Apr 30 2014
NioCorp Developments Ltd. ("NioCorp" or the "Company"), together with SRK Consulting ("SRK") of Lakewood, Colorado, have completed the review of previous work completed on the Elk Creek Niobium project by the Company, including the extensive work completed on the project by Molycorp in the 1970's and 1980's.
The Company is pleased to announce development plans have been finalized, with specific goals and timelines designed to meet the Company's objectives outlined in the news release of March 24, 2014. The review includes recommendations for a drill program designed to enhance the classification of the deposit, with the aim to produce an updated NI 43-101 report showing a sufficient quantity of material in the Measured and Indicated category to satisfy managements' desire for use in future corporate financing needs.
The first scope of work includes a three phase drilling program totaling approximately 12,000 meters. Each drill hole is to be completed for multi-purpose evaluation, including resource enhancement and geotechnical and hydrological review, necessary for inclusion in economic studies on the project. The first phase drill program, totaling approximately 4,200 meters, will be fully evaluated and analyzed prior to commencement of further phases, if necessary. Additional personnel will be utilized for analysis purposes to minimize any downtime between drill phases.
"We are very pleased with the work completed to date by SRK, with whom I have a lot of experience, which will allow us to move forward quickly and efficiently while still maintaining the highest degree of quality and thoroughness in our development process," commented Mark A. Smith, CEO of NioCorp.
Requests for bids on the drilling programs have been submitted to several leading drill operators. The Company anticipates awarding of a contract within the next week with drilling activity to commence as soon as equipment can be mobilized thereafter. Drill permits for the site remain in effect from previous activities carried out by the Company.
About the Company: NioCorp are developing the only primary niobium deposit known to be under development in the U.S., and the highest grade undeveloped niobium deposit in North America, located near Elk Creek, Nebraska. The Company has published an NI 43-101 resource of 19.3 Million tonnes grading 0.67% Indicated, containing over 129,182 tonnes of Nb2O5, and 83.3 Mt grading 0.63% Inferred, containing over 523,844 tonnes of Nb2O5). Niobium is mainly used in the form of Ferro-Niobium to produce HSLA (High Strength, Low Alloy) steel, to produce lighter, stronger steel for use in automotive, structural and pipeline industries. The U.S. imports 100% of its niobium needs.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Peter Dickie, President, Director and Corporate Secretary
Source: http://www.niocorp.com/