New Jersey Mining Company (OTCQB:NJMC) announced today that it has sold its Toboggan project to Hecla Silver Valley, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) for $3-million cash.

New Jersey’s Toboggan property sold to Hecla Silver Valley was comprised of the surface rights to the Little Baldy patented claims and 106 unpatented mining claims totaling more than 2,100 acres along a northwest-trending lineament of gold in quartz vein prospects within North Idaho’s Murray Gold Belt. The property is located three miles north of NJMC’s Golden Chest Mine, which is currently producing gold from both open pit and underground operations.

The Toboggan project was a joint venture between Newmont Mining Company and NJMC for the 2008 through 2010 exploration seasons, during which Newmont explored and analyzed multiple prospects. The entire data base generated by Newmont and NJMC was included in the sale to Hecla Silver Valley.

In addition to the monetary consideration, the sale terms include the establishment of a defined “Area of Interest” surrounding the Toboggan project, and within the Toboggan Trend. NJMC also retains a 2-percent Net Smelter Returns royalty on the Toboggan property, of which Hecla Silver Valley has the right to buy back 1-percent for $1-million.

Hecla also participated in a private placement, purchasing $500,000 of restricted NJMC common stock for $0.13 per unit, with a unit comprised of one share of common stock and a half warrant. Each full warrant allows for the purchase of one share of common stock for $0.22 per share and expires three years from the date of participation.

NJMC CEO and President John Swallow stated, “We view this transaction as a win-win not only for Hecla and New Jersey, but also for the Murray Gold Belt and the future of the district.  This transaction is a testament to the long-term diligence of our team and the potential of the Murray Gold Belt.  We welcome Hecla as a fellow regional landholder and as a NJMC shareholder.”

NJMC controls more than 3,500 acres along the Murray Gold Belt – including the producing Golden Chest Mine. Gold was first discovered in the Coeur d’Alene District within the Murray Gold Belt in 1879, but by 1888 mining declined as the center of activity shifted to the Silver Valley following the discovery of the Bunker Hill, Sunshine, Lucky Friday, and other iconic regional mines. The rebirth of the long-forgotten Murray Gold Belt has been led by NJMC and its redevelopment of the Golden Chest Mine.

About New Jersey Mining Company

New Jersey Mining Company is headquartered in North Idaho, where it is producing gold at its Golden Chest Mine. NJMC has established a high-quality, early to advanced-stage asset base in three historic mining districts of Idaho and Montana, developed with more than $50-million by NJMC and other companies. The Company’s objective is to use its considerable in-house skill sets to build a portfolio of mining and milling operations, with a longer-term vision of becoming a mid-tier producer. Management is shareholder focused and owns more than 17-percent of NJMC common stock.