Why the Billion Dollar Rare Earth Elements (REE) Market is Projected for Substantial Expansion in Coming Years

Executive Summary

• Apex Critical Metals Corp. acquired ~2,784 acres of highly prospective rare earth element (REE) mineral rights in the Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex, Nebraska (“Rift Project”).
• Historical drill data reveal significant REE intercepts, including 155.5 m @ 2.70 % TREO (54.9 m @ 3.30 % TREO) and 236.2 m @ 2.10 % TREO (68.2 m @ 3.32 % TREO).
• The company plans an inaugural Q4‑2025 exploration program, leveraging private‑land ownership for a streamlined permitting path.

Key Details

• Acquisition Scope: Exploration rights and purchase options covering ~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 (including 54.9 m @ 3.30 % TREO), starting at 149.4 m depth.
• Hole NEC11‑004 – 236.19 m @ 2.10 % TREO (including 68.2 m @ 3.32 % TREO).
• Additional Data: Of ~106 historic drill holes by Molycorp (1973‑1986), at least 19 lie within the Rift Project area; Quantum Rare Earth data (2011) cite ten assays >4.0 % TREO over a 68.2‑m interval.
• Jurisdiction Advantage: Nebraska’s private land ownership enables a more efficient permitting process compared with many other REE jurisdictions.
• Exploration Plans: Apex is compiling all historic data and targeting an inaugural Q4‑2025 drilling campaign to test the underexplored extensions of known mineralization.
• Strategic Positioning: The Rift Project now represents Apex’s largest land position in the Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex, surpassing NioCorp’s ~1,397 acre holding.

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, Apex Critical Metals Corp.