NioCorp Developments Responds to Market Activity

Rhea-AI Summary

NioCorp Developments Ltd. (OTCQX: NIOBF) confirms it is unaware of any undisclosed information explaining the recent rise in its share price and trading volume, following a request from IIROC. The company reports ongoing progress in metallurgical testing at the Elk Creek Project, utilizing energy-efficient High-Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR) technology. This aims to recover niobium, scandium, titanium, and potential rare earth elements. NioCorp is assessing the viability of integrating rare earth recovery into its operations, responding to anticipated market demand for these materials.

Positive

• Significant progress in metallurgical testing at Elk Creek Project.
• Use of HPGR technology indicates commitment to sustainability and environmental efficiency.
• Ongoing evaluation of rare earth recovery potential due to rising market demand.

Negative

• None.

CENTENNIAL, Colo., June 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- At the request of IIROC ("Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada"), NioCorp Developments Ltd. ("NioCorp" or the "Company") (TSX:NB) (OTCQX:NIOBF) wishes to confirm that it is not aware of any material, undisclosed information related to the Company that would account for the recent increase in the market price and level of trading volume of its common shares.

Metallurgical Update

In separate news, NioCorp is pleased to report that its metallurgical testing program continues to show excellent progress in several current areas of focus.

• Ongoing testing of Elk Creek Project ("Project") ore using High-Pressure Grinding Rolls ("HPGR") technology continues to show promising results.  HPGR technology is an energy efficient and low-emission alternative for reducing the size of the ore to enable the recovery of niobium, scandium, titanium, and potential rare earth products.  The use of HPGR in the Project reinforces the Company's commitment to the environment and design for a sustainable operation.  The testing, conducted at the Natural Resources Research Institute ("NRRI") of the University of Minnesota-Duluth, in partnership with Weir Minerals, is expected to culminate in the preparation of a 3-metric tonne metallurgical sample to be used for flowsheet optimization and rare earth recovery studies.

• NioCorp's metallurgical consulting partner, L3 Process Developments, has completed initial testwork and studies related to flowsheet optimization and rare earth recovery for the Project's planned surface processing facility.  The Company continues to evaluate the results of this work as part of the overall effort to determine the economics around adding rare earth recovery to the project's flowsheet.

• Work is expected to commence shortly on the collection of additional historic drill core samples and the submittal of those samples for rare earth analysis to fill in gaps in coverage for the rare earths in the Company's drill hole database.

• The Company has completed an internal study of the markets for rare earth products, focusing on the potential growth of those markets driven by the anticipated demand for the magnetic rare earths (Neodymium, Praseodymium, Terbium, Dysprosium) and the resulting long-term expectations related to pricing.

Qualified Persons:  Scott Honan, M.Sc., SME-RM, COO of NioCorp Developments Ltd., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in the news release.

@NioCorp $NB $NIOBF #ElkCreek #Niobium #Scandium #Nebraska

For More Information

Contact Jim Sims, VP of External Affairs, NioCorp Developments Ltd., 720-639-4650, jim.sims@niocorp.com

About NioCorp

NioCorp is developing a superalloy materials project in Southeast Nebraska that will produce Niobium, Scandium, and Titanium. Also under consideration by the Company is the production of several magnetic rare earth products.  Niobium is used to produce superalloys as well as High Strength, Low Alloy ("HSLA") steel, which is a lighter, stronger steel used in automotive, structural, and pipeline applications. Scandium is a superalloy material that can be combined with Aluminum to make alloys with increased strength and improved corrosion resistance. Scandium is also a critical component of advanced solid oxide fuel cells. Titanium is used in various superalloys and is a key component of pigments used in paper, paint and plastics and is also used for aerospace applications, armor, and medical implants.  Magnetic rare earths, such as Neodymium, Praseodymium, Terbium, and Dysprosium are critical to the making of Neodymium-Iron-Boron ("NdFeB") magnets, which are used across a wide variety of defense and civilian applications.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimers

Certain statements contained in this document may constitute forward-looking statements, including statements regarding NioCorp's completion of HPGR testing of its ore and the benefits of this technology, as well as the potential of economically producing rare earth products in addition to the company's currently planned suite of products.  Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause a change in such assumptions and the actual outcomes and estimates to be materially different from those estimated or anticipated future results, achievements or position expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause NioCorp's plans or prospects to change include risks related to the Company's ability to operate as a going concern; risks related to the Company's requirement of significant additional capital; changes in demand for and price of commodities (such as fuel and electricity) and currencies; changes in economic valuations of the Project, such as Net Present Value calculations, changes or disruptions in the securities markets; legislative, political or economic developments; the need to obtain permits and comply with laws and regulations and other regulatory requirements; the possibility that actual results of work may differ from projections/expectations or may not realize the perceived potential of NioCorp's projects; risks of accidents, equipment breakdowns and labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions; the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses in development programs; operating or technical difficulties in connection with exploration, mining or development activities; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities of grades of reserves and resources; and the risks involved in the exploration, development and mining business and the risks set forth in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators at www.sedar.com and the SEC at www.sec.gov. NioCorp disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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SOURCE NioCorp Developments Ltd.

FAQ

What did NioCorp Developments announce on June 29, 2021?

NioCorp confirmed it is not aware of any undisclosed information that could explain the recent increase in its stock price and trading volume.

What is the significance of the High-Pressure Grinding Rolls technology for NioCorp?

HPGR technology optimizes ore reduction for the recovery of niobium, scandium, titanium, and potential rare earth elements, promoting environmental sustainability.

Are there any potential future products NioCorp is considering?

NioCorp is exploring the production of rare earth products, driven by increasing market demand.

How is NioCorp addressing market demand for rare earths?

The company is conducting metallurgical studies to evaluate the economic feasibility of integrating rare earth recovery into its operations.