Niocorp Developments Ltd (NB)

[chico237]

Consider Niocorp's GHG possibilities in addition to its ESG value!
(Niocorp will produce Critical Minerals (Nb,Sc,Ti,REE's) holding "Major" Value-added Carbon Neutral possibilities. Power & Fleet selection alternatives will also play a role. The current Demo-plant operations will complete the optimization of the Hydromet process. Working to confirm separation/production of REE's (if possible) for the final design/engineering decisions moving forward.)
See attached new video: (Thanks Richard!)
August 2, 2022 -NioCorp Developments says its Elk Creek project in Nebraska is vital for the US EV industry
https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/989034/niocorp-developments-says-its-elk-creek-project-in-nebraska-is-vital-for-the-us-ev-industry-989034.html
See also:
Mining & metals 2022: ESG and energy transition – the sector's biggest opportunity
https://www.whitecase.com/publications/insight/mining-metals-2022-esg-and-energy-transition-sectors-biggest-opportunity
(Reducing Carbon FOOTPRINT is #1)
~ANY NEW MINE BEING BUILT May need to adhere to strict GHG & ESG PRINCIPLES FOR FINANCING?~

Process Enhancements to NioCorp’s Critical Minerals Project Plans Point to Possible CAPEX and OPEX Reductions and Possible Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions
https://www.niocorp.com/process-enhancements-to-niocorps-critical-minerals-project-plans-point-to-possible-capex-and-opex-reductions-and-possible-lower-greenhouse-gas-emissions/

L3’s optimized design for the flow sheet utilizes thermal treatment, ammonium chloride, and carbonation to break down the carbonate minerals in the mined ore and remove virtually all of the calcium and magnesium from the ore.

(Niocorp mentions:)

Possible Reductions in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The improved design also regenerates the ammonium chloride consumed during the carbonation stage. Carbonation consumes carbon dioxide and reduces the GHG footprint of the prospective operation.

~"Consume" meaning: to absorb, to use up (a resource- CO2??) Can the Elk Creek mine employ a process to "CONSUME some CO2" at the site since the calcium & magnesium will be in solution along with everything else??~

Recently, L3 was able to demonstrate that this carbonation step can produce a calcium and magnesium product that is 96%-97% pure. NioCorp intends to further evaluate the use of this product for underground mine backfill as well as to investigate its potential as a saleable byproduct.

During the REPLAY: NioCorp Live Investor Update Webcast of May 25, 2022
https://www.niocorp.com/replay-niocorp-live-investor-update-webcast-of-may-25-2022/
~Scott states the Simplified Flowsheet - (Roasting ore under low temp.) the process utilizes ammonium carbonate/carbonic acid/supercritical CO2 removing the calcium & magnesium from the ORE "PRIOR" to SX. Turning the Ca & Mg into MgCO3- magnesium carbonate & CaCO3 Calcium Carbonate & an Fe product~
(Interesting...additions!)
Niocorp's New Process which occurs (before SX separation)-

The optimized design and carbonation process all utilize proven technologies and are not expected to introduce additional technology risk to the Project if they are implemented in the Project’s final design.

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6/29/2022 - Jim: Could the Elk Creek mine "Separation Process" now under development be utilized as a method for "In situ carbon mineralization/carbon capture"?

Not ‘in situ,’ as that implies injecting chemicals underground to perform the desired reaction. [color=red]The carbonization process we are testing may result in some carbon sequestration, depending upon whether and how we end up making more byproducts from the magnesium and calcium we remove from the ore. That is all still TBD

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FORM YOUR OWN OPINIONS & CONCLUSIONS:
My "To Do List" is getting shorter!
a) Complete all Demo-Testing & announce results for all "Products!"
b) Independently verify all results & release an updated/amended 2022 F.S. with all economics/numbers$$.
In addition to proving out all viable products any new mine needs to be as ESG & GHG friendly as can be. (New mining laws (GHG) are going into effect!)
Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP)
https://www.epa.gov/ghgreporting
(I would imagine any new mine being considered for construction would need to BE or BECOME as "Carbon Neutral" as possible moving forward?)
c) A "Substantial Finance$$" by (A,B,C,D,E... or any combination of methods to kick off construction.

A method to an end! Front Row seats with many!
Chico