Apex Critical Metals Commences Drilling at Key Rare Earths Project

Exploration activities are now underway at Apex Critical Metals' flagship Rift Rare Earth Project in southeastern Nebraska. The company has initiated its first drill hole, marking a significant operational milestone following an extensive preparatory period. A second rig is scheduled to be deployed shortly. This campaign is designed to test the high-grade potential suggested by the site's compelling historical data within the Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex.

The initial phase of drilling will focus on an 850-meter north-south segment in the project's southeastern sector. Target selection was informed by a sophisticated 3D model integrating geophysical surveys, geochemical sampling, and legacy drill hole information.

Historical results from previous operators working within the same geological complex provide a strong foundation for the current program. Notable intercepts include:
* 155.5 meters grading 2.70% total rare earth oxides (REO)
* 68.2 meters grading 3.32% REO

These historic results position the Rift Project as one of North America's most prospective rare earths targets. Apex's primary objective is to verify and potentially extend these mineralized zones.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Apex Critical Metals?

Advancing a Parallel Asset in Canada

The company maintains a diversified portfolio with its fully owned Cap Project in British Columbia. Drilling there in 2025 confirmed a niobium discovery, with intercepts of 0.59% Nb₂O₅ over 36 meters and 1.08% Nb₂O₅ over 10 meters along a 1.8-kilometer trend. Apex therefore holds two wholly controlled projects, each at distinct stages of development.

Market Valuation and Corporate Activity Reflect Anticipation

Investor confidence has been evident in the equity's performance, with the share price more than tripling over the past year. The company currently carries a market capitalization of approximately CAD $234 million, with 78.46 million shares outstanding. This valuation incorporates market expectations for the ongoing exploration work. Insider ownership stands at roughly 12.6%, while major shareholder Zimtu Capital Corp. holds a 10.1% stake.

Coinciding with the drill program announcement, the company granted 750,000 Restricted Share Units to a director. These units vest over a period of 12 to 24 months—a timeline that aligns with the anticipated analysis and release of initial assay results from the Rift Project.

This operational launch occurs against a backdrop of increasing North American policy focus on securing domestic supplies of critical minerals. The coming months will determine if the project can successfully replicate the high-grade results of the past.