(KTNC) - Drilling is set to resume in southeast Nebraska this week as a Canadian mining firm looks for more evidence of a sizable deposit of a valuable and rare heat-resistant element used in steel.
NioCorp Developments said Tuesday it has hired West-Core Drilling of Elko, Nevada, to collect more core samples from the niobium deposit near Elk Creek.
This summer's drilling will be the first at the site since 2011. The company is trying to determine whether it would be profitable to build a mine to harvest the niobium from several hundred feet underground.
The Lincoln Journal-Star reports that the first phase will consist of approximately 4,200 feet of core drilling. The company says they will drill in three phases, totaling up to 12,000 meters if necessary.
The U.S. currently imports nearly all the niobium that's used in this country to harden steel and make it more heat-resistant for industrial uses.
NioCorp says the Elk Creek deposit is the highest grade undeveloped niobium deposit in North America. If estimates are correct, there could be as much as 100 tons of niobium at the Elk Creek site worth nearly $27 billion.
The company hopes to start mining at the site by early 2016.
© MSC News
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Holton woman killed in Jackson Co car-deer accident
Revised flood predictions along the MO River
Valuation change notices coming soon for Nebraska residents
Lancaster shooting, threats, land man in jail
Case dismissed in charity fraud allegations
Three injured in Thursday Jeff Co collision
Atchison Police probe car wash thefts
KHP pursuit ends in Jackson Co
One injured in Jeff Co collision
Jeff Co North USD 339 bond issue defeated
Atchison Co's Laurie seeks another term as Sheriff
Atchison's Amelia fireworks voted 3rd in nation
USD 415 board holds special meeting
Former KS AG files for Congress
Atchison Co vets to honor comrades Monday
Brown Co Commissioner files for re-election
Whiting woman sentenced in theft of fire dept. funds
LATEST STORIES
HCF Match Day event raises more than $225,000
Plans underway for " No Summer Hunger" program
Whiting woman sentenced in theft of fire dept. funds
HCC hires new Vice President for Academic Affairs
One injured in Jeff Co collision
Holton woman killed in Jackson Co car-deer accident
Atchison Co vets to honor comrades Monday
RELATED STORIES
Elk Creek Niobium Deposit Larger than Expected
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
Work Continues at Proposed Mine Site near Elk Creek
NioCorp Pleased with Latest Test Results from Elk Creek Site