Hecla Mining Co. said one of its subsidiaries signed an agreement to buy $3.2 million worth of Dolly Varden Silver Corp.

The purchase of 20 million shares gives Hecla 19.9 percent of Dolly Varden’s outstanding shares. Hecla said in the announcement on Tuesday that it doesn’t intend to take a controlling interest in the company.

Dolly Varden is a mineral exploration company that develops silver projects in British Columbia. Hecla has two silver mines and exploration properties in four silver mining areas in the U.S. and Mexico.

Hecla shares fell 1 cent to $5.12 on Wednesday.