It is not a niche metal if you are an iron ore miner. Its an opportunity to vertically integrate in a high value adding component of greener steel production.
I also think any of these large mining companies are mostly interested in enhancing earnings. Diversification is always a strategy for them and just because it hasn't been niobium in the past (it couldn't be as there were no deposits worthy) doesn't mean it wont be in the future. If they think they can add strong cash flow to their business they will entertain it. The fact they have no niobium experience will not worry them as they will just buy in the experience, like we are doing.
And i think there is zero chance CBMM buys us or even takes a stake in us. It simply wouldn't be allowed. Geopolitics is too delicate. A monopoly is on the verge of being broken... there is no way they would be able to strengthen that monopoly even further, especially when it is essentially a chinese monopoly.
WA1 Price at posting:
$12.50 Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
(20min delay)