Apex Critical completes six drill holes at Rift

Executive Summary

• Apex Critical Metals Corp. provided a progress update on the Phase I drill program at its 100%-controlled Rift rare earth project in Nebraska, USA.
• Over 50% of the planned Phase I metreage has been completed, with 5,175 metres drilled across six completed and two in-progress holes.
• Drilling has consistently intersected the targeted carbonatite host lithology, supporting the current geological model, with assay results from the first sample shipments expected in Q2 2026.

Key Details

• Drill Progress & Scope: 6 holes completed, 2 in progress; total of 5,175 metres drilled to date, representing over 50% of the originally planned Phase I metreage.
• Geological Intersections: Drilling consistently intersected the targeted carbonatite host lithology across significant intervals, validating the current geological model and interpretations.
• Sampling & Analysis: Drill core is being systematically logged and sampled; portable XRF analysis completed during logging for lithological characterization. Two sample shipments submitted to Activation Laboratories for geochemical analysis.
• Structural Surveys: Select drill holes are undergoing optical and acoustic televiewer surveys conducted by DGI Geoscience to provide detailed structural data for mineralization interpretation.
• Target Area & Modeling: Current drilling focuses on a high-priority area encompassing approximately 850 metres of north-south strike length in the southeastern portion of the project, guided by an integrated dataset (historical drilling, surface geochemistry, geophysical surveys) incorporated into a modern 3-D geological model.
• Timeline: Phase 1 program expected to conclude in April. Company will compile and interpret results to guide future exploration. Assay results anticipated throughout Q2 2026.
• Material Caution: Management notes that interception of carbonatite is not necessarily indicative of mineralization; assay results are required to confirm presence, grade, and significance.
• Qualified Person: Nathan Schmidt, PGeo, of Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd., reviewed and approved the technical content per NI 43-101.
• Historical Context: The Elk Creek carbonatite complex has a history of broad, high-grade REE mineralization, including historical intercepts of 155.5 metres at 2.70% REO and 68.2 metres at 3.32% REO.

Notable Quotes

• Sean Charland, CEO: "With drilling now well past the halfway point of our phase 1 program at the Rift project, we are encouraged by the consistency with which the drill holes are intersecting the targeted carbonatite host unit. The program continues to provide valuable geological information that is helping refine our understanding of the scale and structural controls of mineralization at Rift. We look forward to reporting assay results throughout Q2 2026 as we take aim at defining a new domestic rare earth deposit next to Niocorp in the Elk Creek carbonatite complex in Nebraska."