Drilling Commences at Apex Critical Metals’ Nebraska Project

Apex Critical Metals CA03753D1042

The exploration firm Apex Critical Metals has initiated a pivotal phase of its operations. The company has mobilized its first drill rig to the Rift project site in Nebraska, marking the start of its inaugural drilling program. This campaign is designed to test the geological potential for rare earth elements and niobium within the asset.

Situated within the Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex in southeastern Nebraska, the Rift project is geologically proximate to known mineral occurrences in similar rock formations. Apex Critical Metals is proceeding on the hypothesis that these structures are connected.

The operational timeline has moved swiftly. After securing the necessary exploration permit on January 5, the company contracted drilling services provider Boart Longyear on January 12. The confirmed arrival of the initial rig on site occurred on January 26. The commencement of drilling is scheduled for before the end of January 2026.

Campaign Scope and Technical Objectives

The planned 2026 drilling program is extensive, targeting between 10 and 15 individual boreholes. The collective drilling depth is projected to reach approximately 8,000 meters. The core objective is to intersect carbonate structures at depth to confirm the presence of commercially viable concentrations of rare earth elements and niobium.

This work program is founded upon prior geophysical surveys and a fresh analysis of historical exploration data. The drill cores retrieved will provide the first direct geological evidence from the specific subsurface zones under Apex's control.

Key Operational Milestones:
* January 5: Exploration permit granted.
* January 12: Drilling contract awarded to Boart Longyear.
* January 26: First drill rig mobilized to site.
* Outlook: Drilling to begin by end of January 2026.

A Test with Broader Implications

The coming weeks represent a critical period for the company and its investors. The results will determine whether Apex Critical Metals can translate its geological models into a tangible economic resource. The project's location within the United States aligns with ongoing strategic discussions concerning domestic supply chains for critical minerals. This relevance, however, is contingent upon the drill rigs encountering significant mineralization.