Replies to post #80798 on Niocorp Developments Ltd (NB)

[PutzMueler]

Very interesting middleborder thank you eom

[douginil]

From the PR " ... this carbonation step can produce a calcium and magnesium product that is 96%-97% pure. ... NioCorp intends ... to investigate its potential as a saleable byproduct"

Hmmmmmm maybe i can get my daily Ca & Mg pills from NioCorp Pharma.

[chico237]

MB/Dougnil/all- I fired off a few more questions to Jim which he may or may not be able to answer "until they can".
It appears the proprietary supercritical CO2 separation process with L3 is bearing fruits. (Several articles & published papers on various processes for the Basnasite Ore found in the Elk Creek Carbonatite exist. Team Niocorp/L3 must have perfected their process since announced in early 2020. Utilizing a SFE/CO2 that works well for their specific ORE body, as "Mag-Separation" would not work. This process is shown in the updated 2022 F.S. flowsheet!)
Given SFE/CO2 methods exist:
Recovery of rare earth from bastnasite by ammonium chloride roasting with fluorine deactivation (Something akin to this? We will have to wait for Niocorp/L3 to disclose when they can do so!)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0892687504000949
Also
https://www.osti.gov/pages/biblio/1470332
Given Niocorps recent material news drop:
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/
The Following excerpts stood out for me:

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.

A) (During this Process Niocorp/L3 appears to me to be - "Trapping CO2 injected gas"- & making a possible saleable end-products in Calcium Carbonate or Magnesium carbonate. I did ask Jim "IF" this could be considered/used as a method of "Carbon Capture??" & I could also be wrong here as I am not a chemist! lol
GIVEN:

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.

B) (This "Backfill" may qualify as a Carbon Capture (CREDITS$$) method which the U.S. govt./DOE should be very interested? T.B.D. "Interesting indeed!" & was a question to Jim. MB you are also right that more salable "Products" may bear fruit.
The simplified 2022 P&ID flowsheet also shows an Fe Iron Product! T.B.D.??)

Finally

The L3 demonstration plant, when constructed and operational, is expected to produce tens of kilograms of this material that can be used for evaluation purposes.

c) Will a larger size Demonstration Plant (Running TONS) be required to Scale production? L3's re-purposed Subaru Dealership in Quebec looks great. (This should have plenty of room to "Tinker & Tweak!" & complete all final testing & optimization. It even has room for visitors! )
All IMHO....
Front Row seats - for a bunch of catalysts i.e. Marks loan, Official Pilot plant start & completion, Final amended 2022 F.S. ... oh & some substantial Debt/Equity dollars$$$ to get the ball rolling. (What's up with Wind Turbine power??? Really?? C'mon Niocorp - Nebraska has a Nuclear power plant with ZERO CARBON EMISSIONS or consider Scandium Fuel Cells powered off the natural Gas that needs to be supplied to site? The Wind doesn't always blow & you need battery/generator or other source of baseload power for when the wind isn't blowing!)

Chico