U.S. REPORT Escalante shutdown

Hecla Mining (NYSE) has closed its Escalante silver mine, 40 miles west of Cedar City, Utah. The orebody at Escalante has been mined out and exploration failed to add additional reserves. In operation since 1981, the mine produced 15.5 million oz of silver during its life. Although mining has stopped, the mill continues to process ore stockpiled on surface. This activity will continue until late 1990, Hecla says. The mill processes 850 tons of rock per day, recovering 80% of the contained silver.