Niocorp Developments Ltd (NB)

[Middleborder]

Chico; Perhaps one reason for the selection of a closed aluminum plant in Ravenswood W.V. and proximity to another Aluminum is this is the production of something like this:

"The titanium aluminide intermetallic compounds Ti3Al and TiAl have attractive engineering properties that make them potential replacements for nickel-based superalloys in aircraft engines at temperatures from 600 to 870 °C (1,100 to 1,600 °F). A major impediment to wider use is their low ductility."

This would not put Ravenswood them in direct competition with IBC Advanced Alloys Corp, but they would be selling to the same government groups. (Also Supply chain grants or guarantees as well?)

I am an investor not a chemist or process engineer so just some general speculation.

One of the by products of the Elk Creek development extraction refining process is reported to be Magnesium, which at some point, in its metallic form, is used in production of Titanium metal. (A lot of steps between Magnesium oxide and metal presumably.) Currently they are talking about using the residue of the extraction process as back fill for closed mine corridors. (Magnesium recovery is, at this point with the merger, probably not a major priority.)

https://www.britannica.com/technology/titanium-processing

snip...."In 1932 William J. Kroll of Luxembourg produced significant quantities of ductile titanium by combining TiCl4 with calcium. By 1938 Kroll had produced 20 kilograms (50 pounds) of titanium and was convinced that it possessed excellent corrosion and strength properties. At the start of World War II he fled Europe and continued his work in the United States at the Union Carbide Company and later at the U.S. Bureau of Mines. By this time, he had changed the reducing agent from calcium to magnesium metal. Kroll is now recognized as the father of the modern titanium industry, and the Kroll process is the basis for most current titanium production."

Until Scott or Mark say something about a recoverable/saleable magnesium product just something to be aware of.