Apex Critical Metals Accelerates Exploration with Dual-Rig Drilling Campaign

Apex Critical Metals CA03753D1042

Apex Critical Metals has significantly ramped up its exploration activities in the United States. The Canadian firm announced the full mobilization of its Phase I drilling program at the Rift Rare Earth Project in Nebraska, now operating with two rigs. This accelerated effort aims to verify and potentially extend historical discoveries at the site.

The primary objective of the current Phase I program is to validate legacy drill data that indicated high-grade mineralization. Previous exploration work in the area reported notable intercepts, including 155.5 meters grading 2.70% Rare Earth Oxides (REO) and a separate interval of 68.2 meters at 3.32% REO. Using modern drilling and analytical techniques, the company is focused on confirming the continuity and grade of these historical results.

The Rift Project spans approximately 3,500 acres and targets the same geological formation that hosts other significant critical mineral deposits in the region.

Increased Capacity with Second Rig

Operational capacity has been boosted with the deployment of a second drill rig at the project, which is situated within the Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex. This allows the team to test multiple targets concurrently.

Initial geological observations are promising. Drill hole RIFT26‑002 intersected carbonatite over an interval of roughly 330 meters, starting at a depth of 178 meters. In this geological setting, carbonatite is recognized as the principal host rock for rare earth elements.

The status of other active holes is as follows:
* RIFT26‑001A has reached a depth of 110 meters, with a planned target depth of 600 meters.
* RIFT26‑003 has been newly initiated.

The first core samples are scheduled for laboratory analysis in the coming weeks, representing the next key milestone for the project.

Portfolio Expansion: Rare Earths and Niobium

While advancing its flagship project in Nebraska, Apex Critical Metals is also progressing its Canadian assets. At the Cap Project in British Columbia, the company reported niobium mineralization in late 2025, including an intercept of 0.59% Nb₂O₅ over 36 meters.

The imminent laboratory results from the Rift Project’s initial core samples are now the most anticipated near-term catalyst for the company’s exploration narrative.