Trump's Executive Order to Boost U.S. Critical Minerals Sector

President Donald J. Trump's recent Executive Order aims to enhance U.S. critical minerals self-sufficiency, reducing reliance on BRICS countries. This move is expected to accelerate minerals mining and processing in America. NioCorp Developments Ltd., led by CEO Mark A. Smith, sees this as a significant opportunity, particularly for its Elk Creek Project in Nebraska. This project focuses on producing niobium, scandium, titanium, and rare earth oxides.

Smith supports Trump's strategy to re-shore supply chains, promoting domestic production for defense-critical minerals. This plan, he notes, could draw substantial institutional investments into mining and processing chains. NioCorp's Elk Creek Project has obtained necessary permits and awaits project financing to commence construction swiftly.

NioCorp is engaging with the U.S. Export-Import Bank and the Department of Defense for potential financing and grants to advance the Elk Creek Project, although the outcome and timeline remain uncertain.