Global Rare Earth Elements Market Size Projected to Reach $8.14 Billion By 2032 with a Significant Increase in Demand Expected

Executive Summary

• Apex Critical Metals Corp. acquired ~2,784 acres of mineral rights (“Rift Project”) in the Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex, Nebraska – the largest contiguous position in the district.
• Historical drill data show high‑grade REE intercepts: 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, leveraging the favorable private‑land jurisdiction to advance U.S. critical minerals development.

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 (54.9 m @ 3.30 % TREO), starting at 149.4 m depth.
• Hole NEC11‑004: 236.19 m @ 2.10 % TREO (68.2 m @ 3.32 % TREO).
• Additional Historical Context – ~106 historic drill holes by Molycorp (1973‑1986) totalling ~46,797 m; at least 19 intersect the Rift Project area. Quantum Rare Earth (2011) reported ten assays >4.0 % TREO within the NEC11‑004 zone.
• Strategic Position – Apex’s land package now represents the largest contiguous position in the Elk Creek district, complementing NioCorp’s ~1,397 acre holding.
• Jurisdictional Advantage – Private‑land ownership in Nebraska facilitates a streamlined permitting pathway for U.S. critical mineral projects.
• Planned Activities – Apex is compiling historic data and targeting an inaugural Q4‑2025 exploration program that will include new drilling to test the underexplored extensions.
• Management Quote – CEO Sean Charland: “This acquisition positions Apex at the forefront of U.S. critical minerals exploration… we’re eager to advance exploration on these underexplored extensions to unlock their full REE potential.”

Notable Quotes

“This acquisition positions Apex at the forefront of U.S. critical minerals exploration and development, particularly in rare earths, which are vital for advanced technologies, renewable energy, and US National Security,” – Sean Charland, CEO, Apex Critical Metals Corp.