Apex Critical Metals Included in Newly Launched Sprott Rare Earths ETF

The most recent news release dated April 17, 2026, announces that Apex Critical Metals has been included in the newly launched Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China ETF. This inclusion places Apex alongside major industry players such as Lynas Rare Earths Ltd., MP Materials Corp., and NioCorp Developments Ltd. The release highlights the status of two key projects: * Rift Rare Earth Project (Nebraska): Two drills are active, with additional assays pending. Historical intercepts cited include 155.5 m at 2.70% REO and 68.2 m at 3.32% REO. * Cap Project (British Columbia): Confirmed niobium discovery in the 2025 drill program with 0.59% Nb₂O₅ over 36 metres, including a high-grade interval of 1.08% Nb₂O₅ over 10 metres.

This news follows immediately after the April 7, 2026 release which reported strong drilling results at Rift (81.6 m @ 2.02% REO). The ETF inclusion serves as a validation of Apex's position within the Western rare earth supply chain narrative, specifically focusing on non-Chinese sources.

While the Sprott ETF inclusion is positive for liquidity and institutional visibility, it does not constitute new geological data or resource definition. In the context of the April 7 drilling results (rated Material - Positive), this news acts as a follow-up endorsement rather than a fundamental catalyst. The market's reaction to previous positive news has been muted; despite strong assay results in early April and financing in October, the stock price has declined significantly from its October peak ($4.90) to current levels (~$2.10). This suggests that investors are pricing in execution risk or dilution concerns rather than rewarding exploration success immediately. The ETF inclusion is likely priced into the current valuation given the sector momentum and prior drilling announcements. It provides a floor for liquidity but does not materially alter the company's operational status compared to the assay results released one week prior.

• Flagship Project: Rift Rare Earth Project (Nebraska, USA). Located in the Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex adjacent to NioCorp Developments Ltd. Focus is on Light Rare Earth Elements (LREE) including Neodymium and Praseodymium.
• Secondary Projects: Cap Critical Minerals Project (British Columbia, Canada) focusing on Niobium and REE; Lac Le Moyne Project (Quebec) with carbonatite discovery.
• Development Stage: Exploration/Drilling Phase. Phase I drilling at Rift is underway (April 2026). Phase II targeting resource estimate by H2 2026.
• Jurisdiction: US and Canada offer favorable mining jurisdictions compared to China, aligning with Western supply chain security initiatives.