Lucky Friday going deeper, adding jobs

Employment at Hecla Mining Co.’s Lucky Friday Mine has shot up 24 percent this year, as workers tapped into a new, deeper area of silver ore.

The mine, already one of the deepest hardrock mines in North America, is adding 1,000 feet to its depth.

When an expansion is completed next year, miners will be extracting ore from nearly 6,000 feet below the earth’s surface. It’s a rich area, with 28 million ounces of silver, said Mike Dexter, the Lucky Friday’s general manager.

The expansion brightens prospects for years to come at the mine near Mullan, Idaho, Dexter said. He’s added 34 positions at the mine and adjacent mill this year, and still is advertising for six to eight experienced workers. The Lucky Friday currently employs 173 people, which makes it one of Shoshone County’s largest private employers.

Four years ago, the historic mine appeared headed for closure. The Lucky Friday was losing nearly $1 on every ounce of silver mined. To reduce losses, Hecla Mining laid off more than 100 workers, and its board delayed spending the $8.5 million-plus needed to tunnel through to new areas of ore.

Increases in worker productivity helped convince Hecla’s board to authorize the expansion. Silver prices rose as well, from less than $5 per ounce in 2001, to current prices of $8 per ounce.

To reach the new area of ore, miners are drilling through nearly a mile of rock. Dexter said the new area should be in full production by the end of 2006. Employment at the mine will level off at about 180 workers, he said.

The Lucky Friday’s mill is also in the midst of a $3.7 million upgrade, which will improve efficiency at the 50-year-old facility, he said.