivables from provisional concentrate sales		10,384		17,696	Level 2
Restricted cash balances:
Certificates of deposit and other bank deposits		999		883	Level 1
Derivative contracts:
Metal forward contracts		1,787		11,347	Level 2
Total assets	$	189,627	$	244,511

Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds and are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.

Current and non-current restricted cash balances consist primarily of certificates of deposit and U.S. Treasury securities and are valued at cost, adjusted for interest income earned, which approximates fair value.

Our non-current investments consist of marketable equity securities which are valued using quoted market prices for each security.

Trade accounts receivable include amounts due to us for shipments of concentrates and doré sold to customers. Revenues and the corresponding accounts receivable for sales of metals products are recorded when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer (generally at the time of loading on truck or ship). Sales of concentrates are recorded using estimated forward prices for the anticipated month of settlement applied to our estimate of payable metal quantities contained in each shipment. Sales are recorded net of estimated treatment and refining charges, which are also impacted by changes in metals prices and quantities of contained metals. We estimate the forward prices at which sales of our concentrates will be settled due to the time elapsed between shipment and final settlement with the customer. Receivables for previously recorded concentrate sales are adjusted to reflect estimated forward metals prices at the end of each period until final settlement by the customer. We obtain the forward metals prices used each period from a pricing service. Changes in metals prices between shipment and final settlement result in changes to revenues previously recorded upon shipment. The embedded derivative contained in our concentrate sales is adjusted to fair market value through earnings each period prior to final settlement.

We use financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our concentrate shipments that have not reached final settlement. We also use financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of zinc and lead contained in our forecasted future concentrate shipments (see Note 11 for more information). These contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting, and are marked-to-market through earnings each period. The fair value of each contract represents the present value of the difference between the forward metal price for the contract settlement period as of the measurement date and the contract settlement metal price.

Our Senior Notes issued in April 2013, which were recorded at their carrying value of $499.4 million, net of unamortized initial purchaser discount at September 30, 2015, had a fair value of $413.8 million at September 30, 2015. Third-party quotes, which we consider to be Level 1 inputs, are utilized to estimate fair values of the Senior Notes. See Note 9 for more information.

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Note 13. Merger with Revett

On June 15, 2015, we completed the acquisition of Revett through the merger of a wholly owned subsidiary of ours with and into Revett, pursuant to which we acquired all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Revett for total consideration of $20.1 million. The acquired entities hold 100% ownership of two properties and other interests in Northwest Montana, including: the Troy Mine, which is on care-and-maintenance and we intend to reclaim and close, and the Rock Creek project, a significant undeveloped silver and copper deposit which we believe provides long-term production growth potential if permitted and developed. The consideration was comprised of $0.9 million in cash used to fund Revett's operating activities prior to completion of the merger and $19.1 million in Hecla common stock. In the merger, each outstanding common share of Revett was exchanged for 0.1622 of a share of our common stock. Revett had 38,548,989 outstanding common shares, excluding 725,000 shares owned by our wholly-owned subsidiary which were canceled in the merger, resulting in 6,252,646 new shares of Hecla stock issued as consideration. The value of Hecla stock issued as consideration was based upon the closing price at the time of consummation of $3.06 per share.

The following summarizes the preliminary allocation of purchase price to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition (in thousands):

Consideration:
Cash	$	949
Hecla stock issued (6,252,646 shares at $3.06 per share)		19,133
Total consideration	$	20,082
Fair value of net assets acquired:
Assets:
Cash	$	140
Accounts receivable		137
Inventory - supplies		629
Deferred tax assets		7,137
Property, plants, equipment and mineral interests		19,052
Reclamation insurance		16,800
Other assets		280
Total assets		44,175
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		1,218
Notes payable		4,061
Non-current reclamation liability		18,814
Total liabilities		24,093
Net assets	$	20,082

The $19.1 million fair value for "Property, plants, equipment, and mineral interests" is comprised of $4.1 million for plant and equipment, $4.6 million for land, and $10.3 million for mineral interests.

The $18.8 million value for "Non-current reclamation liability" represents the estimated undiscounted costs for reclamation and closure of the Troy mine. Revett holds an environmental risk transfer program ("insurance policy") which would fund costs incurred for reclamation at the Troy mine up to a maximum limit of $16.8 million and prior to the expiration date of March 29, 2020. We believe it is probable that we will utilize the full amount of the insurance policy, and have therefore included the $16.8 million "Reclamation insurance" asset above for the fair value of the insurance policy.

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The unaudited pro forma financial information below represents the combined results of our operations as if the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the periods presented. The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of the periods presented, nor is it indicative of future operating results.

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2015			2014		2015			2014
Sales of products	$	104,941		$	135,507	$	330,366		$	378,802
Net income (loss)		(9,875	)		1,626		(26,155	)		(3,601	)
Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders		(10,013	)		1,524		(26,569	)		(4,015	)
Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share		(0.03	)		0.00		(0.07	)		(0.01	)

The unaudited pro forma financial information includes adjustments to 1) eliminate acquisition-related costs totaling $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 which are non-recurring and 2) reflect the issuance of Hecla stock as consideration in the acquisition. A net loss by the acquired entities since the acquisition date of $1.7 million is included in our net loss reported for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015.

Note 14. Guarantor Subsidiaries

Presented below are Hecla’s unaudited interim condensed consolidating financial statements as required by Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, resulting from the guarantees by certain of Hecla's subsidiaries (the "Guarantors") of the Notes (see Note 9 for more information). The Guarantors consist of the following of Hecla's 100%-owned subsidiaries: Hecla Limited; Silver Hunter Mining Company; Rio Grande Silver, Inc.; Hecla MC Subsidiary, LLC; Hecla Silver Valley, Inc.; Burke Trading, Inc.; Revett Mining Company, Inc.; Revett Silver Company; RC Resources, Inc.; Troy Mine Inc.; Revett Exploration, Inc.; Revett Holdings, Inc.; Hecla Alaska LLC; Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company; Hecla Admiralty Company; and Hecla Juneau Mining Company. We completed the initial offering of the Notes on April 12, 2013, and a related exchange offer for virtually identical notes registered with the SEC on January 3, 2014.

The unaudited interim condensed consolidating financial statements below have been prepared from our financial information on the same basis of accounting as the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements set forth elsewhere in this Form 10-Q. Investments in the subsidiaries are accounted for under the equity method. Accordingly, the entries necessary to consolidate Hecla, the Guarantors, and Non-Guarantors are reflected in the intercompany eliminations column. In the course of preparing consolidated financial statements, we eliminate the effects of various transactions conducted between Hecla's subsidiaries. While valid at an individual subsidiary level, such activities are eliminated in consolidation because, when taken as a whole, they do not represent business activity with third-party customers, vendors, and other parties. Examples of such eliminations include the following:

•

Investments in subsidiaries. The acquisition of a company results in an investment in debt or equity capital on the records of the parent company and a contribution to debt or equity capital on the records of the subsidiary. Such investments and capital contributions are eliminated in consolidation.

•

Capital contributions. Certain of Hecla's subsidiaries do not generate cash flow, either at all or sufficient to meet their capital needs, and their cash requirements are routinely met with inter-company advances from their parent companies. On an annual basis, when not otherwise intended as debt, the boards of directors of such parent companies declare contributions of capital to their subsidiary companies, which increase the parents' investment and the subsidiaries' additional paid-in capital. In consolidation, investments in subsidiaries and related additional paid-in capital are eliminated.

•

Debt. Inter-company debt agreements have been established between certain of Hecla's subsidiaries and their parents. The related debt liability and receivable balances, accrued interest expense and income activity, and payments of principal and accrued interest amounts by the subsidiary companies to their parents are eliminated in consolidation.

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•

Dividends. Certain of Hecla's subsidiaries which generate cash flow routinely provide cash to their parent companies through inter-company transfers. On an annual basis, the boards of directors of such subsidiary companies declare dividends to their parent companies, which reduces the subsidiaries' retained earnings and increases the parents' dividend income. In consolidation, such activity is eliminated.

•

Deferred taxes. Our ability to realize deferred tax assets and liabilities is considered on a consolidated basis for subsidiaries within the United States, with all subsidiaries' estimated future taxable income contributing to the ability to realize all such assets and liabilities. However, when Hecla's subsidiaries are viewed independently, we use the separate return method to assess the realizability of each subsidiary's deferred tax assets and whether a valuation allowance is required against such deferred tax assets. In some instances, a parent company or subsidiary may possess deferred tax assets whose realization depends on the future taxable incomes of other subsidiaries on a consolidated-return basis, but would not be considered realizable if such parent or subsidiary filed on a separate stand-alone basis. In such a situation, a valuation allowance is assessed on that subsidiary's deferred tax assets, with the resulting adjustment reported in the eliminations column of the guarantor and parent's financial statements, as is the case in the unaudited interim financial statements set forth below. The separate return method can result in significant eliminations of deferred tax assets and liabilities and related income tax provisions and benefits. Non-current deferred tax asset balances are included in other non-current assets on the condensed consolidating balance sheets and make up a large portion of that item, particularly for the guarantor balances.

Separate financial statements of the Guarantors are not presented because the guarantees by the Guarantors are joint and several and full and unconditional, except for certain customary release provisions, including: (1) the sale or disposal of all or substantially all of the assets of the Guarantor; (2) the sale or other disposition of the capital stock of the Guarantor; (3) the Guarantor is designated as an unrestricted entity in accordance with the applicable provisions of the indenture; (4) Hecla ceases to be a borrower as defined in the indenture; and (5) upon legal or covenant defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of the indenture.

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Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

	As of September 30, 2015
	Parent		Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
	(in thousands)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	123,585	$	45,082		$	5,787		$	—		$	174,454
Other current assets		5,486		56,780			34,870			19,573			116,709
Properties, plants, and equipment - net		1,522		1,131,491			745,164			—			1,878,177
Intercompany receivable (payable)		459,203		(141,131	)		(364,154	)		46,082			—
Investments in subsidiaries		1,373,915		—			—			(1,373,915	)		—
Other non-current assets		2,339		183,590			2,272			(72,328	)		115,873
Total assets	$	1,966,050	$	1,275,812		$	423,939		$	(1,380,588	)	$	2,285,213

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities	$	21,123	$	84,121		$	22,112		$	(1,740	)	$	125,616
Long-term debt		499,417		10,343			1,006			—			510,766
Non-current portion of accrued reclamation		—		42,708			28,114			—			70,822
Non-current deferred tax liability		—		5,211			125,475			(4,933	)		125,753
Other non-current liabilities		43,739		6,765			(19	)		—			50,485
Shareholders' equity		1,401,771		1,126,664			247,251			(1,373,915	)		1,401,771
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	1,966,050	$	1,275,812		$	423,939		$	(1,380,588	)	$	2,285,213

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	As of December 31, 2014
	Parent		Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
	(in thousands)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	146,885	$	33,824		$	28,956		$	—		$	209,665
Other current assets		7,115		48,981			23,165			27,433			106,694
Properties, plants, and equipment - net		1,572		1,079,658			750,334			—			1,831,564
Intercompany receivable (payable)		470,306		(123,671	)		(392,880	)		46,245			—
Investments in subsidiaries		1,317,969		—			—			(1,317,969	)		—
Other non-current assets		8,644		189,014			4,620			(88,137	)		114,141
Total assets	$	1,952,491	$	1,227,806		$	414,195		$	(1,332,428	)	$	2,262,064

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	$	14,143	$	54,918		$	21,996		$	(72	)	$	90,985
Long-term debt		498,479		10,597			3,053			—			512,129
Non-current portion of accrued reclamation		—		43,314			12,305			—			55,619
Non-current deferred tax liability		—		14,387			153,300			(14,387	)		153,300
Other non-current liabilities		42,895		11,126			(964	)		—			53,057
Stockholders' equity		1,396,974		1,093,464			224,505			(1,317,969	)		1,396,974
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,952,491	$	1,227,806		$	414,195		$	(1,332,428	)	$	2,262,064

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Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
	(in thousands)
Revenues	$	4,663		$	63,604		$	36,674		$	—		$	104,941
Cost of sales		—			(53,375	)		(25,898	)		—			(79,273	)
Depreciation, depletion, amortization		—			(16,669	)		(11,560	)		—			(28,229	)
General and administrative		(4,965	)		(4,131	)		(365	)		—			(9,461	)
Exploration and pre-development		(210	)		(2,800	)		(4,226	)		—			(7,236	)
Gain/(loss) on derivative contracts		3,347			—			—			—			3,347
Acquisition costs		1,538			(1,553	)		—			—			(15	)
Equity in loss of subsidiaries		(11,300	)		—			—			11,300			—
Other (expense) income		(2,963	)		3,289			21,549			(21,339	)		536
Income (loss) before income taxes		(9,890	)		(11,635	)		16,174			(10,039	)		(15,390	)
(Provision) benefit from income taxes		—			1,606			(17,444	)		21,338			5,500
Net income (loss)		(9,890	)		(10,029	)		(1,270	)		11,299			(9,890	)
Preferred stock dividends		(138	)		—			—			—			(138	)
Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders		(10,028	)		(10,029	)		(1,270	)		11,299			(10,028	)
Net income (loss)		(9,890	)		(10,029	)		(1,270	)		11,299			(9,890	)
Changes in comprehensive income (loss)		(390	)		(5	)		(302	)		306			(391	)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(10,280	)	$	(10,034	)	$	(1,572	)	$	11,605		$	(10,281	)

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	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
	(in thousands)
Revenues	$	6,056		$	218,069		$	104,105		$	—		$	328,230
Cost of sales		—			(146,324	)		(74,481	)		—			(220,805	)
Depreciation, depletion, amortization		—			(49,732	)		(30,917	)		—			(80,649	)
General and administrative		(13,780	)		(11,416	)		(1,281	)		—			(26,477	)
Exploration and pre-development		(549	)		(5,379	)		(12,654	)		—			(18,582	)
Gain/(loss) on derivative contracts		8,252			—			—			—			8,252
Acquisition costs		(517	)		(1,645	)		—			—			(2,162	)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		28,005			—			—			(28,005	)		—
Other (expense) income		(51,472	)		10,355			30,011			(4,899	)		(16,005	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		(24,005	)		13,928			14,783			(32,904	)		(28,198	)
(Provision) benefit from income taxes		—			(5,296	)		4,590			4,899			4,193
Net income (loss)		(24,005	)		8,632			19,373			(28,005	)		(24,005	)
Preferred stock dividends		(414	)		—			—			—			(414	)
Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders		(24,419	)		8,632			19,373			(28,005	)		(24,419	)
Net income (loss)		(24,005	)		8,632			19,373			(28,005	)		(24,005	)
Changes in comprehensive income (loss)		390			(15	)		485			(470	)		390
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(23,615	)	$	8,617		$	19,858		$	(28,475	)	$	(23,615	)

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	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
	(in thousands)
Revenues	$	1,444		$	94,202		$	39,861		$	—		$	135,507
Cost of sales		—			(57,995	)		(28,685	)		—			(86,680	)
Depreciation, depletion, amortization		—			(17,205	)		(9,599	)		—			(26,804	)
General and administrative		(4,048	)		(3,590	)		(246	)		—			(7,884	)
Exploration and pre-development		(4	)		(3,085	)		(3,099	)		—			(6,188	)
Gain on derivative contracts		(411	)		—			—			—			(411	)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		96,349			—			—			(96,349	)		—
Other expense		(89,654	)		3,503			14,450			68,017			(3,684	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		3,676			15,830			12,682			(28,332	)		3,856
(Provision) benefit from income taxes		—			(2,878	)		70,715			(68,017	)		(180	)
Net income (loss)		3,676			12,952			83,397			(96,349	)		3,676
Preferred stock dividends		(138	)		—			—			—			(138	)
Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders		3,538			12,952			83,397			(96,349	)		3,538
Net income (loss)		3,676			12,952			83,397			(96,349	)		3,676
Changes in comprehensive income (loss)		2,276			78			2,229			(2,307	)		2,276
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	5,952		$	13,030		$	85,626		$	(98,656	)	$	5,952

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	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
	(in thousands)
Revenues	$	(2,029	)	$	260,577		$	120,248		$	—		$	378,796
Cost of sales		—			(151,145	)		(84,315	)		—			(235,460	)
Depreciation, depletion, amortization		—			(53,706	)		(26,636	)		—			(80,342	)
General and administrative		(13,207	)		(9,819	)		(958	)		—			(23,984	)
Exploration and pre-development		(56	)		(5,826	)		(8,451	)		—			(14,333	)
Gain/(loss) on derivative contracts		(2,560	)		—			—			—			(2,560	)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		32,864			—			—			(32,864	)		—
Other (expense) income		(14,093	)		4,781			(1,550	)		(11,398	)		(22,260	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		919			44,862			(1,662	)		(44,262	)		(143	)
(Provision) benefit from income taxes		—			(10,486	)		150			11,398			1,062
Net income (loss)		919			34,376			(1,512	)		(32,864	)		919
Preferred stock dividends		(414	)		—			—			—			(414	)
Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders		505			34,376			(1,512	)		(32,864	)		505
Net income (loss)		919			34,376			(1,512	)		(32,864	)		919
Changes in comprehensive income (loss)		1,438			303			2,449			(2,752	)		1,438
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	2,357		$	34,679		$	937		$	(35,616	)	$	2,357

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Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated

Cash flows from operating activities	$	11,043		$	63,831		$	32,258		$	(28,164	)	$	78,968
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment		(436	)		(69,930	)		(25,033	)					(95,399	)
Acquisition of Revett, net of cash acquired		(809	)		—			—			—			(809	)
Other investing activities, net		61			172			(903	)		—			(670	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid to shareholders		(3,210	)		—			—			—			(3,210	)
Proceeds from (payments on) debt		—			(7,109	)		(940	)					(8,049	)
Other financing activity, net		(29,949	)		24,294			(24,507	)		28,164			(1,998	)
Effect of exchange rates on cash		—			—			(4,044	)		—			(4,044	)
Changes in cash and cash equivalents		(23,300	)		11,258			(23,169	)		—			(35,211	)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents		146,885			33,824			28,956			—			209,665
Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	123,585		$	45,082		$	5,787		$	—		$	174,454

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
	(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities	$	37,533		$	32,896		$	20,307		$	(31,968	)	$	58,768
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment		(1,057	)		(58,472	)		(31,168	)		—			(90,697	)
Other investing activities, net		—			358			3,843			—			4,201
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid to shareholders		(3,043	)		—			—			—			(3,043	)
Proceeds from (payments on) debt		—			(6,878	)		(15	)		—			(6,893	)
Other financing activity, net		(7,965	)		40,292			(14,322	)		31,968			49,973
Effect of exchange rates on cash		—			—			(2,124	)		—			(2,124	)
Changes in cash and cash equivalents		25,468			8,196			(23,479	)		—			10,185
Beginning cash and cash equivalents		126,271			40,009			45,895			—			212,175
Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	151,739		$	48,205		$	22,416		$	—		$	222,360

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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Certain statements contained in this Form 10-Q, including in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk, are forward-looking and intended to be covered by the safe harbor provided for under Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our forward-looking statements include our current expectations and projections about future results, performance, results of litigation, prospects and opportunities, including reserves and other mineralization. We have tried to identify these forward-looking statements by using words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “feel,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us and are expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. However, our forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements.

These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, those set forth under Part I, Item 1A. – Business – Risk Factors in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as updated in Part II, Item 1A. – Risk Factors in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2015. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Hecla Mining Company or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Except as required by federal securities laws, we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Overview

Hecla Mining Company and its subsidiaries have provided precious and base metals to the U.S. and worldwide since 1891. We discover, acquire, develop, and produce silver, gold, lead and zinc.

We produce lead, zinc and bulk concentrates, which we sell to custom smelters and brokers, and unrefined bullion bars (doré) containing gold and silver, which are further refined before sale to precious metals traders. We are organized and managed into four segments that encompass our operating and development units: Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, Casa Berardi, and San Sebastian. The map below shows the locations of our operating units and our exploration and pre-development projects, as well as our corporate offices located in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and Vancouver, British Columbia.

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Our current business strategy is to focus our financial and human resources in the following areas:

•

operating our properties safely, in an environmentally responsible manner, and cost-effectively;

•

continue optimizing and improving operations at our Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, and Casa Berardi units;

•

expanding our proven and probable reserves and production capacity at our operating properties;

•

conducting our business with financial stewardship to preserve our financial position in varying metals price environments;

•

continuing to advance our San Sebastian project in Mexico, where barring unforeseen events we have made the decision to develop a mine with the goal of commencing ore production by the end of 2015;

•

advance permitting of the Rock Creek project, which we acquired as part of the merger with Revett Mining Company, Inc. ("Revett") in June 2015 as discussed further below;

•

maintaining and investing in exploration and pre-development projects in the vicinities of six mining districts and projects we believe to be under-explored and under-invested: North Idaho's Silver Valley in the historic Coeur d'Alene Mining District; our Greens Creek unit on Alaska's Admiralty Island located near Juneau; the silver-producing district near Durango, Mexico; the Abitibi region of northwestern Quebec, Canada; the Rock Creek project in northwestern Montana; and the Creede district of Southwestern Colorado; and

•

continuing to seek opportunities to acquire and invest in mining properties and companies, including minority investments in certain exploration stage companies.

A number of key factors may impact the execution of our strategy, including regulatory issues and metals prices. Metals prices can be very volatile. As discussed in the Critical Accounting Estimates section below, metals prices are influenced by a number of factors beyond our control. Average market prices of silver, gold, lead, and zinc in the first nine months of 2015 were lower than their levels in the comparable period last year, as illustrated by the table in Results of Operations below. While we believe current global economic and industrial trends could result in growing demand, prices have been volatile and there can be no assurance that current prices will continue.

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On June 1, 2013, we completed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Aurizon for total consideration of CAD$740.8 million (US$714.5 million). The acquisition gave us 100% ownership of the producing Casa Berardi gold mine, along with interests in various gold exploration properties in the Abitibi region of northwestern Quebec, Canada. As further discussed in Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, the acquisition has increased our exposure to risks associated with exchange fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar. The acquisition was partially funded by $490 million in net proceeds from our issuance of Senior Notes in April 2013 (see Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)). As discussed in the Financial Liquidity and Capital Resources section below, we believe that we will be able to meet the obligations associated with the acquisition of Aurizon and additional debt; however, a number of factors could impact our ability to meet the debt obligations and fund our other projects.

On June 15, 2015, we completed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Revett, as further discussed in Note 13 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited). The acquired entities hold 100% ownership of two properties in northwestern Montana: the Troy Mine, which is on care-and-maintenance, and the Rock Creek project, a significant undeveloped silver and copper deposit. In the acquisition, we paid cash of $0.9 million and each outstanding common share of Revett was exchanged for 0.1622 of a share of our common stock, for total consideration of approximately $20.1 million based on the closing price of Hecla stock of $3.06 per share on June 15, 2015. See Part II, Item 1A. – Risk Factors in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2015 for information on potential risks relating to the acquisition.

As further discussed in the Lucky Friday Segment section below, we are in the process of constructing an internal shaft at the Lucky Friday mine (“#4 Shaft”), which we believe will significantly increase production and extend the life of the mine. The #4 Shaft project involves significant additional capital costs during the periods leading up to its expected completion date in 2016. Although we believe that our current capital resources will allow us to complete the #4 Shaft project, there are a number of factors that could affect its completion.

During the third quarter of 2015, we made a development decision to mine near surface, high grade portions of silver and gold deposits at our San Sebastian project in Mexico. See the San Sebastian Segment section below for more information. We anticipate development and pre-production activities to take place during the remainder of 2015 and first half of 2016, with ore production expected to commence in late 2015. As a result, we believe that we will generate positive cash flows at San Sebastian over the approximate two year period following the start of production. However, our ability to generate positive cash flows at San Sebastian may be impacted by changes in estimated costs, precious metals prices, or other factors, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to develop and operate San Sebastian as anticipated.

We strive to achieve excellent mine safety and health performance. We seek to implement this goal by: training employees in safe work practices; establishing, following and improving safety standards; investigating accidents, incidents and losses to avoid recurrence; involving employees in the establishment of safety standards; and participating in the National Mining Association's CORESafety program. We attempt to implement reasonable best practices with respect to mine safety and emergency preparedness. We work with the Mine Safety and Health Administration ("MSHA") to address issues outlined in its investigations and inspections and continue to evaluate our safety practices.

A challenge we face is the risk associated with environmental litigation and ongoing reclamation activities. As described in Part I, Item 1A. – Risk Factors of our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and Note 4 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), it is possible that our estimate of these liabilities (and our ability to estimate liabilities in general) may change in the future, affecting our strategic plans. We are involved in various environmental legal matters with no assurance that the estimate of our environmental liabilities, liquidity needs, or strategic plans will not be significantly impacted as a result of these matters or new matters that may arise. We strive to ensure that our activities are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and attempt to resolve environmental litigation on as favorable terms as possible.

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Results of Operations

Sales of products by metal for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014
Silver	$	34,789		$	47,487		$	117,485		$	134,860
Gold		50,375			55,632			147,032			165,000
Lead		12,953			18,362			41,039			50,456
Zinc		22,334			30,895			66,879			73,548
Less: Smelter and refining charges		(15,510	)		(16,869	)		(44,205	)		(45,068	)
Sales of products	$	104,941		$	135,507		$	328,230		$	378,796

For the third quarter and first nine months of 2015, we recorded losses applicable to common shareholders of $10.0 million ($0.03 per basic common share) and $24.4 million ($0.07 per basic common share), respectively, compared to income applicable to common shareholders of $3.5 million ($0.01 per basic common share) and $0.5 million ($0.00 per basic common share), respectively, for the third quarter and first nine months of 2014. The following factors impacted the results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014:

•

Decreased average silver, gold, lead and zinc prices. These price variances are illustrated in the table below.

		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
Silver –	London PM Fix ($/ounce)	$	14.91	$	19.74	$	16.01	$	19.95
	Realized price per ounce	$	14.54	$	18.53	$	16.08	$	19.35
Gold –	London PM Fix ($/ounce)	$	1,124	$	1,282	$	1,179	$	1,288
	Realized price per ounce	$	1,121	$	1,275	$	1,177	$	1,288
Lead –	LME Final Cash Buyer ($/pound)	$	0.78	$	0.99	$	0.83	$	0.96
	Realized price per pound	$	0.78	$	1.02	$	0.85	$	1.00
Zinc –	LME Final Cash Buyer ($/pound)	$	0.84	$	1.05	$	0.93	$	0.97
	Realized price per pound	$	0.83	$	1.07	$	0.91	$	0.98

Average realized prices can differ from average market prices primarily because concentrate sales are generally recorded as revenues at the time of shipment at forward prices for the estimated month of settlement, which differ from average market prices. Due to the time elapsed between shipment of concentrates and final settlement with the customers, we must estimate the prices at which sales of our metals will be settled. Previously recorded sales are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices each period through final settlement. For the third quarter and first nine months of 2015, we recorded net negative price adjustments to provisional settlements of $1.0 million and positive price adjustments of $0.6 million, respectively, compared to negative price adjustments to provisional settlements of $1.1 million and $2.1 million, respectively, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2014. The price adjustments related to silver, gold, lead and zinc contained in our concentrate shipments were largely offset by gains and losses on forward contracts for those metals for each period (see Note 11 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information). The gains and losses on these contracts are included in revenues and impact the realized prices for silver, gold, lead and zinc. Realized prices are calculated by dividing gross revenues for each metal (which include the price adjustments and gains and losses on the forward contracts discussed above) by the payable quantities of each metal included in concentrate and doré shipped during the period.

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•

Lower gross profit for the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014 at our Lucky Friday unit by $12.9 million and $21.2 million, respectively, at our Casa Berardi unit by $2.4 million and $10.6 million, respectively, and at our Greens Creek unit by $9.3 million and $4.4 million, respectively. See The Greens Creek Segment, The Lucky Friday Segment, and The Casa Berardi Segment sections below.

•

An $8.7 million charge to provision for closed operations and environmental matters in the second quarter of 2015 for potentially resolving the exposure to liability at the Gilt Edge and Nelson Tunnel/Commodore sites. See Note 4 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information.

•

Higher combined exploration and pre-development expense by $1.0 million and $4.2 million, respectively, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014. During 2015, we have continued exploration near our Greens Creek and Casa Berardi mines, and advanced exploration and pre-development work at our San Sebastian project in Mexico. As discussed in the San Sebastian Segment section below, we have made a development decision to mine near surface, high grade portions of the ore deposits at San Sebastian and anticipate commencing ore production there by the the end of 2015. "Pre-development costs" are costs incurred in the exploration stage that may ultimately benefit production, such as underground ramp development, which are expensed due to the lack of proven and probable reserves.

•

Cost related to the acquisition of Revett of $2.2 million during the second quarter of 2015, with no comparable costs in 2014.

Other significant variances affecting the comparison of our income applicable to common shareholders for the third

quarter and first nine months of 2015 to the same periods in 2014 were as follows:

•

Net foreign exchange gains in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 of $9.1 million and $19.5 million, respectively, versus net gains of $7.3 million and $6.1 million, respectively, in the comparable periods in 2014. The acquisition of Aurizon resulted in increased exposure to exchange fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar.

•

Gains of $3.3 million and $8.3 million, respectively, on base metal derivative contracts for the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 compared to losses of $0.4 million and $2.6 million, respectively, for the third quarter and first nine months of 2014. These gains and losses are related to financially-settled forward contracts on forecasted zinc and lead production as part of our risk management program. The gains in the first nine months of 2015 include $18.8 million in net gains realized on settled contracts, including gains on contracts terminated prior to their maturity date for cash proceeds of $16.5 million received by us in the first nine months of 2015. The gains in the first nine months of 2014 include $4.4 million in gains realized on settled contracts. See Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Commodity-Price Risk Management for more information on our derivatives contracts.

•

Reclassification of $2.4 million in unrealized losses on certain marketable securities from other comprehensive income to current earnings in the third quarter of 2014, as the securities were deemed to be other than temporarily impaired. A reclassification of $2.8 million in additional unrealized losses was recorded in the first quarter of 2015.

•

Income tax benefits of $5.5 million and $4.2 million, respectively, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015, compared to a provision of $0.2 million and benefit of $1.1 million, respectively, in the comparable 2014 periods, with the variance primarily due to tax losses in the U.S. See the Corporate Matters section below for more information.

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The Greens Creek Segment

Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Sales	$	54,351		$	67,763		$	175,749		$	186,808
Cost of sales and other direct production costs		(38,371	)		(41,613	)		(105,372	)		(106,729	)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization		(13,868	)		(14,716	)		(41,389	)		(46,702	)
Gross profit	$	2,112		$	11,434		$	28,988		$	33,377
Tons of ore milled		205,437			204,295			600,600			608,156
Production:
Silver (ounces)		1,992,037			1,890,929			5,884,128			5,367,249
Gold (ounces)		14,376			13,524			43,368			43,464
Zinc (tons)		16,024			14,149			45,406			44,478
Lead (tons)		5,394			5,033			15,717			14,902
Payable metal quantities sold:
Silver (ounces)		1,773,225			1,619,817			5,375,184			4,601,042
Gold (ounces)		12,288			12,538			36,331			34,919
Zinc (tons)		12,400			12,824			32,769			33,085
Lead (tons)		4,572			4,089			12,971			11,906
Ore grades:
Silver ounces per ton		12.68			13.04			12.92			12.51
Gold ounces per ton		0.10			0.11			0.11			0.12
Zinc percent		8.91			7.91			8.73			8.35
Lead percent		3.25			3.22			3.29			3.21
Mining cost per ton	$	71.95		$	69.29		$	73.06		$	69.75
Milling cost per ton	$	30.55		$	32.88		$	29.88		$	30.49
Total Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce ⁽¹⁾	$	4.82		$	3.75		$	3.79		$	2.95

(1)

A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the most comparable GAAP measures, can be found below in Reconciliation of Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) to Costs of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP).

The $9.3 million and $4.4 million decreases in gross profit during the third quarter and first nine months of 2015, respectively, compared to the same 2014 periods were primarily the result of lower average prices for silver, gold, zinc and lead. In addition, gross profit at Greens Creek was affected by negative price adjustments to revenues of $1.2 million and positive price adjustments of $0.4 million, respectively, for the third quarter and first nine month of 2015 compared to negative price adjustments of $0.7 million and $1.1 million, respectively, for the third quarter and first nine months of 2014. Price adjustments to revenues result from changes in metals prices between transfer of title of concentrate to buyers and final settlements during the period. The price adjustments related to silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in concentrate shipments were net of gains and losses on forward contracts for those metals for each period. The price adjustments and gains and losses on forward contracts discussed above are included in sales.

Mining costs per ton increased 4% and 5% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015, respectively, compared to the same period in 2014, primarily as a result of higher labor costs, due to higher staffing levels, along with additional maintenance costs of $1.5 million. Year-to-date mining costs per ton were also impacted by lower milled tons in the first half of 2015 compared to 2014. Milling costs per ton decreased 7% and 2% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014. The decrease in milling costs was due to lower labor costs as a result of lower staffing levels, along with a decrease in costs for maintenance and consumables.

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Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense was 6% and 11% less in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014, due primarily to the effect on units-of-production depreciation of reduced sales values resulting from lower metals prices.

The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to the variances in Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce for the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 versus the same periods in 2014:

The following table summarizes the components of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce	$	24.62		$	26.66		$	24.76		$	27.46
By-product credits		(19.80	)		(22.91	)		(20.97	)		(24.51	)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce	$	4.82		$	3.75		$	3.79		$	2.95

The increase in Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce for the third quarter and first nine months was primarily the result of lower by-product credits, partially offset by lower mining and milling costs, as discussed below.

Mining and milling cost per ounce decreased in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 compared to 2014 on a per-ounce basis, despite mining costs increasing on a per-ton basis as discussed above, due primarily to higher silver production resulting from improved silver recovery. The higher silver production for the first nine months of 2015 was also a result of higher silver grades for that period compared to the same period of 2014.

Other cash costs for the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 were lower compared to 2014 due to the effect of higher silver production and lower mine license tax.

Treatment costs were lower in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 compared to 2014 as a result of lower silver prices, as treatment costs include the value of silver not payable to us through the smelting process. The silver not payable to us is either recovered by the smelters through further processing or ultimately not recovered and included in the smelters' waste material.

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By-product credits per ounce were lower in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 compared to 2014 due to lower gold, zinc, and lead prices and higher silver production due to increased silver recovery.

The difference between what we report as "production" and "payable metal quantities sold" is attributable to the difference between the quantities of metals contained in the concentrates we produce versus the portion of those metals actually paid for by our customers according to the terms of our sales contracts. Differences can also arise from inventory changes incidental to shipping schedules, or variances in ore grades which impact the amount of metals contained in concentrates produced and sold. The difference in payable quantities sold for 2015 compared to 2014 is due mainly to timing of concentrate shipments.

While revenue from zinc, lead and gold by-products is significant, we believe that identification of silver as the primary product of the Greens Creek unit is appropriate because:

•

silver has historically accounted for a higher proportion of revenue than any other metal and is expected to do so in the future;

•

we have historically presented Greens Creek as a producer primarily of silver, based on the original analysis that justified putting the project into production, and believe that consistency in disclosure is important to our investors regardless of the relationships of metals prices and production from year to year;

•

metallurgical treatment maximizes silver recovery;

•

the Greens Creek deposit is a massive sulfide deposit containing an unusually high proportion of silver; and

•

in most of its working areas, Greens Creek utilizes selective mining methods in which silver is the metal targeted for highest recovery.

Likewise, we believe the identification of gold, lead and zinc as by-product credits is appropriate because of their lower economic value compared to silver and due to the fact that silver is the primary product we intend to produce. In addition, we do not receive sufficient revenue from any single by-product metal to warrant classification of such as a co-product.

We periodically review our revenues to ensure that reporting of primary products and by-products is appropriate. Because we consider zinc, lead and gold to be by-products of our silver production, the values of these metals offset operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce.

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The Lucky Friday Segment

Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Sales	$	13,916		$	27,883		$	48,376		$	71,740
Cost of sales and other direct production costs		(15,004	)		(16,383	)		(40,952	)		(44,416	)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization		(2,801	)		(2,488	)		(8,343	)		(7,004	)
Gross profit (loss)	$	(3,889	)	$	9,012		$	(919	)	$	20,320
Tons of ore milled		65,817			78,979			212,121			238,447
Production:
Silver (ounces)		592,243			972,994			2,042,436			2,493,385
Lead (tons)		3,729			5,571			12,809			15,566
Zinc (tons)		1,411			2,127			5,631			6,272
Payable metal quantities sold:
Silver (ounces)		611,573			936,170			1,910,643			2,350,283
Lead (tons)		3,743			4,887			11,097			13,304
Zinc (tons)		1,087			1,559			4,052			4,568
Ore grades:
Silver ounces per ton		9.48			12.90			10.10			11.00
Lead percent		6.06			7.41			6.40			6.91
Zinc percent		2.33			2.93			2.89			2.94
Mining cost per ton	$	95.98		$	90.21		$	93.10		$	86.35
Milling cost per ton	$	28.05		$	22.96		$	22.77		$	21.79
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce ⁽¹⁾	$	16.60		$	8.71		$	12.30		$	9.08

(1)

Gross profit decreased by $12.9 million and $21.2 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014 primarily due to lower silver, lead and zinc prices, decreased ore production, and lower ore grades. The decreased production and lower grades are a result of the failure of the underground booster fan in the second quarter of 2015, which reduced the ventilation capacity of the mine, leading to the temporary closure of a higher-grade production stope. In addition, there were 16 days of downtime in the third quarter for planned hoist mechanical maintenance. Lucky Friday extended the work schedule to seven days per week from six while the booster fan replacement and other ventilation infrastructure was completed. Lower grade stopes were mined until the new booster fans were commissioned at the end of the third quarter of 2015. Production has now resumed from the higher-grade stope.

Mining cost per ton was higher by 6% and 8% and milling cost per ton was higher by 22% and 5% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014 due primarily to lower tonnage.

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The following table summarizes the components of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce	$	28.36		$	22.27		$	25.67		$	23.75
By-product credits		(11.76	)		(13.56	)		(13.37	)		(14.67	)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce	$	16.60		$	8.71		$	12.30		$	9.08

The increase in Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014 was the result of decreased silver production due to ventilation constraints impacting ore grades and mine throughput, as discussed above, and lower by-product credits.

Mining and milling costs and other cash costs per ounce increased in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 compared to 2014 due to lower production and silver ore grades.

Treatment costs per ounce decreased in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 compared to 2014 as a result of lower silver prices, as treatment costs include the value of silver not payable to us through the smelting process.

By-product credits were lower in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to lower lead and zinc prices, as well as lower production.

Similar to the Greens Creek segment, the difference between what we report as “production” and “payable metal quantities sold” is due essentially to the difference between the quantities of metals contained in the concentrates we produce versus the portion of those metals actually paid for by our customers according to the terms of our sales contracts. Differences can also arise from inventory changes incidental to the timing of concentrate shipments, or variances in ore grades which impact the amount of metals contained in concentrates produced and sold.

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While value from lead and zinc is significant, we believe that identification of silver as the primary product of the Lucky Friday segment is appropriate because:

•

silver has historically accounted for a higher proportion of revenue than any other metal and is expected to do so in the future;

•

the Lucky Friday unit is situated in a mining district long associated with silver production; and

•

the Lucky Friday unit generally utilizes selective mining methods to target silver production.

Likewise, we believe the identification of lead and zinc as by-product credits is appropriate because of their low economic value compared to silver and due to the fact that silver is the primary product we intend to produce. In addition, we do not receive sufficient revenue from any single by-product metal to warrant classification of such as a co-product.

We periodically review our revenues to ensure that reporting of primary products and by-products is appropriate. Because we consider zinc and lead to be by-products of our silver production, the values of these metals offset operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce.

The #4 Shaft project, an internal shaft at the Lucky Friday mine, is expected to provide deeper access which should in turn extend the mine's operational life and expand silver production. We commenced engineering and construction activities on the #4 Shaft in late 2008, and our Board of Directors gave its final approval of the project in August 2011. As of September 30, 2015, the #4 Shaft has been excavated to the 8244 level. The final depth of the shaft has been slightly reduced to 8600 from the previously-planned depth of 8800 feet. Construction of the #4 Shaft as currently designed is expected to cost approximately $225 million, including approximately $194 million already spent as of September 30, 2015, with completion expected in late 2016. We believe that our current capital resources will allow us to complete the project. However, there are a number of factors that could affect completion of the project, including: (i) a significant decline in metals prices, (ii) a reduction in available cash or credit, whether arising from decreased cash flow or other uses of available cash, (iii) increased regulatory burden, or (iv) a significant increase in operating or capital costs.

Many of the employees at our Lucky Friday unit are represented by a union. The collective bargaining agreement with the union expires on April 30, 2016.

See Note 4 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for contingencies related to various accidents and other events that occurred at the Lucky Friday mine in prior periods.

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The Casa Berardi Segment

Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Sales	$	36,674		$	39,861		$	104,105		$	120,248
Cost of sales and other direct production costs		(25,898	)		(28,685	)		(74,481	)		(84,315	)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization		(11,560	)		(9,599	)		(30,917	)		(26,636	)
Gross profit (loss)	$	(784	)	$	1,577		$	(1,293	)	$	9,297
Tons of ore milled		208,074			206,237			615,171			604,869
Production:
Gold (ounces)		29,259			28,977			85,609			88,859
Silver (ounces)		7,266			5,799			20,729			16,776
Payable metal quantities sold:
Gold (ounces)		32,649			31,099			88,638			93,196
Silver (ounces)		8,000			6,184			19,913			16,813
Ore grades:
Gold ounces per ton		0.16			0.16			0.16			0.16
Silver ounces per ton		0.04			0.031			0.040			0.031
Mining cost per ton	$	89.76		$	102.33		$	96.75		$	108.68
Milling cost per ton	$	19.09		$	20.81		$	19.91		$	20.86
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce ⁽¹⁾	$	793		$	898		$	861		$	911

(1)

Gross profit decreased by $2.4 million and $10.6 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014. The third quarter decrease is primarily due to lower gold prices, despite increased gold recoveries, while gross profit for the first nine months of 2015 was lower as result of lower gold prices and recoveries.

Mining costs per ton were 12% and 11% lower in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014. The decrease was primarily due to higher ore production in 2015 and foreign exchange differences between the two periods, as the U.S. dollar was stronger relative to the Canadian dollar in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 than it was in the 2014 periods. The variance for the first nine months of 2015 was also attributable to lower propane costs this year compared to last year, when a propane shortage resulted in higher prices. Milling unit costs decreased by 8% and 5% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015, respectively, mainly due to higher ore production and exchange rate differences as noted above.

Sales during the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 totaled $36.7 million and $104.1 million, respectively, compared to $39.9 million and $120.2 million for the same periods of 2014. The decreases in 2015 are a result of 12% and 9% declines in the average gold prices compared to the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, respectively. The variance for the first nine months was also due to lower gold recoveries during the first half of 2015 due to new metallurgical characteristics of ore from the 118 Zone, requiring adjustments to the mill which have resulted in improved recoveries beginning in the third quarter.

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The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce for the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 and 2014:

The following table summarizes the components of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce	$	797		$	902		$	865		$	915
By-product credits		(4	)		(4	)		(4	)		(4	)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce	$	793		$	898		$	861		$	911

The decrease in Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce for the 2015 periods compared to 2014 was primarily the result of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar in the 2015 periods.

The difference between what we report as "production" and "payable metal quantities sold" is mainly attributable inventory changes incidental to the timing of sales of refined metals and shipping schedules.

We believe the identification of silver as a by-product credit is appropriate at Casa Berardi because of its lower economic value compared to gold and due to the fact that gold is the primary product we intend to produce there. In addition, we do not receive sufficient revenue from silver at Casa Berardi to warrant classification of such as a co-product. Because we consider silver to be a by-product of our gold production at Casa Berardi, the value of silver offsets operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.

The San Sebastian Segment

In the third quarter of 2015, we made the development decision to mine near surface, high grade portions of silver and gold deposits at our San Sebastian project in Mexico. We previously produced silver and gold at San Sebastian from 2001 to 2005. A Preliminary Economic Assessment has been completed, and we have commenced development activities with the expectation of mine production starting in late 2015, with the ore to be processed at a leased milling facility.

Exploration expenses at San Sebastian for the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 were $1.1 million and $4.1 million, respectively. Exploration expense decreased $0.2 million for the quarter and increased $1.5 million year-to-date over the same periods in 2014.

Pre-development expenses for the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 were $1.3 million and $3.2 million, respectively. This is an increase of $1.0 million and $2.3 million compared to the same periods in 2014. The additional spending is the result of increased in-fill drilling and initial work to engage contractors for mine and mill preparation.

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Corporate Matters

Employee Benefit Plans

Our defined benefit pension plans, while affording a significant benefit to our employees, also represent a significant liability to us. The liability recorded for the funded status of our plans was $44.1 million and $43.7 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. In January 2015, we contributed approximately $5.0 million in shares of our common stock to our defined benefit plans, with no additional contributions anticipated for the rest of 2015. While the economic variables which will determine future funding requirements are uncertain, we expect contributions to increase in future years under current plan provisions, and we periodically examine the plans for affordability and competitiveness. See Note 7 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information.

Income Taxes

We continue to have a net deferred tax asset in the U.S. and a net deferred tax liability in Canada. Our U.S. net deferred tax asset at September 30, 2015 totaled $112.6 million, or 5% of total assets, an increase of $1.6 million from the $111.0 million net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2014. The largest component of the deferred tax asset is net operating loss carryforwards which are available to be applied against future taxable income. The next largest component is deferred exploration expense. Each reporting period we assess our deferred tax assets utilizing long-range forecasts to provide reasonable assurance that they will be realized through future earnings. At September 30, 2015, we increased our valuation allowance on U.S. deferred tax assets to $19.7 million, primarily for a portion of the federal net operating losses that are now projected to expire before we project them to be utilized. A $22.5 million valuation allowance remains on deferred tax assets in foreign jurisdictions.

Our net Canadian deferred tax liability at September 30, 2015 was $126.3 million, a decrease of $27.1 million from the $153.4 million net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2014. The deferred tax liability is the result of the acquisition of Aurizon completed on June 1, 2013 and is primarily related to the excess of the fair market value of the assets acquired over the tax bases of those assets for Canadian tax reporting, with the majority of that value allocated to mineral resources and reserves.

Reconciliation of Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) to Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP)

Set forth below are tables that present reconciliations between the non-GAAP measures of Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits to the most comparable GAAP measures of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization for our operations at the Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, and Casa Berardi units for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits is an important operating statistic that we utilize to measure each mine's operating performance. It also allows us to benchmark the performance of each of our mines versus those of our competitors. As a primary silver mining company, we also use the statistic on an aggregate basis - aggregating the Greens Creek and Lucky Friday mines - to compare our performance with that of other primary silver mining companies. With regard to Casa Berardi, we use Cash Cost, After By-product Credits to compare its performance with other gold mines. Similarly, the statistic is useful in identifying acquisition and investment opportunities as it provides a common tool for measuring the financial performance of other mines with varying geologic, metallurgical and operating characteristics.

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits includes all direct and indirect operating cash costs related directly to the physical activities of producing metals, including mining, processing and other plant costs, third-party refining expense, on-site general and administrative costs, royalties and mining production taxes. By-product credits include revenues earned from all metals other than the primary metal produced at each unit. Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce, provides management and investors an indication of operating cash flow received from production, after consideration of average metals prices. Management also uses this measurement for the comparative monitoring of performance of our mining operations period-to-period from a cash flow perspective. Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce is a measure developed by precious metals companies (including the Silver Institute) in an effort to provide a uniform standard for comparison purposes. There can be no assurance, however, that our reporting of this non-GAAP measure is the same as that reported by other mining companies.

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The Casa Berardi section below reports Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce for the production of gold, its primary product, and by-product revenues earned from silver, which is a by-product at Casa Berardi. Only costs and ounces produced relating to units with the same primary product are combined to represent Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce. Thus, the gold produced at our Casa Berardi unit is not included as a by-product credit when calculating Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce for the total of Greens Creek and Lucky Friday, our combined silver properties.

As depicted in the Greens Creek Unit and the Lucky Friday Unit tables below, by-product credits comprise an essential element of our silver unit cost structure distinguishing our silver operations and the polymetallic nature of their orebodies from other mines with less or no by-products in their orebodies. By-product credits included in our presentation of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce include:

	Total, Greens Creek and Lucky Friday Units
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
By-product value, all silver properties:
Zinc	$	20,850	$	24,029	$	67,764	$	70,638
Gold		13,299		14,315		42,294		46,573
Lead		12,251		18,179		40,616		50,933
Total by-product credits	$	46,400	$	56,523	$	150,674	$	168,144

By-product credits per silver ounce, all silver properties
Zinc	$	8.07	$	8.39	$	8.55	$	8.99
Gold		5.15		5.00		5.34		5.93
Lead		4.74		6.35		5.11		6.47
Total by-product credits	$	17.96	$	19.74	$	19.00	$	21.39

By-product credits included in our presentation of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce for our Casa Berardi Unit include:

	Casa Berardi Unit
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
Silver by-product value	$	107	$	112	$	327	$	330
Silver by-product credits per gold ounce	$	4	$	4	$	4	$	4

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Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization is the most comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP to Cash Cost, After By-product Credits. The sum of the cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization for our operating units in the tables below is presented in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited).

	Total, Greens Creek and Lucky Friday Units
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits ⁽¹⁾	$	65,823		$	72,083		$	198,103		$	206,653
By-product credits		(46,401	)		(56,523	)		(150,674	)		(168,144	)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits		19,422			15,560			47,429			38,509
Divided by silver ounces produced		2,584			2,864			7,926			7,860
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce	$	25.47		$	25.17		$	24.99		$	26.29
By-product credits per silver ounce	$	(17.96	)	$	(19.74	)	$	(19.01	)	$	(21.39	)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce	$	7.52		$	5.43		$	5.98		$	4.90
Reconciliation to GAAP:
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits	$	19,422		$	15,560		$	47,429		$	38,509
Depreciation, depletion and amortization		16,669			17,204			49,732			53,706
Treatment costs		(18,518	)		(21,430	)		(57,744	)		(61,346	)
By-product credits		46,401			56,523			150,674			168,144
Change in product inventory		5,445			6,384			5,044			3,968
Reclamation and other costs		624			959			921			1,870
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization (GAAP)	$	70,043		$	75,200		$	196,056		$	204,851

	Greens Creek Unit
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Cash Cost, Before by-Product Credits ⁽¹⁾	$	49,030		$	50,415		$	145,683		$	147,419
By-product credits		(39,436	)		(43,326	)		(123,376	)		(131,562	)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits		9,594			7,089			22,307			15,857
Divided by silver ounces produced		1,992			1,891			5,884			5,367
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce	$	24.62		$	26.66		$	24.76		$	27.46
By-product credits per silver ounce	$	(19.80	)	$	(22.91	)	$	(20.97	)	$	(24.51	)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce	$	4.82		$	3.75		$	3.79		$	2.95
Reconciliation to GAAP:
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits	$	9,594		$	7,089		$	22,307		$	15,857
Depreciation, depletion and amortization		13,868			14,716			41,389			46,702
Treatment costs		(15,231	)		(15,676	)		(46,103	)		(46,058	)
By-product credits		39,436			43,326			123,376			131,562
Change in product inventory		4,003			5,966			4,922			3,589
Reclamation and other costs		568			909			870			1,779
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization (GAAP)	$	52,238		$	56,330		$	146,761		$	153,431

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	Lucky Friday Unit
In thousands (except per ounce amounts)	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Total Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits ⁽¹⁾	$	16,793		$	21,668		$	52,420		$	59,234
By-product credits		(6,965	)		(13,197	)		(27,298	)		(36,582	)
Total Cash Cost, After By-product Credits		9,828			8,471			25,122			22,652
Divided by silver ounces produced		592			973			2,042			2,493
Total Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce	$	28.36		$	22.27		$	25.67		$	23.75
By-product credits per silver ounce	$	(11.76	)	$	(13.56	)	$	(13.37	)	$	(14.67	)
Total Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce	$	16.60		$	8.71		$	12.30		$	9.08
Reconciliation to GAAP:
Total Cash Cost, After By-product Credits	$	9,828		$	8,471		$	25,122		$	22,652
Depreciation, depletion and amortization		2,801			2,488			8,343			7,004
Treatment costs		(3,287	)		(5,754	)		(11,641	)		(15,288	)
By-product credits		6,965			13,197			27,298			36,582
Change in product inventory		1,442			418			122			379
Reclamation and other costs		57			51			51			91
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization (GAAP)	$	17,806		$	18,871		$	49,295		$	51,420

	Casa Berardi Unit
In thousands (except ounce and per ounce amounts)	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits ⁽¹⁾	$	23,311		$	26,134		$	74,022		$	81,293
By-product credits		(107	)		(112	)		(327	)		(330	)
Cash Cost, After by-product credits		23,204			26,022			73,695			80,963
Divided by gold ounces produced		29,259			28,977			85,609			88,859
Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce	$	797		$	902		$	865		$	915
By-product credits per gold ounce	$	(4	)	$	(4	)	$	(4	)	$	(4	)
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce	$	793		$	898		$	861		$	911
Reconciliation to GAAP:
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits	$	23,204		$	26,022		$	73,695		$	80,963
Depreciation, depletion and amortization		11,561			9,600			30,917			26,636
Treatment costs	$	(152	)	$	(108	)	$	(449	)	$	(337	)
By-product credits		107			112			327			330
Change in product inventory	$	2,628		$	2,450		$	562		$	2,738
Reclamation and other costs		111			208			346			621
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization (GAAP)	$	37,459		$	38,284		$	105,398		$	110,951

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	Total, All Locations
In thousands	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Reconciliation to GAAP:
Cash Cost, After By-product Credits	$	42,626		$	41,582		$	121,124		$	119,472
Depreciation, depletion and amortization		28,230			26,804			80,649			80,342
Treatment costs		(18,670	)		(21,538	)		(58,193	)		(61,683	)
By-product credits		46,508			56,635			151,001			168,474
Change in product inventory		8,073			8,834			5,606			6,706
Reclamation and other costs		735			1,167			1,267			2,491
Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization (GAAP)	$	107,502		$	113,484		$	301,454		$	315,802

(1)

Includes all direct and indirect operating costs related directly to the physical activities of producing metals, including mining, processing and other plant costs, third-party refining and marketing expense, on-site general and administrative costs, royalties and mining production taxes, before by-product revenues earned from all metals other than the primary metal produced at each unit.

Financial Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our liquid assets include (in millions):

	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
Cash and cash equivalents held in U.S. dollars	$	168.9	$	180.9
Cash and cash equivalents held in foreign currency		5.6		28.8
Total cash and cash equivalents		174.5		209.7
Marketable equity securities - non-current		2.0		4.9
Total cash, cash equivalents and investments	$	176.5	$	214.6

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $35.2 million in the first nine months of 2015, while the value of non-current marketable equity securities decreased by $2.9 million (see Note 2 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information).

On April 12, 2013, we completed an offering of Notes in the total principal amount of US$500 million, as discussed in Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited). The net proceeds from the offering of the Notes of $490 million were used to partially fund the acquisition of Aurizon and for general corporate purposes, including expenses related to the Aurizon acquisition. In addition, on April 14, 2014, we contributed $6.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the Notes in order to satisfy the funding requirement for our defined benefit pension plans for 2014. The Notes are due May 1, 2021 and bear interest at a rate of 6.875% per year from the date of original issuance or from the most recent payment date to which interest has been paid or provided for. Interest on the Notes is payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing November 1, 2013.

The #4 Shaft project, which is discussed further in the Lucky Friday Segment section above, is expected to involve capital expenditures of approximately $225 million through 2016, including approximately $194 million that has been spent on the project as of September 30, 2015.

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In the third quarter of 2015, we made a development decision to mine near surface, high grade portions of the silver and gold deposits at our San Sebastian project in Mexico and anticipate commencing ore production there by the end of 2015. As a result, we expect to incur development and pre-production costs there during the second half of 2015 and first half of 2016 totaling approximately $10 million and believe San Sebastian will generate positive cash flows in 2016 and 2017. However, our estimate of costs could change, and our ability to generate cash flow at San Sebastian could be impacted by changes in precious metals prices or other factors, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to develop and operate San Sebastian as anticipated.

As discussed in Note 13 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), in June 2015 we completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding common stock of Revett for total consideration of $20.1 million, consisting of $0.9 million in cash and $19.1 million in our common stock. As a result of the acquisition, we anticipate incurring costs over the next three to four years totaling approximately $18.8 million for reclamation of the Troy mine. We expect to recover approximately $16.8 million of these costs over that time period through submittal of reimbursement claims pursuant to an insurance policy held by the Revett subsidiary owning the Troy mine, and this amount is recorded as a non-current asset as of September 30, 2015. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining reimbursement for such costs as anticipated.

As discussed in Note 4 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), we believe that it is probable that CoCa, our wholly-owned subsidiary, will incur a settlement liability for response costs at the Gilt Edge and Nelson Tunnel/Commodore sites, which we currently estimate to be $9.9 million after payments from insurance proceeds and another party to the settlement. However, there can be no assurance the settlement will be finalized as outlined above or occur at all.

Pursuant to our common stock dividend policy described in Note 8 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), our Board of Directors declared and paid dividends on common stock totaling $2.8 million in the first nine months of 2015 and $2.6 million in the first nine months of 2014. On November 3, 2015, our Board of Directors declared a dividend on common stock totaling $0.9 million payable in December 2015. Our dividend policy has a silver-price-linked component which ties the amount of declared common stock dividends to our realized silver price for the preceding quarter. Another component of our common stock dividend policy anticipates paying an annual minimum dividend. The declaration and payment of dividends on common stock is at the sole discretion of our board of directors, and there can be no assurance that we will continue to declare and pay common stock dividends in the future.

On May 8, 2012, we announced that our board of directors approved a stock repurchase program. Under the program, we are authorized to repurchase up to 20 million shares of our outstanding common stock from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions, depending on prevailing market conditions and other factors. The repurchase program may be modified, suspended or discontinued by us at any time. Whether or not we engage in repurchases from time to time may depend on a variety of factors, including not only price and cash resources, but customary black-out restrictions, whether we have any material inside information, limitations on share repurchases or cash usage that may be imposed by our credit agreement or in connection with issuances of securities, alternative uses for cash, applicable law, and other investment opportunities from time to time. As of September 30, 2015, 934,100 shares have been purchased in prior periods at an average price of $3.99 per share, leaving approximately 19.1 million shares that may yet be purchased under the program. The closing price of our common stock at November 2, 2015, was $2.13 per share.

We may defer some capital investment and/or exploration and pre-development activities, engage in asset sales or secure additional capital if necessary to maintain liquidity. We also may pursue additional acquisition opportunities, which could require additional equity issuances or financing. There can be no assurance that such financing will be available to us.

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As a result of our current cash balances, the performance of our current and expected operations, current metals prices, and full availability of our $100 million revolving credit facility, we believe our cash, cash equivalents, investments, projected cash from operations, and availability of financing (including equity issuances) if needed will be adequate to meet our obligations and other potential cash requirements during the next 12 months. Our obligations and other uses of cash may include, but are not limited to: debt service obligations related to the Notes, capital outlays for the #4 Shaft project and other capital expenditures, regulatory matters, litigation, potential repurchases of our common stock under the program described above, and payment of dividends on common stock, if declared by our board of directors. We currently estimate that a total of approximately $150 million will be spent on capital expenditures, primarily for equipment, infrastructure, and development at our mines, in 2015. We also estimate that exploration and pre-development expenditures will total approximately $24 million in 2015. However, capital, exploration, and pre-development expenditures may change based upon our financial position, metals prices, and other considerations. Our ability to fund the activities described above will depend on our operating performance, metals prices, our ability to estimate costs, sources of liquidity available to us, and other factors. A sustained downturn in metals prices or significant increase in operational or capital costs, other uses of cash, or other factors beyond our control could impact our plans.

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

2015

September 30,

2014

Cash provided by operating activities (in millions)

79.0

58.8

Cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2015 increased by $20.2 million compared to the same period in 2014 as working capital and other operating asset and liability changes resulted in a net cash flow increase of $11.6 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to a net decrease in cash flows of $28.9 million in the 2014 period. The $40.5 million variance in cash flows due to working capital changes is mainly attributable to payments of approximately $55.4 million in the third quarter of 2014 to satisfy the remaining obligation under the Coeur d'Alene Basin environmental litigation settlement along with higher accounts payable balances. These factors were partially offset by an increased portion of incentive compensation related to prior-period performance paid in cash in 2015 rather than stock, and higher accounts receivable and inventory balances due to the timing of sales. In addition, income, as adjusted for non-cash items, was lower by $20.3 million for the first nine months of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 due primarily to lower metals prices and lower production at the Lucky Friday mine (see the Lucky Friday Segment section above)

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

2015

September 30,

2014

Cash used in investing activities (in millions)

(96.9

)

(86.5

)

During the first nine months of 2015, we invested $95.4 million in capital expenditures, not including $4.3 million in non-cash capital lease additions, an increase of $4.7 million compared to the same period in 2014 due to higher expenditures at the Greens Creek and Lucky Friday units, partially offset by lower expenditures at the Casa Berardi unit. We purchased marketable securities having a cost basis of $0.9 million and $0.6 million during the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. We recognized a cash outflow for the acquisition of Revett, net of cash acquired, of $0.8 million in June 2015, as discussed above. During the first nine months of 2014, restricted investments related to reclamation bonding at the Casa Berardi unit decreased by $4.3 million.

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

2015

September 30,

2014

Cash provided by financing activities (in millions)

(13.3

)

40.0

We received $54.4 million in proceeds from the exercise of warrants during the first nine months of 2014, with the proceeds applied to the Coeur d'Alene Basin environmental litigation settlement. We incurred costs related to our credit facility and Notes of $0.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively, in the first nine months of 2015 and 2014. During the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, we paid cash dividends on our common stock totaling $2.8 million and $2.6 million, respectively, and cash dividends of $0.4 million on our Series B Preferred Stock. We made repayments on our capital leases of $7.8 million and $6.9 million, in the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, respectively, and repayments on our debt of $0.2 million in the first nine months of 2015. We acquired treasury shares for $1.9 million and $3.7 million in the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, respectively, with the 2015 activity and $2.3 million of the 2014 activity resulting from our employees' elections to satisfy their tax withholding obligations related to incentive compensation paid in stock through net share settlement, and the remaining activity in the first half of 2014 relating to acquisitions under our stock repurchase program discussed above.

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During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, exchange fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar resulted in decreases in our cash balance of $4.0 million and $2.1 million, respectively, related to the Canadian cash balances and activity obtained through the acquisition of Aurizon.

Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities and Commitments

The table below presents our fixed, non-cancelable contractual obligations and commitments primarily related to our Notes, outstanding purchase orders, certain capital expenditures, our credit facility and lease arrangements as of September 30, 2015 (in thousands):

	Payments Due By Period
	Less than 1 year		1-3 years		4-5 years		More than 5 years		Total
Purchase obligation ⁽¹⁾	$	12,109	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	12,109
Commitment fees ⁽²⁾		500		1,067		—		—		1,567
Contractual obligations ⁽³⁾		21,331		—		—		—		21,331
Capital lease commitments ⁽⁴⁾		9,450		9,170		1,194		—		19,814
Operating lease commitments ⁽⁵⁾		5,022		4,902		2,770		520		13,214
Supplemental executive retirement plan ⁽⁶⁾		346		716		747		2,218		4,027
Senior Notes ⁽⁷⁾		34,822		69,644		69,644		526,813		700,923
Total contractual cash obligations	$	83,580	$	85,499	$	74,355	$	529,551	$	772,985

(1)

Consists of open purchase orders of approximately $7.9 million at the Greens Creek unit, $1.9 million at the Lucky Friday unit and $2.3 million as the Casa Berardi unit. Included in these amounts are approximately $7.2 million, $0.7 million, and $1.5 million related to various capital projects at the Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, and Casa Berardi units, respectively.

(2)

We have a $100 million revolving credit agreement under which we are required to pay a standby fee of 0.5% per annum on undrawn amounts under the revolving credit agreement. There was no amount drawn under the revolving credit agreement as of September 30, 2015, and the amounts above assume no amounts will be drawn during the agreement's term. For more information on our credit facility, see Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

(3)

As of September 30, 2015, we were committed to approximately $21.3 million for various items including $19.9 million and $1.5 million at Greens Creek and Casa Berardi, respectively.

(4)

Includes scheduled capital lease payments of $12.2 million, $5.0 million, and $2.5 million (including interest) for equipment at our Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and Casa Berardi units, respectively. These leases have fixed payment terms and contain bargain purchase options at the end of the lease periods (see Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information).

(5)

We enter into operating leases in the normal course of business. Substantially all lease agreements have fixed payment terms based on the passage of time. Some lease agreements provide us with the option to renew the lease or purchase the leased property. Our future operating lease obligations would change if we exercised these renewal options and if we entered into additional operating lease arrangements.

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(6)

These amounts represent our estimate of the future funding requirements for the supplemental executive retirement plan. See Note 7 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information.

(7)

On April 12, 2013, we completed an offering of $500 million in aggregate principal amount of our Senior Notes due May 1, 2021. See Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.875% per year from the date of original issuance or from the most recent payment date to which interest has been paid or provided for. Interest on the Notes is payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing November 1, 2013. Since the initial offering, we have issued an additional $6.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the Notes to fund obligations under our defined benefit pension plans. See Note 7 and Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information.

We record liabilities for costs associated with mine closure, reclamation of land and other environmental matters. At September 30, 2015, our liabilities for these matters totaled $91.6 million. Future expenditures related to closure, reclamation and environmental expenditures at our sites are difficult to estimate, and we anticipate we will incur expenditures relating to these obligations over the next 30 years. For additional information relating to certain of our environmental obligations, see Note 4 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At September 30, 2015, we had no existing off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined under SEC regulations, that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that would be material to investors.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. As described in Note 1 of the annual report, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and related disclosures of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. Our estimates are based on our experience and our interpretation of economic, political, regulatory, and other factors that affect our business prospects. Actual results may differ significantly from our estimates.

We believe that our most critical accounting estimates are related to future metals prices; obligations for environmental, reclamation, and closure matters; mineral reserves; and accounting for business combinations, as they require us to make assumptions that were highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimates were made and changes in them are reasonably likely to occur from period to period. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, and the Audit Committee has reviewed the disclosures presented below. In addition, there are other items within our financial statements that require estimation, but are not deemed to be critical. However, changes in estimates used in these and other items could have a material impact on our financial statements.

Future Metals Prices

Metals prices are key components in estimates that determine the valuation of some of our significant assets and liabilities, including properties, plants and equipment, deferred tax assets, and certain accounts receivable. Metals prices are also an important component in the estimation of reserves. As shown under Item 1A. – Risk Factors in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, metals prices have historically been volatile. Silver demand arises from investment demand, particularly in exchange-traded funds, industrial demand, and consumer demand. Gold demand arises primarily from investment and consumer demand. Investment demand for silver and gold is influenced by various factors, including: the value of the U.S. Dollar and other currencies, changing U.S. budget deficits, widening availability of exchange-traded funds, interest rate levels, the health of credit markets, and inflationary expectations. Uncertainty concerning a global economic recovery, including recent uncertainty in China, could result in continued investment demand for precious metals. Industrial demand for silver is closely linked to world Gross Domestic Product growth and industrial fabrication levels, as it is difficult to substitute for silver in industrial fabrication. Consumer demand is driven significantly by demand for jewelry and similar retail products. We believe that industrial and economic trends, including urbanization and growth of the middle class in countries such as China and India, will result in continued consumer demand for silver and gold and industrial demand for silver. However, China has recently experienced a lower rate of economic growth which is ongoing and could continue in the near term. There can be no assurance whether these trends will continue or how they will impact prices of the metals we produce. In the past, we have recorded impairments to our asset carrying value because of low prices, and we can offer no assurance that prices will either remain at their current levels or increase.

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Processes supporting valuation of our assets and liabilities that are most significantly affected by prices include analysis of asset carrying values, depreciation, reserves, and deferred income taxes. On at least an annual basis - and more frequently if circumstances warrant - we examine our depreciation rates, reserve estimates, and the valuation allowances on our deferred tax assets. We examine the carrying values of our assets as changes in facts and circumstances warrant. In our analysis of carrying values and deferred taxes, we apply several pricing views to our forecasting model, including current prices, analyst price estimates, forward-curve prices, and historical prices (see Mineral Reserves, below, regarding prices used for reserve estimates). Using applicable accounting guidance and our view of metals markets, we use the average of the various methods to determine whether the values of our assets are fairly stated, and to determine the level of valuation allowances, if any, on our deferred tax assets. In addition, estimates of future metals prices are used in the valuation of certain assets in the determination of the purchase price allocations for our acquisitions (see Business Combinations below).

Sales of concentrates sold directly to customers are recorded as revenues when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer (generally at the time of shipment) at estimated forward metals prices for the estimated month of settlement. Due to the time elapsed between the time of shipment of concentrates to the customer and final settlement with the customer, we must estimate the prices at which sales of our metals will be settled. Previously recorded sales and trade accounts receivable are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices until final settlement by the customer. Changes in metals prices between shipment and final settlement result in changes to revenues and accounts receivable previously recorded upon shipment. As a result, our trade accounts receivable balances related to concentrate sales are subject to changes in metals prices until final settlement occurs. For more information, see part N. Revenue Recognition of Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

We utilize financially-settled forward contracts to manage our exposure to changes in prices for silver, gold, zinc and lead. See Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Commodity-Price Risk Management below for more information on our contract programs. These contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting and are therefore marked-to-market through earnings each period. Changes in silver, gold, zinc and lead prices between the dates that the contracts are entered into and their settlements will result in changes to the fair value asset or liability associated with the contracts, with a corresponding gain or loss recognized in earnings.

Obligations for Environmental, Reclamation and Closure Matters

Accrued reclamation and closure costs can represent a significant and variable liability on our balance sheet. We have estimated our liabilities under appropriate accounting guidance, and on at least an annual basis - and more frequently if warranted - management reviews our liabilities with our Audit Committee. However, the ranges of liability could exceed the liabilities recognized. If substantial damages were awarded, claims were settled, or remediation costs incurred in excess of our accruals, our financial results or condition could be materially adversely affected.

Mineral Reserves

Critical estimates are inherent in the process of determining our reserves. Our reserves are affected largely by our assessment of future metals prices, as well as by engineering and geological estimates of ore grade, accessibility and production cost. Metals prices are estimated at long-term averages, as described in Item 2. — Property Descriptions in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. Our assessment of reserves occurs at least annually and periodically utilizes external audits.

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Reserves are a key component in the valuation of our properties, plants and equipment. Reserve estimates are used in determining appropriate rates of units-of-production depreciation, with net book value of many assets depreciated over remaining estimated reserves. Reserves are also a key component in forecasts, with which we compare future cash flows to current asset values in an effort to ensure that carrying values are reported appropriately. Reserves also play a key role in the determination of the allocation of purchase price to acquired assets in acquisitions (see Business Combinations below). Reserves are a culmination of many estimates and are not guarantees that we will recover the indicated quantities of metals or that we will do so at a profitable level.

Business Combinations

We are required to allocate the purchase price of acquired companies to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. The valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to long-lived assets, including estimates of future metals prices and mineral reserves, as discussed above. In some cases, we use third-party appraisers to determine the fair values and lives of property and other identifiable assets. In addition, costs related to business combinations are included in earnings as incurred, and our financial results for periods in which business combinations are pursued could be adversely affected as a result.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The following discussion about our risk management activities includes forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties, as well as summarizes the financial instruments held by us at September 30, 2015 which are sensitive to changes in commodity prices and foreign exchange rates and are not held for trading purposes. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. In the normal course of business, we also face risks that are either non-financial or non-quantifiable. See Item 1A. – Risk Factors of our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as updated in Part II, Item 1A. – Risk Factors in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2015.

Provisional Sales

Sales of all metals products sold directly to customers, including by-product metals, are recorded as revenues when title and risk of loss transfers to the customer (generally at the time of shipment) at forward prices for the estimated month of settlement. Due to the time elapsed between shipment to the customer and the final settlement with the customer we must estimate the prices at which sales of our metals will be settled. Previously recorded sales are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices until final settlement by the customer. Changes in metals prices between shipment and final settlement will result in changes to revenues previously recorded upon shipment. Metals prices can and often do fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control (see Item 1A. – Risk Factors – A substantial or extended decline in metals prices would have a material adverse effect on us of our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for more information). At September 30, 2015, metals contained in concentrates and exposed to future price changes totaled approximately 1.3 million ounces of silver, 5,204 ounces of gold, 10,493 tons of zinc, and 3,237 tons of lead. If the price for each metal were to change by ten percent, the change in the total value of the concentrates sold would be approximately $4.7 million. However, as discussed in Commodity-Price Risk Management below, we utilize a program designed and intended to mitigate the risk of negative price adjustments with limited mark-to-market financially-settled forward contracts for our silver, gold, zinc and lead sales.

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Commodity-Price Risk Management

The following table summarizes the quantities of metals committed under forward sales contracts at September 30, 2015:

Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)

Average price per ounce/pound

Silver

Gold

Zinc

Lead

Silver

Gold

Zinc

Lead

(ounces)

(pounds)

(ounces)

(pounds)

Contracts on provisional sales

2015 settlements

1,271

18,684

6,283

14.74

1,135

0.85

0.76

Foreign Currency

We operate or have mining interests in Canada and Mexico, which exposes us to risks associated with fluctuations in the exchange rates of the currencies involved, particularly between the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar. On June 1, 2013, we completed the acquisition of Aurizon Mines Ltd., which gave us ownership of the Casa Berardi mine and various mineral interests in Quebec, Canada. We have determined that the functional currency for our Canadian operations is the U.S. dollar. As such, foreign exchange gains and losses associated with the re-measurement of monetary assets and liabilities from Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars are recorded to earnings each period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recognized a net foreign exchange gain of $19.5 million. Foreign currency exchange rates are influenced by a number of factors beyond our control. We currently do not utilize forward contracts or other contracts to manage our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations, but we may do so in the future. A one percent change in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar from the rate at September 30, 2015 would have resulted in a change of approximately $1.4 million in our net foreign exchange gain.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined by Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, including controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us is accumulated and communicated to our management (including our CEO and CFO), were effective as of September 30, 2015, in assuring them in a timely manner that material information required to be disclosed in this report has been properly recorded, processed, summarized and reported. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Internal control systems, no matter how well designed and operated, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even a system which is determined to be effective cannot provide absolute assurance that all control issues have been detected or prevented. Our systems of internal controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Part II - Other Information

Hecla Mining Company and Subsidiaries

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

For information concerning legal proceedings, refer to Note 4 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), which is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Item 1A. – Risk Factors of our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as updated in Part II, Item 1A. – Risk Factors in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2015, sets forth information relating to important risks and uncertainties that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results. Those risk factors continue to be relevant to an understanding of our business, financial condition and operating results.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

The information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in exhibit 95 to this Quarterly Report.

Item 6. Exhibits

See the exhibit index to this Form 10-Q for the list of exhibits.

Items 2, 3 and 5 of Part II are not applicable and are omitted from this report.

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Hecla Mining Company and Subsidiaries

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

		HECLA MINING COMPANY
		(Registrant)

Date:	November 4, 2015	By:	/s/ Phillips S. Baker, Jr., President
			Phillips S. Baker, Jr., President,
			Chief Executive Officer and Director

Date:	November 4, 2015	By:	/s/ James A. Sabala
			James A. Sabala, Senior Vice President and
			Chief Financial Officer

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Hecla Mining Company and Subsidiaries

Form 10-Q – September 30, 2015

Index to Exhibits

3.1

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant. Filed as exhibit 3.1 to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 12, 2014 (File No. 1-8491), and incorporated herein by reference.

3.2

Bylaws of the Registrant as amended to date. Filed as exhibit 3.1 to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 22, 2014 (File No. 1-8491), and incorporated herein by reference.

4.1(a)

Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of the Registrant. Filed as exhibit 3.1 to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 (File No 1-8491), and incorporated herein by reference.

4.1(b)

Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock of the Registrant. Filed as exhibit 3.1 to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 (File No. 1-8491), and incorporated herein by reference.

4.2(a)

Indenture dated as of April 12, 2013 among Hecla Mining Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries of Hecla Mining Company, as Guarantors thereto, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee. Filed as exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 15, 2013 (File No. 1-8491), and incorporated herein by reference.

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4.2(b)

Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 14, 2014, among Hecla Mining Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries of Hecla Mining Company, as Guarantors thereto, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee. Filed as exhibit 4.2 to Registrant’s S-3ASR filed on April 14, 2014 (File No. 1-8491), and incorporated herein by reference.

31.1

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *

31.2

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *

32.1

Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *

32.2

Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *

Mine safety information listed in Section 1503 of the Dodd-Frank Act. *

101.INS

XBRL Instance. **

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.**

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation.**

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition.**

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels.**

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation.**

___________________

* Filed herewith.

** XBRL information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.