Niocorp Developments Ltd (NB)

[chico237]

Lard: attached info on DoE/LPO Loan Guarantee these may help & add to your final opinion.
Policies and Procedures for Loan Guarantees for Projects That Employ Innovative Technologies and for Direct Loans Under the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Program
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/15/2020-29278/policies-and-procedures-for-loan-guarantees-for-projects-that-employ-innovative-technologies-and-for

II. Discussion of Final Rule
Executive Order 13953 requires that DOE LPO establish amended policies and procedures for the issuance of DOE loan guarantees, in order to provide financial support to eligible projects that will support a domestic supply chain for critical minerals and critical minerals production. The rule will establish revised policies and procedures for receiving, evaluating, and approving applications for loan guarantees from DOE. The rule will revise the definition of Eligible Project, for both the Title XVII and ATVM Programs, consistent with E.O. 13953 and address the use of Preliminary Term sheets and conditional commitments, as well as the payment of costs and fees by non-Federal third parties. These changes will facilitate the accessibility and availability of loan guarantees from DOE to potential applicants in both the critical minerals space, as well as traditional innovative projects. These changes also will allow for the use of Preliminary Term sheets between DOE and potential applicants in the critical minerals space and other innovative projects. The use of Preliminary Term Sheets will aid potential applicants in obtaining their offtake agreements, while negotiating with DOE for a potential loan guarantee, subject to conditions required by DOE. The final rule will also clarify that payment by non-Federal third parties of costs and fees associated with a loan guarantee will be permissible, where necessary, to support the applicant. As required by Executive Order 13953, these changes will make DOE loan guarantees more available and accessible to critical minerals projects.

CRITICAL MATERIALS Loan Programs Office
https://www.energy.gov/lpo/critical-materials

***Critical Materials projects can help secure U.S. supply chains and support the clean energy transition. LPO is helping critical materials projects cross the bridge to bankability by financing projects like Syrah Technologies. The Department of Energy issued a $102.1 million loan for the expansion of its Syrah Vidalia Facility.

2022- Scaling America’s Clean Energy Infrastructure: A Conversation with Jigar Shah
https://bipartisanpolicy.org/event/scaling-americas-clean-energy-infrastructure-a-conversation-with-jigar-shah/
(***I Believe These Loans are offered at LOWER INTEREST RATES)

At the 45:36-minute mark: The DOE/LPO is a COMMERCIAL DEBT PROVIDER. Whether its's through a DIRECT LOAN THROUGH A FINANCING BANK or a LOAN GUARANTEE to a "PRIVATE SECTOR LENDER" that does the underwriting. THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDES THE GUARANTEE!...not the Bank!

***Year End 2022 ~NIOCORP Still qualifies for the German Loan Guarantee~
https://www.niocorp.com/about-niocorp/what-we-do/
50% of FeNb production to ThyssenKrupp enables in-principal eligibility for a German Government Loan Guarantee of @ $146M-$179M.3

2022 - Lynas Rare Earths lands $120M DoD deal (MP materials received a little dough as well...)
https://www.metaltechnews.com/story/2022/06/15/tech-metals/lynas-rare-earths-lands-120m-dod-contract/971.html

Jims's "New" responses to my follow up questions 11/15/2022:
1) - 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.

Form your own Opinions & Conclusions above:

**Given all the recent U.S. Legislation that has recently passed/funded or has been scheduled for the 118th Congress. I for one cannot rule out the possibility of the DoD, DoE/LPO or a few other Entities which MAY (Play a role) & be lining up for a portion of the "Debt", once "EQUITY" is secured. (U.S. $100 to $200M matching the German loan guarantee?? is interesting for me...)
Chico