Apex Critical Metals adds second drill rig to Rift

Executive Summary

• Apex Critical Metals has fully mobilized its Phase I drill program at the Rift Rare Earth Project in Nebraska, now operating two active drill rigs to expand and confirm historical REE mineralization.
• Drill hole RIFT26-002 intersected carbonatite over a ~330-metre interval starting at 178 metres downhole, successfully extending historical mineralization southward and constraining the carbonatite body's geometry.
• RIFT26-001A has reached 110 metres with carbonatite anticipated imminently at ~175 metres, while RIFT26-003 has commenced to test strike extensions north and south; core processing is underway with initial samples prioritized for submission in the coming weeks.

Key Details

• Drill Rig Mobilization: Two drill rigs now active at the 100%-controlled Rift project within the Elk Creek carbonatite complex, southeastern Nebraska.
• Hole RIFT26-002: Collared ~100 metres south of historical hole NEC11-004; intersected carbonatite over an ~330-metre interval starting at 178 metres downhole, extending through the interpreted mineralized zone. Designed to extend historical mineralization along strike south and constrain orientation/geometry.
• Hole RIFT26-001A: Reached 110 m depth with a target depth of 600 m. Carbonatite not yet intersected but anticipated imminently at ~175 m downhole.
• Hole RIFT26-003: Commenced; additional pad preparation underway to support stepout drilling testing mineralization extent along strike north and south.
• Core Processing: First batch of samples expected to be prioritized for submission within the coming weeks.
• Program Scope & Targeting: Phase I targets an ~850-metre north-south strike length in the southeastern project area. Targeting guided by integrated historical drilling, surface geochemistry, and geophysical surveys incorporated into a modern 3D geological model.
• Program Objective: Confirm and expand upon significant historical REE mineralization while systematically testing continuity along strike and at depth to materially advance understanding of the carbonatite system.
• Technical Caution: Interception of carbonatite is not necessarily indicative of mineralization; assay results are required to confirm presence, grade, and significance.
• Qualified Person: Nathan Schmidt, PGeo, Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd., reviewed and approved technical content under NI 43-101.

Notable Quotes

• Sean Charland, CEO: "With two drill rigs now active on site, phase I drilling at Rift is well under way and represents an important step toward better defining the scale and continuity of mineralization within our phase I priority target area at Rift. The program is designed to build on historical results, and we look forward to continuing to expand our understanding of the extent and continuity of the impressive historical mineralized intercepts as the season progresses."