Niocorp Developments Ltd (NB)

[chico237]

Jan. 27th 2023 ~Study: Enough rare earth minerals to fuel green energy shift~
https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/study-rare-earth-minerals-fuel-green-energy-shift-96719251


12/27/2022 ~Financiers, end-users press for ESG mine ratings as critical minerals demand grows~
https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/financiers-end-users-press-for-esg-mine-ratings-as-critical-minerals-demand-grows/

A market is opening up for rating mining projects from an environmental, social and governance, or ESG, standpoint, as original equipment manufacturers and technology companies heighten scrutiny of the origins of raw materials for their “green economy” products, such as electric vehicle and energy storage batteries.

Such ratings will facilitate decisions by financiers and end-users on which projects to support and which products to buy, and help align the mining sector’s ESG indicators, which currently lack standardization.

Specialist ESG mine ratings – typically giving mine operations classifications starting from a low-risk AAA down to D – are set to add an extra dimension to market perceptions and visibility as demand for mined product grows. Awareness of governance has also risen in the aftermath of recent fatal iron ore tailings dams accidents in Brazil involving Vale and BHP, and Rio Tinto’s destruction of sacred indigenous caves in Australia.

ESG factors have affected iron ore supply, pricing
Credit ratings agencies including S&P Global Ratings, a division of S&P Global, have traditionally focused on assessing entities’ probability of default. They are now increasingly offering E, S and G, as well as sustainability assessments within a credit analysis and as standalone analysis."........

Consider Niocorp's ESG & GHG principles:
1) 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)

2) 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. "

3) DoE New ~Office of Carbon Management~ / Niocorp GHG
https://www.energy.gov/fecm/office-carbon-management

4) The Global Carbon Footprint and How New Carbon Mineralization Technologies Can Be Used to Reduce CO2 Emissions
ChemEngineering | Free Full-Text | The Global Carbon Footprint and How New Carbon Mineralization Technologies Can Be Used to Reduce CO2 Emissions (mdpi.com)


(March 7, 2022) NioCorp Completes and Deploys Equator Principles Program for Environmental, Social & Governance Performance
https://www.niocorp.com/niocorp-completes-and-deploys-equator-principles-program-for-environmental-social-governance-performance/
As part of its ESG program under the Equator Principles, NioCorp has:

****Completed a comprehensive risk assessment along with management plans for high-risk areas.
****Conducted preliminary environmental and social impact assessments.
****Developed an Environmental and Social Management System, including procedures for key ESG subject areas that will assist with the management of the Company’s day-to-day activities
****Developed more formal community engagement procedures.
****Established a grievance mechanism for local communities and other stakeholders.
****Completed a Climate Change Risk Assessment for the project, demonstrating the project’s resilience to climate-related risks and -
****Completed an Environmental Justice assessment for the project, demonstrating the positive impacts that the project will have for the people of Southeast Nebraska.
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."

"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 ..."

Form your own opinions & conclusions above:

(Niocorp will produce minerals (Nb,Sc,Ti,REE's) that will have "Major" Value-added Carbon Neutral possibilities. Currently Scott & his team/s - (L3 & other entities) are completing the optimization of the Hydromet process & working to confirm the New Proprietary Process, Improvements to Niobium, Titanium & Scandium; along with Separation/Production of REE's (if possible) for final design/engineering decisions moving forward). (New Byproducts are also being considered! CaCO3 & MgCO3 are "INTERESTING!")
(Any New Mine will need to be as ESG friendly & as "Carbon Neutral" as possible moving forward)
IMHO: It appears our Niocorp TEAM has ESG/GHG PRINCIPLES well in order. Niocorp has checked off those items for me....
Chico