The mining and critical materials sector saw significant developments, with market attention focusing on NioCorp Developments’ stock performance and a major regulatory milestone for Meridian Mining’s project in Brazil.
NioCorp Shares See Significant Gains
Shares of NioCorp Developments Ltd., a company focused on developing critical mineral deposits, experienced a strong trading session. The stock (NB) closed at $8.08, marking a 6.44% gain, or $0.49, for the day. Opening at $7.53, the stock traded within a daily range of $7.26 to $7.81.
This activity brings the Colorado-based company’s market capitalization to approximately $851.19 million. NioCorp is primarily focused on its superalloy materials project in Nebraska, which aims to produce key minerals including niobium, scandium, and titanium. The stock has seen a wide 52-week range, fluctuating between $1.27 and $12.58. Market data also shows a notable short interest of 11.04 million shares as of October 15, 2025, accounting for 10.57% of the public float.
Meridian Mining Clears Major Hurdle in Brazil
In other industry news, Meridian Mining UK Societas (TSX: MNO) announced it has secured a crucial permit for its Cabaçal gold-copper-silver project in Mato Grosso, Brazil. On October 29, 2025, the Mato Grosso State Environmental Council (CONSEMA) unanimously approved the Preliminary License (PL) for the project.
This approval is the first and most critical stage of the three-part licensing process required for the mine’s development. The council’s decision was based on a positive technical opinion from the State Secretariat for the Environment (SEMA), which had reviewed the project’s extensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The unanimous vote confirms the Cabaçal project’s technical merits, environmental compatibility, and social acceptance.
Path to Production
The Preliminary License allows Meridian to move forward with its development plans. The next step is to secure the Installation License (LI), which would permit the company to begin construction of the processing plant and other mine structures, triggering a final investment decision.
Meridian stated that its Final Feasibility Study for Cabaçal is advancing and on track for publication in 2026. The company is also preparing its application for the Installation License. The final step, following construction, will be to obtain the Operating License (LO).