Apex Critical Metals Uncovers New Niobium and Rare Earths System in Quebec

Exploration company Apex Critical Metals (CSE: APXC, OTCQX: APXCF, FWB: KL9) has announced a significant new carbonate discovery at its Lac Le Moyne project in Québec, according to a December 15, 2025, release. Initial rock samples from a previously unexplored area have returned elevated levels of niobium and rare earth elements, indicating a potential new mineralized system.

During a July 2025 helicopter-supported program, the company collected 151 rock samples north of the known Eldor carbonate complex. This first targeted exploration for niobium and rare earths yielded promising results that surpassed initial projections.

Assay data revealed four rock samples containing over 0.20% niobium pentoxide (Nb₂O₅), with a peak value of 0.40%. Furthermore, thirteen samples assayed greater than 0.25% total rare earth oxides (TREO), reaching a high of 0.50%.

A key finding is that these mineralized samples were located outside the boundaries of previously mapped carbonate occurrences. The concentration of the float samples suggests a buried carbonate source, defining a north-south trending corridor in the northeastern section of the project area.

Strategic Land Acquisition and Forward Plans

In response to this discovery, Apex has strategically staked 77 additional claims covering approximately 3,609 hectares along the eastern project margin. These new claims encompass geophysical anomalies and the interpreted source area for the mineralized float. The company is now planning focused follow-up work within this corridor for the 2026 field season.

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

Sean Charland, Chief Executive Officer of Apex, stated that confirming anomalous niobium and rare earth mineralization on the first pass has exceeded the team's expectations.

Building a North American Portfolio of Critical Metals Projects

Apex is systematically assembling a portfolio of critical metals assets across North America:

• The Rift Project (Nebraska): Features historical drill intercepts including 155.5 meters grading 2.70% TREO.
• The Cap Project (British Columbia): A 2025 confirmed niobium discovery with results of 0.59% Nb₂O₅ over 36 meters.
• Lac Le Moyne (Québec): The newly identified carbonate occurrence.

The company strengthened its treasury with a C$10 million private placement completed in October 2025. It is concurrently advancing permits for a planned drilling campaign at the Rift Project, targeted for early 2026.

Carbonatites are among the planet's rarest geological formations, with only about 600 known systems globally. They represent primary sources for critical materials like niobium and rare earths, which are essential for modern technology and the energy transition.

The project's proximity to Commerce Resources' Ashram Rare Earth deposit further highlights the regional potential. The upcoming 2026 work program will be crucial for determining if this new target area develops into a more substantial mineralized system.