Apex Critical Metals Receives Key Permit, Paving Way for Drilling Campaign

Apex Critical Metals CA03753D1042

Shares of Apex Critical Metals are trading significantly higher following a pivotal regulatory milestone. The company has secured the final permit required to commence drilling at its Rift rare earths and niobium project in Nebraska, positioning it ahead of many peers still navigating early-stage approvals.

With administrative hurdles now cleared, Apex Critical Metals is moving swiftly toward the physical launch of its exploration program. The company confirmed that drilling is scheduled to begin in the first half of the first quarter of 2026. Preparations are already underway, including finalizing contracts with drilling contractors, establishing mobilization plans, and refining target areas based on extensive historical data. The imminent campaign represents the first modern evaluation of the deposit since previous operators withdrew.

Regulatory Approval Details

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment (NDEE) issued the permit for mineral exploration at the Rift Project on January 5, 2026. This authorization removes the last obstacle before field operations can start. The project is situated within the Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex, a geological formation known to host high-grade mineralization. Historical work by prior operators documented intercepts including 155.5 meters grading 2.70% Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO) and another interval of 236.2 meters at 2.10% TREO.

A Project in a Strategic Jurisdiction

The timing of this development is critical within a global context. As of early 2026, China controls approximately 90% of the world’s refining capacity for rare earth elements—materials essential for defense technologies and electric vehicles. This near-monopoly is driving concerted efforts in the United States to develop domestic sources of these critical minerals.

Apex Critical Metals’ Rift Project benefits from a favorable regulatory environment and is located in what is considered one of North America's most significant niobium and rare earth deposits. Unlike a greenfield exploration site, the project leverages a substantial archive of historical drilling and geological data, which could significantly accelerate the path to defining a formal resource. The upcoming drilling program is designed to confirm both the scale and the grade of the mineralization.