NioBay Announces a New Resource Estimate on Its Crevier Project

Core Viewpoint - NioBay Metals Inc. has released a new resource estimate for the Crevier niobium and tantalum project, marking a significant update from the previous estimate in 2010, with improved resource classification and economic modeling [1][2][9]. Overview of the 2026 MRE - The 2026 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) was conducted by IOS Geoscientific Services and adheres to NI 43-101 regulations, incorporating updated drilling data and metallurgical tests from 2022 to 2025 [2][8]. - The estimate includes a major revision of production costs and various selling price scenarios, focusing on marketing niobium as a specialty product [2][7]. Resource Classification - The new estimate has converted 16,257,000 tons at 0.17% Nb₂O₅ and 201 ppm Ta₂O₅ into measured resources, a category that was previously undefined in the 2010 estimate [3][5]. - The comparative parameters show that the total measured and indicated resources have increased to 20,733,000 tons with a consistent Nb₂O₅ grade of 0.17% [5]. Economic Considerations - The resource estimate is based on an optimized pit shell and includes a preliminary production cost estimate derived from metallurgical tests [7][14]. - The cut-off grade for reporting was calculated using a niobium price of US$82/kg, with a corresponding cut-off grade of 0.1124% Nb₂O₅ equivalent [14]. Future Prospects - The Crevier project is positioned to potentially focus exclusively on producing niobium oxide for battery and superalloy manufacturers, indicating a strategic direction for the company [10]. - The updated resource estimate is seen as a key milestone for NioBay in discussions with potential clients and partners, enhancing the foundation for future fieldwork [9]. Company Background - NioBay Metals aims to lead in low carbon consumption mining practices while ensuring the participation of Indigenous communities in its operational territories [13]. - The company holds a 72.5% interest in the Crevier project and a 100% interest in the James Bay Niobium Project [13].