Background
Griffith, William Alexander was born on March 28, 1922 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States. Son of James William and Adeline Mae (Reid) Griffith.
Griffith, William Alexander was born on March 28, 1922 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States. Son of James William and Adeline Mae (Reid) Griffith.
Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering, South Dakota School Mines and Technology, 1947. Master of Science in Metallurgy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1950. Mineral Dressing Engineer (honorary), Montana College Mineral Science and Technology, 1971.
Doctor in Business Administration (honorary), South Dakota School Mines & Technology, 1986. Doctor in Science (honorary), University Idaho, 1990.
With, New Jersey Zinc Company, 1949-1957; chief milling and maintenance Bertha minerals division, New Jersey Zinc Company, 1956-1957; metallurgist, Rare Metals Corporation American, Tuba City, Arizona, 1957-1958; director research, Phelps Dodge Corporation, Morenci, Arizona, 1958-1968; with, Hecla Mining Company, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho., 1968-1987; executive vice president, Hecla Mining Company, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho., 1978; president, chief Executive officer, Hecla Mining Company, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho., 1979-1986; chairman, chief Executive officer, Hecla Mining Company, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho., 1986-1987; president, Granduc Mines Ltd., 1987-1988; chairman, Inland N.W. bank corporation, Inc., 1989-1996. Board directors The Coeur d'Alenes Company.
With United States Naval Reserve, 1943-1946. Member American Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum Engineers (Gaudin award 1977, Richards award 1981, Distinguished member 1977, Honorary 1987), National Academy of Engineering, American Mining Congress (past director), Idaho Mining Association (past president), Idaho Association Commerce and Industry (past board directors), Western Regional Council (chairman 1986-1987), National Strategic Materials and Minerals Advisory Committee to Secretary Interior, Silver Institute (past president, past chairman), National Academy of Engineering, Sigma Tau, Theta Tau.
Married Gratia Frances Hannan, January 27, 1949. Children– Georgeanne Reid, James William, Wade Andrew.