NioCorp's Strategic Position in the Vanadium Market: Investment Implications of Maria Bartiromo's Scheduled Coverage on September 25, 2025

The upcoming appearance of NioCorp Developments Ltd. on Maria Bartiromo's Mornings with Maria on September 25, 2025, represents a pivotal moment for the company and its Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project. As the CEO, Mark A. Smith, prepares to discuss the project's strategic significance, investors must assess how this exposure could amplify NioCorp's position in the vanadium market and broader critical minerals sector.

Strategic Positioning and Market Context

NioCorp's Elk Creek Project in Nebraska is uniquely positioned to address U.S. vulnerabilities in critical mineral supply chains. The project is the only U.S. operation targeting niobium, scandium, titanium, and rare earth elements, with vanadium implicitly included in its mineral resource baseNioCorp Developments Ltd., *Elk Creek Project*^[1]. According to a report by NioCorp, the project's Probable Mineral Reserve includes 36.656 million tonnes of ore with 0.811% niobium pentoxide and 2.92% titanium dioxide, while its Indicated Resource spans 188.8 million tonnes at 0.51% niobium pentoxide and 2.24% titanium dioxideNioCorp Developments Ltd., *2022 Elk Creek Technical Report*^[2]. Vanadium, though not explicitly highlighted in all technical reports, is part of the broader mineralization and could be recovered as a byproduct during processingMajor Mines & Projects, *Elk Creek Project*^[3].

The project's economic viability is underscored by a 2022 feasibility study, which confirmed a pre-tax net present value (NPV) of $2.8 billion and a 29.2% internal rate of return (IRR), with a 38-year mine lifeNioCorp Files NI 43-101 Technical Report on its 2022 Elk Creek Project^[4]. These metrics position Elk Creek as a long-term asset capable of generating sustained value, particularly as global demand for vanadium and other critical minerals grows.

Investment Implications of Bartiromo's Coverage

Bartiromo's platform, known for its influence on market sentiment, could catalyze renewed interest in NioCorp. The CEO's emphasis on the project's role in reducing U.S. reliance on foreign imports—particularly China—aligns with broader geopolitical and industrial trends. For instance, the U.S. Department of Defense's $10 million investment in a NioCorp subsidiary for scandium productionReuters, *U.S. Awards NioCorp Unit Up to $10 Million for Scandium Project in Nebraska*^[5] underscores the project's strategic importance. If Bartiromo highlights vanadium's potential as a byproduct, it could attract investors seeking exposure to a commodity critical for energy storage and steel alloys.

Moreover, NioCorp's recent $50 million direct offeringRare Earth Exchanges, *NioCorp Secures $50M in Direct Offering*^[6] and ongoing discussions with the U.S. Export-Import BankConstruction Owners, *NioCorp to Accelerate Elk Creek Project with $60.7M in New Capital*^[7] signal progress toward securing the $1 billion in total financing required for full-scale operations. The company's ability to convert Indicated Resources to Measured Resources and Probable Reserves to Proven ReservesNioCorp Engages Engineering Firms to Update Elk Creek Project Feasibility Study^[8] further de-risks the project, enhancing its appeal to institutional investors.

Vanadium's Role and Market Potential

While vanadium is not a primary focus of the Elk Creek Project, its inclusion in the mineral resource base could add economic value. Vanadium's demand is driven by its use in high-strength steel alloys and emerging energy storage technologies, such as vanadium redox flow batteries. According to industry analysts, the global vanadium market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 6.5% through 2030Grand View Research, *Vanadium Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report*^[9]. If NioCorp successfully recovers vanadium as a byproduct, it could diversify revenue streams and improve the project's profitability.

However, challenges remain. The feasibility study does not quantify vanadium's recoverable volume or economic contributionNioCorp Developments Ltd., *Elk Creek Project*^[10], and metallurgical testing is ongoing. Investors must weigh these uncertainties against the project's broader strategic advantages, including its alignment with U.S. national security priorities and its potential to supply materials for the energy transition.

Conclusion

Maria Bartiromo's coverage on September 25, 2025, could serve as a catalyst for NioCorp's Elk Creek Project, amplifying its visibility among investors and policymakers. While vanadium's role in the project is not yet fully defined, the project's strong economic indicators, strategic positioning, and government support make it a compelling long-term investment. As the company advances toward construction, the ability to monetize byproducts like vanadium will be critical in realizing the project's full potential.