Apex Critical Metals Initiates Key Drilling Campaign in Nebraska

Apex Critical Metals CA03753D1042

Apex Critical Metals has entered a pivotal operational phase in 2026, moving from theoretical models to tangible field work. The company has commenced its inaugural drilling program at the Rift Rare Earth Project in Nebraska, a significant shift aimed at verifying promising historical data on site. This transition marks a critical juncture for the emerging explorer, as it seeks to validate its core asset's potential.

The company mobilized its first drill rig at the Rift Project on January 26, initiating a long-anticipated campaign. Concurrently, work is progressing on upgrading access roads and necessary site infrastructure. The objectives of this program are twofold: to confirm the historical rare earth element exploration results and to expand the existing project database. Success here would elevate the Rift Project to a central role in Apex's development strategy for the year.

A Series of Deliberate Preparatory Steps

This drilling phase is the culmination of a sequenced series of corporate actions executed since the start of the year. The groundwork was laid with the receipt of the exploration permit for the Rift Project on January 5. This was swiftly followed by the signing of a contract with a drilling services provider on January 12. A week later, on January 19, the company provided a progress update and outlook for 2026, explicitly highlighting the Rift Project's importance. This timeline underscores that the current operations are the result of targeted preparation, not an isolated event.

Concurrent Advancements Across North American Portfolio

While drilling begins in the United States, Apex continues to advance its Canadian assets. On December 15, 2025, the company reported a new mineralized carbonate structure at its Lac Le Moyne project in Québec, indicating further exploration potential for critical metals. The year concluded with a December 31, 2025 summary of the 2025 exploration drilling in the region and the definition of priority targets at the Cap Critical Minerals Project in British Columbia. This demonstrates the company's strategy of building a portfolio of critical raw material projects across politically stable North American jurisdictions.

Financing for these concurrent programs was secured earlier, with the completion of a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of US$10 million on October 30, 2025.

Favorable Macroeconomic and Policy Backdrop

The company's activities align with a clear industry trend, where rare earth elements and other critical minerals are a focal point of industrial and energy policy. In the U.S., government initiatives aim to bolster domestic supply chains for critical minerals and reduce import dependencies. This drive is fueled by rising demand from energy transition technologies—such as electric vehicles and wind power—and applications with national security significance. The global critical minerals market is projected for substantial growth in this context, enhancing the strategic value of successful exploration in regions like North America.

Conclusion: A Defining Operational Year

By launching drilling at the Rift Rare Earth Project, Apex Critical Metals has reached a crucial operational milestone. With permits in hand, a contractor on site, financing secured, and parallel projects advancing in Canada, the stage is set. The exploration results now forthcoming from Nebraska and Canada will be instrumental in defining the company's potential position within the expanding critical metals market.

@ boerse-global.de | CA03753D1042 APEX