POSITION PROFILE DRAFT

TITLE: Exploration Geologist

COMPANY: Hecla Mining Company

LOCATION: Durango, Mexico

PREPARED BY: STM Associates

DATE: December 23, 2003

THE COMPANY

Established in 1891 in northern Idaho’s Silver Valley, Hecla Mining Company’s rich history of mining has distinguished it as a respected precious metals producer. Now headquartered in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, this international, publicly traded company is 112 years old.

The best percentage stock price performer on the New York Stock Exchange during 2002, Hecla Mining Company produced 240,000 ounces of gold and 8.7 million ounces of silver last year, at very low costs of production. The average total cash cost for gold produced by Hecla in 2002 was $137 per ounce, and the average total cash cost for silver was $2.16 per ounce. Hecla has excellent exploration prospects, minimal debt, strong cash position and growing gross profit.

Hecla mines and processes silver, gold, lead and zinc in the United States, Mexico and Venezuela. Hecla currently produces silver from three silver mines, San Sebastian, Greens Creek and Lucky Friday, as well as mining gold at the La Camorra mine.

Hecla has long been well known in the United States as a major primary silver producer and quality gold producer. The name “Hecla” is commonly associated with both precious metals by investors. Hecla’s common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HL”.

PURPOSE

The Exploration Geologist will be responsible for developing, implementing, and directing the exploration programs of Hecla Mining toward development of additional economic resource properties through exploration and acquisition activities in Mexico.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Develop, implement and directly supervise strategies for locating economic mineral resource properties consistent with the company's corporate strategic plans.

· Coordinate the preparation and administration of the exploration budget for the Region.

· Direct exploration programs in the region.

· Locate minable reserves in the most cost-effective manner, while utilizing sound geological principals.

· Manage any joint venture exploration activities for the company and properly execute agreements and negotiations with other companies and government agencies.

· Participate in any acquisition activities, providing geological and technical expertise for potential acquisitions.

· Perform analysis of competitor projects, competitive positions and proposed strategies.

· Promote the company as a responsible corporate citizen by developing sound community, business, and government relations.

· Maintain Hecla’s presence in the metals community by actively participating in appropriate professional associations and maintaining industry contacts to promote potential joint-venture arrangements, acquisitions, and exploration intelligence.

QUALIFICATIONS

A B.S. Degree in geology is required and a Masters Degree is preferred. A minimum of ten to fifteen years’ experience in metals (gold and silver) exploration is necessary, as is a record of measurable and documented results. A background in organizing and managing effective exploration programs is required as is previous experience in Mexico. Spanish language capability is required. The flexibility to live and work in a foreign country is necessary.

ORGANIZATIONAL FACTORS

The Exploration Geologist will report to the General Manager, Operations for Mexico. The incumbent will supervise a staff and consultants as required with a budget of approximately $5 million for all Mexican exploration programs.

TO APPLY FOR POSITION

Simply email resume to Joelene Whittaker at jwhittaker@stmassociates.com