Tag Archives: Zachry Group

NioCorp progresses to first phase of Elk Creek EPC contracting with Zachry Group pact

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NioCorp Developments Ltd has executed a contract with Zachry Group to develop a cost for the surface facilities associated with NioCorp’s Elk Creek critical minerals project in Nebraska, USA.

The contract represents the first phase of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracting for the $1.2 billion project, the company says.

NioCorp had previously selected Zachry, one of the world’s leading turnkey engineering, construction, maintenance, turnaround and fabrication companies, as its EPC firm for the project’s surface facilities.

“We are very pleased to take this important next step with Zachry as it positions NioCorp to advance to a construction start following receipt of sufficient project financing,” Mark Smith, Chairman and CEO of NioCorp, said. “Zachry is a highly respected company with an excellent track record of success in large projects such as ours, and I am pleased to continue our partnership with Zachry as we work together to bring the Elk Creek Project to commercial reality.”

Scott Honan, NioCorp’s Chief Operating Officer, added: “Zachry has a large craft workforce and a strong presence in Nebraska. Together with our long relationship with the Zachry team, this makes for a great fit with the Elk Creek project. Having spent time at Zachry’s offices and multiple project sites, I am confident that Zachry can execute their scope of work on our project in a safe, timely, and cost-effective manner.”

Ralph Biediger, EPC President, Zachry Group, said: “We are excited to work with NioCorp to support the development of critical minerals that will help the United States transition to a lower-carbon economy. We look forward to bringing our decades of EPC experience to bear on this vitally important project and continuing our long-term presence in Nebraska.”

A 2022 feasibility study outlined a project able to process 36.7 Mt of of ore over a 38-year life of mine to produce 171,140 t of niobium in the form of ferroniobium, 3,676 t of Sc2O3 and 431,793 t of TiO2. Rare earths have been added to the mineral resource, and the indicated resource contains 632,900 t of total rare earth oxides.

NioCorp adds Zachry Group to EPC mix at Elk Creek project

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NioCorp Developments says it has selected Zachry Group as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm for the surface processing facilities and associated infrastructure of the proposed Elk Creek Superalloy Material project, in Nebraska, USA.

The agreement, subject to the completion of EPC contract negotiations, comes on top of NioCorp selecting Cementation USA as the lead EPC contractor for the underground aspects of Elk Creek as well as saying it intended to engage The Nordmin Group of Companies to provide engineering services for the project.

The development of the project will require significant additional capital above what NioCorp has raised to date, the company said, adding that “any significant work on the project pursuant to an agreement with Zachry will be contingent on obtaining sufficient project financing, if and when available”.

Based in San Antonio, Texas, and with an engineering office in Omaha, Nebraska, Zachry has been engaged on the project since 2014 and is currently working under an Engineering Services Agreement with NioCorp.