NioBay said initial tests will be performed by SGS Canada in Lakefield, Ontario, with the first results expected in 4-6 months.
The James Bay Niobium project is located on Moose Cree First Nation traditional territory, 42 km south of Moosonee, Ontario. Niobay Metals acquired 100% of the property from Barrick Gold In June 2016.
"New niobium battery technology will completely change our perceptions of electric vehicles, but the benefits of niobium are not just limited to passenger EVs", said Claude Dufresne, president and chief executive of NioBay Metals.
Dutch producer CBMM estimates that demand will increase from 100 tonnes in 2020 to 45,000 tonnes by 2030.
"The development of niobium battery technology is creating a great opportunity and we are well-positioned to participate in its development. The test program on James Bay Niobium ore is only the beginning, and the program could well expand to our Crevier niobium and tantalum asset in Quebec. In addition, we will continue to spend the necessary resources to measure the potential of the 6-minute EV battery charge,'' said Dufresne.
In October, Niobay Metals outlined "robust returns" for three different mining scenarios being considered for its James Bay niobium project in northern Ontario, reported Mining Journal at the time.
