A recent study by Optimize Group Inc. suggests that NioCorp's Elk Creek Critical Minerals Mine could achieve significant economic and environmental benefits by switching to an electrified Railveyor system. This new approach could reduce initial capital expenditures (CAPEX) by 53.1%, operating expenses (OPEX) by 1.5%, and sustain capital expenses by 8.2%. The electrification could also cut the time to full production by five months and lower the mine's carbon footprint. The transition to a fully electric Railveyor system is not expected to delay the updated Feasibility Study.
Key findings include the potential for significant initial CAPEX reductions due to decreased pre-development time and infrastructure complexity, a reduction in operating cost-per-tonne of ore, and increased schedule flexibility. However, additional studies are needed to confirm these benefits.