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For years I have highlighted a strategic metal called niobium. See my recent article on the topic by clicking on the following link: The West Must Look For A Secure Supply Of Niobium

Recently Iamgold sold Niobec, one of the largest niobium mines in North America for $500 million cash and an additional $30 million once it comes into production.

See the news by clicking the link: I Am Gold Divestiture

This could be a huge boost for Niocorp (NB.V or NIOBF) which is up over 536% over the past two years while the TSX Venture has lost close to half its value.  See one of our first reports on Niocorp when it was still called Quantum Rare Earth Development from over two years ago by clicking here…

Niocorp just announced an off-take agreement with ThysenKrupp for 50% of its planned production. Niocorp CEO Mark Smith stated in the Press Release, “Having the Agreement in place and discussing debt and equity financing possibilities with ThyssenKrupp Metallurgical Products, clearly enhances NioCorp's prospects of achieving those milestones.” See the full news release by clicking here…

This outperformance over the past two years could be due to Niocorp being run by veteran miner Mark Smith, the former CEO of Molycorp. The sale of Iamgold's Niobec gives investors and analyst a valuation benchmark to be used when comparing Niocorp's Elk Creek
Deposit.

According to Niocorp CEO Mark Smith, the Niobec sale “demonstrates the strong demand and understanding of the strategic nature of niobium.”

Even though the precious metal and junior mining sector have been in decline for the past few years, there have been a few exceptions due to the high quality of both the management team and the asset. One of the areas of strength has been in a relatively unknown metal known as niobium. What is niobium and why is it so important?