Wells Fargo ranks No. 1 in customer satisfaction

Customers of large banks participating in an independent survey again ranked Wells Fargo's retail bank No. 1 in customer satisfaction.

The American Customer Satisfaction Index, a survey of consumer satisfaction produced in partnership with the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, released results for large banks Tuesday. The surveys were conducted in the third quarter of 2011.

Wells Fargo's customer satisfaction score of 73 (out of 100) remained unchanged for the third successive year (Citigroup's score of 73 resulted in a top position tie with Wells Fargo). Prior to its merger with Wells Fargo, Wachovia earned top honors eight years in a row.

"We focus every day on putting our customers at the center of everything we do. We want our customers to see us as trusted financial advisors, providing outstanding service, convenience and value," said Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf. "We strive to be No. 1 in service by helping our customers succeed financially."

Hecla acquires

remaining interest in San Juan Silver project

Hecla Mining Company said Tuesday it has acquired the remaining 30 percent interest in the San Juan Silver project at Creede, one of Colorado's most prolific silver-producing districts.

The San Juan Silver project has a silver resource of about 37 million ounces and significant lead. With 20 plus miles of the Bulldog, Amethyst, and Equity veins on the property, there is potential for considerably more silver and gold resources.

The company maintains a 70 percent interest in an exploration joint venture that holds ancillary exploration property with numerous unexplored veins in the district.

"This transaction is another step toward increasing our interest in district-sized land packages and silver production growth opportunities," said Phil Baker, president and chief executive officer. "The San Juan Silver project offers tremendous upside and has progressed much quicker than we had anticipated."

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