CANADIAN FIRST NATION SEEKS TO HAVE ITS SAY AS PART OF UPCOMING SALE OF HECLA QUÉBEC AND THE CASA BERARDI MINE TO OREZONE GOLD CORPORATION

Abitibiwinni First Nation urged Hecla (NYSE: HL) and Orezone to engage in good‑faith talks over the proposed sale of Hecla Quebec and the Casa Berardi mine on Feb 3, 2026.

Rhea-AI Summary

Abitibiwinni First Nation urged Hecla (NYSE: HL) and Orezone to engage in good‑faith talks over the proposed sale of Hecla Quebec and the Casa Berardi mine on Feb 3, 2026.

Abitibiwinni says the mine sits on its traditional lands, cites an existing Impacts and Benefits Agreement, notes Hecla replied on Feb 16, 2026, and seeks protections for woodland caribou plus consent rights before further exploration or expansion.

Positive

• Request for good‑faith talks dated Feb 3, 2026
• Plan to establish a protected area for Detour‑Kesagami caribou

Negative

• Abitibiwinni says Hecla's Feb 16, 2026 response was dismissive
• Abitibiwinni insists no expansion without its free and informed consent

Argus Feb 26 session

+5.28% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – HL

On Feb 26, the day this news came out, HL closed 5.28% above the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Feb 26 session.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 17

5 events

1. Feb 17

   Earnings record year

   24h Move

   +3.7%

   Record 2025 revenue, earnings and EBITDA with stronger balance sheet.

2. Feb 13

   Reserves & exploration

   24h Move

   +8.2%

   Large silver and gold reserves plus boosted 2026 exploration program.

3. Feb 02

   Earnings call notice

   24h Move

   -4.3%

   Scheduling of Q4 and full-year 2025 results release and call.

4. Jan 26

   Casa Berardi sale

   24h Move

   -5.8%

   Agreement to sell Casa Berardi subsidiary to Orezone for up to $593M.

5. Jan 26

   Production & guidance

   24h Move

   -5.8%

   Strong 2025 production results and detailed 2026 silver and gold guidance.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

aboriginal rights, impacts and benefits agreement, woodland caribou, free and informed consent

4 terms

aboriginal rights regulatory

"transition that respects its Aboriginal rights and aligns future operations"

Aboriginal rights are legally protected entitlements held by indigenous peoples for their traditional lands, resources and cultural practices, recognized by courts or law. For investors, these rights matter because they can limit or shape resource use, development approvals and ongoing operations—think of them like pre-existing land claims or occupancy rights that must be respected, negotiated with, or accommodated before a project can proceed.

impacts and benefits agreement regulatory

"The mine is currently subject to an Impacts and Benefits Agreement (IBA)"

An impacts and benefits agreement is a negotiated contract between a project developer and local or Indigenous communities that spells out how the project will avoid or reduce harms and share economic, environmental, and social benefits. For investors it matters because the agreement can determine approval timelines, ongoing costs, revenue sharing, and community support — like a detailed neighborhood pact that can make a project proceed smoothly or stall if terms aren’t met.

woodland caribou medical

"raised concerns about the impact of mining activities in the region on woodland caribou"

Woodland caribou is a subspecies of caribou (a large forest-dwelling deer) that depends on mature forests and wetlands for survival. Its presence matters to investors because protected status or recover plans can trigger environmental reviews, permit delays, land-use restrictions and additional mitigation costs for forestry, mining and energy projects—acting like an environmental “stoplight” that can change a project's timeline and budget.

free and informed consent regulatory

"insists that no further exploration or the possible expansion of the project can occur without its free and informed consent"

Free and informed consent is the voluntary agreement by a person to participate in a medical procedure, clinical trial, or other action after being given clear, understandable information about what will happen, the risks and benefits, and any alternatives, and after having time and freedom to decide without pressure. For investors, proper consent matters because it underpins regulatory approval, protects against lawsuits and delays, and preserves company reputation—similar to a signer who reads the full terms and chooses freely before committing.

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PIKOGAN, QC, Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Abitibiwinni First Nation (hereinafter "Abitibiwinni") is calling on Hecla Mining Company (NYSE: HL) ("Hecla") and Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE) (ASX: ORE) (OTCQX: ORZCF) ("Orezone") to ensure a smooth and fair transition that respects its Aboriginal rights and aligns future operations with current economic and environmental realities as part of the proposed sale of Hecla's subsidiary "Hecla Quebec" and its Casa Berardi Mine to Orezone.

These concerns were raised by Abitibiwinni in a letter sent to the presidents of both Hecla and Orezone on February 3^rd, 2026, concerns which were largely dismissed and ignored by Hecla in its response dated February 16, 2026. Orezone, to this day, has not responded to Abitibiwinni's letter.

"The sale of Hecla Quebec and Casa Berardi marks an important transition in our continued efforts to reconcile the sustainable development of our lands with our stewardship responsibilities," said Chief Chantal Kistabish. "Abitibiwinni's priority is to ensure that the sale, once finalized, leads us to constructive dialogue aimed at ensuring that fairness is restored in terms of our relationship with the mine and its owner and guaranteeing that further development only proceeds responsibly and with appropriate environmental safeguards."

The Casa Berardi mine is located entirely on Abitibiwinni's traditional lands, lands over which it has existing Aboriginal and Treaty rights. The mine is currently subject to an Impacts and Benefits Agreement (IBA) between Abitibiwinni and Hecla, but because of Hecla's refusal to allow the agreement to factor in the sharp rise in gold prices, the very foundation of the partnership between Hecla and the First Nation has been undermined.

In its letter, Abitibiwinni also raised concerns about the impact of mining activities in the region on woodland caribou. Given the species' cultural significance and ongoing decline, Abitibiwinni is moving to establish a network of protected areas in the region surrounding the Casa Berardi mine to protect the Detour-Kesagami caribou herd. Abitibiwinni expects both compagnies to support this initiative and insists that no further exploration or the possible expansion of the project can occur without its free and informed consent.

Abitibiwinni is therefore asking that Hecla and Orezone engage promptly in good-faith discussions to work toward a respectful and constructive path forward.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/canadian-first-nation-seeks-to-have-its-say-as-part-of-upcoming-sale-of-hecla-quebec-and-the-casa-berardi-mine-to-orezone-gold-corporation-302698569.html

SOURCE Abitibiwinni First Nation Council

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What did Abitibiwinni request regarding the sale of Hecla Quebec and Casa Berardi (HL)?

Abitibiwinni requested prompt, good‑faith discussions and recognition of its rights. According to Abitibiwinni, it seeks respectful talks, protection measures for caribou, and assurance that further exploration or expansion will not proceed without its free and informed consent.

When did Abitibiwinni send its letter about the Casa Berardi sale to Hecla (HL)?

Abitibiwinni sent its letter on Feb 3, 2026 asking for consultations. According to Abitibiwinni, Hecla replied on Feb 16, 2026, and Orezone had not responded as of the announcement date.

How does Abitibiwinni describe the Casa Berardi mine's location relative to its rights and IBA?

Abitibiwinni states the Casa Berardi mine is entirely on its traditional lands and subject to an existing IBA. According to Abitibiwinni, the IBA’s foundation was undermined by Hecla’s refusal to adjust terms for higher gold prices.

What conservation actions is Abitibiwinni proposing near Casa Berardi (HL)?

Abitibiwinni proposes establishing a network of protected areas to protect the Detour‑Kesagami caribou herd. According to Abitibiwinni, the initiative aims to address caribou decline and cultural significance and expects company support for the protection plan.

What impact could Abitibiwinni's demands have on Hecla (HL) and Orezone's transaction timeline?

Abitibiwinni’s insistence on consent and environmental safeguards could delay or reshape post‑sale operations. According to Abitibiwinni, no further exploration or expansion should occur without its free and informed consent, implying potential operational or permitting impacts.