NioBay Hits 99.6% Niobium Oxide, Opens Battery Supply Path

Niobium is a key additive for high-strength steel and, increasingly, for lithium-ion battery cathodes. Tantalum is used in electronics and surgical implants. Both metals are classified as critical minerals by the U.S. and Canadian governments.

NioBay has not yet announced a production timeline. The company said earlier studies showed positive technical and economic parameters, and it could dedicate the Crevier project exclusively to niobium oxide output for battery and superalloy customers.

The purity results are a step toward that goal. Most battery-grade niobium oxide requires 99.5% purity or higher. NioBay’s 99.6% result meets that threshold. The tantalum purity of 99.98% opens routes into electronics and medical-device supply chains.

The company also holds a 100% interest in the James Bay Niobium Project in Ontario and a 72.5% stake in Crevier.

Shares of NioBay trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker NBY and on the OTCQB under NBYCF.