Hecla boosts gold exposure with Quebec plays

VANCOUVER — Gold production is beginning to play a larger role for US-based Hecla Mining (NYSE: HL), and the bulk of the company's increased exposure to the metal is thanks to its ongoing efforts in eastern Canada.

Back in March 2013 Hecla inked a $796 million cash-and-shares deal for Aurizon Mining and its Casa Berardi underground operation 95 km north of the town of La Sarre, QC, and in late July the company took over as exploration operator at the Fayolle gold prospect 130 km due southeast of the mine.

As a result of the Aurizon acquisition Hecla's six-month gold production has jumped 150% year-on-year to 89,288 oz at by-product cash costs of US$952 per oz. Casa Berardi has accounted for the bulk of the increase, with production pegged at roughly 60,000 oz of gold since the start of 2014.

Read the complete article at NorthernMiner.com/news/hecla