Rob Krcmarov named new Hecla Mining Co. CEO
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — Hecla Mining Co. announced its board of directors has appointed longtime mining executive Rob Krcmarov as the company's new president and chief executive effective this Thursday and named him to the board.
He succeeds Catherine "Cassie" J. Boggs, who has served as interim president and CEO since May 22 and will remain as board chair for Hecla, which has properties in Nevada, as well as gold and silver mines in Alaska, Idaho and Quebec.
"We are very excited that Rob Krcmarov will be Hecla's new CEO and join the Board," said Boggs. "The board conducted a rigorous selection process to ensure that our new CEO has the right experience, vision, and leadership to guide Hecla forward, and that is Rob. Rob is a highly respected figure in the mining industry with a proven track record across various international markets."
She said in the Monday announcement "his experience in managing complex operations and his commitment to safe, sustainable mining practices make him the ideal fit for Hecla's next chapter. We look forward to his input on all of our operations, including our large inventory of exploration and pre-development projects."
Krcmarov is a seasoned geologist and mining executive. Prior to joining Hecla, he served 13 years on the executive leadership team at Barrick Gold Corp., most recently as executive vice president of exploration and growth.
"It's a privilege to join Hecla and lead such a talented and dedicated team. I look forward to building upon Hecla's legacy of operational excellence, culture of innovation, and continuous improvement and furthering our commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and stakeholder engagement," Krcmarov said.
Hecla stated that Krcmarov has a record of running efficient and safe operations, evaluating new business opportunities, conducting effective community relations, and engaging in constructive dialogue with institutional investors, financial markets, board members, government officials, and other stakeholders. The company also cited his leadership capabilities covering mineral exploration, drilling operations, mining operations, change management, research and development, and strategic planning.
Krcmarov's international experience spans many countries on five continents.
Additionally, the company announced the promotion of Carlos Aguiar from vice president — operations to senior vice president and chief operating officer effective Thursday.
Aguiar, who joined Hecla in 1996, was appointed vice president of operations in August 2023 after serving as vice president and general manager at the Lucky Friday Mine and previously at the San Sebastian Mine.
With over 25 years of engineering and management experience in mining, he has held various leadership roles across Hecla's operations, the company said.
