Apex Critical Metals Commences US Drilling Campaign

Apex Critical Metals CA03753D1042

The exploration phase for Apex Critical Metals has now entered a new operational stage at its Rift Rare Earth Project in Nebraska. The company has initiated its inaugural drilling program, a move designed to validate compelling historical data collected from the site. This effort centers on a critical question: can past drill results indicating high concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) be corroborated, thereby establishing the foundation for a significant domestic US resource?

This week marks the beginning of Phase I exploration activities. Apex has mobilized its first drill rig on-site, commencing a targeted campaign along a strike length of approximately 850 meters. The primary objective is to verify earlier drilling that revealed high-grade rare earth mineralization. Of particular interest is a historical intercept measuring 155.5 meters grading 2.70% total rare earth oxides (REO)—a result that underscores the project's potential if it can be replicated.

All work is being conducted on ground held 100% by the company within Nebraska's Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex. Operations are set to accelerate in the first quarter of 2026 with the planned arrival of a second drill rig.

The launch follows several preparatory steps undertaken over the past year. Apex secured the necessary exploration permit for the site on January 5, 2026, a prerequisite for drilling. Furthermore, in 2025, the company expanded its land package surrounding the project to roughly 3,500 acres. Concurrently, it re-assayed historical drill core to define the most prospective target zones for the current program. The active drilling campaign builds directly upon this foundational work, aiming to determine which parts of the historical data hold up under modern investigation.

In a separate corporate development, Apex announced on January 23, 2026, the grant of 750,000 Restricted Share Units (RSUs) to a member of its board of directors. These equity-based compensation units are scheduled to vest over a period of 12 to 24 months, an initiative intended to more closely align leadership incentives with the project's long-term development.

Market Context and Share Performance

The drilling commencement occurs against a dynamic backdrop for critical metals. The VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF (REMX), a common industry benchmark, has recently exhibited active trading ranges. Major mining entities, including Newmont, also recorded modest daily gains at the start of the week.

Shares of Apex themselves continue to trade with notable volatility. While the stock price has multiplied over a twelve-month horizon, its current level of €1.80 remains noticeably below the 52-week high of €3.00. This price action suggests that while market expectations are elevated, investors are likely awaiting concrete results from the newly launched drilling program before making further commitments.

Key Operational Details at a Glance

• Initial drill rig now operational at the Rift Rare Earth Project in Nebraska
• Phase I program targets an approximate 850-meter strike length
• Focus on confirming historical high-grade zones, including a 155.5-meter interval at 2.70% REO
• Exploration permit effective since January 5, 2026
• Land position expanded to about 3,500 acres in 2025, with historical core re-analyzed
• 750,000 RSUs granted to a director, with vesting over 12–24 months

Forward Plan: Accelerating Work in Q1 2026

The immediate focus in the coming weeks will be the analysis of the initial drill results. The anticipated mobilization of a second rig within the current quarter is expected to increase the pace of work, providing faster clarity on the continuity and grade of the rare earth mineralization.

The market's perception of the project's viability will hinge significantly on the degree to which the current drilling confirms—or potentially improves upon—the historical 2.70% REO intercepts over substantial widths. Success in this endeavor would not only strengthen the technical foundation of the Rift Project but also bolster Apex's standing in the broader discussion concerning a secure domestic US supply chain for critical raw materials.