Hecla Mining Company announced on December 1, 2025, that its Polaris Exploration Project in Nevada's Aurora Mining District has received a Finding of No Significant Impact and Decision Notice from the U.S. Forest Service. This approval permits exploration activities to commence in 2026.
The Bridgeport Ranger District conducted an environmental study, granting approval on November 20, 2025. The Aurora district historically produced 20 million ounces of silver and 1.9 million ounces of gold, with underground grades averaging 2.24 ounces of gold per ton.
The 2026 exploration program will test several high-grade epithermal vein systems. These include deeper targets such as Brawley Peak, Sawtooth Ridge, and Polaris, along with near-surface targets Martinez, Juniata, and Ann.
The site features substantial private land and a 600-ton-per-day mill. Hecla Mining Company mines and explores for silver, gold, zinc, and other metals.
In its most recent financial report, Hecla Mining reported last quarter revenue of $409.5 million, with net income of $100.6 million and EBITDA of $195.7 million. Total cash flow from operations was $148 million, and free cash flow reached $90.1 million.
Net leverage decreased to 0.3x, while cash holdings stood at $133.9 million. Hecla Mining Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker HL.