Hecla metals are the cornerstone of modern life.
Global momentum for a green economy is increasing demand for the materials Hecla produces. Silver, zinc, and other metals are needed across the supply chain for the growing renewable energy sector. Specifically, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and innovations in battery technology are critical to meeting goals for a lower carbon future. Demand for responsibly sourced metals is growing, and Hecla is delivering.
The drive to decarbonize relies increasingly on silver. Silver has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal, and it is vital in producing renewable energy and electrical vehicle components. Read our 2023 Annual Report to learn more about Hecla’s Clean Energy Future, and the growing opportunities for silver.
The supply chain propels and enables modern life, and mining is at the very beginning of the supply chain. Hecla’s responsible mining operations in North America provide these essential and critical metals from domestically sourced suppliers, which is increasingly important as global supply chains are disrupted by long-term effects of the pandemic as well as geopolitical crises. Our country’s economic security relies on the accessibility of these metals and the nimbleness of the infrastructure that transports them.
Hecla produces the raw materials that feed supply chains:
These products play a critical role in a low-carbon future and are also necessary for modern life. Consumers, patients, hospitals, and the military use products every day that are made from our essential metals.
From the moment you hit the alarm to wake up in the morning until you turn off the light, metals are included in nearly every industry and consumer product. Hecla’s operating philosophy of responsible mining ensures every action we take delivers our essential metals in a manner that is responsible, safe, and innovative.
Silver and gold are considered precious metals because they are scarce relative to other minerals, and they have high economic value. In addition to their historic uses as currency, jewelry, and outward signs of wealth, the value of silver and gold to modern life is directly tied to their unique and important properties.
Silver conducts electricity and heat at higher levels and more efficiently than any other metal. It is more reflective at most temperatures than other metals, and it can be combined with nickel or palladium to form important alloys.
Gold is one of the densest metals of all, and it is a good conductor of heat and electricity. Gold is also the most malleable ductile of the elements.
Copper’s conductivity makes it an important part of wiring, and its anti-microbial properties make it essential for health care.
With resistance to radiation, durability in harsh environments and malleable properties, zinc alloys are ideal for medical manufacturing applications.
Lead is ductile and resistance to corrosion, which makes it ideal for use in car batteries, radiation protection, and in some solders.
