Apex Widens and Extends Newly Discovered Zone with Significant NdPr Enrichment (>30%)
Apex Widens and Extends Newly Discovered Zone with Significant
NdPr Enrichment (>30%)
Highlights:
• Significant expansion of the newly discovered very highly-enriched NdPr Horizon
(herein termed “ Neo Zone ”) at the bottom of hole RIFT 26-003 with intercepts
including:
o 13.5 m at 1.08% REO (31.7% NdPr)
o 17.2 m at 0.89% REO (39.4% NdPr)
o 22.7 m at 0.79% REO (32.8% NdPr) incl. 10.9 m at 0.99% REO (30.1% NdPr)
o 10.5 m at 0.91% REO (35.2% NdPr)
o 4.7 m at 0.71% REO (51.6% NdPr)
o 4.2 m at 1.31% REO (33.0% NdPr) highlighting potential for significantly higher
REO grades at higher NdPr distributions.
• NdPr represents the highest value component in most rare earth deposits due to its
critical use in high-strength permanent magnets.
• NdPr distributions of 30–50% at appreciable REO grade in RIFT26-003 are significantly
higher than the 14–20% typical of carbonatite-hosted REE deposits globally.
o For example, NdPr enrichment reported on herein is consistently more than
double that of the only operating rare earth mine in North America (MP
Materials’ Mountain Pass), which reports an NdPr ratio of 16.4% (3)
• NdPr enrichment has now been confirmed over >120 m strike length between RIFT-
003 and RIFT-002 (10.0 m at 0.75% REO and 49.0% NdPr – See News Release Dated
April 7, 2026). The Neo Zone mineralization remains open in all directions.
o RIFT-003 also intersected a very high-grade zone higher up in the hole (80.0 m at
2.29% REO including 23.7 m at 4.02% REO ) with more typical NdPr
distributions (See News Release Dated April 28, 2026).
Sean Charland, CEO of Apex Critical Metals, commented: “These results are a major step forward
for the project, demonstrating NdPr content over significant intervals and strike far greater than
that of typical carbonatites. Results to -date define two seemingly distinct mineralized horizons
with a high-grade shallower rare earth oxide zone and a second horizon with exceptional NdPr
enrichment, both of which remain wide open for expansion. Results continue to exceed
expectations and point towards the potential for a high-value rare earth discovery at a time when
demand for critical magnet metals continues to grow. With the addition of four new drill holes and
drilling ongoing, we are well -positioned to continue expanding and defining the extent and
strength of this system.”
Vancouver, British Columbia – May 6, 2026 – Apex Critical Metals Corp. (CSE: APXC |
OTCQX: APXCF | FWB: KL9) (“Apex” or the “Company”) , a mineral exploration company
focused on advancing its strategic 100%-controlled Rift Rare Earth Project within the Elk Creek
Carbonatite Complex in southeastern Nebraska, U.S.A., is pleased to report the remaining assay
results from RIFT26-003. These results from drill hole RIFT26-003 represent assays from 390.0
m to end of hole depth at 871.8 m.
Assay results to date define two seemingly distinct mineralized horizons:
• A high-grade REO zone proximal to the unconformity as evidenced by historical
drilling (68.2 m at 3.32 % REO in NEC11-004) and current drilling ( 23.7 m at 4.02%
REO in RIFT26-003), within a significantly larger mineralized envelope grading >2%
REO; and
• A lower highly enriched Neodymium and Praseodymium (NdPr) discovery (Neo
Zone) as evidenced in current drilling (see highlights above, Table 1 and Figure 2).
Fifteen (15) drill holes completed for approximately 9,817.48 m with assays pending for twelve
(12) holes (7,525 m); visual REO mineralization has been confirmed in all completed holes.
WATCH NOW - https://youtu.be/GA1vWAFKa9U. EVP Joness Lang and Darren L. Smith, Co-
Chair of the Technical Committee, discuss the significance of the newly discovered NdPr-enriched
zone and the latest assay results from the Rift Project.
Key Observations and Takeaways
Assay results from the lower portion of RIFT26 -003 confirm and significantly expand on the
NdPr-enriched horizon (Neo Zone) at depth. There is a significant increase in apparent width of
the Neo Zone previously encountered in RIFT26-002 (10.0 m at 0.75% REO and 49.0% NdPr, See
News Release Dated April 7, 2026). Mineralization in the lower portion of RIFT26- 003 includes
distinct intervals of 13.5 m at 1.08% REO (31.7% NdPr) and 17.2 m at 0.89% REO (39.4%
NdPr), with enrichment continuing deeper in the drill hole with 22.7 m at 0.79% REO
(32.8% NdPr), including 10.9 m at 0.99% REO (30.1% NdPr). Multiple additional intervals of
elevated NdPr distribution and appreciable REO grade s are distributed throughout the lower
approximately 390 m of the drill hole , underscoring the vertical extent and potential scale of the
NdPr enrichment (Table 1, Figure 2).
The results represent a material expansion in the apparent scale of the N eo Zone and
establishes a minimum 120 m of along-strike continuity from north to south.
Figure 1. 2026 Phase I drill plan at the Rift Project showing the location and assay results of
drill hole RIFT26-003 (reported herein), along with active, completed and historical drill hole
locations.
Table 1: RIFT26-003 Assay Summary
Results from RIFT26-002 and RIFT26-003 together define a consistent two-horizon mineralizing
system at Rift: a high -grade shallower REO zone associated with hematite alteration below the
unconformity, overlying a broader NdPr-enriched interval at depth. The Neo Zone (NdPr enriched
horizon) has now been confirmed in two drill hole s ~120 m apart, both drilled at identical
orientation (Az 080°, -60°), suggesting lateral continuity in the mineralized system, which remains
open in all directions . Apparent thickness varies between the two drill hole s, with a notable
expansion to the south in RIFT26 -003 relative to RIFT26 -002: however, the consistent position
downhole in relation to the upper high- grade zone supports direct comparison of the mineralized
intervals and strengthens confidence in the zone correlation (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Cross-sectional view of drill hole RIFT26-003 & RIFT26-002 REO grades, and NdPr
distributions between drill holes.
Table 2: RIFT26-003 Location and Attritbutes
Hole ID Depth
(m)
Azimuth(b)
(°)
Dip(b)
(°) Easting (a) Northing
(a) Elevation
RIFT26-003 872 080 -60 742074.72 4460589.13 331.15
(a) Coordinates are presented in NAD83 UTMZ14 (b) Azimuth and Dip are planned and vary downhole
Image 1. Samples RIFT003-688 & RIFT003-689 showing REO mineralization interval from 636-
638 m. RIFT003-688 contains 1.26 % REO at 29.0% NdPr and RIFT003-689 contains 1.51 %
REO at 29.0% NdPr
Importance of NdPr Distribution
NdPr, Neodymium and Praseodymium, are the magnet-feed rare earth elements: the critical inputs
to neodymium -iron-boron (NdFeB) permanent magnets used in current and emerging
technologies. In rare earth deposits, NdPr distribution, which equals the fraction of the total REO
comprised of these elements, is a key indicator of value, as NdPr commands significantly higher
price than the more abundant cerium and lanthanum that dominate most carbonatite -hosted
deposits. NdPr distributions in carbonatite rare earth projects globally typically range from 14–
20%. Rift's intersections of 33–36% NdPr are approximately double those of Mountain Pass
(16.4% NdPr(3); 2024 S-K 1300 TRS Update), the only operating rare earth mine in North America.
When the distribution of NdPr is enriched, there is proportionally less lower -value cerium and
lanthanum present, reflecting a more valuable mix of rare earth elements relative to typical
carbonatite-hosted systems, which is favourable as the Rift Project advances towards definition of
a mineral resource.
Next Steps
The Company has completed additional drill holes designed to further test the extent of
mineralization along strike and at depth with assay results pending. Ongoing refinement of the 3D
geological model, including integration of assay results as re ceived, will support improved
understanding of the mineralized system and help prioritize future drill targeting. The Company is
currently planning to undertake mineralogical testing to identify the key minerals that comprise
the high grade REO and the elevated NdPr values. Based on initial assay results to date and
ongoing visual observations from other completed drill holes , the Company has expanded the
scope of Phase I drilling.
Quality Assurance / Quality Control
All drilling was completed using one truck and one track mounted diamond drill rigs with HQ size
core and all drill core samples have been or will be shipped to Activation Laboratories Ltd.
(Actlabs) preparation facility in Ancaster, Ontario, for standard sample preparation (code RX1)
which includes drying, crush (< 7 kg) up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g) and pulverize
(mild steel) to 95% passing 105 µm. The samples were subsequently analyzed using Code 8 by
XRF Nb₂O₅, ZrO2 and Ta2O5 (0.003%), Code 8 - REE Assay (lithium metaborate/tetraborate fusion
with subsequent analysis by ICP and ICP/MS). Drill core was saw -cut with half -core sent for
geochemical analysis and half-core remaining in the box onsite.
A Quality Assurance/Quality Control protocol was incorporated into the program and included the
insertion of certified reference material and silica blanks at a rate of approximately 5% and 5%,
respectively. Additional analysis of pulp- split and reject -split sample duplicates was also
completed at a rate of approximately 5% and 2.5%, respectively, to assess analytical precision at
different stages. Actlabs Canada is independent of the Company.
Management cautions the NdPr distribution values reported herein are derived from drill core
assay results only. No mineral resource or mineral reserve has been defined at the Rift Project, and
there is no certainty that continued exploration will result in the delineation of a mineral resource.
The significance of the NdPr enrichment intervals described herein cannot be fully determined
until sufficient work has been completed to support a resource estimate prepared in accordance
with NI 43-101.
(1) REO (Rare Earth Oxide) is defined as the sum of Ce2O3, La2O3, Pr2O3, Nd2O3, Eu2O3, Sm2O3, Gd2O3,
Tb2O3, Dy2O3, Ho2O3, Er2O3, Tm2O3, Yb2O3, Lu2O3, and Y2O3.
(2) NdPr distribution calculated as (Nd2O3 + Pr2O3) / REO x 100
(3) Pr6O11 4.3% + Nd2O3 12.1% of TREO; MP Materials Corp., Mountain Pass S-K 1300 TRS, SRK
Consulting, effective September 30, 2024
Qualified Person
The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Nathan Schmidt, P.
Geo., a Qualified Person under NI 43- 101 on standards of disclosure for mineral projects. Mr.
Schmidt is a Geologist with Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd., the consulting firm engaged by
Apex Critical Metals Corp. to conduct and oversee all of the Company’s exploration work,
including the 2026 drill program.
Mr. Schmidt has verified all scientific and technical data disclosed in this news release including
the sampling and QA/QC results, and certified analytical data underlying the technical information
disclosed. Mr. Schmidt noted no errors or omissions during the data verification process. The
Company and Mr. Schmidt do not recognize any factors of sampling or recovery that could
materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the assay data disclosed in this news release.
About Apex Critical Metals Corp. (CSE: APXC) (OTCQX: APXCF) (FWB: KL9)
Apex Critical Metals Corp. is a Canadian exploration company focused on advancing rare earth
element (REE) and niobium projects that support the growing demand for critical and strategic
metals across the United States and Canada. The Company’s flagship Rift Project, located within
the highly prospective Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex in Nebraska, U.S.A., hosts extensive
rare earth rights surrounding one of North America’s most advanced niobium -REE deposits.
Historical drilling across the complex has reporte d broad intervals of high- grade REE
mineralization, including intercepts such as 155.5 m of 2.70% REO and 68.2 m of 3.32% REO.
Phase I step out drill hole s at Rift have expanded the footprint of the high- grade mineralization
over approximately 275.0 m from the historical drill holes with 23.7 m of 4.02% REO and
multiple broad intervals of >2.00% REO. Additionally, Phase I drilling has delineated a new
zone of strongly elevated NdPr beneath the high- grade material that extend s for approximately
390 m with 13.5 m of 1.08% REO at 31.7 % NdPr and 10.9m of 0.99% REO and 30.1 %
NdPr within a broader zone of 22.7 m of 0.79% REO at 32.8% NdPr.
In Canada, Apex continues to advance its 100% -owned Cap Project , located 85 kilometres
northeast of Prince George, British Columbia. The 2025 drill program confirmed a significant
niobium discovery with 0.59% Nb₂O₅ over 36 metres, including 1.08% Nb₂O₅ over 10 metres,
within a 1.8- kilometre-long niobium trend. The Cap Project continues to demonstrate strong
potential for niobium mineralization within a large and previously unrecognized carbonatite
system.
With a growing portfolio of critical mineral projects in both Canada and the United States, Apex
Critical Metals is strategically positioned to help strengthen domestic supply chains for the
minerals essential to advanced technologies, clean energy, and national security. Apex is publicly
listed in Canada on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) under the symbol APXC and quoted
on the OTCQX market in the United States under the symbol APXCF, and in Germany on the
Borse Frankfurt under the symbol KL9 and/or WKN: A40CCQ. Find out more
at www.apexcriticalmetals.com and watch our videos at https://apexcriticalmetals.com/apex-
critical-metals-corporate-video/ and make sure to stay in touch by signing up for free news alerts
at https://apexcriticalmetals.com/news/news-alerts/, or by following us on X (formerly
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On Behalf of the Board of Directors
APEX CRITICAL METALS CORP.,
Sean Charland
Chief Executive Officer
Tel: 604.681.1568
Email: [email protected]