Apex Summarizes Progress to-date and 2026 Outlook at the Rift Rare Earth Project

Executive Summary

• Apex Critical Metals provided a comprehensive year‑end review of 2025 activities at the Rift Rare Earth Project and outlined a detailed Phase I drilling plan for 2026 (≈8,000 m across 10–15 holes).
• The company secured additional land to 3,500 acres, obtained required state drill permits, completed re‑logging/re‑assaying of historic core, and engaged Boart Longyear as the drill contractor.
• Outlook includes completion of a NI 43‑101 technical report, downhole surveys, assay results from Phase I (Q1‑Q2 2026), and a Phase II program targeting a mineral resource estimate by H2 2026.

Key Details

• Land Position: Expanded Rift Project holdings to 3,500 acres (including key historical REE intersections).
• Technical Work Completed 2025:
• Re‑logging and re‑assaying of preserved drill core in partnership with University of Nebraska‑Lincoln.
• Updated 3D geological model incorporating historic data.
• Permitting & Contractor: Received drill permit from Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment; contracted Boart Longyear for Phase I drilling.
• Phase I Drill Program (2026):
• Target ≈8,000 m of core across 10–15 holes, depths 600‑900 m.
• Objectives: validate historic high‑grade REE intervals (e.g., 155.5 m @ 2.70 % REO) and conduct step‑out drilling within the geophysical anomaly.
• Upcoming Milestones (2026):
• Completion of NI 43‑101 technical report.
• Downhole optical & acoustic televiewer surveys on select holes.
• Geochemical/mineralogical sampling and assay analysis from Phase I (Q1‑Q2).
• Updated 3D model integrating new data.
• Refinement of niobium and REE targets across the project area.
• Phase II Outlook: Planned for H2 2026, aimed at advancing toward an inaugural mineral resource estimate.
• Other Projects Mentioned: Cap Project in BC – 2025 drill program intersected 0.59 % Nb₂O₅ over 36 m (including 1.08 % Nb₂O₅ over 10 m).

Notable Quotes

“The past year has been transformational for Apex and we are in an outstanding position to continue that momentum as we prepare to initiate our first phase of drilling at our flagship Rift Rare Earth Project.” – Sean Charland, CEO

Materiality Assessment: Material – Positive** (the release details significant operational progress, upcoming drilling program, and forward‑looking milestones that could materially affect the company’s valuation).