Baker retires from Hecla

COEUR d'ALENE — Hecla Mining Company recently said Phillips S. Baker Jr., president and chief executive officer, has retired and stepped down from the board after 23 years.

Catherine J. “Cassie” Boggs, Hecla’s board chair, was named interim president and CEO. 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to take on the role of interim president and CEO during this time of growth and innovation for our company, and I look forward to working alongside Hecla’s team of experienced operators and executives as we continue to deliver on our plans to create long-term value for shareholders," Boggs said in a press release. 

The board also named Charles B. Stanley to serve as lead independent director. Boggs said the board will immediately begin a search for a new chief executive. 

"Hecla’s day-to-day mining operations will carry on unabated with the talented and dedicated staff we have at all our operations and at our headquarters," Boggs said. "Senior management and I will continue to support and guide our operations and personnel throughout this leadership transition.”

Boggs has over 40 years of experience in the domestic and international mining space. Most recently, she served as general counsel at Resource Capital Funds from 2011 until her retirement in 2019. 

Previously, she worked for Barrick Gold Corporation, serving in a variety of leadership roles, including as the chief executive officer of Tethyan Copper Company, interim president of the African Business Unit and interim General Counsel of African Barrick Gold. 

"She also has vast experience in due diligence, country and political risk assessments, and the structuring and implementation of risk mitigation strategies," the release said.