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SpecialK/All- I appreciate everyone's input, the good, the bad & sometimes ugly...I too have tried to post & share all relevant links/emails to support my argument & welcome the different opinions shared by many.
The recent dots I tried to connect are the following:
#1) U.S. govt. loan guarantee or dealings with U.S. govt.: For the past 5 plus years there has indeed been a trail & I finally received the answer from Jim/Niocorp 6/2021 that we all deserved.
a) Does/Can Niocorp qualify for a U.S. govt. (DOE/DOD) Loan, or Loan Guarantee as described above or similar ?
Crit- Wonderful trail to follow since team Niocorp took over isn't it. Given all the events combined with those recent "2021 events...."
I Couldn't agree more with your list!...
"Front row seats!" - (A few puzzle pieces left indeed...sir!)
Looking forward to Mark & the Niocorp team posing with that "red shovel!" (within a year or sooner...)
Godspeed team Niocorp.
Chico
GM/All- I guess each of us has to do a "gut check" every so often. Others including myself have been happy to share opinions & DD on this board. (Both positive & negative...)
I really thought 2019 into 2020 was going to be NIOBF's kick-off year; but we all know what happened to 2020! Resetting the table in 2021 a lot of positive momentum has happened including recent events...(I've taken them all in context, along with my own DD to form my own conclusions thus far)
To date...I am still "Happy" owning shares in one of the "4 TOP PROSPECT" REE/Critical Mineral mines- (for all the reasons listed on their website!)
Niocorp now owns the land! Niocorp has all Major Permits!! Niocorp appears to have funds till year end & is moving in the right direction with an excellent team.
What I expect from Niocorp this year (In a perfect world, lol & some tough Love)....& taking into account Recent Events- (In any order Team Niocorp!)-
a) Cementation completing "Cost estimates" for the mine portion.
(Hopefully something drops next week of no later than July 14th...why?-My timelines & schedule to completion)
Moving into final Construction Field erection drawings/Engineering/P&ID's for the underground portion. (A contract with a "Termination clause"...
b) Niocorp chose to meet (6 months) in advance of existing air permit expiration with the NDEQ. - To ask & clarify "Commencement of construction" & or including the possibility of filing for an "extension". (Very interesting)
c) Niocorp now owns the land! & per the Nov. 5th AGM 2020 Scott Honan directly mentioned -(Construction could not start until the land was owned)
d) Mobilization- grubbing, site work leading to geo drilling by Fall or earlier 2021.
e) An official announcement of "Commencement of construction".
f) Our elusive Private Finance Partner/s to show up and "INK" a larger block/tranche of Finance. ("Prior to years-end" as mentioned by Scott's KETV-7 interview) Per Jim -Niocorp is/has been going the route of PRIVATE finance options. KYC rules, Covid & red tape (of which there is tons) should be in the rear view mirror???
Remember It's almost July 2021... & it takes 42 months to get to production once "Commencement of Construction is officially announced".
There is a little wiggle room... but the pressure for me is on team Niocorp to get my "TO DO" list done in 2021 - "IF AT ALL POSSIBLE"- M.S.
All IMHO & all
(A little tough love this morning & yes I am keeping my front row seats! as GM stated - Niocorp is one of "the right place, right time investments" for me as well....)
Dutch..."I believe too!" congrats on the Niocorp share addition!!! =)
Chico
PM-The article you reference was posted in -(May 2020 by Scott Harn) "it could be as you suggest PM...?) That is why I reached out to Jim 6/2021 to ask him about "all the recent events"...& posted his responses to the board.
Please see Jim's responses 6/2021-
(Jim...Private funding methods have been the primary target however, ... can you offer any comment to the following questions.)
a) Does/Can Niocorp qualify for a U.S. govt. (DOE/DOD) Loan, or Loan Guarantee as described above or similar ?
(Repost update 6/26/21) of my -NIOCORP DD- FOLLOW the trail....)
NIOCORP'S ESG driven, Generational- Elk Creek Mine is ready to go; "shovel ready!!" NIOBIUM, SCANDIUM, TITANIUM & REE's (if viable). Located in a stable, friendly jurisdiction -(Nebraska) U.S.A. Permitted, Bank F.S. completed, Good % of product already under enforceable contracts. "But you don't have to take my word for it!" See the Niocorp's website:
https://www.niocorp.com/
Articles imply Niocorp applied for Pentagon funding in 2020 -
It's Time to Get the Heck Out of China
May 2020 by Scott Harn
https://www.icmj.com/magazine/article/its-time-to-get-the-heck-out-of-china-4226/
Crit-AO/ All "good-things" for Niocorp & the Elk Creek mine! Seeking to add & update mining components with the latest technology available prior to commencing final engineering (construction drawings & P&ID's); is once again a "smart-move" by the team.
Keeping in mind the following responses from Jim Sim's:
REE's- NOTE:******4/2021
"No Intention of updating the F.S. according to Jim!"
Question #1)
a) "IF" REE's are to be added into the NPV as Mark mentioned. Will another F.S. be needed, or can Niocorp continue progress on the overall project ( sinking of the mine shaft & engineering & design) while this is being worked out? (of course once funding is available)
Dutch... a Monday news release with some "Juice"-: a motivating, inspiring, or enabling force or factor behind it would be most welcome... Have a great weekend as well!
Chico
LM...I'm giving Jim a break for a spell...I'll be lining up a few more questions when the timing/subject matter is right. (Still looking for something end of June ish...2021, maybe Monday?)
You are more than welcome to submit your question's. I have no doubt you will get a response. Jim has always taken the time to respond to my questions.
There are a lot of Catalysts (News) worthy items in the kitty.
a) Cementation completing cost estimates (top of my list)
b) Commencement of construction announcement? (mobilization/grubbing per NDEQ air permit requirements?? & that geo-drilling by fall or sooner??)
c) Update on REE's including new supercritical CO2 separation process with L3.
d) Weir high pressure roller grinder results on ore from site (This may tweak & update process with the "best available technology" prior to engineering construction drawings/P&IDs?)
e) Last remaining 25% Niobium production placed under a contract. (Its been a while on that one)
f) Private partner/s additional finance block/tranche completed prior to fall 2021??? (Scott did say he was "Hopeful!")
g) Heck even some "gubbimint-cheese" per NCtommy-=) (They are in talks, so maybe something is down the road??possibility..)
h) a few other items for sure (add your own here)...
Will Niocorp be offering an update to shareholders to address all recent events in relation to the Project prior to the Nov. 2021 AGM?
response from Jim:
What to watch as spending season opens on Capitol Hill Monday, June 21, 2021
https://www.eenews.net/stories/1063735319
Niocorp's "PRIMARY financing focus has been on Private Sector Sources!"
However the possibility of a U.S. govt. loan guarantee remains....
U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
January 27, 2021 Hearing
ENR QFR Template (senate.gov)
Search continues to move quickly to production and contribute to the establishment of a stable and secure rare earth element North American and European supply chain.
https://www.juniorminingnetwork.com/junior-miner-news/press-releases/687-tsx-venture/smy/101989-search-minerals-selected-to-participate-in-government-of-canada-accelerated-growth-service-initiative.html
www.searchminerals.ca
GM- NioCorp’s Elk Creek Project was Named as an Infrastructure “Project of the Year” (October 29, 2020)
https://www.niocorp.com/niocorps-elk-creek-superalloy-materials-project-is-named-as-an-infrastructure-project-of-the-year/
GM- (It could very well play a role as an INFRASTRUCTURE BILL has been talked about for quite a few years and may finally have a chance at passing??? They still have to vote on the Budget too. (Can't rule it out! though)
It sure is odd that last remaining 25% of Niobium production has yet to be placed under contract with a U.S. Steel producer? & Jim did mention Niocorp was in talks now with the U.S. govt. as it pertains to other "things" that may be in play as well...)
(Cementation's "cost estimates".... 4 months & counting now????
Remember it takes per Niocorp's AGM schedule 42 months to get to the start of production after an official "Commencement of Construction" announcement. Today is June 24th 2021....)
All IMHO & do your own DD...
"If at all possible!" M.S.
Chico
MB- even MP materials is partially owned by CHINA!
Shenghe Resources
Just look at MP Materials. It is almost one-tenth owned by a Chinese company, Shenghe Resources. That was enough to prompt concerns from US government scientists over Pentagon funding for MP Materials, though funding has now resumed following a review.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-rareearths-insight-idUSKCN2241KF
MB-TDA Magnetics & Tridus Magnetics and Assemblies
https://asianpolyglotview.com/2021/06/us-plans-to-spend-big-on-critical-minerals-choosing-where-isnt-easy.html
Canada and EU announce critical minerals alliance
https://www.osler.com/en/resources/regulations/2021/canada-and-eu-announce-critical-minerals-alliance
Clean energy requires minerals -June 22, 2021
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/op-eds/an-inconvenient-truth-clean-energy-requires-minerals
Cementation has been estimating cost's for 4-months now (Feb. 23,2021 to June 23,2021). June 30th 2021 will also mark the 1-year anniversary of Air Permit authorization from the NDEQ. (The air permit expires in Dec. 2021 without an extension)
June 30th 2020-NioCorp Receives Construction Air Permit for Its Elk Creek Superalloy Materials Project, Nebraska
https://miningconnection.com/longwall/news/article/niocorp_receives_construction_air_permit_for_its_elk_creek_superalloy_mater/
(ONE YEAR MILESTONE)
The construction air permit means that NioCorp is now positioned to launch construction activities at the project site as soon as possible after project financing is obtained.
Feb. 23rd 2021-NioCorp Signs Contract with Cementation USA, Inc. to Continue Advancing Engineering Work for the Elk Creek Superalloy Materials Project
https://www.niocorp.com/niocorp-signs-contract-with-cementation-usa-inc-to-continue-advancing-engineering-work-for-the-elk-creek-superalloy-materials-project/
(June 23rd 2021 Cementation will have been under contract for COST ESTIMATES)
Recently @ June 10, 2021 Niocorp met with NDEQ. Please see Jim's commentary on the matter:
Niocorp is (seeking elaboration on the (NDEQ)Departments interpretation or requirements of conditions as they pertain to the commencement of construction as well as the process to request an extension if needed.)
Jim's response:
Rare earths developer Arafura to raise- $30 mln -for Australian project
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/rare-earths-developer-arafura-to-raise-%2430-mln-for-australian-project-document-2021-06-22
America’s Critical Strategic Vulnerability: Rare Earth Elements
June 22, 2021
https://www.fpri.org/article/2021/06/americas-critical-strategic-vulnerability-rare-earth-elements/
Thanks Kmack! nice summary... Maybe we will get some "News" to drive that world tour before end of June???
Chico
Rare Earth Metals at the Heart of China’s Rivalry with U.S., Europe
http://www.homelandsecuritynewswire.com/dr20210616-rare-earth-metals-at-the-heart-of-china-s-rivalry-with-u-s-europe
June 30th 2020-NioCorp Receives Construction Air Permit for Its Elk Creek Superalloy Materials Project, Nebraska
https://miningconnection.com/longwall/news/article/niocorp_receives_construction_air_permit_for_its_elk_creek_superalloy_mater/
Commencement of Construction generally means the initial disturbance of soils associated with clearing, grading, or excavating activities or other construction activities. However several meanings for Commencement of Construction are implied & can be different for each state.
Nebraska Notice of Commencement-
https://www.levelset.com/notice-of-commencement/nebraska-notice-of-commencement-guide-and-faqs/
MB- I'm gonna wait for grunt or someone more attune to financials (DD) to kick in some feedback. (Appears to be as Jim stated just disclosure...)
Chico
Thanks NE-Interesting Timing!-looking forward to reply. Remaining Warrants this year:
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001512228/000178598221000072/sf0109h_424b3.htm
1,035,319 warrants come due July 9,2021 @C.77 = 631,545 U.S.
2,607,750 warrants come due July 26,2021 @C.79 = $1,642,883 U.S.
It will be 4 months Feb. 23rd 2021 to June 23rd, 2021 Since Cementation was contracted to undertake Cost estimates. Also recent events with NEDQ...
Another small Tranche per Scott's Nov. 5th 2020 AGM strategy...
Let's see what else is announced before months end...but darn interesting indeed...
Chico
Walt see my post#72711
Sent link to Jim same day... That is some extraordinary Scandium Aluminum!! to take Heat & Cold like that!!! Game changer imho -
U.S. Plans to Spend Big on Critical Minerals; Choosing Where Isn’t Easy
https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/u-s-plans-to-spend-big-on-critical-minerals-choosing-where-isnt-easy-11624186800
PM/All-Private funding methods have been the primary target
(Let's walk through some recent events & put down what we do know-
Questions to Jim- Can you offer any comment to the following questions.)
(PM/All- Please see Jim Sim's responses to questions asked in regards to recent events & in context)
a) Does/Can Niocorp qualify for a U.S. govt. (DOE/DOD) Loan, or Loan Guarantee as described above or similar ?
(Feb. 23, 2021)-Signs Contract with Cementation USA, Inc. to Continue Advancing Engineering Work for the Elk Creek Superalloy Materials Project
~June 23rd 2021 is Four months since announced start~
https://www.niocorp.com/niocorp-signs-contract-with-cementation-usa-inc-to-continue-advancing-engineering-work-for-the-elk-creek-superalloy-materials-project/
-MINING-Democrats call for secure mineral supplies, faster permits
James Marshall, E&E News reporter
https://www.eenews.net/eedaily/2021/06/17/stories/1063735189
Rio Tinto opens new scandium plant in Canada
https://www.riotinto.com/news/releases/2021/Rio-Tinto-opens-new-scandium-plant-in-Canada
Some great reading on the Two Toms site:
Mineral Commodities of Newfoundland and Labrador
Rare-Earth Elements
https://www.gov.nl.ca/iet/files/mines-investments-ree-commodities.pdf
Did they acquire Two Toms from Canada rare earth?? It looks like the purchase was from "private owners" that is interesting!
http://www.canadarareearth.com/article/rare-earth-metals-releases-new-resource-estimate-for-two-tom-186.asp
Advocate- Thanks for sharing your opinion, & making some valid points. Exploring multiple paths for Finance is also a smart move in my opinion. What I do know is that Niocorp has qualified for the German loan Guarantee & is/has been pursuing Private finance options.
They have also taken (recent events) into account & are considering the possibility of applying for a U.S. govt. loan guarantee. (That was why I reached out to Jim & asked... I wanted to know if that was on the table.)
2019 AGM looked so promising until 2020 hit. 2020 was a lost year in so many ways. So far...I do see forward momentum in 2021 by team Niocorp.
Recent PP's & warrant conversions, acquiring the land (which is needed for any construction to start, & IMHO following the strategy Scott laid out during the Nov. 5th 2020 AGM.
I will as I have mentioned before become a bit more skeptical as we approach June's end and Cementation hasn't completed cost estimates!...
Should be an interesting 2021 AGM then in either case....
Chico
WOW MB...thank you! again for posting such wonderful info... I'm a little taken back by this action, as they have all along been trying to advance the entire existing FOX Resource.
Their choice in acquiring both properties that are known to contain (traces of Beryllium, Niobium, & additional REE's) is "intriguing" to say the least but, the timing questionable?
SEARCH must really must feel very "Comfortable" in the place & partnerships they are involved in right now to do something like this. "Why now" does come to mind... I'm on the fence on this one MB & need to look into & see what this "TWO-TOMS???" actually is??? "that came out of the blue!" =)
Regards
Chico
BM/GE... Very true! With the recent events I wanted to reach out & ask. I'm glad I did & happy with Jim's responses! Private Funding is & has been on the menu, with the "possibility" of Norcal's (Gov't. Cheese in the wings) if that route makes the cut! & Both sides get a clue.
It did sound like there was some "bipartisan rumblings" of understanding & agreements in play...???
"Endeavor to Persevere!" : Outlaw Jose Wales....
Chico
Advocate can you post "Your source" verbatim of the the Quote you offered from Jim...(per your post): Jim’s recent reply („still exploring multiple paths to financing“)
It did not appear in any of my responses from Jim. Is that your opinion??? or Did you get a response from Jim in which that statement was made? Please post your source.
Thank you
Chico
All- Please see Jim Sim's responses to questions asked in regards to recent events:
Jim...I know Private funding methods have been the primary target however, can you offer any comment to the following questions.
a) Does/Can Niocorp qualify for a U.S. govt. (DOE/DOD) Loan, or Loan Guarantee as described above or similar ?
Agree Nebraskan ... I've been following Scott's commentary very closely since the Nov. 5th 2020 AGM, He has been spot on! so far as I can tell.
His comment from the KETV-7 interview leaving off with (Hopeful by years end...) "Fits with my thinking/schedule", not to mention that fancy CO2 process with L3...
Hey we might even be in for an "ANTLER-UPDATE" live in the Field...! =)
Godspeed Team Nicorp!
Chico
Indeed Walter....If you also believe the following as I do, but some have other views-
REE's- NOTE:******4/2021
"No Intention of updating the F.S. according to Jim!"
Question #1)
a) "IF" REE's are to be added into the NPV as Mark mentioned. Will another F.S. be needed, or can Niocorp continue progress on the overall project ( sinking of the mine shaft & engineering & design) while this is being worked out? (of course once funding is available)
Walter.. USARE/TMRC's Round Top project in Texas estimates revenues of $113 million just on their REE production alone. Niocorp's REE's (of which all 14 are present & will also be in solution) has "higher grade percentages" of TREO's.
Niocorp should be able to match or exceed the revenues sited above...(IF proven viable).
IMHO
Chico