Trekor Advances Aley Niobium Project with Optimised Processing and Commercial Focus

Published: Aug 21, 2026 18:01 (GMT+8)

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[SMM Flash] Trekor Metals on August 19 provided an update on its wholly owned Aley niobium project in northeastern British Columbia, reporting progress in its proprietary flotation process that has delivered higher niobium recoveries, improved concentrate grades and reduced reagent consumption. The company said the resulting concentrate has been successfully processed into market-grade ferroniobium, a key input for specialty steel production, while work is also underway to evaluate direct production of high-purity niobium oxide. Trekor has appointed Steve Sparkowich as Director, Aley Niobium, to support technical development, market positioning and commercial strategy.

According to the company’s existing NI 43-101 technical report, Aley contains 84 million tonnes of proven and probable reserves grading 0.50% Nb₂O₅, with a planned processing rate of 10,000 tonnes per day and projected annual capacity of 14,000 tonnes of ferroniobium over a 24-year mine life. Following successful pilot testing and ferroniobium production, Trekor is now scaling up the programme and shifting its focus towards product marketing, potential offtake parties and processors. The company’s current update indicates continued progress towards commercial development, although the project remains subject to development, financing, permitting and other risks.

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