(KTNC)--More positive news coming from near Elk Creek, where the Canadian company considering developing a niobium mine continues to encounter a high-grade level of the material.
NioCorp president Peter Dickie says they are working on several fronts, both on-site and off-site to get a mine off – or into – the ground.
On-site, he says they have three drill rigs going now, two producing core that goes into a variety of technical reports. He says they're hitting some "very high grade material" that they had not anticipated, even in their best-case scenario. He says they've encountered grades of three to four percent niobium.
Off-site work includes geo-technical testing, which will determine what a mine might look like both above and below ground, and metallurgical testing, which Dickie says is progressing very well.
That will go into the engineering work to establish the infrastructure for a mine to extract the niobium from beneath the ground.
Alls the reports will also be included in what Dickie calls a “bankable feasibility study” that will be completed in the first quarter of 2015.
NioCorp CEO Mark Smith says in a news release that they're negotiating for pilot plant work to begin as soon as possible.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Two file to challenge local legislator
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
USD 415 board select new member
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
Flags to fly half staff Wednesday across KS
State Board approves land transfer agreements
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Memorial Day enforcement hits KS roads
LATEST STORIES
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Tuition increase by KU, others in state
KS grad requirements updated after two decades.
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Potts first to file for Sheriff's seat in Atchison Co
Senator Slama won't endorse candidate in legislative race
Local author brings "Broken and Chained" to Falls City Saturday
RELATED STORIES
Elk Creek Niobium Project Test Results Better Than Expected
Elk Creek Niobium Deposit Larger than Expected
Initial Results at Elk Creek Mine Site called Encouraging
NioCorp Confident in Elk Creek Mine Prospects
Work Continues at Proposed Mine Site near Elk Creek
NioCorp Pleased with Latest Test Results from Elk Creek Site
NioCorp Meeting Planned for Wednesday Evening