NioCorp’s Elk Creek Superalloy Materials Project is located near Elk Creek, Nebraska. The deposit was discovered in the 1970s and initially explored by Molycorp, with NioCorp acquiring a land package covering the resource in 2009/2010. We have been involved in the project from helping locate drill holes to target resource infill areas through to acting as lead consultants for the multi-consultancy team that developed the feasibility study (FS). As part of a coordinated program, we have provided the geologic, geotechnical, and groundwater information needed to support the project’s development. The project contains niobium (Nb), titanium dioxide (Ti), and scandium (Sc).
Hydrogeological Characterization
Characterization of the deposit’s hydrogeology was based on several phases of data collection and analysis as well as a conceptual model of the groundwater system, with most of the testing completed at depths of 200 to 850 m.
In 2015, drilling of five more holes began with the aim of providing additional geotechnical, and hydrogeological information. As part of this program, we installed two additional piezometers in the carbonatite outside of the deposit and an 850 m deep, 6 in diameter test well. Conducting a 30 day, high-flow injection test improved our hydrogeologic understanding in support of the feasibility study (FS), permitting, and mine planning.
Environmental Assessment
We completed an overall environmental assessment for the site that included reviews of geochemistry, surface water, groundwater, wetlands, soils, vegetation, wildlife, land uses, climate, and cultural and archeological conditions. More specifically, we carried out a geochemical characterization program for mineralized material, waste rock, groundwater, surface water, and tailings and assessed and documented project waste management and disposal. Finally, we evaluated the project permitting requirements and status and developed a closure plan and cost estimation, thus completing the environmental review for the FS. Other external consultants provided environmental support and contributed to economic analysis, backfill engineering, process, infrastructure, and pipeline design.
