Niobay Metals improves recovery and concentrate for production of niobium batteries from its James Bay Niobium Project. Result Highlights:
Press release
TSX-V: NBY OTCQB:NBYCF
Niobay Metals improves recovery and concentrate for production of niobium
batteries from its James Bay Niobium Project.
Result Highlights:
• Recoveries 40% higher than similar projects
• The concentration of Nb2O5 is 10% higher than its peers
• The low silica content and higher Nb2O5 concentration should lead to a significant
reduction in acid consumption for the production of battery-grade Niobium
• The final results for the production of battery-grade Niobium oxide to come
Montreal, Quebec, October 14, 2021 – NioBay Metals Inc. ("NioBay" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NBY)
(OTCQB: NBYCF), a company focused on exploration, development and use of critical green metals
with an Environmentally, Sustainable, Governance, and Indigenous (ESGI) focus, is pleased to provide
the first results from its metallurgical program. The program is design ed to achieve b attery grade
Niobium oxide to be used as anode material in fast charging lithium battery technology.
As published on April 6, 2021, the Company announced the beginning of a series of metallurgical
testing related to the production of battery-grade Niobium from its James Bay Niobium Project
(the “James Bay Project”) . This first phase of testing, performed by SGS Lakefield Inc, consisted of
producing a Niobium concentrate, similar to the previous tests done on the James Bay Project’s ore.
The results demonstrated a 3% improvement from the Company’s market-leading Preliminary
Economic Assessment (“PEA”) recovery, reaching up to 81.3% while producing a Niobium concentrate
of 61.7%. In addition, the lack of deleterious material and low silicate content should translate in a
significant reduction in acid consumption for the battery -grade Niobium oxide production. The first
phase of metallurgical testing also contributed to optimizing the parameters and flowsheet design.
Table 1 : Nb2O5 Concentrate Grade (%) and Overall Recovery (%)
Average Min Max
Nb2O5 Grade (%) 59.8 56.8 61.7
Recovery (%) 74.7 67.9 81.3
The higher concentration, recovery and purity of the James Bay Project provides the best potential
low-cost Niobium project in North America.
Word from the CEO
"We are very excited by the 3% metal recovery improvement over the PEA result. Th ese results
reinforce the strong economic potential of the James Bay Niobium Project and separate it as the best
alternative low-cost source of battery-grade Niobium oxide outside China. We are confident that the
ongoing testing will future advance the production of a green metal that will support global
decarbonization", stated Jean-Sebastien David, the Company’s new President and CEO.
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Niobium Battery Technology
The second phase of the ongoing metallurgical program will focus on the production of niobium
battery grade and consist of a hydrometallurgical treatment to purify the concentrate to +99% Nb2O5
(battery-grade Niobium oxide). Results are expected in the upcoming months.
Pilot plant
Following these metallurgical results, the team has fast tracked the planning for the construction of a
pilot plant to accelerate the potential production of battery -grade material for a testing partner. In
addition, th is plant will assist in the plant conception for the upcoming pre-feasibility/feasibility
studies.
Grant of Options
The Board of Directors granted to the new CEO of the company an option to acquire 150 000 common
shares of Niobay. The grant has a seven-year term at an exercise price of $0.37 and the vesting period
will follow the Company’s policies. The stock options have been granted pursuant to the Company’s
Stock Option Plan and are subject to applicable securities laws and TSX Venture Exchange policies.
Qualified Person
Jean-Sebastien David, P. Geo., a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101, has approved this
release. Mr. David is also the Company’s CEO.
About NioBay Metals Inc.
NioBay will be a leader in the Environment, Sustainability, Governance and Indigenous inclusion
supporting the development of smart mine(s) with low carbon consumption and responsible water
and wildlife management practices. Critical to our success will be the consent and full participation of
the Indigenous communities in whose territories we operate.
The Company hold s a 100% interest in the James Bay Niobium Project located 45 km south of
Moosonee, in the Moose Cree Traditional Territory of the James Bay Lowlands in Ontario. NioBay also
holds a 72.5% interest in the Crevier Niobium and T antalum project located in Quebec and on the
Nitassinan territory of the Pekuakamiulnatsh First Nation and a 4 8% direct participation in mineral
titles situated in the Chibougamau region, Quebec, under a joint venture agreement with SOQUEM.
About Niobium
Niobium is a naturally occurring element. It is a readily available, reliable, soft metal that is ductile,
malleable, and highly resistant to corrosion. Because it enhances properties and functionalities,
niobium is used in a wide range of materials and applications in the Mobility, Structural and Energy
sectors. Niobium transforms materials. When added to materials like steel, glass and aluminum
castings, niobium makes them smarter and lower environmental impacts, while also delivering other
benefits like better performance, improved safety, and increased value.
Cautionary Statement
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward -looking information under the
provisions of Canadian securities laws including statements about the Company 's plans. Such
statements are necessarily based upon a num ber of beliefs, assumptions, and opinions of
management on the date the statements are made and are subject to numerous risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those
anticipated or projected. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward -looking
statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors should
change, except as required by law.
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Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Serv ices Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this
release.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
NioBay Metals Inc.
Jean-Sebastien David, geo.
President & CEO
Tel.: 514 866-6500
www.niobaymetals.com
Paradox Public Relations
Tel: (514) 341-0408 or 1-866-460-0408