NioCorp (NB) surges 12.26% on Pentagon funding and Export-Import Bank financing for Elk Creek project.

NioCorp Developments Ltd. (NB) surged 12.26% in pre-market trading on January 5, 2026, signaling renewed investor confidence in the company’s strategic advancements. The rally follows key developments in its Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Nebraska, which has secured $10 million in Pentagon funding and is under consideration for up to $780 million in Export-Import Bank financing. The project, a critical domestic source of niobium, scandium, titanium, and rare earth elements, is now advancing toward construction after years of permitting and technical development.

Investor discussions highlight NioCorp’s positioning as a cornerstone for U.S. manufacturing and defense independence, with partnerships like Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works® division underscoring its role in next-generation defense technologies. The company’s recent focus on finalizing project financing and initiating construction has drawn optimism, particularly as it aims to reduce reliance on foreign mineral supplies. Analysts and shareholders note that the project’s potential to supply materials for aerospace, robotics, and energy technologies aligns with national priorities, further bolstering its strategic value.

Despite past delays in meeting timelines, recent updates—such as the commencement of mine portal construction and ongoing environmental reviews—have shifted sentiment. Investors view the company’s progress toward a reliable domestic mineral supply as a catalyst for long-term growth, especially as geopolitical tensions amplify demand for secure resource chains. NioCorp’s leadership remains focused on execution, with stakeholders emphasizing the project’s potential to deliver significant shareholder value once operational.

Geopolitical analysts suggest that the success of NioCorp’s project will serve as a benchmark for other domestic mineral projects, especially as the U.S. seeks to reduce its reliance on foreign sources for critical materials. The company’s ability to secure government contracts and private financing is seen as a key factor in determining its long-term viability. Industry watchers are also tracking the broader impact of the Elk Creek project on supply chains for advanced manufacturing and defense sectors, which are increasingly dependent on rare earth and strategic minerals.

With the recent stock price movement and positive developments, many investors are now reassessing their positions in NioCorp. The market's response to the company’s progress is seen as a vote of confidence in its long-term vision and ability to execute its mining and processing initiatives. As the project nears construction and the supply chain benefits become more tangible, the stock may continue to reflect growing investor support.