Apex Critical Metals Commences Drilling Campaign at Nebraska Rare Earths Project

Apex Critical Metals CA03753D1042

The transition from planning to active exploration is now underway for Apex Critical Metals. The Canadian exploration firm confirmed on January 26, 2026, that the first drill rig has arrived on site at its Rift Rare Earth Project in Nebraska, marking the start of a crucial campaign to locate critical minerals within the United States.

With its regional acquisition stage concluded, Apex Critical Metals has designated the Rift Project as its operational flagship for 2026. The project currently encompasses mineral rights across approximately 3,500 acres in southeastern Nebraska. The commencement of drilling represents a significant operational milestone for the company.

For the initial phase of this work, Apex Critical Metals has contracted the established drilling services firm Boart Longyear. The Phase I program is designed to complete roughly 8,000 meters of core drilling. This work will be spread across 10 to 15 separate drill holes, each planned to reach depths of between 600 and 900 meters.

Targeting Based on Advanced 3D Modeling

The specific locations for these drill holes are not arbitrary. They are based on a sophisticated 3D geological model developed by the company’s technical team during the fourth quarter of 2025. This model itself was constructed using data from a re-examination of historical drill cores, an analysis conducted in collaboration with researchers from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

The primary objectives for this drilling campaign are threefold:
* To test specific geophysical anomalies identified within the Elk Creek Carbonatite complex.
* To confirm the presence of both Rare Earth Elements (REE) and niobium mineralization.
* To gather the necessary data to support a potential future mineral resource estimate.

Regulatory Hurdles Cleared for Rapid Mobilization

The project moved from permitted status to active operations with notable speed. The necessary drilling permit was granted by the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment on January 5, 2026. The agreement with Boart Longyear was finalized just one week later, enabling the swift mobilization of equipment to the project site.

Awaiting Results from the Subsurface

The focus now shifts to the subsurface. Over the coming weeks, the drill rigs will work to determine whether the promising geophysical data correlates with tangible mineral deposits underground. Once the core samples are retrieved, they will undergo a rigorous process of analysis and evaluation. Only after this scientific assessment will it be possible to gauge if the Rift Project hosts economically viable concentrations of the critical raw materials being sought.

@ boerse-global.de | CA03753D1042 APEX