Niocorp Developments Ltd (NB)

[The_Gman]

Just a perspective: Government agencies like to spend their allotted funds because a failure to do so can result in lower budgets in subsequent years. Appointed agency heads who publicly tout their missions, and their plans to support the President's critical agenda, REALLY like to spend/loan (in EXIM's case it's a repayable loan) all their allotted funds to show their commitment to the program and their ability to get the message out, so they can keep their jobs. Even more important in a contentious election year, so the Prez can show the world what he's done.

According to the EXIM site, there are only 3 other MMIA projects pending besides the approximately $800 million NioCorp. Interesting to note that EXIM can fund up to 80% of projects, so could be up to $960 million if that happened? If EXIM has $2 billion to spend and has only spent $174 million so far, that leaves them with $1.826 billion. If NB gets $800 million, that leaves over a $1 billion to spend. Without NB, can they even come close with a plastic resin plant? Who knows?! NB certainly seems like a shoe-in that hits a multitude of criteria.

Fun to think about the possibilities. 🙂

There doesn't seem to be a tremendous amount of info out there, but here's what I've found, and I have no idea if it correlates in any way to the loan requests:

Tex-Tube Pipe Plant (pending since 10/2022)
According to state and local economic development sources Tex Tube Company plans to invest $1,700,000.00 to build out 327,088 square feet of new space in Waller.
https://www.intelligence360.news/tex-tube-company-to-spend-1700000-00-to-occupy-327088-square-feet-of-space-in-waller-texas/

Electrovaya Lithium Battery Factory Project (pending since 6/2023)
The final capital cost of the facility is estimated at approximately $75 million, and it is expected to open in phases starting late 2023
https://electrovaya.com/press/electrovaya-to-establish-lithium-ion-gigafactory-in-new-york-state/

Packwell Plastics Packaging and Warehouse Facility Construction Project (just posted 2/29/2024)
Unable to find any associated costs but how much can a resin factory cost?
https://www.packaging-gateway.com/news/port-houston-packwell-partner-to-increase-resin-export-capabilities/