Replies to post #83967 on Niocorp Developments Ltd (NB)

[Boilermaker1]

I think you are about 3/4 right
Phase 1 Demos that the calcining and CO2 to remove Ca and Mg works. This means CAPEX and OPEX goes down. This would be huge news. The REEs get dissolved out and put into solution (leached) in phase 2.

[chico237]

Correct Dougnil/ All- Phase #1 Confirms Extraction of Rare Earth Elements intended for production & "MAY" also trap additional CO2 via (Niocorp/L3 "New Proprietary process")

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.

( ~ THIS PART IS NOTEABLE~ As Niocorp mentions:)
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.

~"Consume" meaning: to absorb, to use up (a resource- CO2??) Can the Elk Creek mine employ a process to "CONSUME some CO2" at the site since the calcium & magnesium will be in solution along with everything else??~

During the REPLAY: NioCorp Live Investor Update Webcast of May 25, 2022
https://www.niocorp.com/replay-niocorp-live-investor-update-webcast-of-may-25-2022/
~Scott states the Simplified Flowsheet - (Roasting ore under low temp. THESE ARE THE KILNS & CALCINATION LOOP) The process utilizes ammonium carbonate/carbonic acid/supercritical CO2 removing the calcium & magnesium from the ORE "PRIOR" to SX. Turning the Ca & Mg into MgCO3- magnesium carbonate & CaCO3 Calcium Carbonate & an Fe product~
(****These are extremely interesting BYPRODUCTS & I'll explain why later!)
Niocorp's New Process which occurs (before SX separation)-
The optimized design and carbonation process all utilize proven technologies and are not expected to introduce additional technology risk to the Project if they are implemented in the Project’s final design.

On 6/29/2022 - I asked Jim this question: Could the Elk Creek mine "Separation Process" now under development be utilized as a method for "In situ carbon mineralization/carbon capture"?

Not ‘in situ,’ as that implies injecting chemicals underground to perform the desired reaction. The carbonization process we are testing MAY result in some carbon sequestration, depending upon whether and how we end up making more byproducts from the magnesium and calcium we remove from the ore. That is all still TBD

"This hints to me that an EX-SITU accelerated mineralization process via Niocorp's/L3 process MAY indeed capture & trap "some yet to b e determined amount of CO2" into a stable CaCO3, MaCO3 of Fe product matrix. Which can be utilized as backfill, Cement, or other end products..."

ALSO:
Scott stated REE production “North of 750 tons per year!”
(~Niocorp will produce OXIDES not a mixed concentrate in Nebraska! On Site~)
NioCorp Developments has a 'very large rare earth deposit' in Nebraska
https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/982962/niocorp-developments-has-a-very-large-rare-earth-deposit-in-nebraska-982962.html
(Niocorps- Second Largest U.S. Rare Earth Deposit- should do very well once the New Process (which occurs prior to SX) is confirmed for separation. I agree with you BM, AO & others Niocorp should be in a very good position for the symposium in Oct.)
See Grunt's Calculations Post #78176 :
A pretty sweet addition to our bottom line:
Tb - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -$24,771,000
Dy - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -$22,419,000
NdPr - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $92,357,000.00
Profit from the 3 oxides: - -$142,547,000.00

My guess will produce the following when compared to MP materials & 3 other U.S. projects (& This could be low!) :
600 tons per year Ny/Pr = 600,000kg x $173 = $103,800,000 (not far off Grunt's estimate!)
24 tons per year of Tr = 24,000kg x $2,383 = $57,320,000
120 tons per year of Dy = 120,000kg x $495 = $59,400,000
Total REE annual value prior to OPEX = $220,392,000 Million
~ & I THINK Niocorp's numbers for Dy & Tr might be a touch more! 30mt & 170mt respectively???~

That’s $150 to $200M plus +\~ in additional earnings (Before Opex). **NOTE: This doesn’t include increased recovery rates for the Nb, Sc, & Ti $$$ & improved "OXIDES".
Niocorp "Could" push earnings to $600 Million/year? “How do ya like them apples!!!” :)

All IMHO & Speculation, FORM your own conclusions!... but not out of the question! yada yada!
MP materials only produces Rare Earths & is valued at @ $30/share
What valuation will NIOCORP have once in PRODUCTION!!!!

YES FRONT ROW SEATS & ROWING with many here...even if I'm a lil dude!
We have the TEAM to get this done!
Chico