Apex Critical Metals Fast-Tracks Resource Estimate as Metallurgical Tests Begin at Nebraska Rare Earths Project
04.06.2026 - 17:26:44 | boerse-global.de
The twin challenges of proving grade and processability are converging at Apex Critical Metals’ Rift project, where the Canadian junior has pulled forward its first independent mineral resource estimate to the first quarter of 2027 while simultaneously launching mineralogy and metallurgical test work. The move comes as China tightens its grip on magnet rare earth supply chains, lending extra urgency to any development outside the country.
Drilling has already far exceeded original plans. The company has completed roughly 12,000 metres across 18 holes — 50% more than the 8,000 metres initially budgeted — and intends to push the total to between 22,000 and 25,000 metres by September after closing a C$15 million private placement on June 2. Assay results have been returned for six holes; another twelve are pending. The expanded program includes step-out drilling along strike and at depth, plus targeted infill holes, reflecting the fact that mineralization at both the Trinity Zone and Neo Zone remains open in all directions.
The Neo Zone has caught particular attention because its neodymium-praseodymium enrichment exceeds 30% of total rare earth oxides — a ratio that can significantly improve the economics of downstream permanent magnet production. Apex has now contracted Activation Laboratories for X-ray diffraction analysis and SGS Lakefield for integrated mineral analysis using Tescan technology, both to identify the primary rare-earth-bearing mineral phases and their grain size distributions. Talks with SGS Lakefield about a formal scoping programme for metallurgical testing are under way, with a specific proposal expected in the coming weeks.
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The first six assayed holes have outlined continuous rare earth oxide mineralization over more than 300 metres of strike length and more than 180 metres vertically. A caveat remains: the reported intervals are drill-core lengths, not true thicknesses, which will need to be determined for resource modelling. The company has already begun initial discussions with independent geological consultants for the resource estimate now slated for the first quarter of next year.
Market conditions are giving the project added tailwinds. According to a 2026 analysis by the International Energy Agency, China accounts for 60% of global magnet rare earth production. Chinese export volumes of these elements and finished permanent magnets fell notably in April and May, directly affecting auto manufacturers in the United States and Europe. The U.S. Geological Survey has estimated that China supplied 71% of U.S. rare earth imports between 2021 and 2024.
At the stock level, the narrative has not yet turned. Shares traded at €1.04 on Wednesday, up about 3% on the day but still some 65% below the 52-week high of €3.00 set in October 2025. The relative strength index of 34.4 is hovering near oversold territory. The upcoming batch of assays from twelve holes and the formal launch of metallurgical scoping are the two near-term catalysts most likely to reshape investor sentiment — and determine whether the accelerated exploration timeline can deliver the confidence to support a maiden resource in early 2027.
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