Apex Critical Metals Gains Momentum on Expanded Discovery

Apex Critical Metals CA03753D1042

Apex Critical Metals is entering the new year with significant operational momentum, driven by fresh assay results that suggest a more extensive and complex mineralized system at its Canadian property than previously understood. The market has taken note, with the company's share price showing considerable strength over recent weeks, reflecting a reassessment of its potential value.

The investment thesis for Apex is increasingly tied to the strategic nature of the commodities it is uncovering. Niobium, a critical metal essential for high-strength steels and advanced battery applications, is currently dominated by Brazilian supply. The confirmation of a substantial niobium structure in North America presents a potential alternative source. This is complemented by the presence of phosphate—a crucial fertilizer component—and rare earth elements (REO), which are vital for modern technologies from electronics to defense systems.

Cap Project Analysis Reveals Larger System

The catalyst for the recent activity was the December 31 release of the final report from the 2025 exploration program at the Cap Critical Minerals Project in British Columbia. A key revelation was the re-evaluation of discovery hole CAP25-006.

While preliminary quick-fire assays had indicated 36 meters grading 0.59% Nb₂O₅, the comprehensive data now reveals a much wider mineralized interval of 124.5 meters at 0.27% Nb₂O₅. Within this broader zone lies a previously reported high-grade section of 10 meters at 1.08% Nb₂O₅, highlighting the continuity of the mineralization.

From a geological perspective, a critical finding is that the niobium zone in CAP25-006 remains open both along strike and at depth. This provides a clear target for step-out drilling in 2026 to test the full extent of the structure.

The project's multi-commodity potential was further underscored by additional results:
* Significant phosphate intersections, including 16.2% P₂O₅ over 3.8 meters in hole CAP25-007 and broader zones such as 45 meters grading 6.22% P₂O₅.
* Rare earth oxide (REO) grades between 1.08% and 1.33% over shorter intervals of 3.0 to 3.4 meters.

CEO Sean Charland has characterized the findings as evidence of a "large, fertile carbonatite system." Exploration efforts are now particularly focused on a pronounced, untested magnetic anomaly southeast of the current drilling area, which has been prioritized for the upcoming field season.

Operational and Financial Foundation

The 2025 campaign consisted of nine helicopter-supported diamond drill holes totaling 2,323 meters. Accompanying geophysical surveys point to a large, concealed magnetic anomaly, suggesting the carbonatite complex could be significantly larger than the area tested so far.

The company has proactively strengthened its position. In October 2025, it completed a non-brokered private placement raising CAD $10 million. This was preceded by the acquisition of a critical minerals property in the United States in September. These moves provide a solid financial base for funding the next phase of exploration.

Despite some recent share price consolidation, the equity remains well above its 52-week low. On a twelve-month view, it still shows a gain of approximately 118%, though it trades about 55% below its high, indicative of the volatility inherent in the sector.

Dual-Focus Strategy for the Coming Year

Apex has outlined a clear two-pronged strategy for 2026, aiming to advance both its Canadian and U.S. assets.

1. Rift Project (Nebraska, USA): A fully funded drill program is scheduled to commence at the Rift Rare Earth Project in Q1 2026. This follows a December 2025 re-logging and re-sampling program of historical drill core, which has defined targets for the new drilling.

2. Cap Project (British Columbia, Canada): The 2026 program here will concentrate on step-out drilling around the CAP25-006 niobium discovery and initial testing of the newly identified magnetic anomaly. The objective is to better understand the size and geometry of the carbonatite system and to further define its multi-commodity potential for niobium, phosphate, and rare earths.

This roadmap allows Apex to combine near-term news flow from drill results with the broader narrative of establishing a potential new North American source for critical raw materials. The key to future valuation will be whether the upcoming drilling campaigns confirm the interpretation of a large-scale, fertile system and tangibly bolster the project's resource potential.