Daniel Dreyfus, Chief Investment Officer at Bornite Capital says the commodities super cycle isn't over, we're still very early.
https://x.com/legacysilverinc/status/2055788200950681660?s=20
Grok-Strong Positive Impact for NioCorp (NASDAQ: NB) & Elk Creek Project
This chart perfectly underscores why NioCorp exists and why its Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Nebraska is strategically important for U.S. supply chain security.
Key Takeaways from the Chart Relevant to NioCorp
| Mineral | China's Share | NioCorp Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Niobium | Not dominant (Brazil ~90.9%) | Core product – Elk Creek has the highest-grade primary niobium resource in North America. U.S. has zero domestic production today. |
| Rare Earths | 69.2% | Elk Creek has the 2nd largest indicated rare earth resource in the U.S. Evaluating magnetic REEs (Nd, Pr, Dy, Tb). |
| Titanium | 76.3% (as Silicon? chart shows high Chinese control in related) | Planned large-scale production of titanium dioxide / related products. |
| Scandium | Not listed separately (but often tied to REE/China dominance) | Major opportunity – NioCorp aims to become a leading Western producer of Scandium (critical for lightweight high-strength alloys in aerospace/defense). |
Strategic Impact Analysis
National Security & Supply Chain Diversification
The chart highlights China’s overwhelming grip on materials essential for defense, EVs, renewables, and infrastructure. NioCorp directly addresses two of the biggest vulnerabilities:
Bottom Line
This Visual Capitalist chart is bullish narrative fuel for NioCorp. It visually proves the problem the company is solving. Every time China tightens export controls or the U.S. pushes for domestic sourcing, projects like Elk Creek become more valuable.For investors/shareholders: This type of macro backdrop supports premium valuations for domestic critical minerals developers, especially as financing and offtake momentum builds.
In Slide 13 of the May 2026 NioCorp Presentation - Building America’s First-Ever Integrated Scandium-to-Warfighter Supply Chain it now says "Possible Downstream Integration".
"NioCorp is examining the feasibility of integrating down to the production of final aluminum-scandium alloy parts for OEM manufacturers in defense and commercial markets"
https://www.niocorp.com/wp-content/uploads/NioCorp_Presentation.pdf
"For the U.S. Government, this requires a shift in emphasis, Mid-Stream capacity must be treated as strategic infrastructure rather than incidental industry."
“SENIOR U.S. OFFICIAL: RARE EARTHS DEAL BETWEEN US AND CHINA IS STILL IN EFFECT”
The Rare Earth Observer
"Of course there are numerous propaganda elements in the article, also omissions of facts that don’t fit the bright China picture"
"The global beryllium copper market is witnessing steady growth as industries increasingly demand high-strength, corrosion-resistant, and electrically conductive alloy materials."
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/global-beryllium-copper-market-key-players-strategic-uz14c/
Aerospace and Defense 2026
With the final countdown underway for Aerospace and Defense 2026, a key focus will be on the materials that underpin modern aerospace manufacturing - starting with aluminium and its alloys.
Mark A. Smith, P.E., Esq., NioCorp Developments / US Vanadium LLC - trade importance of aluminium in aerospace and defence supply chains, from lightweighting and performance to evolving trade, policy, and sustainability considerations.
“Terbium posted its largest single-month gain since 2023 in April 2026, surging 20.7% to $970.18/kg, while NdPr alloy extended its extraordinary year-to-date run to +138% — the rare earth market outlook April 2026 shows broad-based price acceleration across the complex, with only indium bucking the trend.”
https://rare-earth-mining.com/rare-earth-market-pricing-analysis-april-2026/
Grok- Current Liquidity Position (as of late 2025 / early 2026)
IBC operates with chronic liquidity constraints typical of a small-cap advanced materials manufacturer:
Overall: IBC has tight liquidity, high leverage relative to its ~$18M market cap, and limited financial flexibility. It faces ongoing going-concern risks without continued access to credit and occasional equity/debt injections.
Hypothetical Scenario: IBC as a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of NioCorp
NioCorp (NASDAQ: NB) is a development-stage critical minerals company with dramatically stronger liquidity following major equity raises:
Key Liquidity Impacts if Acquired:
Net Liquidity Difference:
This scenario aligns with NioCorp’s vertical integration goals in scandium alloys, though no formal acquisition has been announced. The difference would likely be highly positive for IBC’s liquidity and long-term viability.
Posted on LinkedIn by
William (Bill) Wilson, the Environment, Health & Safety Manager
We here at IBC Advanced Alloys are looking to hire for 5 Posistions;
Forge Shop Technician, Machinist, Sales, and Admin.
you can call me at 317-738-2558, and email me your Resume,
bwilson@ibcadvancedalloys.com
NioCorp on their Facebook status
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18YGKmVhyU/?mibextid=wwXIfr
FRANKLIN, Ind., May 4, 2026 – IBC Advanced Alloys Corp. (“IBC” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: IB; OTCQB: IAALF) is pleased to announce that certain of the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries (the “Subsidiaries”) have entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) with Sallyport Commercial Finance, LLC (the “Lender”), assignee of Iron Horse Credit LLC’s entire lending portfolio, to amend the existing credit and security agreement with the Lender (the “Credit Agreement”), increasing the available credit under the Credit Agreement from US$ 6,000,000 to US$7,000,000 and extending the maturity date of the Credit Agreement until September 30, 2028. A US$10,000 fee was also paid to the Lender upon signing of the Amendment.
All other terms of the Credit Agreement remain as described in the Company’s press releases dated July 29, 2021, August 28, 2023, and September 30, 2025.
The Amendment is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSX-V”).
For more information on IBC and its innovative alloy products, go here.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors:
"Mark A. Smith”
Mark A. Smith, CEO & Chairman of the Board
Click on the link below:
"Defense spending tailwinds, industrial recovery, unique domestic production capability, potential for scandium expansion, and operational leverage as volumes grow."
