Apex Critical Metals Acquires Key REE Rights at Highly Prospective Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex, Nebraska

Executive Summary

• Apex Critical Metals acquired ~2,784 acres of mineral rights (Rift Project) in the Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex, Nebraska, expanding its position to the largest landholding in the district.
• Historical drill holes within the newly acquired area returned significant REE intercepts, e.g., 155.5 m @ 2.70 % TREO (including 54.9 m @ 3.30 % TREO) and 236.2 m @ 2.10 % TREO (including 68.2 m @ 3.32 % TREO).
• The company plans an inaugural Q4‑2025 exploration program, including drilling to verify and extend these historic high‑grade zones.

Key Details

• Acquisition Scope: Exploration rights and purchase options for ~2,784 acres (~1,127 ha) flanking NioCorp’s holdings within the Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex.
• Historical Drill Highlights:
• Hole EC‑93 – 155.5 m @ 2.70 % TREO (starting at 149.4 m depth); includes 54.9 m @ 3.30 % TREO, 18.3 m @ 3.94 % TREO and a peak of 3.0 m @ 5.37 % TREO.
• Hole NEC11‑004 – 236.2 m @ 2.10 % TREO; includes 68.2 m @ 3.32 % TREO, with ten individual assays >4.0 % TREO (average width 1.37 m).
• Historical Work: Approximately 106 drill holes (≈46,800 m) by Molycorp (1973‑1986); at least 19 intersect the Rift Project area. Additional five holes drilled by Quantum Rare Earth Development Corp. in 2011.
• Geological Context: REE mineralization hosted in barite‑beforsite lithology; primary minerals monazite and bastnasite; situated within carbonatite intrusions under ~190–200 m of Pennsylvanian sediments, no surface outcrops.
• Future Plans: Modeling of historic data underway; targeted drilling slated for Q4‑2025 focusing on EC‑93 zone and potential extensions.
• Strategic Rationale: Enhances U.S. REE supply chain independence; aligns with growing domestic demand and recent government/private sector investments in U.S. rare earth production.
• Qualified Person Review: Nathan Schmidt, P.Geo., Senior Geologist, Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd., reviewed technical content under NI 43‑101.

Notable Quotes

“This acquisition positions Apex at the forefront of U.S. critical minerals exploration and development… we’re eager to advance exploration on these underexplored extensions to unlock their full REE potential.” – Sean Charland, CEO

All forward‑looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties detailed in the release.