US-based Hecla Mining has secured federal approval for its 2026 exploration programme at the Polaris project in Nevada’s historic Aurora mining district, after the US Forest Service (USFS) issued a finding of no significant impact and decision notice for the work.

The approval, granted by the USFS Bridgeport Ranger district on November 20, follows an nvironmental review that concluded the planned activities pose no significant environmental effects. The permit allows Hecla’s subsidiary, Klondex Aurora Mine, to proceed with drilling and related exploration next year.

“This approval marks a significant milestone in advancing our exploration strategy in one of Nevada’s most prospective high-grade gold districts,” said VP exploration Kurt Allen. “We are excited to begin our 2026 exploration programme at Aurora, which produced some of the highest-grade gold and silver ore in Walker Lane during its historic operations. We appreciate the thorough review conducted by the USFS and the collaboration with local stakeholders throughout this process.”

The Aurora district is one of the highest-grade historic mining camps in the Walker Lane trend, having produced 1.9-million ounces of gold and 20-million ounces of silver, with historic underground grades averaging 2.24 oz/t gold. Hecla says the district’s well-mineralised hydrothermal system offers scope for additional high-grade discoveries.

The project is supported by existing infrastructure, including a 600-t/d mill and extensive private landholdings that reduce future permitting requirements. Over the past three years, Hecla has consolidated land positions, compiled historical datasets and refined district-scale structural and geochemical models to define new targets.

The 2026 exploration programme will test multiple epithermal vein systems across different erosional levels. Near-surface targets include Martinez, Juniata and Ann, while deeper preserved systems at Brawley Peak, Sawtooth Ridge and Polaris will also be drilled.

“These targets represent numerous underexplored vein systems with significant discovery potential,” Allen said. “The Polaris project represents an important opportunity to expand our understanding of the mineral potential in this region while upholding our commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.”

Hecla said its large private land position provides a strong platform for ongoing exploration and potential development, with the company emphasising its commitment to safe, transparent and compliant operations.