Printer Friendly
Email to a Friend
Elk Creek niobium core samples
NioCorp drill rig at Elk Creek
(KTNC)-- The community came out to show support for the development of a mine near Elk Creek, Nebraska Wednesday.
The Canadian Company, NioCorp, is working to develop a mine to extract the rare element niobium that lies underneath a farm southwest of Elk Creek.
People crowded into the Elk Creek Fire Hall for lunch and to hear from company officials Wednesday afternoon.
NioCorp resumed drilling at the site last month. CEO Mark Smith says they hope to determine the economic viability of the operation, and he’s confident they’ll be able to do that. Smith says they’re drilling to determine whether they have what’s called a “bankable quantity” of niobium. Smith says they’ll finish drilling in August and metallurgical tests on drill samples by the end of the year. They’ll then conduct feasibility studies to determine the economic viability of the mine.
Should the mine be built, it would have a significant economic impact on the region. Smith says there would be 200 to 300 permanent full-time jobs associated with the mine, and 800 or more temporary jobs during mine construction, which could take 18 to 24 months.
After the meeting at the Elk Creek Fire Hall, people visited the drill site southwest of town to get a first-hand look at the operation. Two rigs are drilling core samples.
Niobium is a heat-resistant element used to harden steel for automobiles, and in other high-tech applications.
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Severe storms move through NE KS
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
No injuries in early Sunday morning house fire in Falls City
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Senator Slama on tax relief efforts
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Commission approves agreement for budget help
LATEST STORIES
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Nemaha NRD honoring Stewardship Week
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
Peru State faculty member to be honored
Nebraska Primary Election reminders
Severe storms move through NE KS
NVCH receives $415,000 grant for expansion project
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
RELATED STORIES
Elk Creek Niobium Project Test Results Better Than Expected
Elk Creek Niobium Deposit Larger than Expected
Progress Continues to Develop Niobium Mine near Elk Creek
Initial Results at Elk Creek Mine Site called Encouraging
Mining Company to Resume Work in SE Nebraska
NioCorp Seeking Permit For Waterline Outlet
NioCorp Receives Permit For Waterline
Update on Possible Niobium Mining Project in Southeast Nebraska
Hiawatha, Ks 66434