(KTNC)--Officials with NioCorp Developments, the Canadian company working to develop the large deposit of niobium near Elk Creek, are pleased with the latest results from the ongoing drilling operation at the site.
According to company president Peter Dickie, the most recent results from two of the test holes show the highest grades of niobium they’ve yet encountered and they’re excited about the prospects to develop a mine to extract the niobium.
The latest results are part of five holes that were drilled as part of the first phase of the company’s latest program. Phase two, which consists of six holes, is underway and the company recently added a third drill rig to speed up work at the site.
Samples from the test holes are being analyzed at labs in Canada and Colorado.
NioCorp has estimated the Elk Creek deposit contains more than 100 million tons of niobium, which is used to harden steel to make it more heat resistant for industrial uses. All the niobium currently used in the United States is imported from other countries.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
USD 415 board select new member
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Ozawkie man facing multiple child sex charges
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
State Board approves land transfer agreements
4th candidate files for local KS House seat
St. Joseph teacher arrested for student sex crimes
Public health advisory issued for local lake
Potts first to file for Sheriff's seat in Atchison Co
LATEST STORIES
Sabetha man arrested on drug charges
Wanted felon arrested in Hiawatha
St. Joseph teacher arrested for student sex crimes
Jefferson Co readies for Co Fair season
MO man injured in KS weather-related crash
Ozawkie man facing multiple child sex charges
4th candidate files for local KS House seat
Public health advisory issued for local lake
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
NioCorp Confident in Elk Creek Mine Prospects
Mining Company to Resume Work in SE Nebraska
NioCorp Meeting Planned for Wednesday Evening