Apex Critical Metals: A Strategic Discovery in Quebec’s Far North

Apex Critical Metals CA03753D1042

Investor attention has been increasingly focused on Apex Critical Metals Corp. (CSE: APXC, OTCQX: APXCF, FWB: KL9) since mid-December. This surge in interest follows a significant announcement from the Canadian exploration company regarding its Lac Le Moyne project in Nunavik, Quebec. On December 15, 2025, Apex reported the discovery of a mineralized carbonatite occurrence, with initial samples indicating promising concentrations of niobium and rare earth elements—materials deemed critical for advanced technologies.

In a direct response to the discovery, the company has moved to secure its position in the area. Apex staked 77 additional mineral claims, covering approximately 3,609 hectares along the eastern flank of the Lac Le Moyne project. This land expansion was strategically positioned over geophysical anomalies that are believed to potentially mark the source of the high-grade samples. The enlarged property now encompasses the most prospective target corridor, laying the groundwork for systematic follow-up exploration planned for the 2026 field season.

Unpacking the Lac Le Moyne Find

The discovery stems from a helicopter-supported field program conducted in July 2025, during which 151 rock samples were collected from an area north of the known Eldor carbonatite complex. The assay results delivered notable highlights:

• Four rock samples returned niobium pentoxide (Nb₂O₅) grades exceeding 0.20%, with a peak value of 0.40%.
• Thirteen samples showed total rare earth oxide (TREO) concentrations greater than 0.25%, reaching a maximum of 0.50%.
• Critically, these mineralized samples originated from areas outside previously mapped carbonatite boundaries.

Sean Charland, CEO of Apex, provided context for the find. With only roughly 600 carbonatite systems identified globally, detecting anomalous niobium and rare earth mineralization during the first targeted exploration program at Lac Le Moyne significantly surpassed the company's initial expectations.

A Diversified North American Portfolio

The Lac Le Moyne project adds to a growing portfolio of critical minerals assets for Apex across North America.

The company's flagship remains the Rift Project in Nebraska. Historical drilling at the Elk Creek carbonatite complex there intersected broad zones of high-grade rare earth mineralization, including an interval of 155.5 meters grading 2.70% total rare earth oxides (TREO). Apex recently completed the re-logging of historical core samples in early December 2025, with assay results anticipated in Q1 2026. A new drilling campaign is scheduled to commence in early 2026.

Meanwhile, the 2025 drill program at the Cap Project in British Columbia yielded a substantial niobium discovery, reporting 0.59% Nb₂O₅ over 36 meters, which included a higher-grade section of 1.08% over 10 meters.

Financial Standing and Forward Catalysts

Apex bolstered its treasury in October 2025 through a private placement that raised CAD $10 million. The company's shares are listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (APXC), the OTCQX Best Market (APXCF), and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (KL9). As of December 17, 2025, the stock traded at CAD $2.09, representing an approximate 122% gain since the start of the year. The company's market capitalization stands at around CAD $148 million.

The coming year is set to feature multiple potential catalysts. The first quarter of 2026 is expected to bring the assay results from the Rift Project's historical core, followed by the launch of the new drilling campaign in Nebraska. Concurrently, follow-up exploration will proceed at the Lac Le Moyne property. In a global context where China supplies 89% of the world's rare earths and Brazil accounts for 91% of niobium production, North American projects like those held by Apex are gaining strategic importance for supply chain diversification.