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Bush? eom
Why should the project be uneconomical now when it was already very economical in the first FS?
You can also trade at Lang & Schwarz. I think the other exchanges are a bit confused since the Canadian delisting.
NioCorp Receives Preliminary Indicative Term Sheet from U.S. Export-Import Bank on Potential $800 Million Debt Financing
CENTENNIAL, Colorado – May 6, 2024 – NioCorp Developments Ltd. (“NioCorp” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq:NB) announces that it has received a preliminary, non-binding indicative financing term sheet from the Export-Import Bank of the United States ("EXIM") as part of a Preliminary Project Letter (“PPL”) conveying EXIM’s initial due diligence findings to NioCorp on its application for $800 million in debt financing from EXIM for the Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project.
Along with the preliminary indicative term sheet, the PPL provides a summary of EXIM’s initial due diligence findings of the Project. Management is working with EXIM to continue to advance the project through the next stages of EXIM’s due diligence and loan application process.
"While it is not possible to estimate how long the application process will take, I remain very pleased and appreciative of the very focused engagement and constructive feedback that EXIM is providing to us in order to continue advancing our application for financing from the bank," said NioCorp CEO and Chairman Mark A. Smith. "I continue to be impressed with the EXIM staff's dedication and professionalism in helping NioCorp advance through this loan application process."
NioCorp Receives Preliminary Indicative Term Sheet from U.S. Export-Import Bank on Potential $800 Million Debt Financing
CENTENNIAL, Colorado – May 6, 2024 – NioCorp Developments Ltd. (“NioCorp” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq:NB) announces that it has received a preliminary, non-binding indicative financing term sheet from the Export-Import Bank of the United States ("EXIM") as part of a Preliminary Project Letter (“PPL”) conveying EXIM’s initial due diligence findings to NioCorp on its application for $800 million in debt financing from EXIM for the Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project.
Along with the preliminary indicative term sheet, the PPL provides a summary of EXIM’s initial due diligence findings of the Project. Management is working with EXIM to continue to advance the project through the next stages of EXIM’s due diligence and loan application process.
"While it is not possible to estimate how long the application process will take, I remain very pleased and appreciative of the very focused engagement and constructive feedback that EXIM is providing to us in order to continue advancing our application for financing from the bank," said NioCorp CEO and Chairman Mark A. Smith. "I continue to be impressed with the EXIM staff's dedication and professionalism in helping NioCorp advance through this loan application process."
Germany (Gettex) up 7% 3,095 EUR 8k shares eom
NioCorp Joins With Major Automotive Manufacturers, Mining Companies and Electric Vehicle Battery Companies to Urge Action by Biden Administration on Mining Tax Incentive
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – February 8, 2024 – NioCorp Developments Ltd. ("NioCorp" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:NB) (TSX:NB) joined with major automotive manufacturers, mining companies, and electric vehicle battery companies to urge the Biden Administration to allow a 10% tax credit to apply to both mineral extraction and mineral processing in the U.S.
In a joint letter this week to U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, NioCorp and 45 other companies and associations, including Tesla, General Motors, and the Zero Emission Transportation Association, urged the Internal Revenue Service not to limit the Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Product Tax Credit (the “45X Tax Credit”) only to the cost of processing critical minerals needed for electric vehicles and other clean energy technologies, but to extend the 45X Tax Credit to the cost of mining the minerals as well. The 45X Tax Credit was enacted with support from both political parties as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
In the letter, NioCorp and other signatories explained their concerns as follows:
"Section 45X creates a new tax credit that provides $35 per kWh for each battery cell, $10 per kWh for each battery module, and covers 10 percent of the costs of production of the applicable critical materials, which will significantly drive down the costs of domestic clean energy manufacturing. Unlike other eligible components, applicable critical minerals are not subject to a credit phaseout after 2029, underscoring Congressional intent that the IRA incentivizes the onshoring of the critical minerals supply chain.
"If implemented thoughtfully, the 45X credit will ensure the success of current American industrial policy over the next decade by facilitating the deployment of domestically-produced clean energy technologies —particularly electric vehicles. However, the proposed guidance states that the only critical mineral production costs eligible to be counted toward the production tax credit are the downstream value-added activities that include chemical conversion and purification (i.e., processing). This concept would not provide a tax credit for the costs of domestic extraction of critical minerals, a key part of onshoring the supply chain.
…
"Congress intended the 45X tax credit to work in tandem with the clean vehicle credit’s sourcing requirements to stimulate domestic production of critical minerals and reduce the United States’ reliance on imported minerals," the coalition wrote. "To stimulate greater security of our domestic critical mineral supply chains and unlock the intended impact of the statute, the undersigned organizations urge the Department of the Treasury and the IRS to consider that direct and indirect material costs and costs related to the domestic extraction of raw materials are value-added activities and should be eligible to claim the 45X credit.”
https://www.niocorp.com/wp-content/uploads/45X_Industry_Letter_to_Treasury-IRS_Feb-2024.pdf
Same story with me. Just as many shares and even the age is the same!😃
2023 Progress Positions NioCorp for Historic Advancements in 2024
January 11, 2024
Dear Shareholders:
As we launch into 2024, I have been reviewing many elements of NioCorp’s progress in 2023 on the Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project. The Company took some enormous strides over the past year that I believe position us to achieve historic advancements in 2024. I want to share my thoughts and takeaways on the year that was 2023, and on our goals for the coming year.
The first quarter of 2023 was marked by some very important milestones for the Company and the Elk Creek Project.
We received a letter of interest from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (“EXIM”) regarding EXIM’s interest in potentially making available as much as $800 million in debt financing to the Elk Creek Project.
We saw excellent demonstration plant results for rare earth processing and recovery from ore that the Company expects to extract from the Elk Creek Project.
FoxNews published an op-ed I wrote regarding my prediction that China will eventually reduce or cut off exports of rare earth minerals to the West – emphasizing the critical need for the U.S. to start making more of its own critical minerals.
We also earned a front-page New York Times article that helped to elevate the visibility of the Elk Creek Project around the world.
As the year progressed, we signed a term sheet with Stellantis, the world’s third largest automaker, announcing our shared intent to execute definitive agreements on a rare earth offtake contract as well as a possible strategic investment in NioCorp by the automaker. Work on these agreements is proceeding on a good pace.
We also completed all metallurgical test work related to an improved process flow sheet at our Quebec-based demonstration plant in 2023. That effort achieved some very powerful results that have the potential to significantly improve the Elk Creek Project’s projected economics and process efficiency and expand our planned product offering.
I was admittedly disappointed, as were all NioCorp shareholders, in the outcome of our 2023 SPAC transaction. That deal promised to raise significant new capital for the Elk Creek Project. However, many investment firms opted to redeem their GX shares, which we felt was largely due to the emerging banking crisis that hit the U.S. just prior to the SPAC deal close. The transaction did earn us a rapid up-listing to the Nasdaq Stock Exchange, inclusion in the Russell 3000 and 2000 indexes, positions in our stock by many large institutional investment houses, and two new Board members who have joined other NioCorp Board members in taking very active roles in broadening and intensifying our project financing campaign.
I certainly share shareholders’ collective disappointment in NioCorp’s share price performance in 2023. As the single largest shareholder of NioCorp stock today, I have made significant investments in NioCorp. My family and I have every reason to see NioCorp succeed. While markets can at times seriously undervalue highly promising companies such as NioCorp, I also know that markets tend to correct such valuations as companies successfully take projects like the Elk Creek Project to commercial reality. That is the laser-focused mission of every single member of the NioCorp team.
While I wanted to see 2023 be the year in which we formally launched construction of this historic and much-needed critical minerals project in Nebraska, I have never been more confident of success in securing the project financing we need to move the Elk Creek Project forward. As I see it, the stars are increasingly aligning behind our Elk Creek Project, and 2024 promises to be a momentous year for NioCorp.
2024 is already a very busy time for the NioCorp team:
During the week of January 15, 2024, the NioCorp team will be presenting on the Elk Creek Project to some of the world's leading defense industry companies at an industry-only Mine-to-Magnets workshop in the Washington D.C. area, at the invitation of the National Defense Industries Association. We have a number of other meetings next week in D.C. as we continue to promote the Elk Creek Project and pursue project financing.
Our Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will be conducted in Denver on January 19, 2024. We will be hosting an investor update webcast on that day, and we'll issue the details shortly on how investors can tune in.
I will be presenting on the Elk Creek Project to institutional investment funds and other investors at TD Securities' 15th Annual Global Mining Conference in Toronto on January 23, 2024.
NioCorp will participate in the 2024 Motor, Drive Systems, and Magnetics Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, FL from February 13-15, 2024.
I will be presenting to our many European investors on April 20, 2024 at the SafeCapital Spring Meeting in Antwerp, Belgium.
NioCorp will be presenting to the 72rd Annual Conference of the Colorado Chapter of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration ("SME"), to be held April 25-27, 2024.
We will keep investors updated on the many other events and developments that we expect in 2024.
I hope you enjoy reviewing the progress we made in 2023 as much as the team and I enjoyed producing this impressive list. On behalf of the entire NioCorp family, here’s wishing you and your family and loved ones a safe, bountiful, and constructive 2024!
Best regards,
Mark A. Smith
Chairman and CEO
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
At least, the largest and best accounting firm in the world!👍️
Maybe the reason is the long time it takes for an FS? Investors think it takes them 100 years to build a mine when it takes them 2 years to write an updated FS.
They are much to slow with everything. That doesn't inspire much confidence. But I hope that changes, as I have been doing for 9 years now...
“Wahnsinn” is, that we are now where we were 7 years ago and this with all the milestones we have achieved since then.
Normally we should be at $25+++
NioCorp Produces Ingot of Aluminum-Scandium Metal Alloy Using Environmentally Superior Process
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (October 18, 2023) – NioCorp Developments Ltd. (“NioCorp” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:NB) (TSX:NB) and its development partner, Nanoscale Powders LLC (“Nanoscale”), are pleased to announce the successful pilot-scale production of a one-kilogram ingot of Aluminum-Scandium (“Al-Sc”) alloy at a facility owned and operated by Creative Engineers in New Freedom, Pennsylvania.
The Al-Sc alloy ingot was produced via a proprietary process developed by Nanoscale that is expected to improve process efficiency, result in higher yields, and reduce environmental impacts over traditional approaches. Nanoscale has already developed similar metallurgical processes that are being applied to the production of rare earth metals of other operators, which behave metallurgically in a fashion similar to scandium.
The alloy ingot will now be tested for chemical composition to determine its precise metallurgical characteristics while Creative Engineers continues to optimize the process so that NioCorp will eventually be able to produce Al-Sc master alloy ingots with various amounts of contained scandium.
Al-Sc master alloy, which generally contains 2% by weight scandium, is used to introduce scandium into aluminum for the purpose of producing various Al-Sc alloys, which generally contain a fraction of a percent scandium by weight. These alloys help to reduce weight, increase strength and corrosion resistance, and make the material weldable in automotive and mass transit, aerospace, defense, space, and other systems. NioCorp’s goal is to demonstrate the ability to make Al-Sc master alloy containing from 2% by weight scandium to as much as 10% by weight scandium.
“I am very pleased and proud to announce this first initial pour of aluminum-scandium alloy as part of our Al-Sc master alloy development program,” said Mark A. Smith, CEO and Executive Chairman of NioCorp. “The process we are employing in our pilot-scale testing is a significant advance over what has traditionally been used to produce this master alloy. Not only do we expect it to be more efficient, but it also will help us avoid the powerful greenhouse gas emissions that are typically generated using the standard calciothermic reduction of fluoride approach.”
“With this milestone achieved, our team will continue to progress through additional testing, chemical analysis, process optimization, and other steps as we pursue our phased commercialization of this strategic alloy.”
The Al-Sc master alloy initiative is overseen by Scott Honan, NioCorp’s COO, who said: “Producing aluminum-scandium master alloy is technically challenging on multiple levels. However, the Nanoscale and Creative Engineers teams are highly adept at designing and testing challenging metallurgical processes, and I am confident that we will continue to advance toward eventual commercial production of [an?] aluminum-scandium master alloy.”
NioCorp is in commercial discussions with vehicle manufacturers that have expressed interest in potentially deploying aluminum-scandium alloys in electric and other vehicles in order to reduce vehicle weight, strengthen vehicle frames and other components, and improve performance.
NioCorp also is working closely with policymakers in Washington, D.C. and other stakeholders interested in national defense applications for scandium and aluminum-scandium alloys. The House and Senate Armed Services Committees recently approved legislation that directs the Pentagon to more actively support efforts to develop domestic production of scandium, Al-Sc master alloy, niobium, titanium, rare earths, and other critical minerals.
NioCorp and Nanoscale also plan to develop recycling approaches for scrap alloy, including work-in-process material and post-production scrap.
Qualified Persons:
Scott Honan, M.Sc., SME-RM, COO of NioCorp Developments Ltd., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information and verified the data contained in this news release.
Only 3 posts left for turdman eom
Stellantis and NioCorp Sign Rare Earth Offtake Term Sheet in Support of Stellantis’ Commitment to Reaching Carbon Net Zero by 2038
Term Sheet Also Envisions a Possible Strategic Investment by Stellantis in NioCorp's Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project
AMSTERDAM and CENTENNIAL, Colo. – July 6, 2023 – Stellantis N.V. ("Stellantis") and NioCorp Developments Ltd. ("NioCorp" or the "Company") (Nasdaq:NB) (TSX:NB) today announced the signing of a Rare Earth Offtake Term Sheet ("Term Sheet"). The objective is to enter into a definitive rare earth supply agreement to support Stellantis' commitment to build resilient supply chains and reach carbon net zero by 2038 and to help accelerate NioCorp's path to commercial production of magnetic rare earth oxides in the U.S.
The Term Sheet executed today envisions a definitive agreement for a 10-year offtake contract for specific amounts of neodymium-praseodymium oxide, dysprosium oxide, and terbium oxide that NioCorp aims to produce at its Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project (the "Elk Creek Project") in southeast Nebraska, subject to the receipt of adequate project financing. Final volumes would be set in a definitive agreement.
“Stellantis intends to lead the industry with the commitment to be carbon net zero by 2038 – a goal that requires innovation and a complete redefinition of our sourcing strategies,” said Stellantis Chief Purchasing and Supply Chain Officer Maxime Picat. “By working with partners like NioCorp, we are taking important steps, with the aim of decarbonizing mobility and ensuring strategic supplies of raw materials necessary for the success of the Company’s global electrification plans highlighted in our Dare Forward 2030 strategy."
"We are very pleased to announce that NioCorp and Stellantis have agreed to collaboratively develop Stellantis’ magnetic rare earth supply chain, including helping to identify a sintered rare earth permanent magnet manufacturer that provides additional geographic optionality to Stellantis, in support of their ambitious commitment to reach carbon net zero by 2038," said Mark Smith, Executive Chairman and CEO of NioCorp. "We believe that NioCorp’s position as a potential U.S. supplier of multiple critical minerals needed for vehicle electrification offers Stellantis important optionality to secure supply chains and support its growth targets."
As no economic analysis has been completed on the rare earth mineral resource comprising the Elk Creek Project, further studies are required before determining whether extraction of rare earth elements can be reasonably justified and economically viable after taking account all relevant factors.
The entrance into a binding off-take agreement is subject to the satisfactory completion of due diligence, the negotiation and settlement of final terms, the negotiation of definitive documentation, and customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that any binding agreement will be entered into on the terms described herein or at all. See “Forward-Looking Statements” below for additional information.
Thank you Walter! I trust you and your experience! eom
NioCorp Applies for Debt Financing From the US Export-Import Bank
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (June 6, 2023) – NioCorp Developments Ltd. (“NioCorp” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:NB) (TSX:NB) announces today that it has submitted an application to the Export-Import Bank of the United States (“EXIM”) for debt financing (the “Debt Financing”) to fund the project costs for the Company’s proposed Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project (the “Elk Creek Project”), located in southeast Nebraska, under EXIM’s “Make More in America“ initiative.
The Company submitted its Phase I application following receipt of a Letter of Interest from EXIM in February 2023, as announced on March 6, 2023, with regard to EXIM’s potential interest in helping to finance the construction and development of the Elk Creek Project.
According to EXIM, the process from submission of a Phase I application to a final commitment of financing by EXIM, if any, is expected to take approximately six to nine months and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. See “About NioCorp’s Application Process” and “Forward-Looking Statements” below for additional information.
The Debt Financing is subject to, among other matters, the satisfactory completion of due diligence, the negotiation and settlement of final terms, and the negotiation of definitive documentation. There can be no assurance that the Debt Financing will be completed on the terms described herein or at all.
NioCorp Completes Geotechnical Drilling Campaign at the Elk Creek Critical Minerals Mine Site
Drilling and Analysis of Glacial Till Soil Layer Done in Advance of Proposed Land Grading, Early Works, Heavy Construction, and Eventual Foundation Pours for the Elk Creek Project
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (June 1, 2023) – CENTENNIAL, Colo. (June 1, 2023) – NioCorp Developments Ltd. (“NioCorp” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:NB) (TSX:NB) today announced the successful completion of a geotechnical drilling campaign at the Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project (the “Elk Creek Project”) in southeast Nebraska, which was done in advance of the proposed site preparation, grading, heavy construction, and eventual foundation pours for the Elk Creek Project that are expected to commence once sufficient financing is obtained.
The campaign involved drilling 16 boreholes and 20 test pits across the one square mile Elk Creek Project site, analyzing soil samples, and generating data for engineering design firms that are continuing to finalize plans for the potential construction of the facility. The drilling explored the "glacial till" geological layer, which is comprised of the first 30 meters or so of soil, clay, and sand that covers much of southeast Nebraska. This layer of sediment was deposited by repeated glaciation that occurred in the Pleistocene epoch that ended approximately 11,000 year ago.
“This important drilling is part of a site-wide investigation that helps us to understand how the soils vary across the site so that we can carefully plan our facility layout and construction plans,” said Scott Honan, NioCorp’s Chief Operating Officer, who supervised the fieldwork.
NioCorp Launches Phased Approach to Commercial Production of Made-in-America Aluminum-Scandium Master Alloy
NioCorp Partnering with Nanoscale Powders LLC to Explore the Possibility of Establishing the First US-Based Mine-to-Master-Alloy Vertically Integrated Production of the High-Performance Material
NioCorp’s Potential Commercial Production of Al-Sc Master Alloy Could Launch Prior to the Company’s Planned Production of >100 Tonnes/Year of Scandium Oxide at its Proposed Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Nebraska and Would Use Scandium Produced at the Elk Creek Facility as well as From Other Sources
China Now Dominates the Scandium World, but North America is Now Positioned to Emerge as a “Leading Scandium Producer,” says NioCorp CEO
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (May 29, 2023) – NioCorp Developments Ltd. (“NioCorp” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:NB) (TSX:NB) today announced its intent to launch a phased approach to commercial-scale production of aluminum-scandium (“Al-Sc”) master alloy in the US for commercial and defense applications. Coupled with the Company’s intended plans to produce more than 100 tonnes per year of scandium oxide from its proposed Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project (the “Elk Creek Project”) in southeast Nebraska, and depending upon the results of the Al-Sc master alloy initiative, receipt of necessary funding and other factors, the initiative could establish the US as a leading producer of scandium, according to NioCorp CEO and Executive Chairman Mark A Smith.
Under an exclusive agreement with Boston-based Nanoscale Powders LLC (“Nanoscale”) the initial work is expected to result in the production of several ingots of Al-Sc master alloy at potentially commercial amounts of scandium content using a proprietary process developed by Nanoscale that increases efficiency and reduces environmental impacts of Al-Sc production over traditional approaches.
The addition of scandium to aluminum alloys produces a much stronger alloy that reduces weight, improves corrosion resistance, and allows for reliable welding operations. Al-Sc alloy has large emerging applications in automotive and mass transit systems, commercial aviation, space, and defense markets. The traditional method of introducing scandium into Al-Sc alloys is via a master alloy containing 98% aluminum and 2% scandium. NioCorp’s and Nanoscale’s goal is to demonstrate the ability to make Al-Sc master alloy containing up to 5% scandium.
NioCorp and Nanoscale plan to first demonstrate Nanocale’s technology at pilot scale using purchased scandium feedstock. If proven to be technologically and economically feasibile, the goal would be to ramp up commercial production of Al-Sc master alloy prior to the Company’s production of scandium oxide at its planned Elk Creek Project once sufficient financing is obtained to allow the Al-Sc master alloy initiative and the Elk Creek Project to proceed to commercial operation. NioCorp believes that providing commercial and defense markets with Al-Sc master alloy will stimulate increased consumption of scandium, which has long been constrained by a lack of supply outside of China.
“Scandium is a game-changer for electric vehicles, mass transit systems, aerospace and defense platforms, and a host of other technologies needed to reduce the carbon intensity of our economy and our world,” said Mark A. Smith, CEO and Executive Chairman of NioCorp. “With existing and highly regarded producers such as Rio Tinto, NioCorp’s plans to produce more than 100 tonnes per year of scandium oxide and vertically integrating from the mine to the master alloy could enable North America to become a leading scandium producer. I look forward to seeing this initiative move forward and to putting Nebraska and the US in a position of global leadership in the production of scandium and aluminum-scandium alloys.”
“In our view, the key to accelerated market uptake of scandium is to provide reliable supplies of Al-Sc master alloy, particularly in a vertically integrated fashion here in the US,” said Scott Honan, Chief Operating Officer of NioCorp. “We evaluated a range of options, and Nanoscale and its proven technology provided the most robust solution as we explore the possibility of producing Al-Sc master alloy.”
"We look forward to eventually establishing aluminum-scandium master alloy production in the U.S. with NioCorp and ramping up to commercial scale as rapidly as possible,” said Andrew Matheson, CEO and a co-founder of Nanoscale. “The growing recognition of scandium’s remarkable properties as an alloying agent with aluminum presents many exciting opportunities in both commercial and defense markets, and there clearly is strong latent demand for this material.”
# # #
I would have achieved the same, alongside my regular 12 hour job, and I would only have asked a tenth of your salary....or less....for nothing....why not?
Obviously nothing! Doesn't sound like she got out herself either. So this is rather a good news
NioCorp Announces Change in Board of Directors
CENTENNIAL, CO. (May 16, 2023) -- NioCorp Developments Ltd. (“NioCorp” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: NB; TSX: NB) announced today that Fernanda Reda Fenga Viana Klamas has resigned from the NioCorp Board of Directors because of an inability to commit the necessary time to serving on the Board.
"We thank Fernanda for her service to NioCorp and we wish her and her family well in all of their future endeavors," said Mark A. Smith, NioCorp CEO and Board Chairman.
# # #
For More Information:
Jim Sims, Corporate Communications Officer, NioCorp Developments Ltd., +1 (720) 334-7066, jim.sims@niocorp.com
@NioCorp $NB $NB.TO $BR3 #Niobium #Scandium #rareearth #neodymium #dysprosium #terbium #ElkCreek #EV #electricvehicle
About NioCorp
NioCorp is developing a critical minerals project in Southeast Nebraska that will produce niobium, scandium, and titanium. The Company also is evaluating the potential to produce several rare earths from the Project. Niobium is used to produce specialty alloys as well as High Strength, Low Alloy (“HSLA”) steel, which is a lighter, stronger steel used in automotive, structural, and pipeline applications. Scandium is a specialty metal that can be combined with Aluminum to make alloys with increased strength and improved corrosion resistance. Scandium is also a critical component of advanced solid oxide fuel cells. Titanium is used in various lightweight alloys and is a key component of pigments used in paper, paint and plastics and is also used for aerospace applications, armor, and medical implants. Magnetic rare earths, such as neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, and dysprosium are critical to the making of Neodymium-Iron-Boron (“NdFeB”) magnets, which are used across a wide variety of defense and civilian applications.
NioCorp Achieves Processing Breakthrough in Demonstration Plant Testing of Niobium and Titanium Production
New Process May Allow NioCorp to Produce Higher-Purity Versions of its Niobium and Titanium Products, Which May Open New Markets to the Company
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (April 4, 2023) – NioCorp Developments Ltd. ("NioCorp" or the "Company") (Nasdaq:NB; TSX: NB) and L3 Process Developments ("L3") are pleased to announce a process breakthrough in niobium and titanium recovery achieved at L3's demonstration-scale processing plant Trois-Rivieres, Quebec. The breakthrough points to a potentially more efficient way to process niobium and titanium into higher-purity products, which may in turn open up new markets for NioCorp's proposed Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project (the "Project") planned products, once sufficient financing is obtained to allow the Project to proceed to commercial operation.
The breakthrough occurred as part of the Company's final stages of work at L3's plant, which has been testing NioCorp's new and improved processing flow sheet for the Project. The new flowsheet targets more efficient processing of niobium, titanium, and scandium, which could improve rates of recovery and potentially reduce operating costs ("OPEX") and/or capital costs ("CAPEX") associated with these operations. Final determination of any changes in OPEX or CAPEX for the Project will be determined through an update to the Project's Feasibility Study, which is expected to be completed later this year.
The demonstration-scale plant also has been testing the technical feasibility of recovering several magnetic rare-earth elements from the Project's Nebraska ore and separating and purifying those elements, which include neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium. NioCorp's Elk Creek Project represents the second largest indicated rare earth resource in the U.S., based on data from the USGS' “Critical Mineral Resources of the United States—Economic and Environmental Geology and Prospects for Future Supply (2017)" and from company-issued reports.
NioCorp has already determined that overall recoveries for these four magnetic rare earths are likely to be greater than 92% and would meet commercial purity specifications for magnetic rare earth oxides. They are in line with the Company's previous published success at demonstration scale in producing high-purity Scandium oxide at an overall recovery rate of approximately 92%. Scandium behaves very similarly to rare earths in solution while it is being separated and recovered into a high-purity oxide product.
Currently, the U.S. is 100% dependent on foreign imports of niobium, scandium, and separated rare earth oxides, even though many modern technologies and virtually all major defense systems require one or more of these critical minerals. The U.S. is dependent on foreign imports for about 92% of its titanium mineral concentrates, according to the U.S. Geological Survey ("USGS").
"By improving both recoveries and purities of our planned niobium and titanium products, we hope to be able to address new markets and help the U.S. establish more secure domestic supply lines for these critical minerals," said Mark A. Smith, CEO and Executive Chairman of NioCorp. "For example, higher-purity niobium may allow us to more directly serve markets associated with rapid-charging niobium-lithium-ion batteries for battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. That, in turn, could increase the domestic content of critical minerals in batteries, which would help U.S. automakers meet increasingly stringent domestic content requirements as well as help consumers of these vehicles potentially benefit from federal tax breaks associated with the purchase of electric vehicles."
Mr. Smith added: "Higher-purity titanium also presents us with new potential market opportunities and improve U.S. security with regard to titanium supply. Titanium supply chains are under increasing stress today as a result of the war in Ukraine. That is because many primary titanium units used in both commercial and defense technologies in the U.S. have in recent years been sourced from Ukraine, and a substantial amount of titanium metal was coming from Russia. Prices for titanium concentrates and feedstocks have increased on the order of 250% as a result. More titanium produced in Nebraska can help mitigate these supply chain pressures."
As no economic analysis has been completed on the rare earth mineral resource comprising the Elk Creek Project, further studies are required before determining whether extraction of rare earth elements can be reasonably justified and economically viable after taking account all relevant factors.
Process Breakthrough Points To Potentially Lower Production Costs
Until now, the Project's flowsheet and economics have been based on two sequential hydrolysis steps to produce a niobium product suitable for conversion into ferroniobium and a titanium product suitable as a feedstock for the pigment market. According to the Company's current Project Feasibility Study, the existing flowsheet projects overall recoveries to final product of 82.4% for niobium and 40.3% for titanium.
Recent testing has focused on utilizing a single hydrolysis step followed by chlorination and condensation of niobium chloride and titanium chloride. These chloride compounds can be easily converted to oxide compounds, which is the general form that prospective customers are looking for.
Qualitative testing to this point has demonstrated the production of a high-purity niobium chloride containing no more than 0.7% Titanium, along with a titanium chloride containing correspondingly low Niobium levels. The work has demonstrated an exceptionally good separation between Niobium and Titanium, and substantially lower base metal impurities in these products than was achieved using the currently planned process.
"Our next steps include establishing a closed material balance for this part of the flowsheet and determining overall recoveries for niobium and titanium," said Scott Honan, NioCorp's Chief Operating Officer. "We expect to make announcements on the results of this work in the coming weeks, and I very much look forward to seeing the final numbers."
Mr. Honan added that the demonstration plant expects to complete its final testing operations in April or May.
Just don't look. We (almost) all know that the SP is manipulated. eom
NioCorp to Ring The Nasdaq Stock Market's Opening Bell
NioCorp's Executive Team to Visit New York City and Ring the Opening Bell at The Nasdaq Stock Market on Thursday, March 30, 2023
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (March 28, 2023) – NioCorp Developments Ltd. ("NioCorp") (Nasdaq:NB; TSX: NB) is pleased to announce that Mark A. Smith, NioCorp's CEO and Executive Chairman, will ring the opening bell on The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2023. NioCorp's stock began trading on Nasdaq on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 under the ticker symbol "NB."
What: NioCorp to visit the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York City’s Times Square to ring the Opening Bell.
Who: NioCorp executives Mark A. Smith (CEO & Executive Chairman); Scott Honan (COO); Neal Shah (CFO); Jim Sims (CCO); Jeff Mason (Corporate Controller); and members of NioCorp's Board of Directors.
Where: New York, New York: Nasdaq MarketSite – 4 Times Square on 43rd & Broadway at Broadcast Studio.
When: Thursday, March 30, 2023 – 9:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. ET
What I'm wondering: Who is actually so stupid and sells Niocorp? eom
Currently the share price is at 10.44C$ or 7.64US$ eom
Message from Niocorp -->NioCorp's Stock Now Trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (March 21, 2023) – NioCorp Developments Ltd. ("NioCorp" or the "Company") (Nasdaq:NB; TSX: NB) is pleased to announce that its stock began trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market ("Nasdaq") today under the ticker symbol "NB." A class of NioCorp warrants also is trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "NIOBW." NioCorp's shares will continue to trade and will be cross-listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "NB."
"It is a new day for NioCorp shareholders as we launch trading on a major U.S. exchange like the Nasdaq," said Mark A. Smith, Executive Chairman and CEO. "This listing gives NioCorp a more robust platform for both institutional and retail investors. It is expected to significantly raise NioCorp's global visibility, and that of our Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project. We are excited to enter this new era for the Company, and we are grateful to the great team at Nasdaq for helping us make this transition smoothly."
Current NioCorp shareholders who purchased shares on the OTCQX Exchange will now be able to trade their shares on the Nasdaq. Shareholders who purchased shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") will continue to be able to trade their shares on the TSX.
In connection with the completion of the Company’s previously announced business combination with GX Acquisition Corp. II (the “Business Combination”) and the beginning of trading on Nasdaq, the Company also effected a share consolidation (reverse stock split) (the “Consolidation”) of its issued and outstanding Common Shares on the basis of one (1) post-Consolidation Common Share for every ten (10) pre-Consolidation Common Shares. NioCorp's opening share price on both the Nasdaq and TSX on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, reflects the Consolidation. The number of shares held by NioCorp investors as of the close of trading on March 20, 2023, were adjusted to one-tenth of their previous holdings, to reflect the Consolidation.
Unfortunately, no trading is possible in Germany either.
"Order entry based on current trading event, currently not possible."
When I look here on the Board i see on the right:
NB
NioCorp Developments Ltd
9.11
7.98 (706.19%)
Volume: 41,788
Day Range: 7.57 - 11.40
Last Trade Time: 10:16:00 AM EDT
But when i click on a posting I see underneath
NB
NioCorp Developments Ltd
7.64
6.51 (576.11%)
Volume: 17,119
Day Range: 7.64 - 11.40
Bid: 7.61
Ask: 7.66
Last Trade Time: 9:51:55 AM EDT
Total Trades: 146
?
Maybe just some i***s looked at their depot, saw +900% and then sold in a panic because they didn't know about the split?
Hello! I'm new on this board. I hope we have a lot of fun here! Cheers!
NioCorp Gains Access to as Much as $71.9 Million in Net Proceeds Over the Next Three Years from its SPAC Transaction and Two Additional Financings as it Prepares to Launch Trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market
New Cash Infusion to NioCorp is Expected to Accelerate Progress of the Company's Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Nebraska
NioCorp Shares Expected to Begin Trading on Tuesday on Nasdaq Under the Ticker Symbol "NB" and Will be Cross-Listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange
CENTENNIAL, Colo – March 16, 2023 – NioCorp Developments Ltd. ("NioCorp" or the "Company") (TSX: NB; OTCQX: NIOBF) is pleased to announce that it expects to have access to as much as $71.9 million in net proceeds over the next three years following the completion of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, dated September 25, 2022 (the “Business Combination Agreement”), among NioCorp, GX Acquisition Corp. II (Nasdaq:GXII) (“GX”) and Big Red Merger Sub Ltd (the "Transaction"), and two separate financing deals with Yorkville Advisors Global, LP ("Yorkville").
The Transaction was approved by a vote of GXII shareholders on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, and the deal is expected to close on Friday, March 17, 2023. NioCorp's common shares (the “Common Shares”) are expected to begin trading on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, on the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) under the ticker symbol "NB." The Nasdaq listing is expected to make investment in NioCorp's stock open to many more investors around the world, including institutional investors and funds. Upon listing on Nasdaq, the Common Shares will be cross-listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and will continue to trade there under the ticker symbol "NB." The stock will no longer trade on the OTCQX under the ticker symbol "NIOBF" in connection with the commencement of trading on Nasdaq.
In connection with closing, NioCorp expects to receive approximately $15.28 million in gross proceeds from the Transaction. Deal costs are anticipated to be approximately $20.3 million. NioCorp expects to receive an additional $15.36 million in net proceeds from a separate convertible debt financing with Yorkville (the “Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing”), and also expects to have access to up to an additional $61.6 million in net proceeds from a standby equity facility with Yorkville (together with the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing, the “Yorkville Financings”) over the next three years, following the expected close of those transactions on Friday. Total net proceeds from the Transaction and the Yorkville Financings are expected to be $71.9 million over the next three years.
"This transaction with GXII delivered to us several important benefits, including a ready pathway to an up-listing to the Nasdaq Stock Market, which is expected to allow additional institutional firms to invest in and trade in our stock for the first time. Further, it has given NioCorp and the Elk Creek Project a much higher profile among institutional investors looking for promising projects in the critical materials space," said Mark A. Smith, CEO and Executive Chairman of NioCorp.
"While all of us would rather have seen higher proceeds from the GXII transaction, the cash infusion resulting from this deal, along with our financings with Yorkville, is expected to allow us to continue to move the Elk Creek Project forward," said Mr. Smith. "This Project is a strategically vital one for the United States, and we intend to continue to move it forward to full financing, and a construction start as rapidly as possible."
Mr. Smith added: "NioCorp's Elk Creek Project is clearly on the U.S. Government's radar screen now, as evidenced by the non-binding Letter of Interest for up to $800 million we recently received from the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Government assistance is particularly vital to projects such as ours that face government-subsidized competitors in foreign nations such as China and the uneven playing field this creates. It also is necessary given that obtaining financing from commercial debt markets for long-lead projects such as greenfield critical minerals mines can be challenging."
Dean Kehler, Co-Chairman and CEO of GXII, said: "Many new investors, including institutional and other large investment funds, are now expected to look more closely at NioCorp, particularly since the Company's stock is expected to begin trading on Nasdaq. In my experience, even in volatile markets, hard assets that are expected to be strategic, long-lived, and valuable -- such as the Elk Creek Project – are able to attract the capital necessary to unlock their value, both for investors and for the economic and national security of the United States."
NioCorp's Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project is expected to produce niobium, scandium, and titanium – all of which have been designated as critical minerals by the U.S. Government. The US is currently 100% dependent upon foreign producers for niobium and scandium and is more than 90% dependent on foreign sources for titanium mineral concentrate. NioCorp is currently examining the technical feasibility of separating high-purity oxides of the magnetic rare earths (1) neodymium-praseodymium oxide ("NdPr"), which is the principal component of neodymium-iron-boron ("NdFeB") permanent rare earth magnets; (2) dysprosium oxide ("Dy"); and (3) terbium oxide (“Tb”). In addition to NdPr, both Dy and Tb oxide are critical to the type of powerful NdFeB magnets used in the traction motors of electric vehicles. However, very little of these high-purity separated rare earth products are made outside of Asia.
The Transaction and the Yorkville Financings are subject to a number of closing conditions and there is no guarantee that they will close on the terms described herein, if at all.
More information on NioCorp and its Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project can be seen here: www.niocorp.com.
No, this usually works automatically(Comdirect). On that day you only have a tenth of your shares in the depot, but ten times the price.
NioCorp Announces Effective Date of Share Consolidation
CENTENNIAL, Colo – March 14, 2023 – NioCorp Developments Ltd. ("NioCorp" or the "Company") (TSX: NB; OTCQX: NIOBF) today announced that its board of directors has resolved to effect a share consolidation (reverse stock split) (the “Consolidation”) of its issued and outstanding common shares (the “Common Shares”) on the basis of one (1) post-Consolidation Common Share for every ten (10) pre-Consolidation Common Shares, contingent on the completion of the relevant portions of the previously announced business combination between NioCorp and GX Acquisition Corp. II ("GXII") pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, dated September 25, 2022 (the "Business Combination Agreement"), among NioCorp, GXII and Big Red Merger Sub Ltd. (the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, collectively, the "Transaction"), which is expected to occur on March 17, 2023, and subject to any applicable requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) and the Nasdaq Stock Exchange LLC (the “Nasdaq”). Had the Consolidation occurred as of March 14, 2023, the Consolidation would have reduced the number of Common Shares issued and outstanding from approximately 282,466,201 Common Shares to approximately 28,246,620 Common Shares. The Common Shares are expected to commence trading on the TSX and on the Nasdaq on a post-Consolidation basis on or about the opening of trading on March 21, 2023.
The Company's transfer agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc., is anticipated to send a letter of transmittal on March 17, 2023, to the registered holders of Common Shares. The letter of transmittal will contain instructions on how to surrender Common Share certificate(s) representing pre-Consolidation Common Shares to the transfer agent. Shareholders may also obtain a copy of the letter of transmittal by accessing the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com or the Company’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov. Until surrendered, each certificate representing pre-Consolidation Common Shares will be deemed for all purposes to represent the number of Common Shares to which the holder thereof is entitled as a result of the Consolidation.
No fractional Common Shares will be issued pursuant to the Consolidation and any fractional shares that would otherwise be issued will be rounded down to the nearest whole number. Shareholders who hold their Common Shares through a securities broker or other intermediary and do not have common shares registered in their name will not be required to take any measures with respect to the Consolidation. Shareholders who hold their Common Shares through a securities broker or other intermediary should be aware that the securities broker or intermediary may have different procedures for processing the Consolidation than those that will be put in place by the Company for registered Shareholders and if they have questions in this regard, they are encouraged to contact their securities broker or intermediary.
The Company's current CUSIP for the Common Shares is 654484104 and the new CUSIP number for the post-Consolidation Common Shares is 654484609, the current ISIN for the Common Shares is CA6544841043 and the new ISIN number for the post-Consolidation Common Shares is CA6544846091.
For additional information regarding the Consolidation, please refer to the Company’s and GXII’s joint proxy statement/prospectus dated February 6, 2023, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
Do you have the link to the offer please? If that still exists, I'm going to sell all my Niocorp stock and buy a ton of niobium instead.