Drilling Commences at Apex Critical Metals’ Nebraska Rare Earths Project

Apex Critical Metals CA03753D1042

The transition from planning to action is now underway for Apex Critical Metals. The Canadian explorer has initiated its maiden drilling campaign at the Rift Rare Earth project, located within Nebraska’s Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex. This pivotal step moves the project beyond historical data and geological modeling into a phase of generating fresh, substantive results. For investors, the primary focus shifts to the pace at which the drill program yields actionable sample assays and analyses.

According to a company update dated January 26, the first drill rig has arrived on site at the 100%-controlled Rift project. The rig is currently being assembled and commissioned. Preparatory work, including establishing access roads, drill pads, and operational logistics, is proceeding in parallel. Apex has indicated a second drill rig is scheduled to arrive "shortly."

The initial Phase I program is designed to confirm and potentially expand a known rare earth element (REE) mineralization zone. Drilling will focus on the southeastern section of the project, deemed a high-priority area, along approximately 850 meters in a north-south direction.

The company's targeting integrates multiple data sources: recent geophysical and geochemical surveys, historical drill results from previous operators, and a contemporary 3D geological model constructed from this compiled information. The core objective of this drilling phase is to determine whether these indicators translate into coherent, expandable mineralized zones.

Permitting, Land Expansion, and a Detailed 2026 Roadmap

Apex has been actively consolidating its land position in recent months. The project now encompasses roughly 3,500 acres, having grown from an initial 2,407 acres (secured until September 3, 2025). This expansion included the consolidation of parcels containing relevant historical rare earth intercepts.

Key regulatory and operational milestones were achieved in January:
* January 5, 2026: The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) granted the drilling and exploration permit.
* January 12, 2026: Drilling services contractor Boart Longyear was formally engaged for the Phase I program.

The company has outlined a clear technical workflow for 2026. Following the completion of Phase I drilling, planned deliverables include a NI 43-101 Technical Report, additional downhole survey data for enhanced structural interpretation, and an updated 3D geological model. Assay results from the Phase I program are anticipated in the first half of 2026 (Q1–Q2). Subject to these results, a Phase II drilling campaign is tentatively scheduled for the second half of the year.

In separate corporate news, the company granted 750,000 Restricted Share Units (RSUs) to a director on January 23. These RSUs vest in two equal tranches after 12 and 24 months.

Market activity has also reflected recent developments. The stock closed at €1.62 on Friday, registering a single-day gain of 6.16%.

With operations now launched, the focus turns to the rhythm of progress in the coming weeks. The approach of the first assay results in Q1–Q2 2026 will provide a critical data checkpoint for evaluating the project's potential.

@ boerse-global.de | CA03753D1042 DRILLING