Apex Critical Metals Accelerates Drilling Campaign with Second Rig

Apex Critical Metals has significantly ramped up its exploration activities at the Rift Rare Earth Project in Nebraska by deploying a second drill rig. This move by the Canadian exploration company marks a decisive acceleration of its Phase I program within the Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex, following the initial mobilization of equipment in late January.

Expanded Drilling Targets Key Mineralization Zones

The company’s current operations involve multiple drill holes. Hole RIFT26-002, situated approximately 100 meters south of the historic hole NEC11-004, successfully intersected carbonate over a span of roughly 330 meters, starting at a depth of 178 meters. This hole is designed to test the extension of historically identified mineralization along the southern strike direction.

Meanwhile, drill hole RIFT26-001A has reached a current depth of 110 meters, with a planned target depth of 600 meters. While the rig has not yet cut into the carbonate rock, company geologists anticipate encountering it at around 175 meters. A third hole, designated RIFT26-003, has also been initiated. Preparations for additional drill sites are underway to further test the mineralization potential along both the northern and southern strike extents.

Core Processing Underway with Assays Pending

The processing of extracted drill core samples is currently in progress. The first batch of samples is scheduled for dispatch to laboratories for analysis in the coming weeks. Apex Critical Metals emphasizes that intersecting carbonate rock does not automatically equate to finding economic mineralization. Only the forthcoming assay results will be able to confirm the presence, grade, and potential significance of any rare earth elements (REE) or niobium mineralization.

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The Phase I program is concentrated on a high-priority area spanning about 850 meters north-south within the southeastern section of the project. The drilling strategy is informed by historical drill data, surface geochemistry, and geophysical surveys, all of which have been integrated into a comprehensive three-dimensional geological model.

Project Timeline and Historical Context

Key milestones for the project to date include:

• January 5, 2026: Receipt of exploration permits.
• January 12, 2026: Engagement of drilling contractor Boart Longyear.
• Late January 2026: Mobilization of the first drill rig.
• February 10, 2026: Deployment of the second drill rig.

The objective of the Phase I campaign is to complete approximately 8,000 meters of drilling to explore for niobium and rare earth elements. The Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex has a history of promising intercepts, with past drilling reporting wide intervals of REE mineralization. Notable historical results include 155.5 meters grading 2.70% total rare earth oxides (REO) and 68.2 meters grading 3.32% REO.

The release of assay results from the current program will represent the next critical juncture for the project. These findings will be essential in determining whether the grade and continuity of the mineralization within the carbonate system can be substantiated.