ELK CREEK— Nebraska's proposed Elk Creek critical minerals mine moved closer to development after NioCorp entered a non-binding agreement with Lockheed Martin outlining a potential 10-year deal for up to 15 tons of scandium oxide. Scandium can be combined with aluminum to create strong, corrosion-resistant alloys used in defense and aerospace applications. Once operational, NioCorp expects the mine to produce about 100 tons of scandium oxide annually, along with niobium and titanium.

The agreement could also strengthen NioCorp's effort to secure a $780 million loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank. The project previously received a $10 million Department of Defense award to help establish a domestic scandium supply chain. NioCorp expects construction and mineral production could begin within about three years, with the mine eventually supporting 450–500 permanent jobs and generating an estimated $608 million in tax revenue over its initial 38-year lifespan.

The project comes amid a broader federal push to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign critical minerals, particularly supplies from China. NioCorp officials argue that developing a domestic supply of scandium and other critical minerals would strengthen national security and provide materials needed for defense systems and advanced technologies.

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