Hecla Mining Loses Veteran Executive To Exploration Venture

Hecla Mining Co. lost one if its most experienced managers this week, but added experience to its board of directors.

Ralph Noyes, vice president of metals mining for Hecla Mining Co., has resigned from the company to focus on an exploration venture.

Noyes, who spent 19 years with Hecla, will become chairman of Consil Corp., a metals exploration company soon to be traded on the Vancouver Stock Exchange.

His departure comes on the heels of a $97 million write-down related to Hecla’s troubles with its Grouse Creek project, but Noyes said his resignation was not forced.

The loss could make Hecla’s exploration less aggressive, and that’s where Noyes’ has the most interest. After putting together the successful La Choya mine in Mexico, Noyes said he wanted to do more exploration there.

That’s why Consil is a perfect fit for him, Noyes said. The company, with some of its stock owned by Hecla, has a promising silver property in Mexico called Ojo Caliente and will continue to look for others.

Consil sold a Silver Valley mine to Sunshine Mining & Refining Co. this year, using the proceeds to do more exploration.

Taking over direction of Hecla’s metal mining division will be Art Brown, currently Hecla’s chairman, chief executive and president.

Hecla also added Ted Crumley to its board of directors this week.

Crumley is senior vice president and chief financial officer of Boise Cascade Corp. in Boise, and is a Salmon, Idaho, native. His election increases the board’s size to eight from seven.

, DataTimes