Apex Critical Metals Secures Key Permit, Paving Way for Drilling Campaign

The regulatory landscape has shifted favorably for Apex Critical Metals, with U.S. authorities granting a pivotal exploration permit. This approval from the state of Nebraska for the Rift Rare Earth Project marks a transition from the planning phase into active operations for the company. The immediate focus now turns to an upcoming drill program designed to validate compelling historical data from the site.

Regulatory Hurdle Cleared for Nebraska Project

Apex Critical Metals announced on January 5, 2026, that the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment (NDEE) has issued the exploration permit for its Rift Rare Earth Project. This authorization covers the Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex in Nebraska, the designated location for the company’s inaugural proprietary drilling initiative.

Company management reports that preparatory work is already well advanced. Contract discussions with drilling contractors are in the final stages, and logistics for core handling and site access have been arranged. The launch of the drilling campaign is scheduled for the first half of Q1 2026.

The removal of this key permitting risk allows the firm to proceed with verifying historical drill results on the ground and systematically expanding known mineralized zones.

Share Performance and Market Context

Investors have responded positively to the progress toward active exploration, reflected in a supportive share price movement. In European trading, the equity closed at €1.64 yesterday. This price represents an approximate 161 percent gain over a twelve-month period, albeit amidst significant volatility; the annualized 30-day volatility stands above 90 percent.

The recent momentum is directly linked to the regulatory clearance and the subsequent clarity it provides for the project timeline. With drilling slated to begin this quarter, a predictable news flow is established for the coming months—a critical factor for speculative resource stocks.

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

Building on a Historical Foundation

The Rift Project encompasses roughly 3,500 acres within the Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex in southeastern Nebraska. The area possesses a documented exploration history, having been subject to extensive drilling campaigns by Molycorp (1973–1986) and later by Quantum Rare Earth Developments (2010–2011).

Apex is particularly focused on building upon previous high-grade intercepts. Notable historical results include:
* Drill hole EC-93: 155.5 meters grading 2.70% Rare Earth Oxides (REO), including a 54.9-meter section at 3.30% REO.
* Drill hole NEC11-004: 236.2 meters grading 2.10% REO, containing a 68.2-meter interval at 3.32% REO.

The planned drilling program aims to retest these zones using contemporary 3D modeling and modern analytical techniques. The objective is to corroborate the historical database and more precisely quantify the resource potential.

Strategic Positioning and Forward Timeline

Backed by secured financing and the newly acquired permit, Apex’s emphasis is now squarely on execution. Management anticipates initial assay results from the new drill program later in 2026. Successful confirmation of the historical grades would bolster the Rift Project’s potential role in the North American critical minerals supply chain, especially given its location in a politically stable jurisdiction with existing infrastructure.

In the near term, market attention will be on equipment mobilization and the actual commencement of drilling in Q1. Any schedule delays or results significantly weaker than the historical data could reduce the current valuation buffer. Conversely, a successful start to the program would likely reinforce the investment thesis.