CENTENNIAL, Colo. – July 2, 2015 – NioCorp Developments Ltd. (“NioCorp” or the “Company”) (TSX: NB, OTCQX: NIOBF, FSE: BR3), is pleased to announce that it has arranged a non-revolving credit facility agreement in the amount of USD $2 million dated July 1, 2015 between the Company and its Executive Chairman, Mark Smith. These funds will contribute to the continued work necessary to keep the Elk Creek Niobium Project on its original timeline for completion of the Company’s Feasibility Study. Each draw on the credit facility made by the Company will be secured and evidenced by a promissory note in favor of Mr. Smith. The credit facility will bear an interest rate of 10%, is secured by the Company’s assets pursuant to a general security agreement, and is subject to both a 2.5% establishment fee and 2.5% prepayment fee. The amounts outstanding under the credit facility will become due June 17, 2016.
“NioCorp’s Board of Directors would like to reiterate our thanks to Mr. Smith for his continued support of the Company’s mission, as we continue our push towards completion of our Feasibility Studyfor the Elk Creek Niobium Project,” said Joseph A. Carrabba, Lead Director of NioCorp’s Board. “This credit facility, in addition to Mark’s previously announced loan, underlines his dedication to NioCorp’s success.”
The credit facility is subject to Toronto Stock Exchange approval, and is a “related party transaction” under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”). Because the value of the credit facility is less than 25% of NioCorp’s market capitalization, it is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101. The material change report in relation to the credit facility will be filed less than 21 days before the expected closing date as the Company wishes to complete the credit facility as soon as commercially practical after all required approvals are obtained.
About NioCorp:
NioCorp is a mineral development company pursuing high-quality natural resources. The Company’s main focus is the Elk Creek Niobium Project, which is an advanced niobium exploration initiative located in southeast Nebraska. This resource is used to produce High Strength, Low Alloy (“HSLA”) steel, which is a lighter, stronger steel used in automotive, structural, and pipeline applications.
For further information, contact Teresa McGowan, Senior Manager of Investor Relations at (720) 639-4650 or at [email protected]
Special note about forward-looking statements:
Neither TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based upon NioCorp’s reasonable expectations and business plan at the date hereof, which are subject to change depending on economic, political and competitive circumstances and contingencies. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause a change in such assumptions and the actual outcomes and estimates to be materially different from those estimated or anticipated future results, achievements or position expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause NioCorp’s plans or prospects to change include changes in demand for and price of commodities (such as fuel and electricity) and currencies; changes or disruptions in the securities markets; legislative, political or economic developments; the need to obtain permits and comply with laws and regulations and other regulatory requirements; the possibility that actual results of work may differ from projections/expectations or may not realize the perceived potential of NioCorp’s projects; risks of accidents, equipment breakdowns and labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions; the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses in development programs; operating or technical difficulties in connection with exploration, mining or development activities; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities of grades of reserves and resources; and the risks involved in the exploration, development and mining business. NioCorp disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are advised that the Elk Creek PEA is preliminary in nature and includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves. There is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves because they do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no guarantee that Inferred Mineral Resources will be converted to the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource categories and, therefore, there is no guarantee that the project economics described herein will be achieved.