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Repost Jim's MARCH 2022 Response to higher purity Niobium & Titanium & ponder what increased recovery rates %'s & purity %'s for just Niobium & Titanium oxides could mean once proven at scale utilizing the optimized processes now underway... (SEE POST # 78802)
Given the recent news releases & presentations please see the 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?
Grunt- the core studies were completed already via the updated, market compliant NI-43-101 report which delineated the the resource & pounds in the ground. The amended June 2022 Feasibility Study states those published results. (Granted the report only utilized the core samples from the green blob portion, & the resource “MAY” be much larger! More drilling in the future will be required. As USGS & other studies put forward.)
We are all waiting for material news on (“Weeks-Away” now 12 weeks) the FINAL “patent -pending” Ongoing- Demonstration Plant Operations.
Which prove out the Separation of viable Rare Earths & will Independently verify the entire process. (Possible improve recovery rates for Nb & Ti & maybe new improved oxides? T.B.D.
Leading to those sweet REE estimates you put forth a while back.
Separation needs to be proven, not the core samples “I think”..
Go team Niocorp & L3 …
Show us the REEs!
Chico
Jai-Hinde! Love India & “Grandpa’s Kitchen!!”……” MIX-WELL!!” Team ZENTEK!!
Chico
Hey Dutch! Trying to stay on course, but I have admitted & posted here I was not enthused by the "GXII DEAL" nor the current share price as others have pointed out. Overall, nothing fundamentally has changed & plenty of positive "Material NEWS" as it becomes available is "IN PLAY!"
I can see & understand why some have sold their shares off & at the same time why others remain steadfast! Including myself as this was always a 2025-2026 hold for me as I have stated & posted. Jims recent March 13th comments & responses to pertinent questions plus what the Elk Creek Mine will mine, separate & Process (ALL OF WHICH WERE SPECIFICALLY CALLED OUT IN THE 2023 NDAA...!) PLUS the recent application to the EXIM BANK for 800$MILLION, The German Loan Guarantee for @200$MILLION & Options (B,C,D,E.... are still in play. Including Anchor Investor/s!
I can think of Several out loud- DoE/LPO, DOD, Pentagon, DoE Carbon Capture, Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS ACT, DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT & a few more on the Federal Side. (SO when JIM states NIOCORP is still in talks with "SEVERAL FEDERAL AGENCIES I CAN STILL SEE IT FOR ME!" (Even the White House!...)
As for Anchor Investors- Well your guess is as good as "MINE" hahaha... Volkswagon, FORD, GENERAL ELECTRIC, BOEING, NUCOR, BOSTON METALS and a few more come to mind. The synergies that require NIOBIUM, SCANDIUM, TITANIUM & RARE EARTHS are UNCANNY... "I would think a PRIVATE Entity "Might want to secure a stable U.S. source of the aforementioned to take advantage of the TAX incentives & low shipping/manufacturing costs??? (But that's just my opinion & speculation.)
In conclusion... Still here~ The "Cash Deal" sucked imho!, but I can still see light & with only 30 MILLION SHARES outstanding my TEMPERED MARKET CAP IS STILL $400 to $600 MILLION or $13 to $20/share a little more IF & WHEN THEY GET THE FULL $800 MILLION. Then still standing firm on my $24 CALL until PRODUCTION! Then $31 to $50 depending upon outstanding shares.
What they DO in the next 2-3 Months will tell the Tale for me.
Agree with many 6$ is tough to see again right now!,,, "Congrats to those who Rinse & Repeat!"
Chico
IF it didn't it should now with a listing on the NASDAQ! lol! Thanks PC! eom
Thanks Rader! It sounds like the rush to list on NASDAQ & acquire a U.S. HOME BASE all "Legal-Like". ~ "MAY"~ also hinge/lead to future Finance (Debt/Equity OPTIONS) via (A,B,C,D ....) in the coming months to go along with that $71 million?? (I am speculating that might be a possibility??)
Following a trail....THIS IS A MUST LISTEN IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY?
JULY 2022 ~AWESOME NIOCORP PRESENTATION BY JIM SIMS ON JULY 2022 BEFORE THE UNITED STATES ENERGY ASSOC. & DOE (A must watch (Skip to Hr 2:24 mark to view)
(4) Facilitate Resilient Domestic CM Supply Chains, Infrastructure Investments, Jobs Act: Golden, CO - YouTube
I can state my lack of enthusiasm for the way the “DEAL” went down & for the current share price.
I have always thought U.S. Govt entities would have to “support” any such new mine via the EXIM Bank (never heard of it, & very cool) or the DoE/LPO or other options (a,b,c… that remain)
This is why I have been consistently questioning Jim with that line of questioning!
Jim did state very recently that Niocorp was still engaged with “Several Federal Agencies, Congress, & the WhiteHouse.” & Also stated Anchor Investor/s we’re still interested…
A Bell Ring is nice , but what this New Team announces in the next few months will tell the story for me.
“Note - nothing fundamentally has changed with the project & my DD still is encouraging! “.
The New Team has to show me they will start hydrological work to sink the shafts & shaft freezing critical path work “Soon”.
While also securing the balance of finance $1Billion by EXIM, Doe/LPO, or other methods. Pushing on ropes is no longer a phrase I want to hear!
Waiting for a host of material news with many.
Chico
Agree Dino- anticipated material news on Demonstration results & more should be forthcoming….
Agree Crit! Ring Da Bell & Drop the Demo results proving REE separation & oxides plus improved recovery rates for Niobium & Titanium (& maybe new OXIDES) for both!
Reposting for New Board Members ~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?
If the higher purity niobium and titanium intermediates that L3 was able to produce at bench-scale are replicated and proven at demonstration scale, this would put us in a position to more easily move to other products beyond those outlined in our 2019 Feasibility Study. Niobium oxide for use in Li-Ion batteries is one possible example, although the production of that product would require additional processing steps beyond the higher-purity niobium intermediate that we discussed in last week’s news release. The company is not yet in a position to make a determination on whether or not, and when, to possibly expand our Niobium product offering. Higher grade TiO2 could expose us to additional markets where higher margins could be obtained. But, again, we are not in a position to speak to those possibilities in any detail yet.
Kudos PM! Appreciated as this is one of the Best Boards around!! Imho of course! :)….
C’mon team Niocorp “Ring that Bell!!!”
Announce DEMO RESULTS, Complete or receive a commitment letter from any govt. entity for $800million “Debt. Perhaps an Anchor investor will join us for that loss of Equity on the gxii DEAL?, add a 2023 F.S. & a pinch of news & OFF-take agreements then - $14/ share is very possible & maybe a bit more in the future! Especially once in production!
Chico
MARCH 20, 2023 ~America’s Broken Supply Chain~ WHITE PAPER
How secure supply chains are essential for US national, economic, and environmental security
https://defensecoalitions.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/AZDIC-Supply-Chain-Whitepaper-FINAL.pdf
Material resources – metals and minerals mined from the earth – have always been essential to human development and social progress. History has been defined by access to key materials with severe consequences for nations that lacked them. Today, when the average smartphone and laptop contain more than half of the elements in the Periodic Table, reliable access to metals and minerals has never been more critical.
The Arizona Defense & Industry Coalition (AZDIC) has partnered with RioTinto, Kore Power, and the Nature Conservancy on an extensive working group with the purpose of identifying supply chain shortfalls and how Arizona can utilize its expertise in defense, clean energy, and the environment to solve the problem. We stand ready to work with leaders like Senator Sinema, who inspired this working group, to decrease US dependency on foreign adversaries for our national, economic, and environmental security.
MARCH 20, 2023- Mel Sanderson of American Rare Earths Discusses Two US Rare Earths Projects Accelerating Forward
https://investorintel.com/critical-minerals-rare-earths/mel-sanderson-of-american-rare-earths-discusses-two-us-rare-earths-projects-accelerating-forward/#:~:text=March%2020%2C%202023%20Critical%20Metals%20PLC%3A%20Exercise%20of,10%20square%20kilometres%20to%20depths%20of%20150%20metres
In this InvestorIntel interview during PDAC 2023, Byron W King talks with American Rare Earths Limited’s (ASX: ARR | OTCQB: ARRNF) President of North America Melissa ‘Mel’ Sanderson about developing two large rare earth deposits in North America. Discussing how key magnetic rare earths such as neodymium and praseodymium comprise 27% of the deposit at their Halleck Creek Rare Earths project in Wyoming, Mel provides an update on their recent high-grade assay results from the project, with a NI 43-101 resource planned to be released by the end of March or early April and a PEA by the end of the year.
Mel goes on to discuss the upside potential at American Rare Earths’ scandium-rich La Paz rare earths deposit in Arizona where they already have a 170.6 million tonnes JORC compliant resource and are planning to grow the resource through additional drilling. Providing an update on their US Government funded R&D partnerships with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and other university research partners, Mel discusses how American Rare Earths is leading the way to cleaner, greener processing and separation technologies for rare earths.
To access the full InvestorIntel interview, click here.
American Lithium files TLC PEA Report Highlighting Potential for Excellent Project EconomicsPFS for TLC immediately Launched with DRA Global
https://mailchi.mp/23e713f71f28/american-lithium-secures-additional-private-water-rights-for-planned-operations-at-tlc-8056863?e=1f0e41ab3d
American Lithium files TLC PEA Report Highlighting Potential for Excellent Project Economics
PFS for TLC immediately Launched with DRA Global; Bulk Sampling Commenced
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, March 20, 2023 – American Lithium Corp. (“American Lithium” or the “Company”) (TSX-V:LI | NASDAQ:AMLI | Frankfurt:5LA1) announces it has filed an independent National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report (the “Report”) on the Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) for the Tonopah Lithium Claims (“TLC”) project located in the Esmerelda lithium district northwest of Tonopah, Nevada. Highlights of the PEA were previously announced on February 1, 2023. The PEA and accompanying Technical Report were completed by DRA Global and Stantec Consulting Services Inc. (“Stantec”) and demonstrate that the TLC project has the potential to become a substantial, long-life producer of low-cost, high purity lithium carbonate (“LCE”).
The Company also announces that it has engaged DRA Global as lead engineer for the TLC Preliminary Feasibility Study (“PFS”). As part of the initial PFS work, large diameter (5.7”) diamond core drilling has commenced at TLC with 10 holes planned to target 10-15 tonnes of high grade TLC lithium claystone mineralization. The 10-hole program is spread throughout the proposed PEA mine plan footprint and will provide sufficient quantity and variability of mineralized material for detailed metallurgical and pilot process plant testing later in the year.
Simon Clarke, CEO of American Lithium states, “We are extremely pleased to have filed the PEA for TLC which shows the strong economic potential of the Project utilizing best of breed conventional mining and recovery techniques. The report is based on detailed process metallurgical work with robust mining and processing operating and capital costing, which allows us to move directly into our PFS work and should enable us to fast-track that process. We have commenced large diameter drilling at TLC to collect sufficient material for our detailed metallurgical test work to be undertaken in close consultation with DRA, enabling the completion of the PFS and running of pilot operations.”
Key Highlights of February 1, 2023 News Release:
TLC PEA Highlights (Base Case – Ramp-up Production Li only production):
Pre-tax Net Present Value (“NPV”)8% $3.64 billion at $20,000/tonne (“t”) LCE
After-tax NPV8% $3.26 billion at $20,000/t LCE
Pre-tax Internal Rate of Return (“IRR”) of 28.8%
After-tax IRR of 27.5%
PEA mine and processing plan produces 1.46 Mt LCE LOM over 40 years
Pre-tax initial capital payback period 3.6 years; after-tax payback 3.7 years**
Average LOM annual pre-tax cash flow: $435 million; annual after tax cash flow: $396 million
Initial Capital Costs (“Capex”) estimated at $819 million
Total Capex estimated at $1,456 million; Sustaining Capital estimated at $767 million
Operating cost (“Opex”) estimated at $7,443/t LCE inclusive of power credits
** Payback is based on Phase 1 capital alone, with undiscounted cashflows
TLC PEA Highlights (Alternate Case – Ramp-Up Production Li + Magnesium Sulfate production):
Identical LCE production scenario, but with added LOM average production of 1,681,856 tpa of magnesium sulfate (“MgSO4” - monohydrate and heptahydrate) by-products
Pre-tax Net Present Value (“NPV”)8% $6.06 billion at $20,000/t LCE & $150/t MgSO4
After-tax NPV8% $5.16 billion at $20,000/t LCE & $150/t MgSO4;
Pre-tax Internal Rate of Return (“IRR”) of 38.6%
After-tax IRR of 36.0%
Pre-tax initial capital payback period 2.6 years; after-tax payback 2.8 years
Average LOM pre-tax annual cash flow: $684 million; annual after tax cash flow: $ 591 million
Initial Capital Costs (“Capex”) estimated at $827 million
Total Capex estimated at $1,464 million; Sustaining Capital estimated at $738 million
Operating cost (“Opex”) estimated at $7,443/t LCE inclusive of power credits
Operating cost (“Opex”) estimated at $817/t LCE, inclusive of power & MgSO4 credits
PEA mine plan produces 1.46 Mt LCE and 64.9 Mt MgSO4 LOM over 40 years
Readers are encouraged to review the related February 1, 2023 News Release, and the Report titled “Tonopah Lithium Claims Project NI 43-101 Technical Report – Preliminary Economic Assessment” dated March 17, 2023, with an effective date of January 31, 2023, which was prepared by DRA Global and Stantec and can be found under the Company’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and on the Company’s website. There are no material differences in the Report from the information disclosed in the February 1, 2023 news release.
Updated to Option, RSU and PSU Grant
The Company notes that its news release of February 2, 2023 referred to the grant of certain incentive stock options (the “Options”), restricted share units (the “RSUs”) and performance share units. The Options are exercisable over a term of sixty-months until February 2, 2028, and the RSUs vest after twenty-four months on February 2, 2025, and not as previously noted.
Qualified Persons
Mr. Ted O’Connor, P.Geo., Executive Vice President of American Lithium, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.
FORM YOUR OWN OPINIONS & CONCLUSIONS ABOVE!
TLC WILL BE ABLE TO PRODUCE MAGNESIUM SULFATE AS A BYPRODUCT!!!! ~ "HUGE FERTILIZER PRODUCT & other uses!'
Pre-tax Net Present Value (“NPV”)8% $6.06 billion at $20,000/t LCE & $150/t MgSO4
After-tax NPV8% $5.16 billion at $20,000/t LCE & $150/t MgSO4;
JUST FOR TLC ALONE..... FALCHANI is working on a few BYPRODUCTS as well, & MANCUSANI URANIUM Project should be spun out later this year 2023...
Well Under $2.6/share "Oversold" IMHO...
Chico
Volkswagen to invest in mines in bid to become global battery supplier!
https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/volkswagen-invest-mines-bid-become-global-battery-supplier-2023-03-17/
BERLIN, March 17 (Reuters) - Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) plans to invest in mines to bring down the cost of battery cells, meet half of its own demand and sell to third-party customers, the carmaker's board member in charge of technology said.
Its strategy aligns with a wider trend of carmakers seeking greater control over parts of the supply chain traditionally left to third parties, from energy generation to raw material sourcing, as they compete for scarce resources they urgently need to meet electrification targets.
Europe's biggest carmaker wants its battery unit PowerCo to become a global battery supplier, as well as meet half its own demand with plants mostly in Europe and North America, Thomas Schmall told Reuters in an interview. PowerCo will start by delivering cells to Ford (F.N) for the 1.2 million vehicles the U.S. carmaker is building in Europe on Volkswagen's electric MEB platform, he said. "The bottleneck for raw materials is mining capacity - that's why we need to invest in mines directly," he said.
The carmaker was partnering on supply deals with mining companies in Canada, where it will build its first North American battery plant.
Such partnerships guaranteeing finance can cut years off mine development times for junior miners, John Meyer, senior analyst at boutique investment bank SP Angel, said. Schmall declined to comment on further locations under consideration or when Volkswagen might invest directly in mines until the market was more settled. "In future, there will be a select number of battery standards. Through our large volume and third-party sales business, we want to be one of those standards," he said.
AMBITIOUS ROADMAP
Acquiring batteries at a reasonable cost is a challenge for carmakers like Volkswagen, Tesla (TSLA.O) and Stellantis (STLAM.MI) looking to make electric vehicles (EVs) affordable. Only Tesla has pledged more investment into battery production than Volkswagen, a Reuters analysis showed - though even the U.S. EV maker is struggling to ramp up production and is recruiting Asian suppliers to help.
Few carmakers have disclosed direct stakes in mines, but many have struck deals with producers to source lithium, nickel and cobalt and pass them onto their battery suppliers. Securing those resources in time, close to refineries and from places outside of China is key to winning the battery race, Geordie Wilkes of the UCL Insitute for Sustainable Resources said. PowerCo, set up last year, is targeting over 20 billion euros ($21.22 billion) in annual sales by 2030.
It is an ambitious roadmap for a unit not yet producing at scale. Production will start in 2025 at PowerCo's plant in Salzgitter, Germany, 2026 in Valencia, Spain, and 2027 in Ontario, Canada.Still, Schmall is confident the carmaker can expand quickly - and must do so if it wants to build an affordable EV, in which 40% of the costs come from the battery. Volkswagen released on Thursday the details of a 25,000-euro EV it aims to sell in Europe from 2025.
China's BYD, which also produces batteries, is far ahead of Volkswagen in the affordable EV race and outsold the German carmaker for the second time in four months in China in February. Half the staff at Volkswagen's PowerCo are industry veterans from Asia, where producers like CATL, LG Chem and Samsung SDI dominate global cell production.
REDUCING COSTS
In Volkswagen's 180-billion-euro five year spending plan, up to 15 billion is earmarked for its three announced battery plants and some raw material sourcing. The carmaker has so far nailed down raw material supply until 2026 and will decide in the next few months how to meet its demand from then on, Schmall said in the interview. It has also ordered some $14 billion in batteries from Northvolt's Swedish plant. "Bringing down battery costs further is a challenge," Schmall said. "We're using all the instruments with PowerCo."
"If NioCorp elects to proceed with the production of rare earth elements (REEs) as a byproduct of our planned Niobium, Scandium, and Titanium products at the Elk Creek Project, there are several factors that are likely to provide important insulation to market disruptions such as the world experienced when China aggressively increased its REE exports following the WTO ruling in 2015 against China’s then-system of REE export tariffs and quotas.
First of all, commodity price volatility is particularly difficult for producers that rely primarily on the production of one commodity, or set of commodities in the case of REEs, for the bulk of its revenue. This was certainly the case for the Mountain Pass facility, which only produced REE products. In sharp contrast, NioCorp’s production of REEs would be as part of a larger product suite of Niobium, Scandium, Titanium. Such diversity of production provides a high degree of flexibility when any one product suite experiences price volatility. Moreover, any REEs that we produce would be byproducts of our primary target products, and the cost of mining REEs and getting them into solution (in preparation for separation into individual REE oxides) would be considered sunk costs.
Also important in this regard is the fact that there are many more manufacturers today that are actively seeking non-Chinese sources of REE materials. In years past, consumers of REEs made purchase decisions largely based on price. Today’s markets are very different. Governments around the world – particularly in the European Union – are developing REE sourcing policies that will require manufacturers to use greater amounts of non-Chinese REEs. European automotive manufacturers in particular are now more sensitive to the geographic sourcing of the REEs they need. We know this because we are in direct discussions now with companies in that industry in both North America and Europe.
A third factor is the very large increases in forecast demand for REEs, particularly the magnetics, because of their growing use in environmentally preferred technologies such as electrified transportation, high-efficiency motors and pumps, home appliances, power tools, robotics, and many other industries. It is clear to all industry players that the world is going to need more REEs than China alone can produce and export – a lot more. That is why manufacturers of products that require REEs are aggressively seeking new sources of supply, particularly in Western countries.
Finally, China’s high-level REE industrial strategies have evolved over the past decade or so. China is less focused on exporting its separated REE oxides and is much more focused on exporting OEM products that utilize those REE materials. This industrial policy is very logical: by maintaining all stages of the REE value chain in China – REE mining, REE oxide separation, REE metal production, REE magnetic alloy production, REE magnet production, and all of the follow-on steps between the manufacture of REE magnets and the manufacture of OEM products that use those magnets, such as EVs – China is able to leverage its REE industry to provide a much larger number of jobs across this value chain for its citizens. This is also why it is not surprising to see China actively seeking to acquire REE mineral properties around the world today.
In my view, for these and other reasons NioCorp is in an excellent competitive position to do very well if we make the final decision to add magnetic REE oxides to our product portfolio.
I hope this information is helpful. Jim Sims
VP, External Affairs
Yes.
ARRNF's HALLECK CREEK Wyoming Mine could be continent's largest, rare earths developer says
https://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/fledgling-wyoming-mine-could-be-continents-largest-rare-earths-developer-says/article_33a398da-c4fc-11ed-86ab-8f0bf2ae9a84.html
The company digging for critical minerals in southeastern Wyoming is becoming more and more confident that it’s found the biggest known deposit of rare earth elements in North America.
American Rare Earths’ mining claims, north of Laramie, started out promising. Since the Australian developer started drilling last year to figure out just how far the rare earths extended, the scope of its find has ballooned.
Its latest round of drilling — further exploration of a fraction of the deposit — revealed that the most in-demand of the 17 rare earth elements are prevalent across an area of roughly four square miles and to depths of nearly 500 feet, the company announced Friday. The findings provide “quantifiable and verifiable evidence that what we have suspected is true,” said Mel Sanderson, American Rare Earths’ president of North America.
“We’re excited, not just because of the size, but because other key variables are falling into place. … We are going to be able to consistently recover high-quality material as deep down as we go,” Sanderson said.
And, she noted, geologists working on the drilling campaign suspect parts of the deposit descend even deeper. Maybe even twice as far.
Rare earths are ubiquitous. They’re common in the Earth’s crust, and in the array of technologies humans rely on every day. What’s unusual is finding a deposit that’s big enough, and concentrated enough, to mine.
(Ranie Lynds of the Wyoming State Geological Survey said in an email to the Star-Tribune that the agency is aware of elevated levels of some rare earths in the area, but that it has “no independent way of confirming” the company’s announcement.)
American Rare Earths believes that when it comes to jobs, property taxes and sales taxes (though not severance taxes or royalties — at least for the time being), its project could “potentially step into the void that is being left by the decline of some of our big coal industry producers,” Sanderson said.
“It excites me for Wyoming on a lot of levels,” she said. “On the entire state level, keeping our positioning in terms of an important energy supplier, but also creating jobs that will keep folks well-employed and keep them at home.”
Initially, American Rare Earths figured a mine at its Halleck Creek site might be able to stay open for 20 or 25 years. Now it’s looking at double that — based, Sanderson said, on what the company has been able to confirm so far. Meaning there’s still a possibility that the lifetime of the potential mine could stretch even longer.
Commercial operations, though, are still a long way off. The company hopes to initiate the permitting process next year. According to Sanderson, under existing laws and regulations, the earliest it could start mining would be in 2029 or 2030, assuming everything goes smoothly along the way.
American Rare Earths also aims to open a processing plant for its ore somewhere in Wyoming. Ideally, Sanderson said, that plant will involve brand-new, less environmentally damaging methods that are still being developed (and kept largely under wraps) by researchers.
And the company will continue studying the extent of the deposit, and refining its vision for the future of the mine, along the way. It’s more optimistic than ever about what it’ll find.
“All mining is a gamble,” Sanderson said. “You have to keep putting money in and keep having faith that your guesses are right. And to reach the point where we have this substantiation that our guesses have been right — it’s hard to describe how huge that is and how exciting it is.”
As I read the numerous posts covering the pluses and minuses of this "DEAL". ~The Deal is "done".~ & I had to sleep on it before offering any comment.
"I too am disappointed in what the GXII Deal brought to the table in terms of only $15M Cash & the two new board members with "ZERO?" mining experience", Yet the NASDAQ listing should in time be more fruitful as others describe. ~ONLY IF team NIOCORP executes the rest of the (A,B,C,D, E.... options that are still on the table. ~
NOTE: "I think they WILL!...
I was VERY HAPPY WITH JIMS Responses to questions asked on 3/13/2023.
Jim-
A) Could you offer comment on What Scope 3 emissions mean for the Elk Creek mine moving forward into production & to the end users utilizing the products being processed at the mine? & Would Niocorp's Scope 3 Carbon Emission Reductions qualify for/as "Carbon Credits" in the context above? Could/Does Niocorp's "Carbon Friendly GHG/ESG" mining processes & work scope qualify for- INNOVATIVE CLEAN ENERGY LOAN GUARANTEES | Department of Energy?
Response:
We have made an internal estimate of the benefits of our planned products at a Scope 3 emissions level. However, the definition and applicability of Scope 3 emissions must eventually be determined by government regulators, and the SEC is examining many aspects of this issue now. At present and in general, carbon credits are created by mitigation measures taken at the Scope 1 emissions level, although there are several different approaches being examined across the U.S. As to DOE programs, I am not allowed to comment on that at this time.
Yes.
Yes, multiple federal agencies, elected officials in the Congress, and the WH.
Jeunke- it’s all about what market cap the NASDAQ listing settles upon.
Going in Niocorp has a $250M market cap. I am guessing once listed & now with “some cash $96m”. We should garner close to $400M market cap or $13-$14 share. (I’ll be looking for that)
Given the roughly 30 million outstanding shares. All speculation & my targets were always more tempered than others.
When Debt & the entire 1.14$B is secured via EXIM Bank, or other Federal Enties, Anchor Investor/s or ??? From (A,B,C… )then I am expecting a $1B market cap.
Either way I am standing on $14 to $24 until production in late 2026. Then $31-$50. :)…
Agree with you Juenke- management needs to give us an update once the smoke clears.
I have always believed U.S. federal help will be needed! All speculation of course. The mining cart ride has begun!
Go Team Niocorp!
Chico
Tante - check post #91661. Jim responded the same day questions were sent. 3/13/2023 & I later shared them here on the board. They were relevant information for all.
Chico
GE- I wanted to ask Jim “if” some of the other options remain on the table (A,B,C…). Ahead of time just because….
His response was “YES.” Even an Anchor investor/s remain interested.
Please also note Other/Several Federal agencies “may” also still be in play!
Note: Strong federal support is needed imho and always has been!
I am expecting/hoping for some kind of update from management once the smoke clears & up-listing occurs.
I very much appreciate everyone’s posts & input. I was reading many posts this morning & catching up! Wonderful board indeed!
Chico
TooSoon- check out my earlier board post from yesterday & see Jim’s responses to 3 questions I asked.
I wanted to get an idea “if” other options were still in play. Post#91661
Form your own opinions & conclusions of course.
Imho- the responses Jim gave yesterday & coupled with responses to previous questions I asked & posted here. Lead me to believe other entities including federal entities are interested!
Even potential Anchor Investors!
Chico
I agree Stark... It appears NIOCORP is on the radar of "Several Federal agencies- still!" even after the EXIM application announcement, plus Anchor Investor/S are still engaged. The R.S. is announced & the Date is set March 17th 2023!
Buckle in.... We are about to go for a ride. Good luck to all!
For disclosure:
(Stark- I never heard of EXIM either lol! However the DoE/LPO posts a lot of public info & the "Dots" are still interesting!
Chico
Stark in the article you posted- Jim Sims, vice president of external affairs for NioCorp Developments Ltd., which is pursuing a rare earth mine in Nebraska, said Congress laid down aggressive markers for manufacturers and that challenges extend beyond mining and mineral processing.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/uncertainty-abounds-as-ev-tax-credit-guidance-looms/
Jim responded-
“The U.S. government has to continue to look at encouraging the build-out of entire mine-to-showroom-floor supply chains here in the U.S.,” said Sims.
"We have made an internal estimate of the benefits of our planned products at a Scope 3 emissions level. However, the definition and applicability of Scope 3 emissions must eventually be determined by government regulators, and the SEC is examining many aspects of this issue now. At present and in general, carbon credits are created by mitigation measures taken at the Scope 1 emissions level, although there are several different approaches being examined across the U.S. As to DOE programs, I am not allowed to comment on that at this time."
"Yes. "
"Yes, multiple federal agencies, elected officials in the Congress, and the WH. "
I am speculating here but it does sound to me like several “KEY” Doors remain OPEN!
The plot thickens! As imho- carbon credits/SEC, anchor investor/s, DoE/LPO, offtakes and even the darn White House are “on the table”! PM…
(A to W…. Are in play!)
Go Team Niocorp!
Chico
I underlined it PM! The quotes are verbatim! Form your own opinions & conclusions!
Chico
***Sharing responses from Jim to three relevant questions on 3/13/2023
Jim-
A) Could you offer comment on What Scope 3 emissions mean for the Elk Creek mine moving forward into production & to the end users utilizing the products being processed at the mine? & Would Niocorp's Scope 3 Carbon Emission Reductions qualify for/as "Carbon Credits" in the context above? Could/Does Niocorp's "Carbon Friendly GHG/ESG" mining processes & work scope qualify for- INNOVATIVE CLEAN ENERGY LOAN GUARANTEES | Department of Energy?
Response:
We have made an internal estimate of the benefits of our planned products at a Scope 3 emissions level. However, the definition and applicability of Scope 3 emissions must eventually be determined by government regulators, and the SEC is examining many aspects of this issue now. At present and in general, carbon credits are created by mitigation measures taken at the Scope 1 emissions level, although there are several different approaches being examined across the U.S. As to DOE programs, I am not allowed to comment on that at this time.
Yes.
Yes, multiple federal agencies, elected officials in the Congress, and the WH.
Bomb- I know all about the resource. It is a wonderful resource. Unfortunately I have Lost all Faith in MANAGEMENT!
Management -“Screwed the Pooch!” They have lost my trust!
Imho- I hope USA rare earths takes over! I am no longer holding shares OR waiting for Greg’s “race to production!!”
Good luck!
Chico
Speculating- & agree Dakota- that team Niocorp is Holding its Cards ?? tightly in hand. To date we might only be seeing the Turn Cards of GXII & EXIM.
The “RIVER” & “CALL” are coming.
Hoping with many for a lil higher market cap & share price ($2?? Not an unreasonable ASK) going into the R.S.
All speculation of course…
But then again … Looking Back-
A) Private Means as the primary source for finance -(GXII Equity @$300M in play- check)
B) German Loan Guarantee ($200M in play -check)
C) U.S. Govt. Cheese/Debt via EXIM BANK $800M in play - check)
D) Could DoE/LPO, Carbon Credits, OFF-Take agreements, OEMs, DoD & more be in play???
Mark Smith did state - ALL the Options were on the table! (A,B,C…..).
Excited to see what material News is released in the weeks ahead but -Tempered!
Go team Niocorp!
Chico
Melissa Sanderson of American Rare Earths Provides an Update on its Projects in Arizona and Wyoming
https://investorintel.com/critical-minerals-rare-earths/mel-sanderson-of-american-rare-earths-provides-an-update-on-its-projects-in-arizona-and-wyoming/
InvestorIntel
March 10, 2023
I
n this InvestorIntel interview, Jack Lifton talks to American Rare Earths Limited’s (ASX: ARR | OTCQB: ARRNF) President North America Melissa ‘Mel’ Sanderson about it portfolio of rare earths assets in the United States, including Arizona, Nevada, and Wyoming, and the fact that it is well funded with $15 million in the bank. Providing an update on their scandium-rich La Paz rare earths deposit in Arizona, Mel also discusses American Rare Earths’ recent high-grade assay results from the Halleck Creek Rare Earths project in Wyoming.
Speaking about the exceptionally low uranium and thorium content at both of their projects, Mel goes on to discuss American Rare Earths’ US Government funded R&D partnerships including with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Ames National Laboratory, Arizona State, and Penn State University. As the only rare earths junior explorer focused on biomining, Mel explains how American Rare Earths is helping in developing “cleaner, greener processing and separation technologies for rare Earths.
IMHO- Niocorp has the Finance Equity/Debt (pending approvals) & Separation - "Well in hand!" My only concern now, & what I want & must see is NIOCORPS HARD CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE/TIMELINE!
The New 2023 F.S. should have that when it announced & published. During the 2020 AGM Scott stated it would take 6-8 months to complete the Hydrology Work & Shaft-Freezing Process, then roughly 3 years to build out to first production. I am speculating MAY 2023 to start Hydrology to a late 2026 Production timeline now.
For Me -"It's all about the Schedule/Timeline now" (Start to Completion/Production)
Waiting with many to see what material news is announced in the weeks ahead. (See how this all plays out now) I believe in our team & the project. I am excited yet tempered!
GO TEAM NIOCORP - "ENGAGE!"
Chico
UNDER $2.70 ... oh my! Oversold territory again... IMHO
Chico
PM- I am reminded of Jims response when questioned.-
11/15/2022:
1) Jim - Has Niocorp recently applied for a DoE/LPO loan for "debt"..?
We are indeed in discussions with several U.S. federal agencies about potential financial assistance to the Project, but all have very strict rules about disclosure of those discussions and processes. I’m sorry but I cannot say anything more about this at present.
We are unable to comment on this, per agency rules
NE- a $1Billion market Cap with 70 million shares outstanding is @$14/ share.
Once in production others including myself think $5Billion market cap is achievable. (However more shares will be added)
$5 Billion market cap with 300 million shares is @$ 16/share
(Total outstanding shares by 2026/7???)
I always thought $24 to $31 is doable & maybe even $50 plus. Time will tell & everyone’s guess is as good as mine.
Mark Smith also said way back when the share price should be a lot higher too ….
Jim Sims responded several years ago to a question I asked that Niocorp wasn’t interested in doing a R.S…
But here we are. Things change.
Excited but tempered & more reserved in my estimates than others.
Chico
March 8, 2023, ~SCANDIUM ~New kind of transistor could shrink communications devices on smartphones~ (ScAlN)
Written By:Catharine June
https://news.umich.edu/new-kind-of-transistor-could-shrink-communications-devices-on-smartphones/
Electrical & Computer Engineering research scientist Ding Wang and graduate student Minming He from Prof. Zetian Mi’s group, University of Michigan, are working on the epitaxy and fabrication of high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) based on a new nitride material, ScAlN, which has been demonstrated recently as a promising high-k and ferroelectric gate dielectric that can foster new functionalities and boost device performances.” Image credit: Marcin Szczepanski/Lead Multimedia Storyteller, Michigan Engineering
One month after announcing a ferroelectric semiconductor at the nanoscale thinness required for modern computing components, a team at the University of Michigan has demonstrated a reconfigurable transistor using that material.
The study is a featured article in Applied Physics Letters.
https://aip.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/5.0143645
“By realizing this new type of transistor, it opens up the possibility for integrating multifunctional devices, such as reconfigurable transistors, filters and resonators, on the same platform—all while operating at very high frequency and high power,” said Zetian Mi, U-M professor of electrical and computer engineering who led the research, “That’s a game changer for many applications.”
The ferroelectric semiconductor is made of aluminum nitride spiked with SCANDIUM, a metal sometimes used to fortify aluminum in performance bicycles and fighter jets. It is the first nitride-based ferroelectric semiconductor, enabling it to be integrated with the next-gen semiconductor gallium nitride. Offering speeds up to 100 times that of silicon, as well as high efficiency and low cost, gallium nitride semiconductors are contenders to displace silicon as the preferred material for electronic devices. “This is a pivotal step toward integrating nitride ferroelectrics with mainstream electronics,” Mi said.
The new transistor was grown using molecular beam epitaxy, the same approach used to make semiconductor crystals that drive the lasers in CD and DVD players.
The University of Michigan has applied for patent protection. Early work leading to this study was funded by the Office of Naval Research and the Blue Sky Initiative at the U-M College of Engineering.
https://youtu.be/1FznGgpNUCQ
The device was built in the Lurie Nanofabrication Facility and studied at the Michigan Center for Materials Characterization.
At its most basic level, a transistor is a kind of switch, letting an electric current through or preventing it from passing. The one demonstrated at Michigan is known as a ferroelectric high electron mobility transistor (FeHEMT)—a twist on the HEMTs that can increase the signal, known as gain, as well as offering high switching speed and low noise. This makes them well suited as amplifiers for sending out signals to cell towers and Wi-Fi routers at high speeds.
Ferroelectric semiconductors stand out from others because they can sustain an electrical polarization, like the electric version of magnetism. But unlike a fridge magnet, they can switch which end is positive and which is negative. In the context of a transistor, this capability adds flexibility—the transistor can change how it behaves.
“We can make our ferroelectric HEMT reconfigurable,” said Ding Wang, a research scientist in electrical and computer engineering and first author of the study. “That means it can function as several devices, such as one amplifier working as several amplifiers that we can dynamically control. This allows us to reduce the circuit area and lower the cost as well as the energy consumption.”
Areas of particular interest for this device are reconfigurable radio frequency and microwave communication as well as memory devices in next-generation electronics and computing systems.
“By adding ferroelectricity to an HEMT, we can make the switching sharper. This could enable much lower power consumption in addition to high gain, making for much more efficient devices,” said Ping Wang, a research scientist in electrical and computer engineering and also the co-corresponding author of the research.
SCANDIUM - SPUTTERING TARGETS, TRANSITORS, SEMI-CONDUCTORS, 5-G, NEXT GENERATION ELECTRONICS, A.I. COMPUTERS.... & SO MUCH MORE....
(THEY ARE BUILDING OUT SEMI-CONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING IN THE U.S. (GIVEN EVERYTHING SCANDIUM, NIOBIUM & TITANIUM CAN DO.... I WOULD SPECULATE ENTITES ARE INTERESTED, OFF-TAKE AGREEMENTS & PRICING WILL BE ACHIEVED!!!!)
****U.S. Semiconductor Renaissance: All the Upcoming Fabs
By Anton Shilov published August 29, 2022
Everything we know about new chip manufacturing facilities in America.
U.S. Semiconductor Renaissance: All the Upcoming Fabs | Tom's Hardware (tomshardware.com)
The U.S. share of global semiconductor manufacturing capacity has decreased from 37% in 1990 to 12% in 2021, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), but some 47% of the chips sold worldwide are designed in the U.S. This disparity poses major risks to American national security and the economy, which is why both industry insiders and politicians recently began to call for building semiconductor fabs in the USA.
Their calls have been heard, and today five major chipmakers — GlobalFoundries, Intel, Samsung Foundry, TSMC, and Texas Instruments — are building new semiconductor production facilities in the U.S. These efforts will inevitably be bolstered by a new wave of funding provided by the newly-approved CHIPS act. This U.S. subsidy initiative will pump $52 billion into new US-based chip fabs and provide fresh tax incentives. Those funds will spur a wave of new investment over the coming years, and its sorely needed.
WOW!
****BUILDING RESILIENT SUPPLY CHAINS, REVITALIZING AMERICAN MANUFACTURING, AND FOSTERING BROAD-BASED GROWTH 100-Day Reviews under Executive Order 14017 June 2021
100-day-supply-chain-review-report.pdf (whitehouse.gov)
INTRODUCTION
"Semiconductors are the material basis for integrated circuits that are essential to modern day life and are used by the typical consumer on a daily, if not hourly, basis. The semiconductor-based integrated circuit is the “DNA” of technology and has transformed essentially all segments of the economy, from agriculture and transportation to healthcare, telecommunications, and the Internet. The semiconductor industry is a major engine for U.S. economic growth and job creation. Semiconductors are used in virtually every technology product and underpin state-of-the-art military systems. Semiconductors are an integral part of a consumer’s everyday life and can be found in household items such as light switches, garage door openers, and refrigerators, as well as in more complex products such as mobile phones, computers, and automobiles."......
"In addition to the central role they play in the U.S. economy, semiconductors are essential to national security. Semiconductors enable the development and fielding of advanced weapons systems and control the operation of the nation’s critical infrastructure. They are fundamental to the operation of virtually every military system, including communications and navigations systems and complex weapons systems such as those found in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. They are key to the “must-win” technologies of the future, including artificial intelligence and 5G, which will be essential to achieving the goal of a “dynamic, inclusive and innovative national economy” identified as a critical American advantage in the March 2021 Interim National Security Strategic Guidance.11 In addition, the development of advanced autonomous systems, cybersecurity, space and hypersonics, and directed energy is also dependent on semiconductor technologies.
FORM YOUR OWN OPINIONS & CONCLUSIONS ABOVE!
NIOCORPS "SHOVEL READY & PERMITTED, GENERATIONAL ESG/GHG DRIVEN" -ELK CREEK MINE. REVIEWING EVERYTHING POSTED PREVIOUSLY HERE ON SITE ON WHAT NIOBIUM, TITANIUM, SCANDIUM & RARE EARTH MINERALS CAN DO!~ *** "PENDING FINANCE!!!!"***
~ (Pending Finance) GXII EQUITY DEAL
~PENDING NASDAQ LISTING
~PENDING THE PATENT-PENDING FINAL DEMONSTRATION PLANT RESULTS ***(INCLUDING VIABLE RARE EARTH MINERALS ARE WEEKS OUT!) POSSIBLE INCREASED RECOVERY RATES FOR NIOBIUM & TITANIUM INCUDING UPGRADED OXIDES!!!!!!!
~PENDING GERMAN LOAN GUARANTEE
~PENDING ~ 2023 NDAA, DEFENSE & PRIVATE INDUSTRY NEED THESE SUPER HEAT RESISTANT HEA, MXENES, CERAMIC ALLOYS BEING DEVLOPED! HYPERSONICS, SEMICONDUCTORS & ELECTRONICS, AEROSPACE, DEFENSE, & OEMS... "THINK FUTURE OFF-TAKE AGREEMENTS HERE!"
~ PENDING APPLICATION & APPROVAL TO EXIM U.S. GOVERNMENT BANK ~ CHEESE FOR "DEBT????" T.B.D.???~
KNOWING THESE CRITICAL MINERALS PRODUCED & PROCESSED AT THE ELK CREEK MINE WILL HAVE MULTIPLE USES FOR DEFENSE & PRIVATE INDUSTRY MOVING FORWARD!
"TIME TO FUND THIS BEAST!"
ENGAGE!
Chico
MS008- Item #16-#17 are similar as the EXIM Bank is a wholly owned U.S. Govt. Entity and agency of the Federal Govt.!
Jim did respond that Niocorp was in “talks” with several federal agencies.
Hence Govt. Cheese !(pending approval of course).
There still “MAY” be another such Entity yet to be revealed….?? DoD,DoE,Carbon Credits…. Yeah I can’t rule those out yet …. :)
Chico
PM- I would speculate that Niocorp is undervalued here!
Given:
A) Application announcement to U.S. EXIM bank for “Debt” $800 million (pending completion)
B) German loan guarantee for $200 million ( in play per management)
C) GXII Equity Deal for $300million (pending approval soon)
D) Value of Mine i.e. cost spent to date @$200 million! Not counting value of all critical minerals yet.
E) Elk Creek Mine has all major permits & is “shovel ready!” Plus the 2023 NDAA calls out specifically for Niobium,Titanium, Scandium & Rare Earths mine to processing as essential to defense & industry.
F) other reasons here…
Form your own opinions & conclusions above.
Imho speculation- NIOBF should have a market cap valuation of $700million right now or $2 to $3 / share. See if the market sees the same…
Chico
I toast to the "Turds" tonight! .... “A pretty TURD gets old. A nice full-bodied TURD will change. But a good hearted TURD will always remain!”
Cheers to the TURDS!
Godspeed Team Niocorp!
Chico