Published: October 22, 2025 |

[Click image to enlarge]

Hecla Mining said the U.S. Forest Service has issued the final decision notice and finding of no significant impact for the company’s 100 percent owned copper-silver Libby Exploration Project in Lincoln County, Montana. This significant milestone advances the exploration phase of a world-class copper and silver deposit located southwest of Libby, Montana.

The Libby Project represents an important step in unlocking the potential of high-grade copper and silver production in northwest Montana.

“We are pleased to see the U.S. Forest Service advance the Libby Project, and we are grateful the FAST-41 process helped move this important project forward efficiently,” said Rob Krcmarov, president and CEO of Hecla.

“This approval represents years of collaboration among federal agencies, local and state officials and other stakeholders. The Libby Project exemplifies our commitment to responsibly developing critical minerals in the United States, delivering long-term economic benefits to our communities, and maintaining rigorous environmental stewardship,” added Krcmarov.

“The Libby Exploration Project will provide good-paying Montana mining jobs without harming our beautiful lands and will help unlock the high value of world class copper and silver. President Trump’s administration has proven yet again that they are committed to protecting Made-In-Montana energy and supporting Montana miners,” said U.S. Senator Steve Daines.

Senator Daines has been a strong advocate for the project, having sent a letter to the U.S. Forest Service in February 2025 urging approval and speaking about its importance at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing. The Libby Project’s exploration phase offers Hecla the opportunity to gather essential geological, hydrological, and environmental data necessary to evaluate the full potential of the deposit. The company intends to continue to work closely with federal and state agencies and local communities as the project advances.

Consistent with Hecla’s position as the United States and Canada’s largest silver producer, the company said it is open to partnering with a strategic partner who could participate in the exploration phase and beyond, while maintaining the company’s economic exposure to the significant silver resources associated with the project.

Founded in 1891, Hecla Mining Company is the largest silver producer in the United States. In addition to operating mines in Alaska, Idaho, and Quebec, Canada, the company is developing a mine in the Yukon, Canada, and owns a number of exploration and pre-development projects in world-class silver and gold mining districts throughout North America.

Be in-the-know when you’re on-the-go!

CLICK HERE to register your email address.

Copyright © 2025 Mining Connection LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

For licensing permission, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)