Apex Critical Metals Corp. intersected 151.4 metres grading 2.42% rare earth oxides from drillhole RIFT26-012 at the Rift Rare Earth Project within the Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex in southeastern Nebraska, extending the upper high-grade Trinity Zone 100 metres to the west.

The step-out hole delivered the strongest grade-times-width intercept south of the discovery area to date, including higher-grade intervals of 8.0 metres at 4.48% REO and 61.4 metres at 3.03% REO. A second hole, RIFT26-014, tested the down-dip projection between previous drill fences and intersected 148.5 metres at 2.09% REO, including 10.2 metres at 5.27% REO and 21.7 metres at 4.00% REO.

The results confirm the continuity of the Trinity Zone across a strike length of approximately 400 metres and 200 metres down-dip, with the zone remaining open in all directions. Apex has completed 32 drillholes totaling approximately 21,000 metres during its 2026 campaign, with analytical results still pending for 18 completed holes.

“The results from these step-out drillholes, including our best grade x width results south of the discovery area, continues to demonstrate the extension and expansion potential of the upper high-grade REO horizon (Trinity Zone). The growing mineralized footprint and consistency observed from assay results to-date increases confidence in the shallow west-dipping Trinity Zone and ability to deliver a strong inaugural mineral resource estimate in Q1/2027. With a significant number of assays still pending and drilling ongoing, the Company is well positioned to build upon the early successes from our 2026 drill campaign.”

— Sean Charland, CEO

Nearby developer NioCorp Developments Ltd. reported a feasibility study for its Elk Creek project within the surrounding district in August 2026, outlining a 40-year mine life and an estimated $4.1 billion pre-tax NPV.

Read the full announcement: Apex Drills 4.48% REO Over 8.0 m and 5.27% REO Over 10.2 m Within Multiple ~ 150 m Intervals of > 2.00 % REO at the Rift Rare Earth Project in SE Nebraska