NioCorp Announces Closing of C$1.9 Million Brokered Private Placement

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

CENTENNIAL, Colo., July 26, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NioCorp Developments Ltd. ("NioCorp" or the "Company") (TSX:NB) (OTCQX:NIOBF) (FRANKFURT:BR3) announces that it has closed its previously announced brokered private placement (the “Private Placement”) of units (the “Units”) of the Company. Under the Private Placement, a total of 2,962,500 units (the “Units”) were issued at a price per Unit of C$0.65, for total gross proceeds to the Company of approximately C$1,925,625.

Each Unit issued pursuant to the Private Placement consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a “Common Share”) and one Common Share purchase warrant (a “Warrant”). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one additional Common Share at a price of C$0.79 until July 26, 2021 (a “Warrant Share”).

The Private Placement was led by Mackie Research Capital Corporation (the “Agent”). In connection with the Private Placement, the Company paid the Agent an aggregate cash commission of approximately C$125,166, equal to six and a half per cent (6.5%) of the gross proceeds raised under the Private Placement. The Company also issued to the Agent 192,562 broker warrants (the “Broker Warrants”), equal to six and a half per cent (6.5%) of the Units sold pursuant to the Private Placement. Each Broker Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of C$0.79 until July 26, 2021.

As promptly as practicable following the closing, the Company will prepare and file a registration statement and U.S. preliminary prospectus (collectively, the “Registration Statement”) under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), in respect of the Common Shares and Warrant Shares sold under the Private Placement.

Proceeds of the Private Placement will be used for general working capital purposes and to continue to advance the Company’s Elk Creek Superalloy Materials Project.

All of the securities sold pursuant to the Private Placement are subject to a four month hold period, which will expire on November 27, 2017, as well as additional restrictions required by the 1933 Act.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the 1933 Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. Hedging transactions involving these securities may not be conducted unless in compliance with the 1933 Act.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Mark Smith”

Mark Smith
President, CEO, Chairman and Director

@NioCorp $NB $NIOBF $BR3 #Niobium #Scandium #ElkCreek

About NioCorp

NioCorp is developing a superalloy materials project in Southeast Nebraska with an aim to produce Niobium, Scandium, and Titanium. Niobium is used to produce superalloys as well as High Strength, Low Alloy ("HSLA") steel, which is a lighter, stronger steel used in automotive, structural, and pipeline applications. Scandium is a superalloy material that can be combined with Aluminum to make alloys with increased strength and improved corrosion resistance. Scandium also is a critical component of advanced solid oxide fuel cells. Titanium is used in various superalloys and is a key component of pigments used in paper, paint and plastics and is also used for aerospace applications, armor and medical implants.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Neither TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this document. Certain statements contained in this document may constitute forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements related to the filing of the Registration Statement, the use of proceeds, as well as the development of the Elk Creek Project. Such forward-looking statements are based upon NioCorp's reasonable expectations and business plan at the date hereof, which are subject to change depending on economic, political and competitive circumstances and contingencies. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause a change in such assumptions and the actual outcomes and estimates to be materially different from those estimated or anticipated future results, achievements or positions expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause NioCorp's plans or prospects to change include risks related to the Company's ability to operate as a going concern; risks related to the Company's requirement of significant additional capital; changes in demand for and price of commodities (such as fuel and electricity) and currencies; changes in economic valuations of the Project, such as Net Present Value calculations, changes or disruptions in the securities markets; legislative, political or economic developments; the need to obtain permits and comply with laws and regulations and other regulatory requirements; the possibility that actual results of work may differ from projections/expectations or may not realize the perceived potential of NioCorp's projects; risks of accidents, equipment breakdowns and labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions; the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses in development programs; operating or technical difficulties in connection with exploration, mining or development activities; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities of grades of reserves and resources; the risks involved in the exploration, development, and mining business, and the risks set forth in the Company's filings with the SEC at www.sec.gov. NioCorp disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For More Information:  Contact Jim Sims, VP of External Affairs, NioCorp Developments Ltd., +1 303-503-6203, jim.sims@niocorp.com