NioBay Metals Inc. (TSX-V: NBY) (OTCQB: NBYCF) is proud to announce the results of its purification work. This work was carried out following phases 1 (metallurgical processing) and 2 (hydrometallurgical processing), the results of which were announced in our press release of April 8. This purification was made possible, among other things, by a calcination process.

It should be noted that the material used in this work was collected from the Crevier niobium (Nb) and tantalum (Ta) project, of which NioBay owns 80.18%, with the remaining 19.82% held by Niobec Inc. (a division of Magris Performance Materials Inc.). The Crevier Project is located approximately 50 km north of the town of Girardville and about 150 km from the Niobec mine. It lies within the Nitassinan (or ancestral territory) of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh, whose main population centre is Mashteuiatsh.

Highlights and Results

• Analytical results demonstrate very high levels of purity:
  • Niobium oxide (Nb₂O₅): ~99.6%
  • Tantalum oxide (Ta₂O₅): 99.98%
• These results confirm the effectiveness of the process and the quality of the products obtained.
• The calcination phase was carried out at up to 1050 °C.
• The purification phase of the work was performed at the facilities of SGS Canada Inc. (“SGS”), a specialized and independent firm, located in Quebec City, Quebec.
• The hydrometallurgical phase of the work (leaching, precipitation tests, calcination) was carried out at the SGS facilities located in Lakefield, Ontario.

Table 1 – Final Oxide Results

Message from NioBay’s President and CEO

“These purification results are very positive for NioBay,” said Jean-Sébastien David, P.Geo., President and CEO of the Company. “With this milestone, we have met the specifications of some of our potential customers. This is another important achievement in advancing the Crevier niobium and tantalum project.”

Following studies demonstrating positive technical and economic parameters, the Crevier project could be dedicated exclusively to the production of niobium oxide for battery and superalloy manufacturers.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Jean-Sébastien David, P.Geo., a “Qualified Person” as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. David is President and CEO of NioBay.

About NioBay Metals Inc.

NioBay aims to become a leader in the development of mine(s) with low carbon consumption and responsible water and wildlife management practices while prioritizing the environment, social responsibility, good governance, and the inclusion of all stakeholders. Our top priority, which is critical to our success, is the consent and full participation of the Indigenous communities in whose territories and/or on ancestral lands we operate. In addition to other properties, NioBay holds 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 Tantalum project located in Québec and on the Nitassinan (ancestral territory) of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation.

About Niobium

Niobium is a naturally occurring element. It is a 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 more efficient and lowers environmental impacts, while also increased value.

About Tantalum

One of the main uses of tantalum is in the production of electronic components. Tantalum (Ta) causes no immune response in mammals, so has found wide use in the making of surgical implants. It can replace bone, for example, in skull plates; as foil or wire, it connects torn nerves; as woven gauze it binds abdominal muscle. Tantalum alloys can be extremely strong and have been used for turbine blades, rocket nozzles and internal combustion engines.