(KTNC)--The company hoping to develop a mine near Elk Creek is continuing to test samples that have been collected during the latest drilling program. Officials with NioCorp Developments say core samples have been shipped to labs in Ontario and Colorado for metallurgical testing.
NioCorp CEO Mark Smith says he is pleased with the progress of the drilling operation and the metallurgical testing.
Two drill rigs have been collecting core samples near Elk Creek. In an effort to speed up the work, Smith says the company is adding a third drill and has authorized additional testing at both labs.
NioCorp hopes to build a mine to extract a large deposit of niobium near Elk Creek. Niobium is used to harden steel and make it more heat-resistant for industrial uses. The United States currently imports all its supply of niobium.
NioCorp had previously estimated the Elk Creek deposit contains more than 100 million tons of niobium, making it one of the largest deposits of the element in the world.
Smith said in June that they hoped to wrap up the current drilling operation this month and have the metallurgical tests done by the end of the year. They would then do a study to determine whether building a mine would be economically feasible.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Sabetha woman arrested in business burglary
Effingham teen facing child sex crimes charges
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Severe storms move through NE KS
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Two Brown Co officers honored for their bravery
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
Severe storms reported Tuesday in NE KS
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
Atchison man nabbed for neighbor's 4 wheeler theft
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth
Winning lottery ticket sold in Falls City about to expire
Meriden man bound over on rape charge
Tornado damage surveyed in NE KS
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
Beef Barn replacement planned in Jefferson Co
LATEST STORIES
Four arrested for illegal activity on Kickapoo Reservation
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Brown Co Sheriff's Office releases April stats
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
Commission takes action related to bridge project
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth
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
Update on Possible Niobium Mining Project in Southeast Nebraska
Drilling to Resume at Elk Creek
NioCorp Pleased with Latest Test Results from Elk Creek Site