COEUR D'ALENE, ID -Hecla Mining Company reported first quarter net income of 38.4 million dollars, compared to a net loss of 3.3 million dollars, during the same period of 2005. Heck's gross profit more than doubled from the same period a year ago, the average total cash cost per ounce of silver production decreased 21 percent and gold production increased 51 percent over the first quarter of 2005. First quarter net income is primarily attributable to a gain of 35.6 million dollars, net of income taxes, on the sale of a stock investment and increased gross profit due to rising metals prices. Excluding the gain on sale of investments, Hecla's net income totaled 2.8 million dollars, an improvement of 6.1 million dollars over the first quarter of 2005.
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