Core Viewpoint - NioCorp Developments Ltd. has received Board approval for the Portal Project, a significant step in advancing the Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project, with work expected to commence in Q1 2026 and an estimated capital cost of approximately $44.6 million [1][2]. Project Overview - The Portal Project will establish main entrances to the Elk Creek underground mine, serving as the primary access point for personnel, equipment, and materials [2]. - The project scope includes excavating to bedrock, drilling and blasting for twin mine ramps, constructing on-site access roads, and developing supporting infrastructure [2]. Technological Advancements - The portal will facilitate the implementation of the Railveyor system, which is expected to reduce initial capital costs and simplify underground infrastructure compared to the previously planned twin-shaft design [3]. - The Railveyor system and all underground mining equipment will operate on electricity, providing potential environmental and operational benefits over conventional diesel-powered systems [4]. Strategic Importance - Approval of the Portal Project is viewed as a critical milestone for NioCorp, allowing the company to advance key schedule items while working towards securing remaining financing for the Elk Creek Project [5]. - The excavation work marks the beginning of major pre-construction activities at the Elk Creek Project site, which is anticipated to generate excitement within the community [5]. Company Background - NioCorp is focused on developing the Elk Creek Project, which is expected to produce niobium, scandium, and titanium, with potential for additional rare earths [8]. - Niobium is utilized in specialty alloys and high-strength steel, while scandium enhances aluminum alloys, and titanium is key in various lightweight applications [8].

Core Insights - A Utah company, Ionic Minerals Technology, has discovered a significant deposit of critical minerals, potentially one of North America's most important finds to date [1] - The Silicon Ridge project contains 16 critical minerals, including germanium and gallium, within a more easily extractable ion-adsorption clay (IAC) system [1][3] Company Overview - Ionic MT is based in Provo, Utah, and has mining permits in place for the Silicon Ridge project [3] - The company plans to utilize a 74,000-square-foot processing facility to facilitate rapid development of the mineral deposit [3] Geological Significance - The IAC geological formation in Utah supplies over 70% of the world's heavy rare earth elements and 35-40% of China's total rare earth production [2] - The deposit also includes lithium, rubidium, scandium, cesium, tungsten, vanadium, and niobium [2] Mineral Concentration - Initial assays indicate a concentration of approximately 2,700 parts per million (ppm) or 0.27% of rare earths and critical metals [4] - This concentration is favorable compared to Chinese IAC deposits, which typically range from 500 to 2,000 ppm [4] - The confirmed critical minerals grade is based on only 11% of the total resource area, suggesting significant potential for expansion [4] Industry Context - The U.S. has recently made notable discoveries in critical minerals, including a large lithium reserve in Arkansas, which could contain between 5 and 19 million tons of lithium [5] - The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that there is enough lithium in southern Arkansas to meet current U.S. consumption needs, highlighting the country's reliance on imports for over 25% of its lithium [5]

Core Viewpoint - Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp. has announced a private placement agreement with Red Cloud Securities Inc. and Research Capital Corporation to raise gross proceeds of C$10,000,400 through the sale of 21,740,000 units at a price of C$0.46 per unit [1] Group 1: Financial Details - The offering consists of 21,740,000 units priced at C$0.46 each, resulting in total gross proceeds of C$10,000,400 [1] - Each unit includes one common share and one-half of a common share purchase warrant [1]

Core Viewpoint - Lithium Royalty Corp. congratulates Power Metals Corp. on its cesium concentrate offtake agreement with Albemarle Corporation, highlighting the significance of this partnership in the critical minerals sector [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Lithium Royalty Corp. (TSX: LIRC) holds a 2.0% gross overriding royalty (GOR) on Power Metals' Case Lake project, indicating its financial interest in the project's success [1] - Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) is a leading critical mineral company with a market capitalization of US$16 billion, specializing in lithium and cesium [1] Group 2: Industry Context - The agreement between Power Metals and Albemarle underscores the growing demand for critical minerals, particularly cesium, in various industrial applications [1] - The partnership reflects the strategic importance of securing offtake agreements in the competitive landscape of the critical minerals market [1]

Core Insights - The Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project by NioCorp Developments Ltd. has garnered significant local and federal support, being highlighted as a transformative opportunity for Nebraska and the U.S. [1][4][5] Group 1: Project Support and Community Engagement - Nearly 600 attendees participated in two Town Hall events, showcasing strong community and governmental support for the Elk Creek Project [2] - Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen emphasized the project's importance, calling it "one of the greatest deposits in the United States" and highlighting its potential for national security by reducing reliance on foreign minerals [3][5] - U.S. Senator Deb Fischer described the project as a transformational investment that will diversify the tax base in southeast Nebraska and enhance national security through critical mineral production [5][6] Group 2: Economic and National Security Implications - EXIM President John Jovanovic stated that the Elk Creek Project aligns with U.S. goals for controlling critical minerals essential for various industries, which will create jobs and strengthen the industrial base [4] - U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts noted that the project is crucial for national defense and will benefit the local community, the state, and the country as a whole [7] Group 3: Company Progress and Future Outlook - NioCorp executives provided updates on the company's progress in 2025 and outlined key steps for 2026, focusing on financing efforts necessary for construction [8][10] - CEO Mark A. Smith expressed optimism about 2026 being a pivotal year for the company and the southeast Nebraska community [3][9]

Professor Tony Tang appointed as the independent reviewer of metallurgical test work, process design and associated studies 2016 AMTEC/ALS TREEs recovery results successfully replicated, with eudialyte and mixed-concentrate recoveries confirmed Repeatability on 2016 AMTEC laboratory program demonstrated under the 2025 test work Acquisition of 300~500 kg/hr Proof-of-Concept Pilot Plant for approximately $2 million completed; commissioning expected in 2nd quarter 2026 Integration of new high-intensity magneti ...

Core Viewpoint - Brazil is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable mining practices, particularly in the production of critical minerals essential for the global energy transition, following significant mining disasters that have raised safety and environmental concerns [3][5][7]. Group 1: Legislative and Policy Developments - The Brazilian Congress has initiated investigations into the mining sector, leading to new legislation aimed at improving safety and reducing environmental impacts [1][2]. - Congressman Zé Silva is advocating for the National Critical Minerals Policy, which aims to establish Brazil as a leader in sustainable critical minerals production [8][9]. - The proposed policy includes clear objectives and measurable indicators for the critical minerals sector, enhancing transparency and aligning with sustainability goals [9][10]. Group 2: Economic and Strategic Positioning - Brazil holds significant reserves of critical minerals, including 94% of the world's niobium, 22% of global graphite, 16% of nickel, and 17% of rare earth elements, positioning the country as a strategic supplier for the energy transition [6][7]. - The government is working to improve the business environment to help companies capitalize on rising global demand for critical minerals while promoting local processing [5][13]. Group 3: Industry Initiatives and Innovations - The private sector is actively participating in shaping sustainable mining policies, with the formation of Brazil's Critical Minerals Association to promote innovation and socio-environmental responsibility [14][16]. - Companies like Sigma Lithium are leading the way in sustainable practices, employing a "Quintuple Zero" approach that eliminates tailings dams and harmful emissions [17][19]. - Sigma's Grota do Cirilo project operates with 100% renewable energy and has a production capacity of 1.5 million tonnes of lithium ore per year, with plans to double output [19]. Group 4: Community Engagement and Social Responsibility - Companies are investing in local communities as part of their sustainable development plans, including healthcare and education initiatives [20][21]. - Effective mining projects require engagement with all stakeholders, including local communities and governments, to ensure compliance and sustainability [21].

NEW YORK, Dec. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Critical Metals Corp. (Nasdaq: CRML) (“Critical Metals Corp.” or the “Company”), a leading critical minerals mining company, today announced that it has executed the Term-Sheet for creating a 50%-50% joint venture (JV) between CRML and Fabrica de Prelucrare a Concentratelor de Uraniu S.R.L. (FPCU) of Romania, a state-owned entity and a strategic partner from a European Union and NATO member country. The term sheet provides CRML with long-term offtake rights for 50 ...

Core Viewpoint - NioCorp Developments Ltd. is set to present at the RedChip Metals & Mining Virtual Investor Conference, focusing on the Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project and its potential to enhance U.S. production of critical minerals [1][2]. Company Overview - NioCorp is developing the Elk Creek Project, which aims to produce niobium, scandium, and titanium, with potential for rare earth elements [4]. - Niobium is utilized in specialty alloys and high-strength, low-alloy steel, while scandium enhances aluminum alloys and is crucial for advanced fuel cells. Titanium is important for lightweight alloys and various industrial applications [4]. Event Details - CEO Mark A. Smith will participate in a 20-minute presentation on December 10, 2025, followed by a 10-minute Q&A session with Director of Investor Relations Alex Guthrie [2]. - The conference will feature multiple presentations from industry leaders, allowing investors to engage directly with company executives [3].

Core Insights - Brazilian companies are rapidly developing new rare earth element (REE) projects to meet increasing global demand, with the Pela Ema project expected to supply 5% of global demand by 2027 [1][2] - Brazil holds the world's second-largest REE mineral reserves, with approximately 21 million tonnes, representing around 23% of global reserves [2] - The country is a leader in several critical minerals, including niobium (94% of global reserves), graphite (26%), and nickel (12%), and has become the fifth-largest lithium producer [3] Industry Developments - The ongoing COP30 summit in Belém aims to position Brazil as a sustainable partner in critical minerals, showcasing its resources to attract investment [4] - The geopolitical landscape has led to increased investment in Brazil's untapped REE reserves, as countries seek alternatives to Chinese sources [6] - Australian companies are shifting from competition to collaboration in Brazil's critical minerals sector, indicating a strategic investment approach [7] Project Highlights - Serra Verde's Pela Ema project in Goiás state is the first large-scale rare earth mine outside Asia, with an output projected between 4,800 and 6,500 tonnes of rare earth oxides [1] - Viridis Mining's Colossus project in Minas Gerais has received support from the French Government, aiming to begin production by 2028 [10] - Meteoric Resources is advancing its Caldeira project, focusing on a vertically integrated supply chain to reduce reliance on Chinese processing [11] Processing and Value Chain - Companies are moving beyond commodity production into processing, addressing a critical gap in global supply chains [13] - Brazilian Rare Earths plans to build a rare earths separation refinery in Bahia state, partnering with France's Carester for sustainable processing technology [14][16] - The Camaçari region is emerging as a hub for critical minerals processing, with potential for additional industries like magnet and battery manufacturing [15][17] Government Initiatives - The Brazilian Government is launching a new critical minerals plan to streamline licensing and attract foreign investment [20] - BNDES and FINEP have initiated a 5 billion reais ($938.11 million) program to support exploration, processing, and innovation in the critical minerals sector [21][22] - A dedicated critical minerals fund by BNDES is expected to mobilize around $200 million for exploration and mining projects [22] Strategic Alliances - The collaboration between Australian miners and Brazilian companies is transforming historical rivalries into new partnerships, enhancing Brazil's position in the global supply chain [23]