Why Hecla Mining (HL) Is Up 6.1% After Securing Final Approval for Libby Copper-Silver Project

• Hecla Mining Company recently announced it received final approval from the U.S. Forest Service to advance its 100%-owned Libby copper-silver exploration project in Montana, following a finding of no significant impact.
• This approval not only enables further exploration of sizable copper and silver resources but also positions Hecla to pursue potential partnerships, underscoring management's focus on resource expansion and value creation.
• We'll examine how regulatory clearance for the Libby project could influence Hecla Mining’s longer-term outlook and exploration growth thesis.

Find companies with promising cash flow potential yet trading below their fair value.

Hecla Mining Investment Narrative Recap

To be a shareholder in Hecla Mining today, you need confidence in the long-term theme of rising silver and copper demand, paired with successful reserve growth and operational execution. The recent regulatory green light for the Libby project is positive, but does not immediately shift the company’s central short-term catalyst: achieving targeted throughput at Keno Hill and maintaining steady production across its core assets. Risks, such as permitting delays or rising capital expenses, remain important to watch, though the Libby news marginally reduces regulatory uncertainty for future growth.

The inclusion of Hecla Mining in the S&P SmallCap 600 Index in September 2025 stands out among recent announcements, raising the company’s profile and potentially increasing liquidity. This heightened visibility may support access to capital and strengthen Hecla’s position as it pursues exploration and expansion catalysts, including the Libby project, while it continues to manage execution and operational risks.

But with permitting timelines and capital needs still ahead, investors should be aware that...

Read the full narrative on Hecla Mining (it's free!)

Hecla Mining's narrative projects $954.2 million revenue and $210.3 million earnings by 2028. This requires a 3.4% annual revenue decline and a $110.6 million earnings increase from $99.7 million today.

Uncover how Hecla Mining's forecasts yield a $11.48 fair value, a 10% downside to its current price.

Exploring Other Perspectives

Eleven fair value estimates from the Simply Wall St Community range widely from US$3.53 to US$80 per share. With accelerating demand for silver as a key catalyst in forecasts, you can explore how varying viewpoints capture both optimism and caution around Hecla’s future performance.

Explore 11 other fair value estimates on Hecla Mining - why the stock might be worth over 6x more than the current price!

Build Your Own Hecla Mining Narrative

Disagree with existing narratives? Create your own in under 3 minutes - extraordinary investment returns rarely come from following the herd.

• A great starting point for your Hecla Mining research is our analysis highlighting 2 key rewards that could impact your investment decision.
• Our free Hecla Mining research report provides a comprehensive fundamental analysis summarized in a single visual - the Snowflake - making it easy to evaluate Hecla Mining's overall financial health at a glance.

Interested In Other Possibilities?

Don't miss your shot at the next 10-bagger. Our latest stock picks just dropped:

• Trump has pledged to "unleash" American oil and gas and these 22 US stocks have developments that are poised to benefit.
• These 10 companies survived and thrived after COVID and have the right ingredients to survive Trump's tariffs. Discover why before your portfolio feels the trade war pinch.
• Rare earth metals are an input to most high-tech devices, military and defence systems and electric vehicles. The global race is on to secure supply of these critical minerals. Beat the pack to uncover the 35 best rare earth metal stocks of the very few that mine this essential strategic resource.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com