Why did Niocorp hire Nordmin?
It is not a secret, it is spelled out in the FS. Page 432 (pdf 456):
The Project timeline is linked to mining-related activities sequencing and duration. The
construction of the main surface plant buildings and supporting infrastructure is not on the
critical path. The critical path sequence of activities follows:
o Completion of permitting;
o Detailed engineering and procurement for shaft sinking and mine development;
o Completion of hydrogeological investigation into the carbonatite aquifer;
These are the first three items on the Critical Path. Some permits are in hand and Jim Sims has advised that work is on going for others. What are the first two items on the list of what Nordmin will do:
Reduction in the amount of bedrock water produced by the mine, and a commensurate reduction in the size of any waterline from the Project to the Missouri River;
Increased efficiencies in mining operations, including scheduling the production of higher grade ore earlier in the Project’s operational life than was previously planned;
Niocorp laid out the plan in the FS and they are following it. That is good news, Items 1, 2, and 3 are now in progress.
We have heard hints of equipment on site in late spring. What might that be? Page 447 of the FS (pdf pg 471):
Uncertainty exists in the projections, due to the lack of information for some important parameters
such as the actual thickness of the permeable carbonatite, the specific yield of the central
carbonatite, and the nature of the granite surrounding the Elk Creek Carbonatite. Therefore it is
critical that two prototype dewatering wells be installed and tested immediately to 1) advance the
conceptual understanding of the hydrogeology and dewatering requirements and 2) optimize well
and pump designs for the remaining wells.
Completion of this work might very well reduce the amount of dewatering required. The water is not gong to magically disappear. Dewatering will be required. But the number and size of pumps and the amount of time may well change. Nordmin will take the data from these wells and perform the necessary calculations. That is why you hire consulting engineers.
