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NioCorp Developments applauds US government's executive order on critical minerals

Last updated: 15:32 21 Dec 2017 EST, First published: 10:32 21 Dec 2017 EST

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President Donald Trump - the 45th US Premier

NioCorp Developments Ltd (TSE:NB) has lauded the White House's executive order, which is aimed at accelerating the US's own production of critical minerals.

Thad order, issued on December 20, marks a significant departure from U.S. Executive Branch policy priorities of recent years, said NioCorp executive chairman and chief executive Mark Smith.

The firm is developing a huge superalloy materials project in Southeast Nebraska, which will produce niobium, scandium, and titanium.

"...it sets a timeline of only 60 days for Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Defense Secretary James Mattis to identify a list of critical minerals that will become the focus of federal efforts under the Executive Order," Smith added.

 "This is an aggressive timeline for action that signals to me that the President intends to place a high priority on this effort."

Under the definition of a 'critical mineral' in the order, Smith suggested that niobium, scandium, and titanium should all qualify.

"In fact, I believe that the Elk Creek Project may land in the sweet spot of criticality under this executive order," said the company boss.

"We look forward to working closely with the Trump Administration, the Congress, and state and local leaders in Nebraska as the policies and initiatives of this Executive Order are further refined and implemented," he said.

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