Hecla’s strategy for operating mines safely includes applying innovative practices and at times developing these innovations ourselves. We aim for innovation in all of our operations in order to automate mining tasks that free up workers for other tasks, remove them from working in hazardous areas, allowing work to continue when personnel are not permitted in an area. These advances improve safety while increasing the productivity and efficiency of our operations.
One example of innovation at our Lucky Friday operation in the patented Underhand Closed Bench (UCB) method for underground mining to achieve better control of fault-slip seismic events that significantly improves safety. The method has dramatically increased both safety and productivity at the 80-year-old mine, achieving an AIFR of 0.66. In 2023, and an increase in silver production. Hecla received the 2023 Mine Safety and Health Technology Metal Sector Innovation Award from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for developing the UCB Method. Learn more in our 2023 Sustainability Report and by watching our UCB animation video.
By automating certain mining tasks, we allow miners to do more planning and problem solving while the machines do the repetitive work tasks.
Fiber optic cable and “hotspots” bring wireless technology more than a mile below the surface in solid rock, enabling our workers to use tablets underground.
Hecla places particular emphasis on ensuring employees are able to manage and execute emerging technologies that make our workplace safer and more efficient. For example, for our Lucky Friday workforce, we provide online training in coordination with North Idaho College through TPC Training and hands-on training by Caterpillar and Epiroc to ensure our maintenance employees continually expand their skill sets.
At our Keno Hill operation, we are upgrading an innovative water treatment plant, including installing a multi-media filter to capture suspended solids and also a solids-filtering sump pump to prevent solids from reaching the surface. This aims to increase the effectiveness of the water treatment plant and ensure only clean water enters the environment.
In 2023, Greens Creek utilized cameras in haulage equipment on the mine surface to support fatigue management.
