Niocorp Developments Ltd (NB)

[DeeSquared]

Those with the mining knowledge

At what point do environmental concerns come in to play during the preliminary and developmental stages?

The question stems from a little known bug called the endangered Salt Creek tiger beetle that caused a huge uproar just a few miles north of Elk Creek, NE. Not that I am concerned about this little guy, but I am wondering if anyone knows of any concerns brought about so far regarding other types of potential concerns. My thoughts are that the area is already used for farming, so I wouldn't foresee any types of endangered plants/animals.

Then, of course, there are the water concerns with area ground water and the all so popular Ogallala aquifer. I don't believe the aquifer reaches that far, but I make the point.

Through my research, I found little regarding the specific area or any environmental concerns brought about.

1. Document from EPA regarding mining and associated environmental issues
EPA

2. Article from 2011 that states environmental groups aren't commenting on the Elk Creek site
Washington Times

I am sure there are several other environmental issues the EPA looks into when granting permits and the like, so I thought a discussion concerning this would be nice. Any thoughts?