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We’re Hecla
© 2024 Hecla Mining Company. All rights reserved
Climate Change & Net Zero Targets
Hecla’s responsible mining practices have made it an industry leader in lowering our carbon footprint, as demonstrated by its industry-highest ratio of silver-equivalent ounces produced per metric tonne of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We are committed to maintaining a net zero carbon footprint through the use of offsets as needed. In 2023, we achieved net zero carbon emissions for the third year in a row with the use of carbon offset credits.
To demonstrate Hecla’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, we have set specific goals for reducing GHG emissions, increasing our use of renewable energy, developing methods to sequester carbon and improving our climate change disclosure.
Strategy and Risk Management:
Hecla recognizes that the impacts of climate change may create greater potential risks for our operations. Alongside our work to minimize operational emissions and provide essential materials for the low-carbon transition, we are also focused on building our company’s resilience by adapting to and mitigating risks.
As part of our enterprise risk management processes, we incorporate climate-related risks and opportunities into our risk management and strategic planning processes aligned with the TCFD (Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures) framework. We periodically conduct structured high-level risk assessments (HLRAs). In 2023, we performed a climate risk assessment for our newest site, Keno Hill, with a focus on water management. We aim to conduct internal HLRAs each site annually, and to engage an external reviewer every three years. From these assessments, we develop site-specific management action plans that are assigned to the site management team. Read more about our site-specific efforts in our 2023 Sustainability Report.
Energy Use & Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Hecla is working to reduce energy intensity use and GHG emissions. Reducing energy consumption through streamlined processes and adoption of technology is positive for the environment and for our operating efficiency.
View our energy site data tables.
Production Relative to GHG Emissions
|
2019 |
2021 |
2022
|
2023
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ag ounces |
12,605,234 |
12,887,240 |
14,182,987
|
14,342,863
|
|
Ag-Equivalent ounces |
47,200,000 |
37,573,889 |
42,307,434
|
36,468,610
|
|
Au-Equivalent ounces** |
674,286 |
525,531 |
510,988
|
439,071
|
|
GHG Scope 1 (metric tonnes, CO2 e) |
102,675 |
52,932 |
66,023
|
66,697
|
|
GHG Scope 2 (metric tonnes CO2 e) |
32,626 |
23,618 |
25,026
|
19,504
|
|
GHG Scope 1 & 2 (metric tonnes CO2 e) |
135,301 |
76,550 |
91,049
|
86,201
|
|
Total Energy kWh |
689,062,509
|
497,954,623 |
561,444,804
|
523,469,349
|
|
kWh Electricity |
308,565,571
|
290,013,758 |
298,634,059
|
298,798,400
|
|
Metric Tonnes GHG/Ag ounce |
0.010
|
0.006 |
0.006
|
0.006
|
| Metric Tonnes GHG/Ag-Equivalent ouunces |
0.002
|
0.002
|
0.002
|
0.002
|
|
Ag ounces/Metric Tonnes GHG |
93
|
168 |
156
|
166
|
|
Ag-Equivalent ounces/Metric Tonnes GHG |
349
|
491 |
465
|
423
|
|
Au-Equivalent ounces/Metric Tonnes GHG |
5.0
|
6.9 |
5.6
|
5.1
|
* 2019 is included as our baseline year
** Au-equivalent ounces have been calculated using the long-term average ratio for each year: 70 Ag-ounces per Au-ounce in 2019; 71.50 Ag-ounces per Au-ounce in 2021; 82.80 Ag-ounces per Au-ounce in 2022; and 83 Ag-ounces per Au-ounce in 2023.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol
To determine Hecla’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 Carbon Dioxide Equivalent Emissions (CO2e), a third party consultant utilizes U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reporting standards, protocols, methodologies, and other related guidance.
The GHG guidance is based on The Greenhouse Gas Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (GHG Protocol) developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
Lucky Friday Emissions Reduction
Hecla’s Lucky Friday mine has implemented several initiatives to lower GHG emissions through reduced use of diesel fuel. The development of the innovative Underhand Closed Bench (UCB) method for underground mining has improved the efficiency of our processes to operate in deep, high-stress, narrow-vein mining. Since the introduction of the UCB method our ratio of mining production per gallon of diesel used has improved. In addition, we have predominately used biodiesel for our underground equipment, and most of our underground drilling fleet minimizes diesel usage by running solely on electric power while drilling.
Alternative Energy Sources
One of Hecla’s largest sources of electricity is renewable hydropower, and we use as much hydroelectricity as our power suppliers can provide. Currently, at our sites in production:
- Casa Berardi uses approximately 100% renewable hydropower to supply line power;
- At Greens Creek, 88% of our electricity is sourced from the grid, of which 100% is renewable hydropower;
- The energy provider at our Lucky Friday location uses a mix of both hydropower and natural gas, with 60% of electricity sourced being renewable; and
- 86% of Keno Hill’s power – our newest project – is hydropower.
In Alaska, Hecla purchases hydroelectricity to power the Greens Creek mine. We have thus avoided the use of over 70 million gallons of diesel fuel. Our purchase of surplus hydropower has also helped provide Juneau residents with over $80 million in reduced electricity rates since 2009.
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