NioCorp Completes Review, Finalizes Drill Plans for Elk Creek
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Apr 29, 2014) - NioCorp Developments Ltd. ("NioCorp" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:NB)(OTCQX:NIOBF)(FRANKFURT:BR3), 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
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based upon NioCorp's reasonable expectations and business plan at the date hereof, which are subject to change depending on economic, political and competitive circumstances and contingencies. 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 changes in demand for and price of commodities (such as fuel and electricity) and currencies; 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 labour 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. 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.