Mining Company to Resume Work in SE Nebraska
(AP) -- A Canadian mining firm is preparing to resume drilling samples from beneath southeast Nebraska to determine if it will be feasible to build a mine to harvest a valuable and rare heat-resistant element.
NioCorp Developments said Tuesday it has requested bids from drilling companies for this summer's exploration of the niobium deposit near Elk Creek.
NioCorp said last month it had raised $5.5 million to pay for this next phase of drilling and assessment.
The U.S. currently imports nearly all the niobium that's used in this country to harden steel and make it more heat-resistant for industrial uses.
NioCorp previously estimated that more than 100 tons of niobium rests several hundred feet below the ground, but it's not yet clear whether a mine will be built.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Severe storms move through NE KS
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Sabetha woman arrested in business burglary
Effingham teen facing child sex crimes charges
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Meriden man bound over on rape charge
Commission approves agreement for budget help
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
Pawnee City School Board approves personnel changes
Council hears report from golf course
NVCH receives $415,000 grant for expansion project
Atchison company earns energy grant; upgrades planned
Richardson County Board approves pay raise for dispatchers
Beef Barn replacement planned in Jefferson Co
Hazard mitigation planning meeting set for Atchison County MO
LATEST STORIES
Effingham teen facing child sex crimes charges
Pawnee County Rural Health Clinic participating in DHHS program
Local students participation in Peru State research expo
Meetings to help with Homestead Exemptions scheduled in Johnson County
Johnson County Hospital to host meeting on upcoming expansion
Beef Barn replacement planned in Jefferson Co
Sabetha woman arrested in business burglary
Meriden man bound over on rape charge
RELATED STORIES
Elk Creek Niobium Deposit Larger than Expected
Initial Results at Elk Creek Mine Site called Encouraging
NioCorp Confident in Elk Creek Mine Prospects
Update on Possible Niobium Mining Project in Southeast Nebraska
Drilling to Resume at Elk Creek
Work Continues at Proposed Mine Site near Elk Creek
NioCorp Pleased with Latest Test Results from Elk Creek Site