Apex Critical Metals Commences Inaugural Drilling Campaign in Nebraska

Apex Critical Metals CA03753D1042

Canadian explorer Apex Critical Metals has initiated a pivotal drilling program at its Rift Rare Earth Project in Nebraska, marking a significant operational advancement for the company. The campaign, which commenced in late January 2026, is designed to verify and potentially extend historical rare earth and niobium mineralization findings.

The company’s move to begin drilling followed a period of strategic groundwork throughout 2025, during which Apex systematically expanded its land holdings within the Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex. The project now encompasses approximately 3,500 acres. Necessary approvals were secured in early January 2026 from the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment, with drilling contractor Boart Longyear formally engaged shortly thereafter.

On January 26, 2026, the first drill rig was mobilized to the project site in southeastern Nebraska. Site preparations, including the construction of access roads and drilling platforms, were completed concurrently. A second rig was scheduled to join the operation imminently.

Phase One Targets Historic High-Grade Intercepts

This initial phase of the exploration program involves approximately 8,000 meters of diamond core drilling, distributed across 10 to 15 holes. Each hole is planned to reach depths between 600 and 900 meters. The primary objective is to follow up on high-grade rare earth oxide (REO) intersections documented by previous operators decades ago.

Historical work by Molycorp (1973-1986) and Quantum Rare Earth Developments (2010-2011) had identified promising intervals, including 155.5 meters grading 2.70% REO and 68.2 meters grading 3.32% REO. Apex Critical Metals’ current campaign aims to confirm these results and explore the extent of the mineralized system.

Corporate Activity and Forward Timeline

In related corporate developments, Apex granted 200,000 stock options to an advisor on February 2, 2026. These options carry an exercise price of CAD $2.75 per share and will expire on January 30, 2028. Separately, a director was awarded 750,000 restricted share units under the company’s equity compensation plan at the end of January.

Looking ahead, the company has outlined a clear schedule for 2026. Assay results from the Phase I drilling and a technical NI 43-101 report are anticipated in the first half of the year. Subject to those findings, a second phase of drilling is planned for the latter six months, with work expected to commence on an initial mineral resource estimate.