ELK CREEK — A proposed $1.2 billion critical minerals mine in Southeast Nebraska moved closer to securing federal financing Wednesday, a key step toward producing materials used in U.S. military equipment and defense manufacturing.
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Photos: Federal officials visit rare-earth mine in Elk Creek
An aerial view of the mine on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, during a visit from state and federal officials to NioCorp's Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Elk Creek.
A view of NioCorp's Elk Creek mining project on Wednesday during a visit from state and federal officials.
An aerial view of the mine on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, during a visit from state and federal officials to NioCorp's Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Elk Creek.
A view of the mine on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, during a visit from state and federal officials to NioCorp's Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Elk Creek.
An aerial view of the NioCorp's Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project mine on Wednesday during a visit from state and federal officials to Elk Creek.
Congressman Adrian Smith (left) speaks to members of the media alongside (from next left) EXIM Chairman John Jovanovic, Senator Pete Ricketts, and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, during a visit from state and federal officials to NioCorp's Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Elk Creek.
Senator Pete Ricketts (center) speaks to members of the media alongside EXIM Chairman John Jovanovic (left) and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright (right) on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, during a visit from state and federal officials to NioCorp's Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Elk Creek.
Sen. Deb Fischer (left) speaks to members of the media alongside (from next left) Rep. Adrian Smith, EXIM Chairman John Jovanovic, Sen. Pete Ricketts and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Wednesday during a visit from state and federal officials to NioCorp's mining project in Elk Creek.
EXIM Chairman John Jovanovic (left) speaks to members of the media alongside Senator Pete Ricketts (center) and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright (right) on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, during a visit from state and federal officials to NioCorp's Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Elk Creek.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright (center-right) speaks to members of the media alongside (from left) EXIM Chairman John Jovanovic, Senator Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, during a visit from state and federal officials to NioCorp's Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Elk Creek.
Senator Deb Fischer (left) speaks to members of the media alongside (from next left) Congressman Adrian Smith, EXIM Chairman John Jovanovic and Senator Pete Ricketts on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, during a visit from state and federal officials to NioCorp's Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Elk Creek.
