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Nebraskan- Scott Honan our COO has & will be taking on the "more important role" as the project progresses & moves forward. Recently...I can't help but notice the number of recent announcements/interviews with Scott as the lead source; & also noticing for the past 2 months Mark has been a lot quieter??
As you mentioned Mark is in control of the Finance & (A larger Finance & Commencement of Construction) go hand in hand. Looking out for the possibility of needing an extension is "common Sense" & smart!
I still think geo-drilling by fall 2021, but like BM's (sooner) better! lol...
All imho & all
"Still in my front row seat.... waiting for the "COMMENCEMENT!"
Chico
GM...thank you! Niocorp is (seeking elaboration on the 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.)
So they are covering both bases.... A (Contract with a Termination clause) would be the easiest to qualify & meet I think, unless they need to submit & request an extension. My take away... (They went over the possibility of either occurrence)
A lot of this was mentioned by Scott in the Nov. 5th 2020 AGM presentation.
Chico
LM/PM/all...IF you look at some of the past & more recent events & even overlook Jim's responses & any news articles... (A "Possibility" of Gov't Cheese/support exists imho) Since @2015. Niocorp has even responded "in Kind" to some of the events. see Niocorp's website & follow the trail...through THREE PRESIDENTIAL ADMINISTRATIONS:
2015:Assessment of critical minerals: methodology and initial application
https://www.policyschool.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/CSMSC-Assessment-of-Critical-Minerals-2015-11-30-1.pdf
2016:ASSESSMENT OF CRITICAL MINERALS:
SCREENING METHODOLOGY AND INITIAL APPLICATION
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/ostp/NSTC/csmsc_assessment_of_critical_minerals_report_2016-03-16_final.pdf
2017:Executive Order 13817—A Federal Strategy To Ensure Secure and Reliable Supplies of Critical Minerals
https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-executive-order-federal-strategy-ensure-secure-reliable-supplies-critical-minerals/
2018:ASSESSMENT OF CRITICAL MINERALS:
UPDATED APPLICATION OF SCREENING
METHODOLOGY
https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Assessment-of-Critical-Minerals-Update-2018.pdf
JULY 17, 2018 STATEMENT OF JIM SIMS, VICE PRESIDENT OF EXTERNAL
AFFAIRS, NIOCORP DEVELOPMENTS LTD.
https://www.hsdl.org/?search=&searchfield=&all=niocorp&collection=public&submitted=Search
2018: Interior Releases 2018’s Final List of 35 Minerals Deemed Critical to U.S. National Security and the Economy
https://www.usgs.gov/news/interior-releases-2018-s-final-list-35-minerals-deemed-critical-us-national-security-and
2019: Critical Minerals and U.S. Public Policy
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R45810
2020:Executive Order on Addressing the Threat to the Domestic Supply Chain from Reliance on Critical Minerals from Foreign Adversaries
https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-addressing-threat-domestic-supply-chain-reliance-critical-minerals-foreign-adversaries/
DOE Issues Notice of Guidance for Potential Loan Applicants Involving Critical Minerals
DECEMBER 1, 2020
https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-issues-notice-guidance-potential-loan-applicants-involving-critical-minerals
https://www.energy.senate.gov/services/files/126F0A25-8274-4980-AD74-8011CAA0E5EB?stream=top
https://www.energy.gov/lpo/loan-programs-office
2021:U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
January 27, 2021 Hearing
https://www.energy.senate.gov/services/files/126F0A25-8274-4980-AD74-8011CAA0E5EB?stream=top
Question 7: Will you ensure that critical mineral projects remain eligible under the loan guarantee program and continue funding for the new Office of Mineral Sustainability? Would you consider using some of the $40
billion in unobligated loan authority to strengthen mineral supply chains, especially for the minerals that are essential to clan energy technologies?
Kmack: As Niocorp's "biggest fan"... "Reach out" to Jim yourself & ask him. Only 3 interviews in 6 months i.e. (Fox, Wainwright & KETV-7) is a bit underwhelming for me as well.
Chico
XSXS -"If you actually listen" to the Nov. 5th AGM 2020 (During question & answer section)
Scandium Aluminum - Extraordinary new material shows zero heat expansion from 4 to 1,400 K
https://newatlas.com/materials/thermally-stable-zte-advanced-material/
I agree Dutch... although I too am looking for a bit more to be announced before the end of June ( & it doesn't have to be finance). I want to see Cementation wind up it's cost estimates for the sinking of the mine, or some more movement towards "mobilization efforts". (something going on inside "Antlers fence!" =).
I too get frustrated at times! Pushing on ropes is getting old indeed!
2020 was a "lost year"... The wheels are turning again in 2021... & I am hanging on the words of our COO Scott Honan who will have the most important role once additional funding is achieved.
https://www.niocorp.com/omaha-ketv-channel-7-news-airs-2-part-feature-on-elk-creek-critical-minerals-project/
LM/all...
Jim replied on 10/21/20 to the following question:
Will/does Niocorp benifit from this executive order in the future through loan guarantees or investment moving forward?
(Reference the following in context)
https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-addressing-threat-domestic-supply-chain-reliance-critical-minerals-foreign-adversaries/
(Repost update 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/
Good Summary reports to view:
June 14, 2021-Biden Administration Report Outlines Strategy to Invigorate Domestic Supply Chains:
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/biden-administration-report-outlines-7291186/
LM/Kasey - The "shovel ready" ESG, Generational Elk Creek mine project has been set up as one of the premiere "Critical Mineral/REE MINE projects" here in the U.S.
The Top 4 projects are TMRC, NIOBF, REEMF & UURAF, of those TMRC & NIOBF are the most advanced.
COO- Scott Honan appears to be taking a much larger leadership role & I'm hanging on Scott's words from the Nov. 5th 2020 AGM, & his last commentary on the KETV-7 interview...( "Hopeful" by years end...)
Recent events are intriguing... as I have mentioned & posted...
Kasey...thank-you for posting the slide show. Looks like a good crowd, presentation & dinner to boot! June isn't over yet & the wheels have been turning... There are a lot of Catalysts that could be announced at any time.
Mark has been very quiet lately....(Since end of April/Wainwright only one mention in news article the rest has been Jim & Scott...."interesting")
"If at all possible!" M.S....
All IMHO
Chico
Goodluck on the interview Doug! I may, or may not get a chance to sit in. If I do I will indeed pass along notes.
Regards
Chico
Another good listen:
Pini Althaus on USA Rare Earth’s $50M Series C Funding to acquire rare earths and lithium project
USA Rare Earths looking to "BUY IN" to Canadian/Australian sources of Rare Earths to augment & ensure a stable supply chain for their mine to magnet strategy.... "Search Minerals is on the menu!!!!!"
Pini Althaus on USA Rare Earth’s $50M Series C Funding to acquire rare earths and lithium project
Breacrumbs
https://www.energy.senate.gov/services/files/126F0A25-8274-4980-AD74-8011CAA0E5EB?stream=top
Question 7: Will you ensure that critical mineral projects remain eligible under the loan guarantee program and continue funding for the new Office of Mineral Sustainability? Would you consider using some of the $40
billion in unobligated loan authority to strengthen mineral supply chains, especially for the minerals that are essential to clan energy technologies?
When I asked Jim earlier this year "IF" NIOCORP intended to promote the ESG, GENERATIONAL - Elk Creek mine his response was:
Reply from Jim in regards to future investor presentations. 2/2021
Norcal- Team Niocorp to me is following the Nov. 5th 2020 AGM plan.
(refer to following post)
https://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=164355734
The main question I have right now for myself to ponder...& realizing Niocorp now "owns" the land & is erecting a fence (per Antler).
We know Per the F.S. -The total duration of the project is 46 months from Authorization to Proceed to the end of the ramp-up period & a binding contract with a termination clause would signal a "construction start" per the Air Permit. A) Are we close to seeing something that will be released from team Niocorp officially kicking off the clock?
Reviewing the Critical path items team Niocorp appears to be rounding down the list.
• The critical path activities include the following:
o Completion of the air permit. -COMPLETED
o Completion of drilling, sampling and final hydrogeological investigation. (See Geotech portion in F.S.) This needs to be completed as BM has stated. We may be seeing the beginnings of "mobilization" on the land now owned. Still to be determined but must happen next to coincide with engineering portion.
o Engineering and procurement for shaft sinking and mining components.
(Waiting for CEMENTATION to complete Cost estimates. They should be completing this shortly & per the 2020 AGM Scott stated we have approx. 8-9 months of Engineering/shaft freezing etc... ...)
(NOTE***Some of the following can be accomplished while other bullet points are underway like the running of Power & Gas Lines to site)
o Construction of temporary power plant for shaft sinking and construction activities.
o Construction of the temporary freeze plant for shaft sinking activities.
o Establishing commercial natural gas and electricity service to the Project site.
o Construction of the backfill plant.
o Sinking both the production and ventilation shafts.
o Underground mine infrastructure.
o Completion of commissioning of the processing plant up to First Metal.
o Ramp up of processing plant to full production capabilities
(***ALL subject to FINANCE of course =) )
Overall Norcal...they are following their game-plan. Niocorp has advanced the ESG, Generational Elk Creek mine that can deliver & "Separate" Niobium, Scandium & Titanium as designed in the F.S. Also Niocorp is seeking to add REE's of which all 14 are present if deemed viable. All will be present & in solution & can be separated by SX or other methods all T.B.D. (but easily doable & added to flow & P&ID's! No doubt they are burning the oil on this now..)
FUNDING can happen at any time & per Scott's methods during the 2020AGM is the "elephant in the room" & there are many ways this can be accomplished as many have discussed here & on the Nov. 5th AGM.
These recent U.S. govt/ events are "Interesting" to me & a few others and if you follow the sequence of events from @2018 to present day. (A Trail is there & I'll leave it at that.)
Niocorp has stated they want to go the route of private funding, but I myself cannot rule out something else may also/has been in play or a combination of routes. Niocorp apparently has enough funds to get through year end through warrant conversion & recent PP's. (again look a Scott's 2020 AGM)
What Niocorp has planned to get us over the finish line... well that's the $million dollar question? It appears Scott Honan is taking a leading role now & in his statement to KETV-7 he did mention something about being "Hopeful" by years end 2021????
Can Niocorp accomplish some tasks above with what they have in the kitty now... "I think so!" I'm looking for Mobilization/- Drilling by this fall or (BM's)-sooner! & that would line out nicely to my own schedule! lol
Again all IMHO & do your own DD & form your own conclusions...
"Front row seats..." Something by end of JUNE team NIOCORP??!
"IF at all possible"///M.S
Chico
White House wants new critical mining, laws:
Supply chain plan includes US, allies mining, regs overhaul Metal Tech News – June 9, 2021
https://www.metaltechnews.com/story/2021/06/09/tech-metals/white-house-wants-new-critical-mining-laws/583.html
Comparing F.S. to Nov. 5th 202 AGM
Good read Nebraskan...indeed!
From the Nov. 5th 2020 AGM: Scott Honan speaking-
NIOCORP's 2019 F.S.
https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.33/gx0.d43.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/180001_FINAL_43-101_FS_NioCorp_AS_FILED.pdf
24.1.2 Project Schedule Objectives
The scheduling objective is to deliver a fully constructed and commissioned mining facility as per the following timeline.
The project timeline is based on achieving the First Metal milestone at 42 months after Authorization to Proceed, plus an additional four months of the ramp-up to 100% of production capacity for a total Project schedule lasting 46 months.
The schedule highlights are as follows:
• The total duration of the project is 46 months from Authorization to Proceed to the end of the ramp-up period.
• A four-month ramp-up period (included in the overall schedule) is allotted to increase the site throughput to 100% of nameplate rating.
• The Project timeline is linked to both the mining-related activities and the surface operations in both sequencing and duration. The construction of the main surface plant buildings and supporting infrastructure is not on the critical path.
• The critical path activities include the following:
o Completion of the air permit. -COMPLETED
o Completion of drilling, sampling and final hydrogeological investigation.
o Engineering and procurement for shaft sinking and mining components.
o Construction of temporary power plant for shaft sinking and construction activities.
o Construction of the temporary freeze plant for shaft sinking activities.
o Establishing commercial natural gas and electricity service to the Project site.
o Construction of the backfill plant.
o Sinking both the production and ventilation shafts.
o Underground mine infrastructure.
o Completion of commissioning of the processing plant up to First Metal.
o Ramp up of processing plant to full production capabilities
****The Project Pre-production Schedule, provided in Appendix C, makes use of a monthly timescale, utilizing a declining monthly countdown (i.e. Authorization to Proceed is 38 months in advance of First Ore (-38)).
Table 24-1: Key Project Milestones
LISTED as Activity - then Completion Month (With respect to First Ore):
Full Project Authorization - 38 (Advance of)
DEQ Air Construction Permit - 28 (Advance of)
Concrete Batch/Grouting/Backfill/Shotcrete Plant Complete - 28 (Advance of)
Shaft Freezing to Limestone/Carbonatite Interface - 26 (Advance of)
Commence Production Shaft Sinking - 24 (Advance of)
Commence Ventilation Shaft Sinking - 24 (Advance of)
Natural Gas Available - 20 (Advance of)
Ventilation Shaft Sinking Complete - 16 (Advance of)
Permanent Power Available - -14 (Advance of)
Production Shaft Sinking Complete - 10 (Advance of)
Water Treatment Plant Construction Completion - 6 (Advance of)
Mineral Processing Commissioning Completion - 1 (Advance of)
Underground Pre-Production Development Complete 0
Underground Major Infrastructure Complete
25.6 Recovery Methods
GE- All of the information I posted was public info. Niocorp did offer "private commentary" to the DOD inquiry. Please see Jim's response to a few questions:
Thanks Antler!!! just posted this & saw you did too!
Chico
RUMOR from another board- (Fence being put up at site??) ***NOTE: I can neither confirm nor deny the validity!....(Yahoo F board)
Antler or another local board member maybe able to shed some light...???
Bring on the port-o-let dude....lol!
Chico
Biden's Plan To Reduce Shortages Of Products That Are Critical For National Security
https://www.npr.org/2021/06/08/1004191828/how-the-biden-white-house-aims-to-address-risks-to-u-s-supply-chains
Scott Honan's interview key take away - Omaha KETV Channel 7 News Airs 2-Part Feature on Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project
https://www.niocorp.com/omaha-ketv-channel-7-news-airs-2-part-feature-on-elk-creek-critical-minerals-project/
LPO can finance qualifying critical materials projects with over $20 billion of available loans and loan guarantees.
https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2021-06/DOE-LPO_Program_Handout_Critical_Materials_June2021_0.pdf
Pre-Application Consultation
Engage with LPO for a no-fee, pre-application
consultation for preliminary review of project
technology areas and basic eligibility
requirements.
Formal Application Process
Submit a no-fee application to LPO to determine
basic eligibility, and then submit in-depth
materials to determine project viability.
Due Diligence & Term Sheet Negotiation
Enter due diligence, negotiate term sheet, and
receive a conditional commitment offer.
Loan Closing & Project Monitoring
Negotiate and execute loan documents. An
origination fee will be charged to the applicant
upon financial close of the loan guarantee. After
loan closing, LPO monitors construction and
operation throughout the life of the loan
"IF" larger private funding hasn't kicked in yet... It appears there are other possible options? "Term sheets" are mentioned here too! interesting huh... GE! =)
All IMHO & do your own DD
Chico
PM- NIOCORP's Generational, ESG, U.S. stable RESOURCE (REE'S INCLUDED) are "Open at depth & (below current bore-holes) & Open in 2 directions!"
USGS & other articles indicate the resource could be much larger! (Download the PDF!)
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265685666_Geophysical_expression_of_a_buried_niobium_and_rare_earth_element_deposit_The_Elk_Creek_carbonatite_Nebraska_USA
Great articles A/O & KMACK...
Brian Menell really drives it home! & the Synergies..."Oh my!"
Like Pini Althaus.. They both are heading up two separate "MINE TO MAGNET, MINE TO CRITICAL MINERALS" CONGLOMORATES that are starting to take shape.
Niocorp could be a "COG" in one of these wheels...?
KMACK- More Scandium supply means it will be widely accepted and utilized... RIO TINTO is moving product!
Go team Niocorp!!!
Chico
BREADCRUMBS/DD repost/update
Recent Events included....
FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force to Address Short-Term Supply Chain Discontinuities
JUNE 08, 2021
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/06/08/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-supply-chain-disruptions-task-force-to-address-short-term-supply-chain-discontinuities/
PM - I compare both because both projects are "Relevant to the topic".
I also hold shares in both & am familiar with both projects. Each has it's own merits.
You are correct that the chart I posted does show TMRC's low TREO% ratio. & that is the point I'm making. If TMRC can produce 113 $million in revenues from REE's in their resource. Niocorp's higher grade should at least match or exceed (If viable)
https://1wcm0741r5ad1d1r7j17fvxq-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/A-grade-comparison-of-global-rare-earth-projects.jpg
PM you are also correct that Niocorp's REE's are indeed closer to Bear Lodges resource.... Hence Niocorp's ranks about in the middle of world class projects as an REE resource.(see above chart)
If you look at CANADIAN RESOURCES well...that's another day! =)
Respectfully
Chico
MORE on NIOCORP REE's
The Elk Creek mine is shown in figure #1 Map (below)
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/10/11/965/htm
Doug- ALL 14 REE's are present in Niocorp's Resource, averaging @1.7 to 2+%. (see following)
NioCorp To Review Potential of Adding Rare Earths to Its Currently Planned Critical Minerals Product Offering
https://www.niocorp.com/niocorp-to-review-potential-of-adding-rare-earths-to-its-currently-planned-critical-minerals-product-offering/
Also see 2013 publication:
http://niocorp.com/wp-content/uploads/NioCorpMDA-2014Q1.pdf
Niocorp appears to have several good REE candidates in the ore resource that will be present in solution during processing. NIOCORP has higher grades of REE's than compared to TMRC. TMRC intends to produce the following REE's (Please see slide 20-22 below for comparison)
http://tmrcorp.com/_resources/presentations/corporate_presentation-20201112.pdf
TMRC's planned revenues for REE's are as follows:(NIOCORP mentions 4 of these Terbium, Neodymium, Praesodymium & Dysprosium in the following release.)
Lutetium- @$27m
Terbium-@$13m
Neodymium-@$8m
Yttrium-@$6m
Praesodymium- @$4m
Dysprosium- @$51m
(Also Note*** TREO% is higher at Elk Creek than TMRC & Yttrium & Cerium have pretty good levels too)
NioCorp Initiates High Pressure Grinding Roll Testing of its Elk Creek Ore
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/niocorp-initiates-high-pressure-grinding-roll-testing-of-its-elk-creek-ore-301309196.html
Advocate77- NIOCORP'S SCANDIUM & responses from Jim...
(repost)
On 9/15/20,
Morning Jim
In 2018 & 2019 Niocorp produced Aluminum Scandium Alloys in conjunction with IBC & Ames laboratory. I would like to know if any patents were issued or applied for as a result of those alloys produced?
Looking forward to the upcoming presentations on the 16th & 17th.
Crit- Those rare earths mentioned-
Thanks MB! Excellent point! -
Oh..."The synergies GE!" The U.S. govt. invested into TECHMET &/Co. subsidiaries I think too...
The plot thickens....
Chico
Amen to that Kmack!...
There has been a nice announcement from Niocorp each month... June should not be the exception. So many "positive catalysts"...NEWS could pop any day now...
NIOBF 2021 indeed!
Chico
FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force to Address Short-Term Supply Chain Discontinuities
JUNE 08, 2021
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/06/08/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-supply-chain-disruptions-task-force-to-address-short-term-supply-chain-discontinuities/
DANG! HOW ABOUT that APPIA!! =)
My two top Canadian picks are Search Minerals & Appia Energy... wish I had more funds to buy more! Happy none the less lol....
As they both prove resources & move to F.S.'s -$$$$$-
All imho etc...
Good luck all & appreciate the posts from many on the board!
Chico
Policies and Procedures for Loan Guarantees for Projects That Employ Innovative Technologies and for Direct Loans Under the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Program
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/15/2020-29278/policies-and-procedures-for-loan-guarantees-for-projects-that-employ-innovative-technologies-and-for