NioCorp Signs Sales Pact With Traxys for Elk Creek

The agreement establishes Traxys as the exclusive global marketing partner for NioCorp's critical mineral output.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Manufacturing

NioCorp Signs Sales Pact With Traxys for Elk Creek

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NioCorp has entered into a new sales agreement with Traxys for the production of critical minerals from its Elk Creek project. Traxys will serve as the exclusive global marketing and sales partner for the minerals, while purchasing half of the company's planned ferroniobium output.

Why it matters

The deal aims to strengthen domestic critical mineral supply chains by bridging the gap between raw material producers and manufacturers. This partnership leverages the logistical and capital resources of Traxys to support the ongoing Project Vault initiative.

NioCorp expects annual production of 8,095 tonnes of ferroniobium and 118 tonnes of scandium oxide from the Elk Creek site. These operations are supported by a $10 billion EXIM Bank loan and a $2 billion private industry loan for Project Vault.

The players

NioCorp

NioCorp is a critical minerals company focused on developing the Elk Creek project for the production of niobium, scandium, and titanium.

Traxys

Traxys is a global commodities firm specializing in the sourcing, marketing, and logistics of critical metals and minerals.

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a major American aerospace and defense technology company that entered a memorandum of understanding with NioCorp in August.

thyssenkrupp Metallurgical Products

thyssenkrupp Metallurgical Products is a global industrial company that holds a long-term offtake agreement for NioCorp's ferroniobium.

The details

Traxys gains exclusive rights to purchase the project's scandium, titanium, and rare earth products under the new arrangement. This contract replaces previous agreements and integrates NioCorp into the broader Traxys customer network.

August 2026: NioCorp signed a memorandum of understanding with Lockheed Martin.
September 2026: Project Vault became operational.
October 13, 2026: The company issued a press release confirming the Traxys agreement.

Market Landscape

The Traxys partnership follows the operational start of Project Vault, which aims to secure domestic supply chains for critical minerals. This move strengthens the company's competitive position by integrating it into a global network to manage the distribution of materials.

The integration of these mineral supply chains may influence the availability of specialized materials for manufacturers across North America. Future consumer product pricing and availability could be affected by the stability of the domestic rare earth metal market.

The takeaway

The deal signals a significant shift toward consolidating domestic production through strategic partnerships with established commodity experts. Investors and industry observers should monitor the progress of the $30 million equity talks as a key indicator of continued capital support.