Apex Critical Metals Commences Drilling Operations at Nebraska Rare Earths Site

Exploration activities have officially begun at the Rift rare earths project in Nebraska, with Apex Critical Metals launching its inaugural drilling campaign. The company confirmed the mobilization of the first drill rig to the site on January 26, 2026, following the finalization of permitting and the engagement of a drilling contractor. This marks a significant step forward in evaluating the Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex, a strategically important asset.

This operational milestone coincides with a period of rapidly accelerating global demand for rare earth elements. These critical materials are essential components in electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, and advanced defense technologies. Market analysts project that the worldwide market for such critical minerals could expand to surpass $600 billion by 2030.

In the United States, a pronounced policy shift is underway to bolster domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on foreign sources. New federal incentives and support programs are actively encouraging local exploration and production. Apex Critical Metals' activities in Nebraska align directly with this national strategic priority.

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Operational and Corporate Developments

Preparatory site work, including the construction of access roads and drill pads, is already in progress. The company has contracted the specialized firm Boart Longyear to execute the program, which is planned for approximately 8,000 meters of drilling across 10 to 15 holes. Apex retains 100% ownership of the project.

Alongside these field operations, the company has made recent corporate announcements. On February 2, 2026, Apex disclosed the grant of a total of 200,000 stock options. This followed a comprehensive summary of 2025 activities and a 2026 outlook for the Rift project, which was released on January 19.

The Path Ahead

The initiation of drilling now opens the crucial phase for the project. The coming months are expected to provide concrete data to assess whether the geological potential of the Elk Creek Complex meets expectations. The results will be pivotal in determining the actual resource potential of this domestic deposit.