NioCorp and IBC Advanced Alloys Successfully Cast Aluminum-Scandium Alloy for Potential Expansion into Al-Sc Alloy Parts

Executive Summary

• NioCorp Developments Ltd. and IBC Advanced Alloys successfully produced a 0.2% aluminum‑scandium alloy at IBC’s Franklin, Indiana foundry, confirming target purity and specifications.
• The demonstration validates the joint development program and establishes a foundation for downstream Sc‑based alloy manufacturing, custom‑part fabrication, and potential additive‑manufacturing supply.
• The achievement supports NioCorp’s broader objective to develop a domestic scandium supply chain and underpins its plan to produce ~100 t/yr of scandium oxide (plus niobium and titanium) at the Elk Creek Project pending financing.

Key Details

• Alloy Produced: 0.2% Al‑Sc alloy, cast at IBC’s integrated foundry in Franklin, Indiana.
• Verification: Independent testing laboratory confirmed compliance with target purity level and all specified material properties.
• Joint Development Goal: Demonstrate capability to cast, forge, or extrude the alloy into functional parts for aerospace, automotive, electronics, and defense applications.
• Strategic Importance: Provides a domestic source of Sc‑containing aluminum alloys, reducing reliance on limited Chinese supply and supporting U.S. defense and commercial markets.
• Future Production Plans (NioCorp): Subject to financing, aim to produce ~100 t/yr of scandium oxide at the Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Southeast Nebraska, alongside niobium, titanium, and potential rare‑earths.
• Quotes:
• Mark A. Smith, Chairman & CEO, NioCorp: “Successfully casting this aluminum‑scandium alloy demonstrates real progress… supporting our broader objective to develop a reliable and domestic scandium supply chain.”
• Mark Wolma, President, IBC Advanced Alloys: “The results from our Franklin foundry confirm we can produce a consistent alloy suitable for further processing into custom components.”
• Qualified Person: Ken Shasteen, VP of Foundry Operations & Senior Metallurgist, IBC Advanced Alloys (NI 43‑101).

Notable Quotes

“Through our existing joint development effort with IBC, we have validated the ability to produce a highly strategic alloy that can be cast, forged, or extruded into functional parts…” – Mark A. Smith, Chairman & CEO, NioCorp

“Casting a 0.2% aluminum‑scandium alloy is an important step in advancing our joint development program with NioCorp.” – Mark Wolma, President, IBC Advanced Alloys