Apex Critical Metals Secures Drilling Partner for Key Rare Earths Project

Shares of Apex Critical Metals have been on a sustained upward trajectory, and recent corporate developments provide a fundamental basis for this market optimism. The company has transitioned decisively from the planning phase into operational execution by securing a major contract for its flagship Nebraska project.

The company announced a significant operational advancement this past Sunday, confirming the engagement of Boart Longyear as the drilling contractor for its Rift Rare Earth Project. This global drilling services firm will execute an extensive program encompassing approximately 8,000 meters, to be distributed across 10 to 15 drill holes.

The selection of Boart Longyear is strategic. The contractor brings specific regional expertise, having recently completed drilling operations for NioCorp on the directly adjacent Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project. Sean Charland, CEO of Apex, emphasized that collaborating with such experienced partners accelerates progress toward the initial phase of drilling.

High-Grade Historical Data Sets the Stage

The Rift Project, spanning some 3,500 acres within the Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex, benefits from substantial historical exploration work. Previous operators, including Molycorp in the 1970s and 1980s, identified indications of high-grade rare earth element mineralization.

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Historical drill intercepts included sections exceeding 150 meters with grades of 2.70% total rare earth oxides (REO). The forthcoming campaign is designed to verify this historical data and potentially expand the known resource. These prospects appear to be a key driver behind the equity's recent performance, which has seen gains of over 87% on a monthly basis.

Favorable Timing in the Critical Minerals Landscape

This operational launch occurs amid heightened focus on establishing domestic supply chains for critical raw materials across North America. Rare earth elements and niobium are considered indispensable components for clean energy technologies and defense systems. Apex gains considerable advantage from its project's location, situated directly beside one of North America's most advanced niobium deposits, leveraging the region's established geological significance.

With permitting clarified and the drilling contract now finalized, a clear timeline is in place. Field operations are scheduled to commence before the end of January 2026. Market attention in the coming weeks will likely focus on the physical start of drilling, followed in subsequent months by the initial assay results from the extracted core samples.