Apex Critical Metals Accelerates Drilling Campaign at Nebraska Rare Earths Project

Apex Critical Metals has significantly ramped up operational activity at its wholly-owned Rift Rare Earth project in Nebraska. The company has deployed a second drill rig on-site, a move designed to expedite the evaluation of suspected rare earth element (REE) structures and their potential economic viability. While the increased pace is notable, the ultimate determinant of the project's promise will be the forthcoming laboratory assay results.

Key Operational Developments:
* A dual-rig drilling operation is now active for the Phase I program.
* Drill hole RIFT26-002 intersected an approximately 330-meter section of carbonatite starting at a down-hole depth of 178 meters.
* The Phase I target area covers a strike length of roughly 850 meters (north-south).
* Initial core samples are slated for prioritized submission to laboratories in the coming weeks.

In a recent operational update, Apex Critical Metals confirmed that the Phase I drill program is now fully mobilized with two rigs operating concurrently. This strategic increase in drilling capacity allows the company to test multiple target zones more rapidly, gathering geological data at an accelerated pace.

Initial Drill Hole Findings and Forward Plan

The company reported a significant intercept from drill hole RIFT26-002, which penetrated a carbonatite zone over a span of roughly 330 meters, commencing at 178 meters depth. The hole was reportedly steered through the interpreted mineralized zone.

Meanwhile, drill hole RIFT26-001A has reached a depth of 110 meters, with a planned target depth of 600 meters. While carbonatite has not yet been encountered in this hole, its presence is anticipated at approximately 175 meters. A third hole, RIFT26-003, has also been initiated. Additional drill pads are being prepared to facilitate further step-out drilling.

The company was careful to clarify a crucial geological point: intersecting carbonatite rock does not automatically confirm rare earth mineralization. Apex explicitly stated that only comprehensive assay analyses can verify the grade, distribution, and significance of any potential mineralization.

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Phase I Objectives and Geological Foundation

The initial phase of drilling is focused on a high-priority zone within the southeastern sector of the project. Target selection was informed by an integrated dataset incorporating historical drilling records, surface geochemistry, and geophysical surveys, all synthesized into a detailed 3D geological model.

Core processing is underway in parallel with the drilling. A first batch of samples is expected to be prepared and submitted for analysis on a priority basis in the near term. The technical disclosures in the company's announcement were reviewed and approved by Nathan Schmidt (P. Geo.) in his capacity as a "Qualified Person" under NI 43-101 regulations.

Apex also provided context by referencing historical drill results from the broader Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex, which included intervals such as 155.5 meters grading 2.70% total rare earth oxides (REO) and 68.2 meters grading 3.32% REO.

The focus for Apex Critical Metals in the upcoming weeks will shift decisively toward sample submission and the subsequent release of assay results. These laboratory reports will be critical in determining whether the current carbonatite intercepts represent a commercially interesting discovery or remain solely of geological interest.

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