Hecla Mining Co (HL)

[loantech]

Thank you for the reply. Much appreciated. I think as per my email from IR the 79 million is now less 37 mill or so cash:

<Sent: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 7:59 am
Subject: RE: HL



Hello Tom:

The $79 million available on the balance sheet was as of September 30 (which is the required reporting form). That’s why in the verbiage of the release we pointed out that the additional $37 million was paid after that, in the fourth quarter. We need a considerable amount of working capital and at these metals prices have been using ca sh as well, until our budget cuts are fully implemented. Hence, our emphasis on liquidity, especially since we are facing the payments on the loans in December and February of a total of $58 million.

Regards,

Vicki>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>