NioCorp Developments Ltd (NB) Opciones

How come that even the 10 mio would. Not be enough for the studies which are open?? 

The Executive Order titled "Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production," issued on March 20, 2025, aims to bolster domestic mineral production by streamlining permitting, prioritizing critical projects, and reducing reliance on foreign mineral supplies. Below is an analysis of how its key provisions relate to NioCorp Developments Ltd.’s Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Nebraska, a fully permitted project poised to produce niobium, scandium, titanium, and potentially rare earth oxides—minerals deemed critical for national security, economic competitiveness, and clean energy technologies.
Section 1: Policy and Purpose
This section establishes a national policy to increase domestic mineral production, emphasizing the urgency of reducing dependence on adversarial nations (e.g., China) for critical minerals. For NioCorp, this is highly relevant, as the Elk Creek Project targets minerals like niobium (used in steel alloys and superconductors) and rare earths (essential for magnets in electric vehicles and defense systems), which are currently sourced predominantly from abroad. The policy alignment positions Elk Creek as a strategic asset, potentially elevating its visibility for federal support, such as funding or prioritization, especially given its status as one of the few U.S.-based critical minerals projects ready to advance.
Section 2: Definitions and Scope
The order defines "mineral production" broadly to include exploration, extraction, processing, and related activities for critical and non-critical minerals. This scope encompasses NioCorp’s Elk Creek Project, which involves mining and processing niobium, scandium, titanium, and potentially rare earths. The inclusion of "critical minerals" (as defined by the U.S. Geological Survey, where niobium, scandium, titanium, and rare earths are listed) directly applies, reinforcing Elk Creek’s relevance. The project’s multi-mineral output aligns with the order’s intent to diversify and secure domestic supply chains.
Section 3: Priority Projects
(a) Submission and Identification
Within 10 days (by March 30, 2025), agencies must list all mineral projects with pending applications, and within another 10 days (by April 9, 2025), identify and expedite "priority projects" for immediate approval or permitting. NioCorp has stated it holds all necessary federal, state, and local permits to begin construction, secured as of prior updates (e.g., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approval in 2020). However, if additional federal approvals are needed—such as for rare earth processing expansions, environmental modifications, or funding-related conditions—this section could fast-track them. Given Elk Creek’s advanced stage and critical mineral focus, it’s a prime candidate for priority status, potentially accelerating its timeline to production.
(b) Ongoing Coordination
This mandates continuous agency collaboration with the NEDC to prioritize projects. For NioCorp, this could mean sustained federal attention, ensuring any future permitting or regulatory hurdles (e.g., scaling production or adding rare earth output) are addressed swiftly, enhancing project momentum.
Section 4: Critical Mineral Designation
This section requires the Secretary of the Interior to evaluate and designate additional critical minerals within 60 days (by May 19, 2025). While niobium, scandium, titanium, and rare earths are already critical, any expansion of the list could further benefit NioCorp if it targets other Elk Creek minerals (e.g., calcium or magnesium byproducts). More broadly, this reinforces the strategic value of Elk Creek’s portfolio.
Section 5: Environmental Standards
Agencies must balance expedited permitting with environmental compliance. NioCorp’s existing permits demonstrate prior environmental clearance (e.g., Clean Water Act compliance), but any new approvals must adhere to this balance. The project’s underground mining design and small surface footprint may mitigate environmental concerns, facilitating faster reviews under this framework.
Section 6: Reporting Requirements
Annual reports to Congress on permitting timelines and bottlenecks could indirectly benefit NioCorp by maintaining pressure on agencies to act efficiently, ensuring Elk Creek avoids delays if additional federal interactions arise.
Implications for NioCorp Elk Creek Mine
Permitting Acceleration: Although NioCorp claims full permitting, Section 3(a) could expedite any outstanding or future federal steps (e.g., EXIM loan conditions, DoD funding approvals, or rare earth processing permits), reducing the gap between financing and construction.

Strategic Positioning: The order’s focus on critical minerals aligns perfectly with Elk Creek’s output, potentially unlocking further government support, such as grants or loan guarantees beyond the $800 million EXIM consideration.

Market Impact: Faster progress could boost investor confidence, critical for NioCorp as it finalizes financing. Its stock (NB on NASDAQ) may see upside if Elk Creek is publicly prioritized.

Challenges: NioCorp must ensure compliance with environmental standards during any expedited processes and secure full funding (a hurdle predating this order) to capitalize on these opportunities.

Conclusion
The Executive Order strongly supports NioCorp’s Elk Creek Project by prioritizing domestic critical mineral production and streamlining federal processes. While NioCorp is already permitted, the order’s mechanisms could hasten any remaining or future approvals, reinforce its strategic importance, and enhance its appeal to investors and government partners. If designated a priority project, Elk Creek could become a flagship example of U.S. mineral independence, provided NioCorp leverages this policy shift effectively.

Dean has a pretty stained history. I should have bailed when the GXII deal was announced.

https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/11/business/how-executives-prospered-as-global-crossing-collapsed.html

Agreed but Mark fucking blows on tv. When the camera rolls Mark has that look on his face like he just shit his pants. Jim is another hard pass as he’s marks puppet with zero charisma. We cannot afford this team to shit the bed again. They need to hire a paid likable, trustworthy spokesperson who shows “real” confidence. Niocorp should hire a communication coordinator or spokesperson to help us.
We are so close to the Government bailing us out. How about Marks boss Dean be the new face of NioCorp? With all of Marks failed ventures he’s left NioCorp with a permanent stain. Dean at the very least looks like a leader who comes across confident. Love this project and we are now closer than ever. Have a great weekend everybody!! I

They have become more passive than ever since the GXII merger. It’s almost like they don’t exist. Hardly anyone outside of this circle of investors knows anything about Niocorp. The marketing strategy of Niocorp is pretty sad.

Now is the time more than ever that Mark needs to be a guest on some national TV segments. Te Op Ed was good and generated some good press and more print/digital exposure is good via major outlets like Forbes and WSJ, but some TV exposure would really be timely.

"could"100 % no guarantees 

Section 3(a) of the Executive Order titled "Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production," issued on March 20, 2025, could have a significant positive impact on NioCorp Developments Ltd., particularly with respect to its Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Nebraska. Here’s how this section might affect NioCorp:
Under Section 3(a), federal agencies involved in permitting mineral production projects are required to submit a comprehensive list of all such projects—including those with pending plans of operations, permit applications, or other approval requests—to the Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) within 10 days of the order, meaning by March 30, 2025. Following this, within an additional 10 days (by April 9, 2025), these agencies, in coordination with the NEDC Chair, must identify "priority projects" that can either be immediately approved or have permits issued without delay, and then take swift action to expedite those approvals.
For NioCorp, this directive could accelerate the timeline for any outstanding or future federal approvals related to its Elk Creek Project. NioCorp has already secured all necessary federal, state, and local permits to begin construction of the Elk Creek Project, as noted in prior company statements. However, if there are any additional federal permitting steps, modifications, or ancillary approvals still required—such as those tied to expanding production capacity, adding new mineral outputs (e.g., rare earth oxides), or securing federal funding support—this section could prioritize and fast-track those processes. The Elk Creek Project aims to produce critical minerals like niobium, scandium, titanium, and potentially magnetic rare earth oxides, all of which align with the national security and economic goals outlined in the Executive Order, making it a strong candidate for designation as a "priority project."
The immediate benefit for NioCorp would be a reduction in bureaucratic delays, which have historically been a significant barrier to mineral project development in the U.S. With agencies compelled to act quickly, NioCorp could see faster resolution of any pending federal interactions, enhancing its ability to move toward construction once project financing is fully secured. This aligns with the company’s current status, as it has been advancing financing discussions, including an $800 million prospective loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) and potential Department of Defense grants. Expedited permitting could bolster investor confidence and improve the project’s economic viability by shortening the timeline to production.
Moreover, the focus on "mineral production projects" broadly suggests that NioCorp’s diverse portfolio—spanning multiple critical minerals—positions it favorably for priority status. The Executive Order’s emphasis on reducing U.S. reliance on foreign mineral supplies further elevates the strategic importance of a domestic project like Elk Creek, which is one of the few U.S.-based critical minerals projects with advanced permitting already in place.
In summary, Section 3(a) could directly benefit NioCorp by ensuring that any remaining or future federal permitting needs are prioritized and expedited, potentially accelerating the Elk Creek Project’s path to operational status. This could enhance NioCorp’s standing in the critical minerals sector, making it more attractive to investors and government partners alike, provided it leverages this opportunity effectively.

You're kidding right? The Trump administration did not get its concern about our reliance on foreign sources (brics) for critical minerals from Mark and dig baby dig is just drill baby drill and that dates back to 2008.

I think some folks here are way over conflating the connection between the Trump administration and Niocorp.

I do believe there is a good chance help will come from the administration, but there isn't evidence to support a meaningful connection at this point. The current share price says as much.

https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/four-critical-questions-and-expert-answers-about-trumps-new-critical-minerals-executive-order/

I quite enjoyed reading this.

************

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/documents/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/maths/ttrockpaperscissor.pdf

Could it be the other way around?

The Executive orders signed that day were after NioCorp’s AGM
Perhaps it was decided on the fly.

3:30 PM
The President signs Executive Orders
Oval Office Closed Press

https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/topic/calendar/

I don’t see a reason why NioCorp would know when the President was planning to sign the executive order and then planned to make sure the AGM was before the signing, and not after.

But of course it is possible.
NioCorp did have their impressively written press release ready to go.

You are saying that this administration told Niocorp months ago that they planned to make this announcement on this exact date so Niocorp bumped the date a week? Why would the administration know months in advance the exact date for an announcement like this? That doesn't sound plausible imo
Exactly. There's no way NioCorp could've known the date of the EO. I think the more likely explanation is that the Trump administration scheduled the Executive Order to coincide with NioCorp's AGM, and that would be a very bullish sign.

In fact, you can see where the EO lifted much of its language from Mark's "Dig Baby, Dig" article, i.e. the references to the BRIC's control of critical minerals.

Do you see NioCorp? We're the captain now!

It looks to me like everything will be expedited, regardless of what is required. I assume this makes us a priority project

Quote from Executive Order

Sec. 3. Priority Projects. (a) Within 10 days of the date of this order, the head of each executive department and agency (agency) involved in the permitting of mineral production in the United States shall provide to the Chair of the NEDC a list of all mineral production projects for which a plan of operations, a permit application, or other application for approval has been submitted to such agency. Within 10 days of the submission of such lists, the head of each such agency shall, in coordination with the Chair of the NEDC, identify priority projects that can be immediately approved or for which permits can be immediately issued, and take all necessary or appropriate actions within the agency’s authority to expedite and issue the relevant permits or approvals.

I imagine our share price will be slowly accelerating for the next 10 days.

Hopefully we are deemed a priority project and hear something by month end.

Plausibel communication is the problem since years...
In discussions for 10 mio since a long time ago and by the way told people that more is possible to... Now back to the 10 mio.... 
What is now right? 

You are saying that this administration told Niocorp months ago that they planned to make this announcement on this exact date so Niocorp bumped the date a week? Why would the administration know months in advance the exact date for an announcement like this? That doesn't sound plausible imo

Agreed and JS has a long standing connection with DC Govt. He is a good communicator. Jim, just ask for the money! Trump Admin wants to help and quick. Just ask and ask again and again until they deliver the funds!

https://www.mining.com/web/trump-to-expand-critical-mineral-production-using-wartime-powers/

My take on the NioCorp AGM occurring on the same day as the Trump EO on Critical Minerals (20 March 2025 after an unexplained move from 13 March) with a NioCorp press release the following day on the EO (21 March 2025) is telling us that while NioCorp does not currently have direct release information on financing or the updated FS yet, that they are on the pulse of this administration and are well situated to benefit from these Executive actions concerning critical mineral mining and processing.

Official AGM Date Announcements
NioCorp's initial announcement on December 27, 2024, set the 2024 AGM for Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM Mountain Time, to be held at 7000 S. Yosemite Street, Lower Level Conference Room, Centennial, Colorado, 80112 (NioCorp's initial AGM announcement). Shareholders of record as of January 27, 2025, were eligible to vote by proxy or in person.
On January 10, 2025, NioCorp announced a date adjustment, moving the AGM to Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the same time and location (NioCorp's announcement of rescheduling AGM). This announcement noted the previous date was March 13, 2025, but provided no reason for the change, which contrasts with their 2023 AGM rescheduling, attributed to auditor selection delays (NioCorp reschedules 2023 AGM).

well that is fine information but still doesn't answer the question of HOW MUCH is this going to cost for the FS
JIm Mark anyone

If you want specific $ amour email Jim but I doubt you get any more specific than this.

Our mine project cost is approximately 1.3 billion, and in my opinion there is not much that is the same, as it was for the last feasibility study. So throw out the High and Low projection BELOW and it should be about right @ 1%.

Let’s hope everyone was not sleeping all this time and maybe it’s just the money that needs to change hand for services NioCorp did not do.

JMO

A detailed feasibility study will be the basis for capital appropriation, and will provide the budget figures for the project. Detailed feasibility studies require a significant amount of formal engineering work, are accurate to within 10-15% and can cost between ½-1½% of the total estimated project cost.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mining_feasibility_study#:~:text=A%20detailed%20feasibility%20study%20will,the%20total%20estimated%20project%20cost.

So I ask again and am wondering why no one else is
what is the budget for the third FS
why are we stuck in the dark
AGAIN

I am hopeful that Niocorp management is thinking big and marketing ALL OF THEIR ORE BODY areas..... with the Ukraine CE/REE resources being many years away from production, one would think that if the government is fully aware of the entire ore body in Elk Creek, perhaps we could incorporate all of those ore body area pieces into a a fully integrated plan to accelerate output..... why not? heck, we need 'All Hands on Deck' and we needs 'ALL RESOURCES ON DECK'!!! let's get all the cards on the table to help in the onshoring supply line resurrection inititative..... Maybe that means we go forward with Phase 1 (the current target of the 'imminent' FS generation) BUT have the remainder of the ORE BODY in process, i.e., sample drilling to quantify production-able reserves and governement assistance on doing early FS studies (within a couple years) on the remainder of the ORE BODY in PHASE 2++................. Why not!? NB should think big.... while the geo-political climate is becoming more and more REE/CE mining friendly!! we have a nice tailwind at our back thanks to Trumps Emergency EO..... (about time someone took this dire national security issue as serious as it warrants!!).... Thanks Orange Man with the oversized cojones....for actually taking action and not just bloviating and blowing hot air and gas....like your feeble idealogical predecessors. :) :)

Now, let's reset the Jim Sims infamous '6-9 month clock' and go back to sleep..... wake me up in November (sure hope the hell not!!!) we have already DONE THAT ROUTINE TOO MANY TIMES......alas.....it looks like things are FINALLY moving from the logjam dead inertia stage we have been mired in for the last 2 years!! ALLELUJIA ALREADY!!!

YADDDDDA

NCT

We need $16 million for the pilot holes and move to proven resources and the FS.

Since years in discussions... My goddess 

"NioCorp is also in discussions with the U.S. Department of Defense (the “DoD”)to potentially secure up to $10 million in grant funding to help the Company advance the Elk Creek Project."

Hopefully, the $10 mil is enough to finish the revised FS.

Get er done NIOCORP! We're not getting any younger.............

Trump Unlocks New Investments into U.S. Critical Minerals Projects, Says NioCorp

Critical Minerals Executive Order Expected to Accelerate Critical Minerals Mining and Processing in the U.S.

Action is Aimed at Reducing U.S. Dependence on BRICS Countries and Other Foreign Producers
for Defense Critical Minerals

Trump’s “Whole of Government” Approach to Re-Shoring Supply Chains Is Expected to Unlock Significant New Institutional Investment


CENTENNIAL, Colo. (March 21, 2025) – An Executive Order issued by President Donald J. Trump on Thursday is expected to put the U.S. on the path to critical minerals self-sufficiency and reduced reliance on foreign producers such as the BRICS nations of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, according to the Executive Chairman and CEO Mark A. Smith of NioCorp Developments Ltd. (“NioCorp” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:NB).

The Company, which is developing the Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Nebraska (the “Elk Creek Project”) to produce the critical minerals niobium, scandium, titanium, and magnetic rare earth oxides, once project financing is obtained, issued the following reaction from Mr. Smith to the President’s Executive Order, entitled “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production.”


“With this executive order, President Trump has launched a new era of ‘Mine, Baby, Mine’ in America. The President wants to move aggressively to reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign producers for the critical minerals that allow our fighter jets to fly, Navy subs to sail, smart bombs to hit their mark, and night-vision equipment to help our soldiers see in the dark.

“The President wants to build entire critical minerals supply chains in the U.S. from the mine to the M1 tank. His whole-of-government approach to re-shoring these supply chains will help de-risk the entire sector, which in turn is expected to attract significant new private capital into mining and mineral processing supply chains. This is especially bullish for NioCorp, given our interest in potential vertical integration and production of additional value-added products and alloys from the critical minerals we expect to mine and process in Nebraska.

“There is also a larger strategic component to the President’s plan. He wants to reduce our dependence on critical minerals from BRICS nations – in particular Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – some of whom are threatening to supplant the U.S. dollar as the global currency.

“The President’s proposed fast-tracking of permitting for minerals projects is a another good step in the right direction. But I am pleased to note that NioCorp’s Elk Creek Project has already obtained all government permits necessary to start construction. We are positioned to advance very rapidly to construction and operations once project financing is obtained.

“The President’s directive to the U.S. Export-Import Bank to invest more in critical minerals projects both overseas and in the U.S. – and to potentially help to finance product offtake agreements by the U.S. Government -- is a very smart move. By investing in critical minerals projects, EXIM helps to create jobs while also generating a return to taxpayers from interest payments and fees paid by its loan recipients.”



NioCorp is now working with the U.S. Export-Import Bank (“EXIM”) to secure up to $800 million in potential debt financing for the Elk Creek Project through EXIM’s “Make More in America” initiative. The Company has already passed EXIM’s first of three due diligence reviews and is undergoing advanced technical and other reviews with EXIM.

NioCorp is also in discussions with the U.S. Department of Defense (the “DoD”)to potentially secure up to $10 million in grant funding to help the Company advance the Elk Creek Project. NioCorp is currently unable to estimate how long the application processes with EXIM or the DoD may take, and there can be no assurances that the Company will be able to successfully negotiate a final commitment of debt financing from EXIM or secure grant funding from the DoD.

It's important to keep in mind that the ONLY reason any of this is happening is because of the results of a single election. Otherwise this would not be happening.

I have NB now that I am not dependent on NIOBW much like in the past.

Yes let's hope their plan actually includes this mine. One would think so, but one would think a lot of things over the last decade.

I always assumed US government would do something to shore up rare earths supply and ramp up its researches on materials / metals for military hardwares.

no idea

We won't see 3 dollars until significant money is awarded and the news released.

The Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production – The White House

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/immediate-measures-to-increase-american-mineral-production/

Occurred on 20 March 2025, the same day as the NioCorp AGM.

Coincidence? I think not…

It is my understanding there is no absolute requirement for NB to do more drilling, and I have posted the company's response to that specific question more than once. But the EO does seem to remove obstacles and speed things up for approval of loans, etc.

@walterc - any chance the EO would remove the requirement to move the request for more drilling (from probable to proven)?

5 bucks 😁😁😁

Eh, I would be surprised if more than 70% of the eligible voting shares were even turned in, so yes, that is a significant amount of shares against

Nice to see the volume kicking in.

All the best,

Knife

Something is behind the Bush 

And how is that connected to our project, that hasn’t been sniffed in 10 years even though the majority of that time we have been de-risked and shovel ready?

The entire project has changed that’s why we need $100 million for our feasibility study.
We are told nothing by the company, including our rare earth element results that We have been waiting for, for two years and several weeks.

We have no idea how much water there is to worry about with the new ramp features, with RailVeyor. (IF)

But you can count on the company to feed us full of bullshit just to keep us from selling our shares IN ANTICIPATION of Rare Earth results prior to a SPAC and 1/10 our shares.

But god bless the E/O which brings every other miner to the same table we have been sitting at for 10 years, because of ridiculous forward looking statements.

And then there is NioCorp technologies UK
That makes NioCorp a multinational.

LMFAO! Trying to make hay over some directors only getting 88% - 90% of the vote, and that Mark Smith was "4th least liked" out of 7 nominees when he received over 94% of the vote? Look at any proxy election for a publicly traded company, even ones with no real shareholder negativity, and you are going to see pretty similar results. I vote in numerous proxy elections every year, and I have reasons I vote against certain directors, e.g. I never vote for a director standing for election who owns no shares or who owned no shares prior to being initially nominated. To read this board lately one would have thought there would be some huge shareholder backlash here, which did not occur just like we heard last year, but these are typical results.

I agree Walter. Reading everything together, the EO seems to remove a lot of roadblocks and is essentially an order to get the government processes, including EXIM to move much faster in this area.

Very good the election went how it did. Otherwise.... you know. We would still be sitting here printing shares, "working on raising that now", and all the BS you have spouted over the years would still be hanging over your skull at decade lows. DO NOT FORGET that IF anything happens here, allll of this is because of a single election, and NOT your bullshit.

This is the definition of "getting out by the skin of their asses".

https://www.reddit.com/r/NIOCORP_MINE/s/a9naWccgVc

They are already since years.....
Mark was never interested to sell and no one wanted to aquire.. 

Trump to Expand Critical Mineral Output Using Wartime Powers

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trump-expand-critical-mineral-production-201457579.html

I guess we will find out within 30 days if you’re right. Or several weeks!

(f) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the President of the Export-Import Bank shall release recommended program guidance for the use of mineral and mineral production financing tools authorized under the Supply Chain Resiliency Initiative to secure United States offtake of global raw mineral feedstock for domestic minerals processing, as well as under the Make More in America Initiative to support domestic mineral production.

(g) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy shall convene buyers of minerals and work towards an announced request for bids to supply the minerals.

Let me add, it would seem to me that junior mining projects which are so well advanced and permitted would be an attractive acquisition target by large mining companies wanting to strengthen and diversify their foothold in the US.

If war time US presidential powers are not able to pull of Niocorp’s financing. than we might as well start learning Chinese or Russian and live ‘forever peaceful in a very orderly socialist world’.