NioCorp holds town hall in Elk Creek, believes project is ‘on track’ for 2026 construction
Inside the newly constructed Elk Creek community center and firehouse, residents, state officials, and shareholders gathered for an important information update on the NioCorp Elk Creek mineral project.
By News Channel NebraskaELK CREEK, Neb. - Anticipation is abundant in southeast Nebraska.
Inside the newly constructed Elk Creek community center and firehouse, residents, state officials, and shareholders gathered for an important information update on the NioCorp Elk Creek mineral project.
The project aims to produce critical minerals like niobium, scandium, and titanium from a plot of land south of Tecumseh. The goal is to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign sources
“This is all right in our grip right now and we’re going to get the project where it needs to go,” NioCorp CEO Mark Smith said.
County officials from Johnson, Gage and Pawnee counties were on hand and national and state officials showed their support as well. A video message was went in by Sen. Deb Fischer, Sen. Ricketts headlined the second session, and Gov. Jim Pillen provided remarks in the afternoon.
“Selling our commodities around the world is giving the topsoil away,” Pillen said. “By being able to process it and utilize it here and selling those products around the world to our friends, not our foreign adversaries, is the greatest calling.”
NioCorp’s planning for the project began in the 2010’s and officials told those in attendance, construction is on track to begin in 2026. NioCorp has secured the necessary permits to do so and provided updates on drilling and excavation.
CEO Mark Smith emphasized the NioCorp won’t just benefit southeast Nebraska, but the entire country.
“This is going to BE an important mine for the entire country and it allows us to onshore these activities sand bring it back to America,” Smith said. “I hope you’re going to be as proud as we are, because it’s going to come from southeastern Nebraska.”
“I just cannot commend everyone for coming together and being so supportive of this project,” Pillen said. “It’s easy to say ‘I don’t want my fence post moved’…. It’s really awesome to see this phenomenal new hall filled to the brim and everyone here cheering.”
Ahead of the town hall, a ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the new fire hall and community building in Elk Creek.