NioCorp Developments Ltd (NASDAQ: NB) surges 12.26% as mine portal construction begins at Elk Creek project.

NioCorp Developments Ltd (NASDAQ: NB) surged 12.2642% in pre-market trading on January 5, 2026, signaling renewed investor confidence in the critical minerals developer’s strategic advancements.

The rally follows recent developments at NioCorp’s Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Nebraska, where the company announced the commencement of mine portal construction.

This milestone underscores progress toward finalizing project financing, which includes $10 million in Pentagon funding and potential support from the U.S. Export-Import Bank for up to $780 million. The project aims to establish a domestic source of niobium, scandium, titanium, and rare earth elements, critical for defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Partnerships with industry leaders, such as Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works division, further highlight NioCorp’s role in securing U.S. supply chains. Collaborative efforts to develop aluminum-scandium alloys for next-generation fighter aircraft underscore the project’s strategic value. Analysts note that reducing reliance on foreign mineral sources positions NioCorp as a key player in national security and industrial innovation.

Investor sentiment is bolstered by the company’s emphasis on advancing environmental and social governance reviews, alongside technical assessments. While challenges remain in securing full financing, the project’s alignment with U.S. policy priorities and growing demand for critical materials suggests a pivotal year ahead for NioCorp’s market position.