Edit: No Silver Lining In Mine Closure

Federal closure of Hecla’s Lucky Friday silver mine in Mullan is devastating for the Silver Valley economy. And don’t think for a minute that the pain won’t be felt here in Kootenai County. While state officials have estimated the negative economic impact for the Valley at $13 million, a figure used by Hecla CEO Phil Baker better illustrates the severity of the blow to North Idaho. Baker says that the loss will do more than cost some 300 workers their jobs; Hecla will reduce its expenditures for the mine from about $100 million last year to $20 million this year. That’s an $80 million kick to the economy’s gut, much of it right here in North Idaho/ Mike Patrick , Coeur d’Alene Press Editorial Board. More here. (SR file photo of Lucky Friday Mine)

Question: Do you understand the economic impact the Silver Valley mining district has on the region?