monocle
3 hours ago
Hey CDH, did you catch Mark's shout-out to the previous administration?🧐
"Fortunately, and this occurred during the Biden administration, they put into place a ‘Make More in America’ initiative, and for the first time in 92 years, Exim now has the authority to provide loans and financial support to American companies with projects on US soil. Before, everything was limited to American companies pursuing projects and business outside of the US.
This opened a door for us."
danieldeubank
5 hours ago
The article "Corporate Perspectives: ‘Mine Baby, Mine’ (Responsibly) with NioCorp’s CEO" from TXF News, published on March 20, 2025, dives into an interview with Mark A. Smith, the Executive Chairman and CEO of NioCorp Developments Ltd. It explores how NioCorp is leveraging U.S., U.K., and German export credit agency (ECA) support to advance its Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Nebraska, aligning with the incoming U.S. administration’s domestic mineral production strategy under President Donald Trump.
Smith emphasizes a “mine baby, mine” ethos—echoing a Trump campaign slogan—but stresses doing so responsibly. The Elk Creek project targets critical minerals like niobium, scandium, and titanium, vital for aerospace, defense, and green tech (think Aston Martin’s eco-friendly cars). NioCorp aims to break ground soon, backed by a potential $800 million loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM), part of a broader push under Executive Order 14156 (signed January 20, 2025) to secure domestic supply chains. This order, tied to a national energy emergency, prioritizes minerals like copper and nickel, though NioCorp’s focus is on its unique triad.
The piece highlights Smith’s optimism about ECA financing—unusual for mining—covering 50-70% of project costs with long tenors (up to 15 years), easing the burden on equity markets. U.K. and German ECAs join in, reflecting global interest in securing these minerals amid tensions with China, which dominates critical mineral supply. Smith also nods to sustainability, claiming Elk Creek will have a lower carbon footprint than overseas alternatives, appealing to automakers like Aston Martin under tightening EU emissions rules.
Challenges remain: NioCorp’s Nasdaq listing (NB) closed at $2.06 on March 27, 2025, and funding isn’t finalized. Smith shrugs off equity market woes, betting on government-backed debt to carry the project. The article ties this to Trump’s “energy dominance” agenda, with Smith arguing it’s about jobs and security, not just deregulation—though he welcomes faster permits.
In short, it’s a snapshot of NioCorp’s strategic play: tapping ECA support to mine responsibly, feed U.S. industry, and counter China’s grip, all while navigating a complex financial and political landscape.
danieldeubank
6 hours ago
NioCorp News Release
Leading Trade & Export Finance Publication Showcases NioCorp's Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project
Interview with Mark Smith Details NioCorp's Ongoing Work With EXIM and Other Prospective Export Credit Agencies
A recently published interview by TXF News with NioCorp Executive Chairman and CEO Mark Smith (NASDAQ:NB) highlights NioCorp's ongoing work with multiple export credit institutions such as the U.S. Export-Import Bank in the Company's bid to assemble project financing for the Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Nebraska.
The interview with Mr. Smith can be seen here publicly until next Wednesday for non-subscribers to the TFX News service: https://www.txfnews.com/articles/7765/Corporate-perspectives-Mine-baby-mine-responsibly-with-NioCorps-CEO
TXF is a market leader in the trade, commodity and export finance industries. Collectively these industries contribute to the $5 trillion+ global trade finance ecosystem. They do this through the provision of tools that mitigate the risks involved in importing and exporting goods and services globally. In so doing, they are instrumental in oiling the chains of global trade, contributing to the real economy, and creating jobs across the supply chain. As well as the exporting and importing companies, trade finance is tied together by banks who provide the critical access to finance, supported in that mission by guarantees from trade credit insurers and governmental export credit agencies.
Prudent Capitalist
6 hours ago
Leading Trade & Export Finance Publication Showcases NioCorp's Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project
Interview with Mark Smith Details NioCorp's Ongoing Work With EXIM and Other Prospective Export Credit Agencies
A recently published interview by TXF News with NioCorp Executive Chairman and CEO Mark Smith (NASDAQ:NB) highlights NioCorp's ongoing work with multiple export credit institutions such as the U.S. Export-Import Bank in the Company's bid to assemble project financing for the Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Nebraska.
The interview with Mr. Smith can be seen here publicly until next Wednesday for non-subscribers to the TFX News service: https://www.txfnews.com/articles/7765/Corporate-perspectives-Mine-baby-mine-responsibly-with-NioCorps-CEO
TXF is a market leader in the trade, commodity and export finance industries. Collectively these industries contribute to the $5 trillion+ global trade finance ecosystem. They do this through the provision of tools that mitigate the risks involved in importing and exporting goods and services globally. In so doing, they are instrumental in oiling the chains of global trade, contributing to the real economy, and creating jobs across the supply chain. As well as the exporting and importing companies, trade finance is tied together by banks who provide the critical access to finance, supported in that mission by guarantees from trade credit insurers and governmental export credit agencies.
# # #
NorCalTommy
1 day ago
Thanks Nebraskan- I think Elk Creek may need another saloon or 2 also.... miners will want to blow off some steam and throw a few (ok probly many....) cold ones back after a hot day in the mine watching the RailVeyor choo chooo train carrying all them crtiical elements and rare earth minerals to the top- for processing and vertical integration into car parts, shipbuilding,quantum computer Q-bits, Aegis Cruisers, F-35's, NEW F-47's....... blah blah..... yaddda yaddda......LET's GET THIS SHOW ON THE ROAD ALREADY!!!! THE COUNTRY NEEDS OUR PRODUCT MORE THAN EVER!!
NCT
PutzMueler
1 day ago
Monday will be day 10
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.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/immediate-measures-to-increase-american-mineral-production/
Prudent Capitalist
2 days ago
Nice positive story about NioCorp on News Channel Nebraska. Many here may know all about News Channel Nebraska, and its owner and operator, Flood Communications, but here is the summary from Wikipedia:
News Channel Nebraska (NCN) is an independent, in-state network of commercial radio and television stations in the U.S. state of Nebraska and Sioux City, Iowa. It is operated by Flood Communications, which was founded by attorney, businessman and Congressman Mike Flood. The television stations are all members of the NCN network.