RE:Just surmising for a moment……. The Montana structures are in sensitive areas,which has prevented the permitting process to date.
Hecla is in the beginning of the process to convince the USFS that they can develop mines within new frameworks of acceptibility to those responsible for the environment.
A Montana Court struck down a ground water permit Hecla applied for in 2019 for the Rock Creek Mine as the State protected the pristine stream waters.
Hecla have changed the mine plan to underground operations and are attempting to get their permits at a different angle.
Baker was relieved of his duties in the process of attempting to permit these projects so they are a company priority:
https://earthjustice.org/press/2019/montana-court-strikes-down-water-use-permit-for-rock-creek-mine-protecting-wilderness-streams
Hecla are going full bore into the Yukon and have invested heavily into Casa Beradi in Quebec:
https://www.hecla.com/mine-post/casa-berardi/hecla-announces-casa-berardis-new-vice-president-general-manager
Interim CEO Boggs comments on the future development of Keno and expanding Yukon operations just two weeks ago:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241106097385/en/Hecla-Reports-Third-Quarter-2024-Results
Boggs continued, “At Keno Hill, we have already mined more than 2.5 million ounces and produced 2.1 million ounces of silver this year, putting us on track to meet our production guidance for this year. We are prioritizing building the foundation for this operation's future to operate in Yukon successfully, which includes improving safety and environmental practices and, importantly, valuing the perspectives of the Yukon Government and the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyk Dun, both of whom have important roles in permitting our improvements to infrastructure as well as our future operations.”
Hecla's new CEO when with Barrick as Executive V.P. of 'Exploration and Growth' qualifies him to expedite the forwarding of the Montana projects, expedite/consolidate/expand operations in the Yukon and have intimate knowledge of opportunities across the globe:
“We are very excited that Rob Krcmarov will be Hecla’s new CEO and join the Board,” said Ms. Boggs. “The Board conducted a rigorous selection process to ensure that our new CEO has the right experience, vision, and leadership to guide Hecla forward, and that is Rob. Rob is a highly respected figure in the mining industry with a proven track record across various international markets. His experience in managing complex operations and his commitment to safe, sustainable mining practices make him the ideal fit for Hecla’s next chapter. We look forward to his input on all of our operations, including our large inventory of exploration and pre-development projects.”
The Yukon and Montana projects will be his immediate priorities as that is where his experience suggests he will assist HL.
The internal growth of these projects will define Hecla's future but his global knowledge should bring Hecla opportunities that also strengthen Hecla's already large portfolio of projects.