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From the Oct. 30th, 2023,~What’s in the FY2024 NDAA for Critical Minerals?
https://bipartisanpolicy.org/blog/whats-in-the-fy2024-ndaa-for-critical-minerals/
Thanks G-man! There are certainly A LOT of "DOTS" that may connect in early 2024! Some may hinge on the 2023/2024 NDAA continuances & approvals.
Oct. 30th, 2023,~What’s in the FY2024 NDAA for Critical Minerals?
https://bipartisanpolicy.org/blog/whats-in-the-fy2024-ndaa-for-critical-minerals/
As Congress works to pass the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) this year, both House and Senate bills incorporate measures to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign mineral supply chains. This focus on securing critical mineral supply chains is essential to fortify the country against future domestic and geopolitical challenges. This blog is your guide to the critical mineral provisions in the House and Senate versions of the FY2024 NDAA.
Dependence on fragile critical mineral supply chains dominated by adversarial sources threatens national defense, economic growth, and the energy transition.
Recognizing this pressing challenge, Congress in previous legislative sessions worked across the aisle to bolster domestic critical mineral production and diversify sourcing through key provisions in the Energy Act of 2020, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the CHIPS and Science Act.
Breakdown of the critical mineral provisions in the IIJA and CHIPS and Science Act:
Getting Serious About Critical Materials: the IIJA and Energy Act of 2020
Deploying a Domestic Mining Workforce with the CHIPS and Science Act
The FY2024 NDAA House and Senate provisions further strengthen supply chain security by leveraging the Department of Defense. This blog identifies key provisions related to the National Defense Stockpile, DOD procurement, critical mineral R&D, and long-term supply chain strategy.
Senate Bill Text
Senate Report Language
House Bill Text
House Report Language
National Defense Stockpile
Background: The DOD-managed National Defense Stockpile stores strategic materials for military, industrial, and civilian use, safeguarding against foreign supply chain disruptions. It aims to boost domestic sources, like critical mineral production and processing. In 2022, the DOD agreed to allow the Department of Energy to tap the stockpile for minerals vital to the electrical grid and clean technologies.
FY2024 House NDAA Bill Provisions
Multi-year Procurement Authority for Domestically Processed Rare Earth Elements (Sec. 181)
Allows the National Defense Stockpile to enter into long-term procurement contracts with domestic rare earth element (REE) processing and recycling projects.
Gives the stockpile advance procurement authority, allowing it to pay projects prior to delivery.
Report on critical mineral storage and public-private partnerships (House Report pg. 115)
Requires a report on DOD’s process for storing critical minerals, improvements that could be made, and the viability of storage facilities within the Joint Munitions Command.
Requires report to identify public-private partnership opportunities that would increase the diversity of sources for critical mineral stockpiles, including through recycling.
Additions to the National Defense Stockpile (House Report pg. 120)
Requires a report on the feasibility of adding Terbium Oxide, Beryllium, and Gallium to the National Defense Stockpile.
Report on Domestic Capacity for Mining and Processing Graphite (House Report pg. 232)
Requires a report on DOD’s reliance on graphite, graphite supply chain vulnerabilities, and current efforts to mitigate short-term supply disruption, including whether the National Defense Stockpile should plan acquisitions and subsequent disposals of amorphous graphite.
Reports on Critical Mineral Supply Chains (House Report pg. 250-253)
Requires DOD to submit reports to the House Committee on Armed Services regarding supply chain vulnerabilities, strategic planning, and sourcing diversification regarding boron and rhodium.
Briefings on Critical Mineral Supply Chains (House Report pg. 251-252)
Requires the Administrator of the National Defense Stockpile to provide a briefing to the House Committee on Armed Services regarding DOD’s efforts to ensure adequate feedstocks of tungsten from non-China based suppliers, the stockpile’s five-year plan for tungsten acquisitions and disposals, and DOD’s plans to support domestic production of tungsten.
Me Too! Omaha… a little more time in the oven! Max & others including myself have shared our speculations on future Niocorp revenues once everything is proven at demonstration SCALE & incorporated into a final F.S. (now expected early 2024)
There appears to me that through shared Q/A responses since 2020 with management that both Govt. & Private entities are still interested/involved.
Reading Gman & others including myself relevant posts one may also speculate that certain items over the 2023/2024 NDAA’s might also be at play including recent DoD stockpiles/ to Processing. In addition to being mandated to procure from U.S. sources moving forward.
I am sharing in the same thoughts Omaha!
Staying tuned into 2024 with my front row seat!
Chico
2024 or BUST for me GE! I still believe…
Chico
Sharing some recent responses to questions from Niocorp.
Dec. 4th 2023 :
JIM:
Circling back - can you offer comment on the following: Back in June 2023
NioCorp Completes Geotechnical Drilling Campaign at the Elk Creek Critical Minerals Mine Site | NioCorp Developments Ltd.
A) Have those results been compiled & completed to date?
Thanks Jeunke! Nice find! Stellantis & other major players are seeking to form their own supply chains from Mine to Magnets. GM has linked up with MP Materials for REE's. Stellantis might be looking to do the same thing with Niocorp given the news since
July 6, 2023>
Stellantis and NioCorp Sign Rare Earth Offtake Term Sheet in Support of Stellantis’ Commitment to Reaching Carbon Net Zero by 2038
https://www.stellantis.com/en/news/press-releases/2023/july/stellantis-and-niocorp-sign-rare-earth-offtake-term-sheet-in-support-of-stellantis-commitment-to-reaching-carbon-net-zero-by-2038
Everything on my RADAR Screen points to the deal happening. NEO performance materials is looking to build a MAGNET plant in the U.S. , NIOCORP has the Elk Creek Mine Project ready to go, & Stellantis needs REE's & Magnets to go with the LITHIUM in the batteries & the SCANDIUM ALUMINUM ALLOY BATTERY BOXES.
Sharing NOV. 10th, 2023, Responses from Niocorp in regard to NEO PERFORMANCE MATERIALS & THE OLD MAGNEQUENCH PATENTS:
Jim-
Given: Hitachi, Neo Performance Materials & China....
Microsoft Word - Patent Information Guide _Mar 2010_.doc (tengam.com)
a) ARE any the above Patents still RELEVANT? - Who owns the remaining MAGNEQUENCH patent rights? Does Hitachi, Niocorp, or another entity?
b) Is there an ongoing "current effort" by Niocorp &/or other Collaborating Entities to update or improve upon or file NEW patents, leading to future mine to magnet capabilities & supply chains? Comment if you can...
RESPONSE:
Reducing U.S. Dependency on Chinese Critical Minerals
https://www.realclearenergy.org/articles/2023/11/17/reducing_us_dependency_on_chinese_critical_minerals_993623.html
November 17, 2023
If China were to ban the export of critically important minerals to the U.S., it should come as no surprise. U.S. relations with China have been brittle for some time and could worsen.
The importance of minerals needed for weapons production and advanced technologies, such as batteries for electric cars and modernization of the nation's electricity system, has ignited a new political battle over heavy U.S. dependence on China. This issue has gained greater significance as the U.S. is rushing to bolster stockpiles of smart bombs and precision-guided artillery shells to aid Israel and Ukraine.
Annually, the Department of Defense requires 750,000 tons of minerals, and Chinese imports are surging due to the increasing demand and Chinese companies' acquisitions of mines worldwide. Simultaneously, many U.S. mines have closed or been depleted, posing a significant problem. With its dominant position in mineral extraction and processing, China is working towards monopolizing global production of both rare minerals and commodity metals like copper and nickel. What truly underscores this new reality is China's attempt to exploit U.S. dependence on vital raw materials for political and military leverage.
Is there doubt about the evidence supporting this claim? Absolutely not.
China recently announced it will require foreign companies to obtain permits to receive shipments of graphite, a key battery metal. The U.S. is nearly 100% reliant on China for graphite, as it is for several other metals and minerals. Previously, China restricted the export of two minerals—gallium and germanium—used in military technologies, essentially cutting off all access to their supplies.
Now, with increased U.S. investments in arms production, copper or rare earths could be the next target.
Currently, the U.S. only operates one rare earth mine and already imports more rare earth minerals from China than any other country. Rare earths are indispensable to modern military applications, including smart bombs, laser-guided munitions, radar, sonar, night-vision goggles, bulletproof vests, jet engines, and armored vehicles.
It is imperative to recognize the ramifications of this dependence on China's minerals for U.S. security and our nation's economic well-being.
On the other hand, the current dire predictions about the future of Sino-U.S. relations may prove to be incorrect, and it is possible that we will once again enjoy the fruits of globalization and international cooperation. However, it would be unwise to bet on this. China's demonstrated inclination to use its growing economic and political power to undercut established rules and coerce other countries is deeply concerning.
Awesome finds! Thanks Ardly! All positive signs for Niocorp. Perhaps factual pressure like this will help move the process along many projects including the Elk Creek mine.
DoE INVESTS $444 MILLION TO STRENGTHEN AMERICA’S INFRASTRUCTURE FOR PERMANENT SAFE STORAGE OF CARBON DIOXIDE POLLUTION
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOEOFE/bulletins/37b02af
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced over $444 million to support sixteen selected projects across twelve states that will fight climate change by bolstering the nation’s carbon management industry. The projects, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will expand carbon dioxide (CO2) storage infrastructure needed to significantly and responsibly reduce CO2 emissions from industrial operations and power plants, as well as from legacy emissions in the atmosphere. Large-scale, responsible deployment of carbon management technologies is crucial to meeting the Administration’s ambitious climate goal of achieving a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.
JIM SIMS/NIOCORP : RESPONDS TO TWO ONGOING RELEVANT QUESTIONS MAY 5, 2023
PM- Given the NEW Separation into NEW Titanium Oxide or TiCl4 "TICKLE". I am waiting with many to see what "Pricing is announced" PM!
I would think depending upon the chemical composition & purity - Niocorp might be looking to achieve a higher price.
My guess after Niocorp Announced
AWESOME PM! I've been watching ImperionX for a while as well. Mark did mention during the Wainwright most recent Presentation that a TITANIUM Off-take was/might be close at hand. See some of my notes below:
https://www.reddit.com/r/NIOCORP_MINE/comments/17bn129/niocorps_scandium_event_slides_from_oct_18th/
NOTES: MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO RECOVERIES FOR ALL MINERALS. TITANIUM "TICKLE" MAY BECOME A LARGE SOURCE OF REVENUE GOING FORWARD. TITANIUM OFFTAKE AGREEMENT PER MARK SMITH - "SOON!!!"
NOTES: MARK SMITH - (Should hear (Announce) something about the Stellantis Deal in 45 to 60 Days!!!!!) THAT IS RIGHT ABOUT NOW??? MID-NOVEMBER 2023...
]
THANKS PM!
Norcal/All- Given Responses below. I think Niocorp is working/Collaborating with several entities that will utilize not only the Scandium, but also the New Niobium, Titanium & REE Oxides. I am reminded of the following responses from Jim! Even IF Niocorp is pursuing any patents to protect recent developments it would take some time before approval or official announcements. (2yrs??) & that Niocorp can & will offer comment only when they can officially do so!
MY SPECULATION - "I THINK there are more Critical Mineral BUNS in the oven!" but FORM YOUR OWN OPINIONS & CONCLUSIONS BELOW!
Please see Jim's response to questions posed for comment-3/17/2022:
A) Could you comment on what the production of higher purity niobium & titanium could be utilized for once realized?
**RESPONSE
Scooter/All- One last item to add to your post. I did reach out to Jim about Magnequench & the patents & will share the response here from Nov. 10, 2023.
Jim: Given the relevant information shared (P.C.) i.e... Japan News Recent visit to the Elk Creek Site & upcoming U.S. "Critical Minerals Talks" in San Francisco, CA. A perfect Storm is brewing! 😉Once again...
Given:
Nov. 16, 2013 ~Hitachi Metals, Ltd. – The Magnet Industry Newsmaker
https://magneticsmag.com/hitachi-metals-ltd-the-magnet-industry-newsmaker/
& the Magnequench Patent information Guide:
http://www.tengam.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/MagnequenchPatent.new-20121.pdf
& May 2023 AS MP Materials & GM are building a Magnet facility in Texas...
https://www.forbes.com/sites/willyshih/2023/05/18/mp-materials-what-a-successful-re-shoring-strategy-could-look-like/?sh=459af73a2f6d
I've Gotta ask:
a) IF any the above Patents are still RELEVANT? - Who owns the remaining MAGNAQUENCH patent rights? Does Hitachi, Niocorp, or another entity?
RESPONSE:
NASA Is Hunting For Minerals In The Desert With A Modified U-2 Spy Plane Nov. 11, 2023
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/nasa-is-hunting-for-minerals-in-the-desert-with-a-modified-u-2-spy-plane/ar-AA1jLouF
NASA's modified U-2 spy plane, the ER-2, is conducting geological surveys in the Western Desert Region to discover critical mineral deposits.
The plane is equipped with advanced instruments like AVIRIS, HyTES, and MASTER, which enable it to detect hidden mineral deposits through hyperspectral data.
NASA Is Hunting For Minerals In The Desert With A Modified U-2 Spy Plane
© Provided by SimpleFlying
The GEMx mission aims to reduce the US's dependency on foreign mineral imports and ensure a reliable supply of critical minerals.
One of NASA's high-altitude ER-2 aircraft is being used to conduct high-tech geological surveys over the desert. The plane is a modified version of the iconic Cold War-era U-2 spy plane and will fly at around 65,000 feet to discover minerals considered critical to the US.
Modified U2 spy plane search for minerals
The ER-2 (Earth Resources 2) plane has begun its Geological Earth Mapping Experiment (GEMx) mission to discover and map mineral deposits in the Western Desert Region of the US. The modified Lockheed U-2 is fitted with multiple instruments, including NASA’s AVIRIS (Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer), HyTES (Hyperspectral Thermal Emission Spectrometer), and MASTER (MODIS/ASTER Airborne Simulator), enabling it to detect hidden mineral deposits through hyperspectral data.
The plane will conduct flights over the American Southwest - including desert territory in California, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico - for the next three years, together with a modified Gulfstream V also fitted with AVIRIS.
Kevin Reath, NASA deputy program manager for GEMx, commented,
"For this mission, we are flying at approximately 65,000 feet to acquire wide swaths of geophysical data with every overflight. It’s thanks to this high-altitude flying capability that we can cover such a large area."
Reducing foreign dependency
The GEMx mission - funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law - is in partnership with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and will seek to detect "critical minerals" hidden in the desert. This includes lithium, cobalt and nickel, which are vital for electronics and battery production.
There is concern in the US about its dependency on foreign mineral imports, particularly from China. These critical minerals are also key to modern efforts to implement clean energy solutions, such as electric cars and solar energy.
Raymond Kokaly, a research geophysicist with the USGS, explained,
"The US depends on a reliable supply of Earth materials to support its economy and national security. Such materials have been deemed critical minerals because disruption of their supply would have significant negative impacts. Undiscovered deposits of at least some of these critical and strategic minerals almost certainly exist in the United States, but modern geophysical data is needed to increase our knowledge of these resources."
About the ER-2
The ER-2 can reach altitudes of up to 70,000 feet and has a cruise speed of around 410 knots. NASA has two ER-2 aircraft at its disposal, the first acquired in 1981 and the other in 1989 - together, the two aircraft have completed over 4,500 missions across six continents, gathering a diverse range of data in their capacity as flying laboratories.
May 2022,~NioCorp’s Elk Creek Project Confirmed as the Second Largest Indicated-Or-Better Rare Earth Resource in the U.S.
https://www.niocorp.com/niocorps-elk-creek-project-confirmed-as-the-second-largest-indicated-or-better-rare-earth-resource-in-the-u-s/
JUNE 2023 NIOCORP RANKS AMONG TOP 30 REE PROJECTS ~ Global rare earth elements projects: New developments and supply chains:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169136823001439?ref=pdf_download&fr=RR-2&rr=824ebe6a6d544cc0
[imghttps://preview.redd.it/28s5z66po4xb1.png?width=944&format=png&auto=webp&s=0398c2c7ba14f4e19e13efb56f435f1531fae73d][/img]
JUNE 6, 2023 ~NioCorp Applies for Debt Financing from the US Export-Import Bank:
https://www.niocorp.com/niocorp-applies-for-debt-financing-from-the-us-export-import-bank/
GIVEN: NIOCORP'S NIOBIUM, SCANDIUM, TITANIUM & REE's & What they can do.... I'm-
With Many... Let's Go Team Niocorp! & Interested Entities... Time to Fund & Build The Elk Creek Mine in Nebraska!
Chico
Thanks Scooter! See a relevant response from Niocorp. As EXIM appears to be leading as the prime source for Niocorp's Up & Coming Finance!
I am reminded of a response from Jim Sim's on Oct. 14th 2023 When asked about ongoing talks from The Mineral Security Partnership ~
https://money.usnews.com/investing/news/articles/2023-10-05/u-s-uk-and-partners-working-on-15-critical-minerals-projects
"The Mineral Security Partnership is largely designed to encourage critical minerals projects in nations outside of the U.S. This is not an exclusive rule, but it clearly is the US State Department’s intent. These kinds of multilateral international processes tend to move relatively slowly given that several dozen various governmental bureaucracies across all participating nations get involved in these decisions. You can think of these multilateral efforts as operating like the United Nations … nothing really gets decided that quickly, and there will be an enormous amount of government oversight and regulation that will come to any project that secures funding through the Partnership."
NEO Performance Materials - DOTS
Neo Performance Materials Appoints Mohamad El-Mahmoud As Executive Vice President, Rare Metals
November 1, 2023
TORONTO, Canada, November 1, 2023 – Neo Performance Materials Inc. (“Neo”, the “Company”) (TSX:NEO), a global leader in the design, development, and processing of advanced industrial materials, today announced the appointment of Mohamad El-Mahmoud as Executive Vice President, Rare Metals, of the Company. Mr. El-Mahmoud will replace Frank Timmerman, who has left the Company to pursue other opportunities.
Mr. El-Mahmoud is a German national who left his role as business unit leader for a leading global fluid power solutions provider to lead the Rare Metals business unit of Neo. He held successively senior positions with that provider which included: (i) establishing production facilities; (ii) driving the transformation of a product offering from pure internal combustion engine (ICE) to hybrid and battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology; and (iii) overseeing 75 engineers as General Manager of the European Technical Center in Germany. Mr. El-Mahmoud has held senior leadership positions in Business Development, Engineering and Operations in various regions including North America, Europe and China. He began his career as an automotive powertrain systems designer with a power transmission belts and fluid power products provider and over the course of seven years, he played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s operations in Asia by establishing multiple plants and engineering centers in Shanghai, Seoul, and Chennai. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics and Space Engineering from the Aachen University of Applied Science.
“Mohamad’s extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and ability to drive business growth will be a valuable asset to Neo. His dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence have propelled him to achieve exceptional results throughout his career,” said Rahim Suleman, President and CEO of Neo. “I would like to welcome Mohamad to the Neo family and I look forward to his leadership of our Rare Metals business unit and overall contribution to the Company.”
“On behalf of the Board and the management team, I would like to express our appreciation to Frank Timmerman for his years of service to Neo, as well as his commitment and contribution to the growth of the Rare Metals business,” Mr. Suleman added. “We wish Frank all the best in his future endeavours.”
About Neo Performance Materials
Neo manufactures the building blocks of many modern technologies that enhance efficiency and sustainability. Neo’s advanced industrial materials – magnetic powders and magnets, specialty chemicals, metals, and alloys – are critical to the performance of many everyday products and emerging technologies. Neo’s products help to deliver the technologies of tomorrow to consumers today. The business of Neo is organized along three segments: Magnequench, Chemicals & Oxides and Rare Metals. Neo is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; with corporate offices in Greenwood Village, Colorado, United States; Singapore; and Beijing, China. Neo has a global platform that includes 10 manufacturing facilities located in China, the United States, Germany, Canada, Estonia, Thailand and the United Kingdom, as well as one dedicated research and development centre in Singapore.
For more information, please visit www.neomaterials.com.
Neo Launches Construction Of Permanent Rare Earth Magnet Facility
July 7, 2023
https://www.neomaterials.com/neo-launches-construction-of-re-magnet-manufacturing-plant/
Participating in the ceremonial groundbreaking, left to right, were: Raivo Vasnu, NPM Silmet Managing Director; Maive Rute, Deputy Director General of the European Commission; Rahim Suleman, Neo President; Claire Kennedy, Chairman of the Board of Neo; Constantine Karayannopoulos, Neo’s Chief Executive Officer; Tiit Risalo, Estonian Minister of the Economy; Madis Kallas, Estonian Minister of Regional Affairs; Charles Lew, Executive Chairman of Hastings Technology Metals; Greg Kroll, Neo Executive Vice President and head of the company’s Magnequench business unit; Greg Heydon, Managing Director, Magnequench (Estonia) NPM Narva OU; and Vivian Loonela, EU Ambassador to Estonia.
Neo’s nearby rare earth separations plant in Sillamäe, Estonia will provide rare earth feedstock to the Narva plant from the U.S. and other sources. These high-purity magnetic rare earth oxides will be transformed into sintered neodymium-iron-boron magnets. Neo officials are excited to foster a more integrated supply chain for sintered rare earth permanent magnets developed from recycled end-of-life magnets and manufacturing swarf. This process will be the first of its kind in Europe.
Sintered rare earth permanent magnets are used in a wide variety of technologies that increase energy efficiency, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and help enable the European Union’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality. These magnets are especially integral to the drivetrains of the majority of electric vehicles manufactured today, where they increase the power and efficiency of the motors. Other rare earth magnets made by Neo are used in electric motors in battery electric, hybrid electric, and conventional vehicles, as well as in electronics, water circulation pumps, high-efficiency home appliances, and many high-efficiency industrial applications.
Neo President Rahim Suleman, who will take over as CEO of Neo Performance Materials in July, said: “Neo is embarking on a new chapter of serving the automotive and wind energy industries. We are building the first rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing facility in Europe, with the specifications of our German, French, and other European OEM and Tier 1 customers in mind, suitable for traction motors for electric vehicles.”
Greg Kroll, who leads Neo’s Magnequench business unit, said: “Market interest in our plans to produce permanent rare earth magnets in Europe continues to be very robust, and we look forward to being able to serve customers across rapidly expanding European automotive and wind energy markets. We intend to leverage our long experience in the rare earth magnetics industry, and our team’s decades of specialized knowledge in this sector, to build and operate a state-of-the-art, high-efficiency facility that maximizes circular economics through recycling of end-of-life magnets and recovering and recycling magnet ‘swarf’ material created in the manufacturing process.”
Jan. 2020 Neo Reports 10% Drop in Demand for Its Magnequench Powders, Revenues Decline 21%
https://magneticsmag.com/neo-reports-10-drop-in-demand-for-its-magnequench-powders-revenues-decline-21/
With over 30 years of manufacturing experience, Magnequench uses a proprietary process to manufacture its powder using a blend of rare earth oxides as the primary input. The powders are used in the production of bonded permanent magnets that are components in automotive motors, micro motors, traction motors, sensors and other applications requiring high levels of magnetic strength, improved performance, and reduced size and weight.
Based in Toronto, Neo has become as a global leader in the innovation and manufacturing of rare earth- and rare metal-based functional materials. The company has approximately 1,859 employees spread across a global platform that includes 11 manufacturing facilities located in China, USA, Germany, Canada, Estonia, Thailand and South Korea as well as two dedicated research and development centers in Singapore and the UK.
Neo is the only non-Chinese company with a license to separate rare earth elements in China, which provides unique competitive advantages and a degree of vertical integration. Since 1994, the company has leveraged its rare earth separation expertise to innovate and grow into a leading manufacturer of functional engineered materials for specialty end markets.
Jim Sims
Chief Communications Officer
NioCorp
Biography:
Jim manages investor relations, media relations, marketing, and government affairs for NioCorp. He has more than 25 years of experience in devising and executing marketing, media relations, public affairs, and investor relations operations for companies in the mining, chemical, manufacturing, utility, and renewable energy sectors. He also serves as Director of Investor and Public Relations for IBC Advanced Alloys (TSXV:IB; OTCQB:IAALF) and Director of Communications for Neo Performance Materials (TSX:NEO). He is President and CEO of Policy Communications, Inc., a Denver-based investor and public relations consulting firm. Previously, Jim was VP of Corporate Communications for Molycorp, Inc. A former news reporter for the Des Moines Register and Tribune, Jim is the former President of the U.S. Geothermal Energy Association and Western Business Roundtable and was Chairman of the Rare Earth Technology Alliance. The former White House Director of Communications for the Energy Policy Development Group, Jim served for 11 years in the U.S. Senate, including as a Chief of Staff, and held a top-secret security clearance. He is an honors graduate of Georgetown University.
PERHAPS NEO ALSO NEEDS DIVERSITY OF SUPPLY FOR CRITICAL MINERALS
I know.... "More Dots!'.... ROFL
Chico
Magnequench was owned by Molycorp and patent coverage for many of their products through 2017-2025.
Scooter I appreciated your D.D.!!! THANK -YOU!!! It made me circle back to an old track on mine to magnets...
Does anyone here KNOW WHO owns the PATENT rights described above??? Does Hitachi? the old Molycorp, Niocorp? or another entity???
GIVEN THE FOLLOWING:
MARCH 2023 MP Materials: What A Successful Re-Shoring Strategy Could Look Like
https://www.forbes.com/sites/willyshih/2023/05/18/mp-materials-what-a-successful-re-shoring-strategy-could-look-like/?sh=4495a0052f6d
JAPAN INVESTS IN LYNAS -Japan takes first stake in heavy rare earths to reduce China reliance
Sojitz, JOGMEC aim to fill 30% of domestic demand in deal with Australian mine
https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Supply-Chain/Japan-takes-first-stake-in-heavy-rare-earths-to-reduce-China-reliance
TOKYO -- Japan has acquired its first interest in heavy rare-earth elements, which are essential for magnets used in electric vehicle motors, in a step toward weaning off a reliance on China, the world's top producer.
Japanese trading house Sojitz and the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) will invest approximately 200 million Australian dollars ($134.7 million) in Australia's Lynas Rare Earths by the end of March through Japan Australia Rare Earths, a joint venture set up by the two Japanese entities, Sojitz said in a statement Tuesday.
Under the deal, Lynas will supply Japan with up to 65% of the dysprosium and terbium produced at the Mount Weld mine in western Australia. This will cover about 30% of domestic Japanese demand for the heavy rare earths, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Lynas plans to start mining within the next few years.
Dysprosium and terbium are used to enhance heat resistance of powerful neodymium magnets, which are essential for reducing the size of EV motors and wind turbines. Japan's combined annual procurement of both rare earths is in the hundreds of tonnes.
Lynas plans to transport rare-earth ore mined from Mount Weld outside the country, where the rare earths are separated from the ore and refine them. Until now, the separation and refining processes have been outsourced to Chinese companies, but Lynas aims to supply Japan through a new supply chain that bypasses China.
China currently handles almost all heavy rare-earth production. The annual global production of rare-earth ore in 2022 reached about 300,000 tonnes, of which China accounted for about 210,000 tonnes, or 70%. In particular, dysprosium and terbium are concentrated across southern China and Myanmar.
Another of China's advantages is that it can handle the separation and refining processes within its borders. Rare-earth ores contain radioactive materials that make strict environmental measures essential, increasing costs.
The U.S. and other countries used to produce rare earths, but China has built a global monopoly through an integrated system that handles the entire process from mining to refining.
In 2010, following a collision between a Chinese fishing boat and a Japan Coast Guard patrol vessel in disputed waters near Okinawa prefecture, China temporarily halted supplies of rare earths to Japan, putting Japanese magnet makers in a bind. If Japan can secure a supply outside of China, it will be a countermeasure against using rare earths as a diplomatic card.
Cost remains an issue. A Sojitz representative said the quality of the ore mined by Lynas is high, and that Japan's operations will be cost-competitive with Chinese companies. However, it will not be easy to compete with the country's integrated mass-production system.
The Australian supply will only be enough for about 30% of domestic demand, meaning Japan will continue to rely on China for the remaining 70%.
JOGMEC is rushing to secure other supplies of heavy rare earths in Namibia and other places.
Old article but relevant:
Hitachi Metals, Ltd. – The Magnet Industry Newsmaker
https://magneticsmag.com/hitachi-metals-ltd-the-magnet-industry-newsmaker/
In 1983, NdFeB rare earth permanent magnets were invented independently by two teams, one headed by Dr. Masato Sagawa of Sumitomo Special Metals and the other by Dr. John Croat of General Motors (now Magnequench). In the late 1980s, the first legal issue regarding NdFeB magnets surfaced between Sumitomo and GM. The two companies settled their differences early, with Magnequench having the rights to bonded and hot pressed NdFeB, while Sumitomo obtained domain over the sintered version of the new magnet material.
So here we are, 30 years after the invention of NdFeB and today, Hitachi Metals (the successor to Sumitomo Special Metals) continues to pursue patent and licensing issues related to sintered NdFeB magnets. And there is a lot at stake.
Hitachi Metals, Ltd. Hits the Limelight
In December, 2011 Hitachi Metals first made the following announcement:
“Tokyo, Japan, December 21, 2011— Hitachi Metals, Ltd. has today announced plans to construct a new plant in the United States that will produce neodymium magnets designed for use in hybrid and electric vehicles. The facility will be located at Hitachi Metals North Carolina, Ltd., the company’s magnet manufacturing base in the United States. The launch of this neodymium magnet production facility will bolster the ability of Hitachi Metals to satisfy the expanding demand projected for this type of magnet not only in the United States, but throughout the rest of North America and Europe as well.”
The above announcement was well received by many industry participants and magnet users because it represented the first domestic production of sintered NdFeB magnets since the US magnet industry, under intense competitive pressures from Chinese magnet producers, were forced to shut down production operations more than 10 years ago. Hitachi’s new NdFeB magnet operation in North Carolina has now been in operation for about six months.
Then, in August of 2012, the permanent magnet community was rocked with the following announcement:
“Tokyo, Japan, August 20, 2012 –Hitachi Metals, Ltd. announced today that on August 17, 2012, it filed a formal complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) against 29 manufacturers and importers of sintered rare earth magnets and products containing sintered rare earth magnets. Hitachi Metals seeks exclusion orders from the ITC prohibiting the entry into the United States of unlicensed, infringing sintered rare earth magnets and products containing those magnets and cease and desist orders prohibiting certain activity within the United States.”
The Battle Begins
In the August 20th announcement, Hitachi listed four issued US patents (Patent Nos. 6,461,565; 6,491,765; 6,527,874 and 6,537,385), which they considered key to their position. These patents were filed during the period March, 2001 to July, 2002 and have a lifespan of 20 years. At least three of these patents are “process patents” that detail a wide variety of process claims, which Hitachi argued were essential to the production of high-performance sintered NdFeB magnets. It is worth noting, however, that the ‘874 patent does have a composition of matter claim. In addition, Hitachi no longer referenced the “651 patent” (which expires in July 2014) under which their previous licensees were authorized to produce sintered NdFeB magnets.
One assertion reportedly made by Hitachi’s lawyers was that Hitachi could determine, by examining a finished magnet, whether it was manufactured in violation of the Hitachi patents. A number of technical magnet experts (with much more technical savvy than this writer) were skeptical of this claim, particularly as it related to the “process” patents.
Shortly after the ITC filing, a number of the 29 manufacturers, distributors and users of NdFeB magnets quickly “settled” with Hitachi. The details of these settlement agreements are not available to the public, but many industry followers have speculated that some of the early settlements involved companies who did not have the financial capability to engage in the anticipated legal process.
As the months wore on, the five Chinese companies who had originally been Hitachi licensees gradually agreed to new licensing agreements that permitted them to manufacture and sell NdFeB magnets under the newly cited Hitachi patents. As the traditional licensees began announcing their new agreements with Hitachi, the momentum clearly began to favor Hitachi.
However, some of the “named companies” who did not settle were apparently willing to launch a legal challenge to the four patents cited in Hitachi’s ITC complaint. Technical experts were lined up by both sides and a lengthy period of discovery and depositions began. It has been reported that two camps actually formed to challenge the four Hitachi patents, one group of US-based companies and a smaller group of Chinese magnet producers. Many industry experts observed that the challenge by the Chinese companies was unexpected.
A trial was scheduled for mid-June 2013 with the ITC judge presiding. Many observers not involved in the proceedings began to opine that some prior art had reportedly been discovered and speculation arose within the technical community regarding the validity of some of Hitachi’s patent claims.
The Battle Ends
A few weeks prior to the June 2013 trial date, Hitachi abruptly announced that settlement agreements had been reached with nearly all the remaining companies and withdrew their petition to the ITC. In addition, three new Chinese licensees were announced: Earth Panda Magnetic Material Company, Ningbo Jinji Strong Magnetic Material Company and Yantai Zhenghai Magnetic Material Company.
The Apparent Winners
On July 1, 2013 Hitachi emerged as a winner as they issued the following announcement regarding new licensees:
“1. The following manufacturers are licensed or authorized to manufacture and sell sintered rare earth magnets under certain Hitachi Metals’ patents worldwide, except Japan.
Advanced Technology & Materials Co., Ltd.
Anhui Earth-Panda Advance Magnetic Material Co., Ltd.
Beijing Jingci Magnet Co.
Beijing Zhong Ke San Huan High-Tech Co., Ltd.
Ningbo Jinji Strong Magnetic Material Co., Ltd.
Ningbo Yunsheng Co., Ltd.
The Morgan Crucible Company plc
Thinova Magnet Co., Ltd.
Yantai Zhenghai Magnetic Material Co., Ltd.
2. The following manufacturers are licensed to manufacture and sell sintered rare earth magnets under certain Hitachi Metals’ patents worldwide, with limited rights to manufacture, sell and ship to or in China.
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
TDK Corporation
3. The following manufacturers are licensed to manufacture and sell sintered rare earth magnets under certain older Hitachi Metals’ patents.
Magnetfabrik Schramberg GmbH
Neorem Magnets Oy
Vacuumschmelze GmbH
Hitachi Metals has not licensed nor authorized any third party to manufacture or sell sintered rare earth magnets using its Dy diffusion and Dy-saving related technology or HILOP (Hitachi Low Oxygen Process) technology.”
Magnet users everywhere appeared to be winners in the fact that they now had an expanded list of potential suppliers of sintered NdFeB magnets. The new licensees, in particular, are winners because they can now export product into their authorized geographic areas.
Molycorp and Lynas should also benefit in the sense that applications for NdFeB magnets should continue to grow and provide demand for their rare earth oxides.
And let there be no doubt regarding the ultimate beneficiaries of Hitachi’s ITC action – the lawyers made millions!
The Apparent Losers
Many of those companies named in the August 2012 ITC petition continue to claim that they were not violating the Hitachi licensing agreements in effect entering 2012. To the extent that this was true, they were certainly victims of a “random shooting”. It has never been explained why some companies were selected to be “named” and others were spared the embarrassment and cost, even though industry participants suspected many others of purchasing unlicensed material. This reminded me of the old adage I was taught as a young man, “Nobody ever said it had to be fair”.
Chinese producers without licensing privileges certainly were disappointed that a successful legal challenge to Hitachi’s patent claims did not materialize. That would have meant that, effective in mid-2014, the world market would have been available to all of them.
Hitachi was considered a loser to the extent that they did not “go to the mat” and successfully defend their four patents in the courtroom. Some experts opined that Hitachi had concern that a number of their patent claims might not stand up it they went to trial. That strategic withdrawal did leave the door open for someone to dispute those patents in the future. And then it happened…
The Battle Continues…
On August 8, 2013, The China Daily newspaper made the following blockbuster announcement:
China Rare Earth Alliance to Fight Japan’s Patent Barrier (Excerpts)
“A dozen Chinese rare earth companies have formed an industrial alliance to sue Japan’s Hitachi Metals for holding invalid patents and infringing patent rights of Chinese companies. The legal process could start in early September in the United States and China.
Sun Baoyu, president of Shenyang General Magnetic Co. and head of the coalition, said Hitachi Metals no longer has any right to claim the patents. He said the Japanese company’s patent extension, which he thinks is invalid, has hindered the market expansion of Chinese rare earth manufacturers. “Hitachi Metals’ action has severely affected China’s rare earth industry, especially for the exports of China’s downstream rare earth products,” Sun said.
Zhao Hu, lawyer and partner of Beijing’s Eastbright Law Firm, said Hitachi Metals’ patent extension blocks technological progress. “Based on Chinese law, no patent extension is allowed. All patents expire after 20 years. Internationally, patent extension can happen based only on reasonable, effective and strong causes,” which Zhao thinks do not apply in Hitachi Metals’case.
Gao Yunhu, chief of the Rare Earth Office under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said the government will provide assistance to the Chinese companies if asked. “We respect the intellectual property rights. But what Hitachi Metals has done is to set up trade barriers,” he said. So far, each member company of the alliance has paid US$1.5 million to cover possible costs of the lawsuits. Chinese and US legal teams will act on behalf of the Chinese companies in the courts of the two countries.”
This legal battle will likely go on for years. The Chinese consortium has apparently established an $18 million war chest and will potentially have the backing of the Chinese government. It’s difficult to predict the outcome, other than the fact that some outrageous legal bills will undoubtedly be racked up. In fact, one industry participant has reportedly speculated that $18 million “May not be enough”.
The lineups for the coming legal battle are impressive. On one side we have 12 Chinese NdFeB magnet producers backed by the Chinese government. On the other side we have Hitachi Metals supported with the licensing income from 14 newly-signed licensees.
We will have to wait for the outcome of this patent contest. As noted earlier, some have questioned certain of the Hitachi patent claims, but we have not heard anyone predict that all four patents would be determined to be invalid. This legal battle will take considerable time, probably years to resolve. And it would probably be dangerous to speculate on the final outcome.
It is possible that some unlicensed Chinese magnet producers may begin to claim that their manufacturing processes do not infringe Hitachi’s newest patent claims, particularly for mid-range performance NdFeB magnets. Hitachi will undoubtedly counter by suggesting that such magnets are “inferior”. Such initiatives by unlicensed Chinese producers could complicate the future magnet sourcing landscape.
Market demand (and production) for NdFeB magnets should continue to grow at an average pace of 4 to 6 percent per year and this should benefit both magnet producers and users.
As NdFeB magnet demand continues to grow, rare earth raw material prices should stabilize and may exhibit a gradual upward trend. However, future rare earth price increases will likely be tempered as new suppliers of REO’s, especially Lynas and Molycorp, fully come on stream.
It is worthy a final note that all of the mentioned activities have no impact regarding Magnequench NdFeB powders utilized for the production of compression and injection molded magnets. These powders currently enjoy basic patent coverage through mid-2014. Magnequench is now owned by Molycorp and they do have additional patent coverage for many of their products through 2017-2025.
OLDER MAGNAQUENCH PATENT INFORMATION GUIDE
http://www.tengam.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/MagnequenchPatent.new-20121.pdf
Given all the recent hub-bub... more INTERESTING DOTS!!! ROFL....
Chico
FULL ARTICLE: Nov. 10, 2023~ China Prepares To Choke Off America's Rare Metal Supply
China Prepares To Choke Off America's Rare Metal Supply (newsweek.com)
https://www.newsweek.com/china-rare-earth-metals-export-control-restrictions-1842152
Laborers work at a rare earth metals mine site in Nancheng county in China's eastern Jiangxi province on October 7, 2010. The Chinese Commerce Ministry imposed new reporting requirements on rare earth element exports on November 7, 2023
China will tighten reporting controls on strategic rare earth elements, according to its Commerce Ministry, in a move that could choke off America's supply of critical minerals used in the production of electric cars and missiles.
The ministry said on Tuesday that exporters of rare earth elements would need to report their shipment orders, although no limitations were announced at the time. The government did not publicly specific which minerals would be subject to the new reporting requirement.
The decision is being viewed as a message to Washington about Beijing's potential to target specific industries as a response to the U.S.'s own restrictions on high-end semiconductors.
The decision also comes as Chinese leader Xi Jinping is slated to travel to San Francisco next week for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where he is expected to meet President Joe Biden and attend a reception with U.S. corporate elites.
Rare earth elements are a group of 17 minerals that, although abundant, are challenging to extract and process for use in cutting-edge technologies, from new electric vehicles and solar panels to microchips used by the defense industry.
China is the biggest producer of rare earth elements, having mastered extraction and processing. The new reporting requirement was a common practice, its Commerce Ministry said of the policy move.
In July, China imposed export restrictions on two rare earth minerals—gallium and germanium—which are crucial for semiconductor manufacturing. The decision was seen as a counterblow to Washington's controls on China's access to high-end computer chips.
China currently accounts for 60 percent of the world's rare earth extraction and 87 percent of processing, according to analysis by the Paris-based International Energy Agency.
Rare metals aren't the only items on Beijing's growing list of strategic targets; the Commerce Ministry has also asked importers of iron ore, copper ore concentrate and potash fertilizer to report their orders.
"The establishment of an import and export statistical survey and reporting mechanism for certain bulk products is an internationally accepted practice. Statistics on the import and export of goods helps us to grasp the incomings and outgoings of bulk products in a timely manner in order to examine trends," said He Yadong, a ministry spokesperson.
The new reporting requirement is an update to the commodity reporting regulations published in 2022 by China's statistics bureau and will last two years starting from October 31.
However, experts have questioned the presumption that China could hurt the United States with rare earth restrictions.
"We have a hard time seeing how China could slap rare earth restrictions on consumer goods—goods that are produced inside China and are increasingly consumed globally—and not shoot itself in the economic foot in the process," John LaForge, head of real asset strategy at Wells Fargo Investment Institute, said in a 2019 research report.
China has been accused of weaponizing its dominance in the rare earths industry before. In 2010, Beijing slashed export quotas and reduced shipments to Japan after tensions escalated over the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.
Beijing's targeting of Japan raised widespread concerns in the West, but China eventually lifted the restrictions after the World Trade Organization ruled against Beijing's actions in 2014 in a case jointly put forward by the U.S., the European Union and Japan.
Jeremy Hsu, writing for Scientific American, concluded that Beijing's restriction of rare earth exports to Japan had backfired, as companies found ways to reduce dependence on particular elements.
"Afterward, Japanese automakers such as Toyota and Honda began developing hybrid car motors that greatly reduced or even eliminated rare earth elements, such as terbium and dysprosium, from the powerful magnets used in electric motors," Hsu said.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has worked with its allies to reduce dependence on China for rare earth metals. Renewed efforts are being made to shore up domestic production at sites such as Fort Worth in Texas.
China, however, continues to find new reserves of rare earth elements at home, including the latest discovery of a new ore in Baotou in its northern Inner Mongolia region.
PC- it is “interesting “ to say the least! As there are many Dots that need to connect.
What are the odds a news crew from Japan is filming on site with Niocorp management about the U.S. 2nd Largest confirmed REE Resource.
Just a few days prior to a private 2/2 U.S. Japan meeting on Tuesday Nov. 14th and the arrival of Xi Ping & Biden talks!?
Stealing a phrase from Goodwill Hunting-“How do ya like them 🍎!?”
Waiting to see what is announced…
Chico
Nov. 10, 2023~China Prepares To Choke Off America's Rare Metal Supply - MSN
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/china-prepares-to-choke-off-america-s-rare-metal-supply/vi-AA1jHqHV
China’s grip on Africa's minerals sparks a US response
https://www.msn.com/en-xl/africa/zimbabwe/china-s-grip-on-africas-minerals-sparks-a-us-response/ar-AA1jH5y6
SEE MAYER/BROWN OPINION PIECE MARCH 29, 2023~US and Japan Enter into Critical Minerals Trade Deal
https://www.mayerbrown.com/en/perspectives-events/publications/2023/03/working-together-us-and-japan-enter-into-critical-minerals-trade-deal
AS THE U.S. & JAPAN continue Talks on Critical Minerals!
MARCH 28, 2023 the U.S. & Japan Sign A CRITICAL MINERAL TRADE AGREEMENT.
https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/23-328-Japan-Trade-and-Investment-Critical-Minerals-3.28.2023-TIMS-63355.pdf
Oct. 23, 2023 ~U.S.-Japan Critical Minerals Agreement
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12517/1
NOVEMBER 7, 2023 ~ Canada can provide critical minerals, energy to Japan, says foreign minister (U.S. & JAPAN TO MEET NOV. 14th 2023)
https://www.reuters.com/world/canada-can-provide-critical-minerals-energy-japan-says-foreign-minister-2023-11-07/
TOKYO, Nov 7 (Reuters) - Canada can provide critical minerals and energy to Japan, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said to her Japanese counterpart ahead of bilateral talks in Tokyo on Tuesday.
"We believe your security is our security, and we believe also that we can provide you support in terms of energy and critical minerals which is so important to the Japanese people," Joly said.
The Group of Seven foreign ministers from wealthy industrialized countries including Canada, Japan, and the United States are set to meet for two days starting on Tuesday.
SEE ALSO Oct. 30th, 2023- Japan, US eye economic '2-plus-2' ministerial talks in November
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231030/p2g/00m/0bu/031000c
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan and the United States are considering a meeting of their foreign and economy ministers in San Francisco in November, a source close to the matter said Monday, amid growing challenges in the economic security field posed by China.
The Japan-U.S. "two-plus-two" talks on the economy would be held on the fringes of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum's ministerial gathering scheduled for two days from Nov. 14 in the Californian city, according to the source.
If realized, it would be the second time for Japan and the United States to hold such discussions. The talks were initiated in July last year in Washington.
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura are expected to attend the meeting, along with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
The four ministers are likely to exchange views on measures to build resilient supply chains for key minerals that are less dependent on certain countries in the face of China's expanding military use of cutting-edge technologies.
The prospect of the ministerial talks comes as expectations mount that U.S. President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping will meet in San Francisco on the sidelines of the APEC summit in mid-November!
Waiting with many!
Chico
Good point GE! I was focusing on the fact the U.S. govt. signed a Critical Mineral Agreement with Japan in March of 2023.
That leveled the playing field between countries for both supply lines & investments! With a nation that shares similar values to ours.
The U.S. govt. has been trying to do the same thing with the U.K. & E.U. But since mid Oct. 2023 the talks appear to have stalled.
Knowing Niocorp was in the U.K. In 2022 & 2023 (Scandium) & has a German loan guarantee. The synergies are interesting and may tie into P.C’s D.D.?? Or not.
Pretty cool Japan News was on site!😜👍
Waiting with many….
Chico
Most welcome Tante! I too enjoy reading many of the others who post relevant information & insights. Sometimes I don’t agree & it is good to have both sides presented always! Sometimes people do go too far though…
I’ve never tried Elk Creek Water before, but would enjoy a round with you and many others some day in the not too distant future “ I think 🤔 “
Sleep … ah yes…a wise man once said “Early to bed, Early to rise….”
Let’s Go Niocorp!
Chico
SSBN's indeed Norcal! ~ Navy Mulling Large Diameter Subs Hulls After 12 Columbias, SSN(X) Requirements Due Next Year
The Navy plans to build a fleet of 12 new SSBNs. Initially awarded in September 2017, the overall contract has a potential value of $6.1 billion.
https://news.usni.org/2023/11/08/navy-mulling-large-diameter-subs-hulls-after-12-columbias-ssnx-requirements-due-next-year
The Navy needs to build 12 Columbia-class SSBNs to meet the requirements from the U.S. Strategic Command for nuclear ballistic missile patrols at sea, Rear Adm. Mark Behning said.
“Columbia, when it was first built and designed, is designed to replace the current Ohio-class of 14 with 12. We’re able to do that by eliminating the midlife refueling overhaul,” he said during a presentation at the Naval Submarine League 2023 annual symposium.
Following the last planned Columbia delivery in the 2040s – SSBN-838 set to replace USS Louisiana (SSBN-783) – the Navy wants to continue to build large-diameter submarines for a variety of missions.
Under the Navy’s long-range shipbuilding plan, it intends to take delivery of the first large payload submarine in 2049, but the requirements for that hull are far from set. The Navy is trying to avoid a lull in building larger submarines after the $186 billion Columbia program – like it experienced following the end of the Ohio boats in the late 1990s – and send a demand signal to industry to maintain a workforce capable of building large submarines. The service has not yet determined the cadence between hulls in future submarines after the Columbia-class program.
“Those discussions continue to go on [but] the plan is to keep [the line] open,” Behning said.
A Federal Strategy to Ensure Secure and Reliable Supplies of Critical Minerals
https://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/2020-01/Critical_Minerals_Strategy_Final.pdf
FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Further Actions to Secure Rare Earth Element Supply Chain
https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/section-232-investigations/3142-2022-09-fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-actions-to-secure-rare-earth-element/file
AUGUST 2023 Supply Chains Progress Report
https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/Supply%20Chain%20Progress%20Report%20-%20August%202023.pdf
Home | NioCorp Developments Ltd.
FORM YOUR OWN OPINIONS & CONCLUSIONS:
WAITING FOR MATERIAL NEWS AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE WITH MANY!
Chico
Truly exciting! P.C. ... Jim did respond that team Niocorp was talking to several Private & Federal Entities and that there were several Federal programs that they "MAY" qualify for. However, Niocorp could not comment "IF" they had applied for applications, as many of the agencies do not allow comment! As for the Private entites....many here have posted great ideas on who might be envolved!
What stood out for me in Jim's (August 2023) response was the possibility that ALL of Niocorp's Critical Minerals could/might be under development with various entities & not just the Scandium?? ~Could the Niobium, Titanium & Rare Earths also be under development???
The U.S. is also seeking a Critical Mineral agreement with the U.K. & E.U. but as of 11 days ago it still has not been agreed upon. (Niocorp was in the U.K. & E.U. as well..... the German loan guarantee is in play & perhaps the E.U. wants the same assurances as Japan???)
US, UK make progress on critical minerals agreement, US says THEY ARE IN JAPAN!!!!
https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/us-uk-make-progress-critical-minerals-agreement-us-says-2023-10-28/
Oct 28 (Reuters) - U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said "significant progress" was made on a U.S.-UK critical minerals agreement in talks on Saturday in Japan.
Tai issued a statement after meeting with British business and trade minister Kemi Badenoch.
The United States and the UK have been negotiating a critical minerals agreement that could allow electric vehicle minerals produced in Britain to count towards tax credits for clean vehicles offered under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act.
(That adds to the "YES" several entities are interested! too ROFL....)
The Plot thickens...
P.C. on MARCH 28, 2023 The United States and Japan Sign Critical Minerals Agreement
https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2023/march/united-states-and-japan-sign-critical-minerals-agreement
Historic agreement will diversify key supply chains and strengthen the U.S.-Japan bilateral economic and trade relationship
WASHINGTON -- United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Japan’s Ambassador to the United States, Tomita Koji, today signed a critical minerals agreement (“Agreement Between the Government of Japan and the Government of the United States of America on Strengthening Critical Minerals Supply Chains”). The Agreement builds on the 2019 U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement and will strengthen and diversify critical minerals supply chains and promote the adoption of electric vehicle battery technologies. In particular, the Agreement memorializes the shared commitment of the United States and Japan with respect to the critical minerals sector to facilitate trade, promote fair competition and market-oriented conditions for trade in critical minerals, advance robust labor and environmental standards, and cooperate in efforts to ensure secure, transparent, sustainable, and equitable critical minerals supply chains.
I am reminded of Jim's responses from AUGUST 14, 2023,
~Good morning - Jim! While waiting for Niocorp’s 2023 F.S. Release… The announcement for Scandium Alloy Production & Scandium alloy funding are most welcome! Leading me to add to my line of questions regarding Scandium & (Niocorp).
A) Would Niocorp qualify for a portion of this recent funding once approved by Congress? Moving forward.
***RESPONSE:
It means two or three things to me! & If I am correct that would be awesome too! eom
I'm LURKING in the background!!! LOL... Watching & posting on occasion. Tough crowd these past few months. I like you & other "FRAZZLED" NIO-fans... holding & waiting with many! Jim did state "It moves a bit slow!...."
I think many here have felt a similar sentiment at times!!!!
Still -
With many!
Chico
Tremendous! Thank-you for sharing PC... just catching up & "PENDING" sounds really good to me! Plus Japan.... oh boy DOTS!!!! =)
Now IF only a PRIVATE PLAYER OR OFFTAKE NEWS.... prior to AGM...
Let's Go Niocorp!
Chico
AWESOME PC! Thank-you for sharing your response from Niocorp! It has been another year & Team Niocorp has been pretty darn busy executing on their plan!
JIM- did state that the Federal ENTITIES do tend to move a bit slower than we all would wish & maybe some private entities as well?? I took the liberty of poking fun at are FRUSTRATION below....!
STILL WAITING WITH MANY FOR-
LET"S GO NIOCORP!!!
Chico
Maybe that was HIM???""" Rofl =) eom
PM- GE to date has NOT found a partner either? GM would partner with MP Materials & is building a Magnet Factory in Texas!
GE Renewable Energy signs MoU with General Motors to develop supply chain of rare earth and other materials to support EV and renewable energy growth
October 06, 2021
https://www.ge.com/news/press-releases/general-motors-signs-mou-with-ge-renewable-energy-to-develop-supply-chain-of-rare-earth-support-ev-renewable-energy-growth
October 06, 2021-UPDATE 1-GM, General Electric to study rare earth supply projects for EVs
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/1-gm-general-electric-study-195917922.html
APRIL 2022~ GM And MP Materials Announce Definitive Rare Earth Alloy And Magnet Supply Agreement
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2022/04/gm-and-mp-materials-announce-definitive-rare-earth-alloy-and-magnet-supply-agreement/
GM has announced a definitive supply agreement with MP Materials, a rare-earth materials company based out of Las Vegas, Nevada, that will supply the automaker with rare-earth materials, alloy, and magnets to support GM’s all-electric vehicle programs. The new supply agreement is set to kick off late in the 2023 calendar year.
The new definitive supply agreement follows a binding agreement between GM and MP Materials announced last December. The materials, alloys, and magnets will be used in electric motors for more than a dozen GM vehicles incorporating the automaker’s Ultium technology.
In parallel to the announcement of the definitive supply agreement with GM, MP Materials has also announced the start of construction for its new rare earth magnet factory in Fort Worth, Texas, set to create an estimated 150 skilled jobs, as well as roughly 1,300 indirect jobs. The facility will source materials from Mountain Pass, California, and will have the production capacity to turn out roughly 50,000 EV motors annually, with potential to scale. That includes roughly 1,000 metric tons of neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets per year.
The new facility is part of MP Materials’ recent $700 million investment to restore the U.S. rare earth magnetics supply chain over the course of the next two years. The facility will also integrate recycling and environmental capabilities for longterm sustainability. In addition, the company’s Mountain Pass production plant is a “closed loop, zero-discharge facility” that recycles over 1.7 billion liters of water annually, according to MP Materials.
“Bringing magnetics capabilities home is transformational for MP Materials and America’s supply chains,” said Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer, MP Materials, James Litinsky. “I am very proud that after a series of executive orders spanning multiple presidential administrations MP Materials is leading the restoration of the full supply chain and the revitalization of the American manufacturing spirit in our sector.”
As a reminder, General Motors has announced plans to launch 30 new electric vehicles globally by 2025.
Perhaps GE needs the Second Largest "PROVEN" REE DEPOSIT IN THE U.S. I would be happy with Stellantis, but Jim did state (I I have posted his responses that -"OTHER ENTITIES" were Interested!
Thanks for Posting your Response PM! Check out links below:
https://opengovuk.com/company/08434582
https://swi-partners.com/team
Was this the GUY they met in ENGLAND last year sitting in the corner??? "I think you were the person who pointed out the person in the corner PM!!!" ROFL...
"Could it be???"
Chico
HEY NORCAL! Thank - YOU for sharing your questions & responses from NIOCORP management! My thoughts after reading the comments:
A) Mark did state we might hear news from Stellantis/Deal in about 45 to 60 days Should BE LESS THAN 30 DAYS FROM NOW??!!
NioCorp CEO Mark Smith To Highlight Aluminum-Scandium Master Alloy Initiative at the 25th Annual H.C. Wainwright Global Investment Conference on September 12, 2023
SEE NOTES FROM PRESENTATION: MARK SMITH - (Should hear (Announce) something about the Stellantis Deal in 45 to 60 Days!!!!!) 60 Days from Sept. 12th = Nov. 12th ish???
NOTES: MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO RECOVERIES FOR ALL MINERALS. TITANIUM "TICKLE" MAY BECOME A LARGE SOURCE OF REVENUE GOING FORWARD. TITANIUM OFFTAKE AGREEMENT PER MARK SMITH - "SOON!!
NOTES ON SCANDIUM: (See the following slides)
1) OEMS/ENTITIES ARE SEEKING MANY DIFFERENT PARTS TO BE MANUFACTURED FROM SCANDIUM ALUMINUM ALLOY.
2) OEMS WANT SCANDIUM ALUMINUM MASTER ALLOYS!
3) NIOCORP IN COLLABORATION WITH NANOSCALE INTEND TO ANNOUNCE MATERIAL NEWS IN REGARD TO ~SCANDIUM INGOT PRODUCTION!~ SOON!!!!! THIS WAS COMPLETED Oct. 18th 2023, & MOVING FORWARD!!
https://www.niocorp.com/niocorp-produces-ingot-of-aluminum-scandium-metal-alloy-using-environmentally-superior-process/
4) SCANDIUM ALUMINUM PARTS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BE CHEAPER $$$$ TO PRODUCE & MANUFACTURE THAN CURRENT ALUMINUM OEM PARTS (per Mark Smith)
5) BATTERRY BOXES MANUFACTURED FROM SCANDIUM ALUMINUM ARE 20% LIGHTER THAN "ALUMINUM" BATTERY BOXES IN PRODUCTION TODAY!!! ~OEMS WANT "LIGHTWEIGHTING MATERIALS!"~
6) SCANDIUM ALUMINUM COMPONENTS HAVE TREMENDOUS WELDABILITY! (Friction, Mig, Tig...) ~WELDS WHEN MADE ARE AS STRONG AS THE BASE MATERIAL ITSELF!~
7) NIOCORPS ENTIRE ESTIMATED 100 TONS OF PRODUCTION WILL ONLY PRODUCE APPROXIMATELY ~1 MILLION BATTERY BOXES!~ .......
B) I found this response Very interesting NORCAL! One item that needs to be wrapped up into the Feasibility Study I THINK is the results from the June 1st 2023 announcement that Hydrological work/drilling had completed. (Per my notes from the 2020 AGM: Scott Honan stated it would take 5 months to complete!) That would also tie into a Mid November Timeline for F.S. competletion. As for Funding... "Well everything hinges on NIOCORP getting Financed or having the Funds".
Time for STELLANTIS, EXIM or any other U.S. Govt. ENTITY or Interested party to step up to the plate & make a commitment! I'll leave you with Jims response to a most recent question:
Jim- Given:
Niocorp has held meetings with U.K. (London) & U.S. govt. entities (2022-2023 to present.) &
Has established Offtake agreements & Loan Guarantee commitments from the Theissen Krupp & the German Govt.; a REE Term sheet with Stellantis & is currently dealing with the EXIM Bank for a potential finance... "I've gotta ask...."
Jim:
A) IS/COULD Niocorp be considered as ONE of these 15 (Fifteen) Critical Minerals Projects being Mentioned above? & Being considered for Finance? (Comment where possible....)
RESPONSE:
INTERESTING - Patents Assigned to Nanoscale Powders, LLC
https://patents.justia.com/assignee/nanoscale-powders-llc
Methods for producing metal powders
Patent number: 11130177
Abstract: A method for producing a metal powder includes maintaining molten reducing metal in a sealed reaction vessel that is free of added oxygen and water, establishing a vortex in the molten reducing metal, introducing a metal halide into the vortex so that the molten reducing metal is in a stoichiometric excess to the metal halide, thereby producing metal particles and salt, removing unreacted reducing metal, removing the salt, and recovering the metal powder. The molten reducing metal can be a Group I metal, a Group II metal, or aluminum.
Type: Grant
Filed: February 22, 2019
Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
Assignee: Nanoscale Powders LLC
Inventors: David Henderson, Andrew Matheson, Richard Van Lieshout, Donald Finnerty, John W. Koenitzer
Methods for producing metal powders
Patent number: 10245642
Abstract: A method for producing a metal powder includes maintaining molten reducing metal in a sealed reaction vessel that is substantially free of oxygen and water, establishing a vortex in the molten reducing metal, introducing a metal halide into the vortex so that the molten reducing metal is in a stoichiometric excess to the metal halide, thereby producing metal particles and salt, removing unreacted reducing metal, removing the salt, and recovering the metal powder. The molten reducing metal can be a Group I metal, a Group II metal, or aluminum.
Type: Grant
Filed: February 23, 2016
Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
Assignee: Nanoscale Powders LLC
Inventors: David Henderson, Andrew Matheson, Richard Van Lieshout, Donald Finnerty, John W. Koenitzer
Methods For Producing Metal Powders And Metal Masterbatches
Publication number: 20180043437
Abstract: A method for producing a metal powder that combines molten reducing metal and metal halide in a space that is substantially free of oxygen and water, wherein the molten reducing metal is sodium and/or potassium, or aluminum (or magnesium or titanium) and is present in a stoichiometric excess to the metal halide which is a solid or liquid, thereby producing metal particles and salt, removing unreacted reducing metal, optionally removing the salt, and recovering the metal powder, is described. A method for producing a metal masterbatch wherein the molten reducing metal is aluminum, magnesium, and/or TITANIUM and after combining molten aluminum (or magnesium or titanium) and metal halide in the reaction space, substantially removing the produced metal salt to obtain the metal masterbatch which comprises at least a portion of the molten aluminum (or magnesium or titanium) and at least one metal also is described.
Type: Application
Filed: August 7, 2017
Publication date: February 15, 2018
Applicant: Nanoscale Powders, LLC
Inventors: Donald Finnerty, David Henderson, John Koenitzer, Andrew Matheson, Richard Van Lieshout
MAY 2023 ~NioCorp Launches Phased Approach to Commercial Production of Made-in-America Aluminum-Scandium Master Alloy
https://www.accesswire.com/viewarticle.aspx?id=757787#:~:text=Under%20an%20exclusive%20agreement%20with%20Boston-based%20Nanoscale%20Powders,environmental%20impacts%20of%20Al-Sc%20production%20over%20traditional%20approaches.
9/6/2023 U.S. GOVT. ANNOUNCES $150 MILLION TO STRENGHEN DOMESTIC CRITICAL MATERIAL SUPPLY CHAINS
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOEOFE/bulletins/36ed8c5
BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES $150 MILLION TO STRENGHEN DOMESTIC CRITICAL MATERIAL SUPPLY CHAINS
Funding from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda will Develop New and Alternative Supplies of Critical Materials to Reduce Our Nation’s Reliance on Foreign Sources
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In support of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced up to $150 million to advance cost effective and environmentally responsible processes to produce and refine critical minerals and materials here in the United States. The funding, provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help meet the growing demand for critical minerals and materials while reducing our dependence on offshore supplies. Critical minerals and materials are key to manufacturing clean energy technologies—such as solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cells—that will help America reach the Biden-Harris Administration’s ambitious climate goals. This funding opportunity will create good-paying jobs and support communities across the country that historically have depended on mining and energy production, advancing the Administration’s efforts to maximize the benefits of the clean energy transition in every community.
“The President’s Investing in America agenda is ramping up access and use of clean energy technologies which means increased demand for critical minerals and materials,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “The investments announced today enhance national security by reducing our reliance on foreign sources—while strengthening an existing mining and energy workforce to develop sustainable sourcing for these vital materials right here in the U.S.A.”
Critical Material Innovation, Efficiency, and Alternatives Funding Announcement
According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Mineral Information Center, the United States has over 50 different critical minerals. The U.S. is completely reliant on foreign sources for 12 of these minerals and more than 50% dependent on foreign sources for more than 30 of them. The funding opportunity announcement (FOA) released today will help to build a secure, sustainable domestic supply of critical minerals from a broad range of sources across the United States, including recycled materials, mine waste, industrial waste, and ore deposits. Specifically, the FOA will support bench- and pilot-scale research, development, and demonstration projects for:
Technologies or process improvements that develop new supplies of critical minerals and materials here at home;
Value-added products created from other materials that are part of the waste streams from which critical minerals and materials are extracted;
New, next-generation technologies to be used for lower cost, environmentally responsible extraction, production, separation, and processing of critical minerals and materials;
Alternatives or substitutes for scarce critical minerals and materials that can be used as replacements in clean energy technologies; and
New or improved alternative energy technologies or designs that use materials that are more abundant in the United States.
Read more details of this funding opportunity announcement. All questions must be submitted through FedConnect; register here for an account. The application deadline is November 10, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. ET.
Societal Considerations and Impacts
In alignment with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advance environmental justice and equity, funding applicants must carefully address the societal considerations and impacts of their proposed projects, emphasizing early and active engagement with communities.
Applicants must explain how projects are expected to deliver economic and environmental benefits and mitigate impacts; conduct community and stakeholder engagement; incorporate diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; and promote workforce development and quality jobs. Projects selected under this opportunity will be required to develop and implement strategies to ensure strong community and worker benefits, and report on such activities and outcomes.
DOE’s Advancements in Critical Minerals and Materials
Since January 2021, DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management has announced an estimated $41 million in projects that support critical minerals and materials exploration, resource identification, production, and processing in traditional mining and fossil fuel-producing communities across the country. This total includes $16 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for detailed engineering and cost studies toward a first-of-a-kind domestic facility that will extract and separate rare earth elements and critical minerals from unconventional sources like mining waste. This funding will create new opportunities to remediate land and water while generating rare earth elements necessary for a clean energy economy.
FECM minimizes environmental and climate impacts of fossil fuels and industrial processes while working to achieve net-zero emissions across our economy. Priority areas of technology work include carbon capture, carbon conversion, carbon dioxide removal, carbon dioxide transport and storage, hydrogen production with carbon management, methane emissions reduction, and critical minerals production. To learn more, visit the FECM website, sign up for FECM news announcements, and visit the?National Energy Technology Laboratory website.
NOW IF NIOCORP CAN JUST SECURE A COMMITMENT LETTER FROM EXIM, DOE/LPO, STELLANTIS or any of the options left on the table! Go Team NIOCORP!
Chico
August 17, 2023 - Stellantis Invests $100MILLION in CTR to Strengthen Low Emissions U.S. Lithium Production
https://www.stellantis.com/en/news/press-releases/2023/august/stellantis-invests-in-ctr-to-strengthen-low-emission-us-lithium-production
~Stellantis invests over $100 million to advance the development of geothermal lithium project in California and encourage decarbonization of battery electric vehicle supply chains
~New agreement includes a supply increase from the initial plan of 25,000 metric tons to up to 65,000 metric tons per year of battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate
~CTR’s integrated production process employs modular engineering design for efficient scale-up, minimizing environmental impacts and carbon emissions
~Sustainable lithium hydroxide supply will support Stellantis’ U.S. product offensive and Dare Forward 2030 plan of having more than 25 all-new battery electric vehicle (BEV) launches and 50% BEV sales by 2030.
JUNE 2023 NIOCORP RANKS AMONG TOP 30 REE PROJECTS ~ Global rare earth elements projects: New developments and supply chains:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169136823001439?ref=pdf_download&fr=RR-2&rr=80268a168e323b88
Chico
Hey NorCal! Some of those UAP space craft manufacturers could all very well be based on earth and maybe some are otherworldly? (Odds are slim but I can’t rule them out!)
I do know the U.S. is planning on New drones, subs, 6th Gen fighters, Nuclear & Hydrogen Energy in addition to a bunch of other cool stuff from private industry.
All of which may indeed need some of the stable & secure supplies of niobium, scandium, titanium & rare earths Jim mentions. (Niocorp appears to be in talks/NDA’s “I would imagine with several entities! As the responses seem to confirm something is going on behind the scenes with several entities yet to be named!)
I can imagine a few! Lol …
Then again - I could very well be wrong on all counts. As it has been years waiting with many.
I agree bro! “the breadcrumbs seem to be lining up.” These last few months of 2023 should let us all know where we stand shortly.
I remain Hopeful … with many! Not a lot left for Niocorp to do…
1) release the 2023 F.S.
2) Finance the darn thing via any of the option’s mentioned!
Have a great weekend as well NorCal!
& who knows? …. Mankind & Aliens alike might need some Elk Creek Goodies T.B.D.
“E.T. Phone Niocorp!”
Chico