SoCIal reSPonSIBIlIty  “Mining companies have always supported the people  and communities where they operate. hecla is simply  continuing a long tradition: accomplishing good  wherever we can.” Carolynturner treasurer, Hecla Charitable  Foundation How do you define social responsibility? For Hecla, it begins with the recognition that all activities  associated with developing and mining our mineral resources impact both the communities and the  environments in which we live and work. From there, it’s a simple pledge: to conduct activities in a manner  that minimizes risk to public health and safety, to develop and utilize natural resources in a manner  consistent with proper stewardship of the environment, and to contribute to a solid foundation for the local  economies where we live and work. Environmental stewardship is a cornerstone of Hecla’s corporate culture. We believe that natural resource  extraction can be done in a manner that protects the environment and meets applicable federal and state  regulations. It’s a commitment that begins with the first exploration drill hole and continues through final site  closure. It’s responsible mining. Hecla is also a long-standing, integral part of the communities where we live and work, both as an  economic contributor and through community engagement. We provide tremendous positive economic  impacts to both the states of Idaho and Alaska. Hecla is the largest private-sector employer in Juneau, Alaska,  and the second-largest private employer in Shoshone County, Idaho. Hecla’s approach to volunteerism — an approach that first encourages, then accommodates — has enabled  many of its employees to play critical roles in their communities. “Without Hecla, I wouldn’t be able to serve,”  says Carolyn Turner, treasurer of the Hecla Charitable Foundation and chair of the Kellogg school board.  “Everyone understands how important it is for us to give back,” she says. Turner points to the foundation as a significant game-changer in local communities. “Mining companies  have always supported the people and communities where they operate,” she explains. And in the Silver  Valley, she adds, a number of mining and smelting companies have come and gone over the years, making  Hecla the company with the longest ties — and the deepest connections — in the area. By establishing a  foundation, Turner says, Hecla’s capacity to provide support is no longer tied to metals prices. “It’s a  mechanism that enables us to continue to support our communities — a way to give that isn’t affected by  changes in markets,” she says.  The Hecla Charitable Foundation was established in 2008 to provide grants and disburse funds for  educational and charitable purposes to qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations. Its mission is to enhance the quality  of life and to promote the social, environmental, and economic sustainability and development of those  communities where Hecla has operations and activities. Within this overall mission, the foundation intends to  focus its efforts in four areas: education, community programs, youth activities, and health services. $829,938  in grants have been awarded since its inception — $296,357 to various organizations in 2012 alone. But what does that mean in practice? Cindy Moore, a Hecla employee fighting ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)  participated in the Walk to Defeat ALS in Coeur d’Alene last year. Hecla put together a team to walk alongside  Cindy, raising $45,217 — 76 percent of the Walk’s total — thanks in part to a gift of $10,000 from the Hecla  Charitable Foundation. According to Turner, it’s nothing new. “Hecla is simply continuing a long tradition,” she says,  “accomplishing good wherever we can.” 14 [HL]