Apex Completes 2025 Re-Logging and Re-Sampling Program of Preserved Historical Drill Core at The Rift Rare Earth Project, Elk Creek, Nebraska

Rhea-AI Summary

Apex Critical Metals (OTCQB:APXCF) completed a 2025 re-logging and re-sampling program of preserved historical drill core from the Rift Rare Earth Project near Elk Creek, Nebraska.

The program re-logged prioritized Molycorp drillholes, documented lithologies and mineralized intervals, photographed core, and submitted samples to Actlabs for Fusion ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and XRF. Initial data review and modelling are underway and assay results are expected in Q1-2026. Apex says modern data will refine geological models and support 2026 drill targeting.

The company extended an investor relations agreement with Rumble Strip Media for a three-month term commencing December 5, 2025, with total consideration of CAD$1,000,000 (CAD$250,000 upfront). Apex also granted 75,000 stock options at $2.50 and 25,000 RSUs to a consultant.

Positive

• Assays due Q1-2026 to inform targeting
• Access to preserved Molycorp core enables modern re-evaluation
• Multi-method assays (Fusion ICP-MS, ICP-OES, XRF) submitted

Negative

• CAD$1,000,000 investor relations fee payable to Rumble Strip
• Historical Molycorp results are non-compliant with NI 43-101 and not current resources

News Market Reaction – APXCF

-7.14%

1 alert

-7.14% News Effect

On the day this news was published, APXCF declined 7.14%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

IR agreement value: CAD$1,000,000 IR upfront payment: CAD$250,000 Stock options granted: 75,000 options +5 more

8 metrics

IR agreement value CAD$1,000,000 Total consideration to Rumble Strip Media for 3‑month term

IR upfront payment CAD$250,000 Upfront cash portion to Rumble under IR extension

Stock options granted 75,000 options Incentive stock options to a consultant under Equity Incentive Plan

Option exercise price $2.50 per Share Exercise price for options expiring December 5, 2027

Option term 4 years Options exercisable for four years from date of grant

RSUs granted 25,000 RSUs Restricted share units granted with 6‑month vesting

Vesting period 6 months Vesting period for Options and RSUs from grant date

Hold period 4 months and 1 day Statutory hold on Options and underlying Shares

Market Reality Check

Price: $1.50 Vol: Volume 33,985 is below 20...

normal vol

$1.50 Last Close

Volume Volume 33,985 is below 20-day average 46,686 (relative volume 0.73x). normal

Technical Price $1.474 is trading above the 200-day MA at $1.06.

Peers on Argus

Peers show mixed moves: AZMTF up 5.88%, while PGEZF and SYHBF are down 7.05% and...

Peers show mixed moves: AZMTF up 5.88%, while PGEZF and SYHBF are down 7.05% and 6.91% respectively, indicating stock-specific rather than broad sector momentum.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Dec 08 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 08	Program completion	Positive	-7.1%	Completion of 2025 Rift core re-logging, IR spend and equity awards.
Nov 24	Program launch	Positive	+2.9%	Launch of extensive 2025 Rift historical core re-analysis program.
Nov 12	Exploration results	Positive	-2.5%	Magnetic anomaly defined at Cap Project with encouraging niobium intercept.
Oct 30	Private placement	Neutral	+0.0%	Completed $10,000,000 non-brokered placement with units and warrants.
Oct 14	Asset acquisition	Positive	+7.7%	Acquisition of additional REE rights, consolidating Elk Creek Rift target area.

Pattern Detected

News-driven reactions have been mixed, with some positive exploration and acquisition updates seeing gains while other constructive technical releases drew negative or flat responses, suggesting inconsistent alignment between operational progress and short-term price moves.

Recent Company History

Over the last few months, Apex reported several exploration and corporate milestones. On Oct 14, 2025, it expanded REE rights at Elk Creek Rift and the stock rose 7.73%. A $10,000,000 private placement on Oct 30, 2025 saw no immediate price move. Technical results from the Cap Project on Nov 12, 2025 and the launch of the 2025 Rift core re-analysis on Nov 24, 2025 drew modestly negative and positive reactions, respectively. Today’s completion update on the same Rift program followed this sequence of de-risking steps and financing.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock moved -7.1% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite operational pr...

Analysis

The stock moved -7.1% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite operational progress would fit prior instances where constructive technical news, such as magnetic survey results, coincided with short-term weakness. The announcement focuses on groundwork rather than immediate resource figures, and includes a CAD$1,000,000 investor relations commitment plus equity-based compensation. Past patterns of divergence suggest that sentiment around funding, dilution risk, or risk appetite could have outweighed the incremental derisking from program completion.

Key Terms

fusion icp-ms, icp-oes, xrf, rare earth elements, +3 more

7 terms

fusion icp-ms technical

"Submission of samples to Actlabs for Fusion ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and XRF analysis"

Fusion ICP‑MS is a lab method that first melts a solid sample into a homogenous liquid using a high‑temperature fusion step, then measures trace elements and metals with an extremely sensitive mass spectrometer. For investors, it matters because it provides reliable, detailed assays of metal content or contaminants in ores, products or environmental samples—think of it as liquefying a rock to count every metal atom—supporting valuation, compliance and resource estimates.

icp-oes technical

"Submission of samples to Actlabs for Fusion ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and XRF analysis"

An ICP-OES is a laboratory technique that measures the amounts of metals and other elements in liquids and solids by turning a sample into a hot, glowing gas and reading the light it gives off — like using a prism to read elemental “fingerprints.” Investors care because those readings determine compliance with safety and environmental rules, verify mineral content in mining reports, and confirm ingredient purity in manufacturing, any of which can affect a company’s costs, legal risk and reported resources.

xrf technical

"Submission of samples to Actlabs for Fusion ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and XRF analysis"

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive lab technique that uses X-rays to identify and measure the elements in a material, like reading the elemental 'fingerprint' of a rock, metal part, or product. Investors care because XRF helps confirm the quality, composition and value of raw materials, ores or manufactured goods quickly and cheaply, which can affect mining grades, production costs, regulatory compliance and the valuation of companies tied to those materials.

rare earth elements medical

"most prospective districts for rare earth elements ("REE") and niobium"

Rare earth elements are a set of 17 chemical metals used to make powerful magnets, batteries, catalysts and many tiny components inside electronics, renewable energy equipment and defense systems. They matter to investors because they are essential inputs for fast‑growing industries, and limited or concentrated supply can drive prices, create production bottlenecks or shift competitive advantage — like a factory running short of a specialized ingredient that halts output and affects profits.

niobium technical

"most prospective districts for rare earth elements ("REE") and niobium"

Niobium is a metallic element used as a small but critical ingredient in alloys and high-performance materials to improve strength, heat resistance and electrical properties. For investors, niobium acts like a specialty ingredient in a recipe: a little goes a long way and its availability and price can significantly affect costs and margins for companies in construction, transport, energy and advanced technology sectors that rely on stronger, lighter or superconducting materials.

restricted share units financial

"the Company announces that is has granted an aggregate of 25,000 restricted share units"

Restricted share units (RSUs) are a promise from a company to give an employee or service provider actual shares or cash equal to the shares after certain conditions are met, typically staying with the company for a set time or hitting performance targets. Think of them like a time-locked gift card that becomes usable only after you’ve earned it. For investors, RSUs matter because they align employee incentives with company performance and can increase the number of shares outstanding over time, diluting existing ownership and affecting earnings per share.

ni 43-101 regulatory

"pre-date NI 43-101, are non-compliant, and are not being treated as current resources"

A Canadian regulatory standard that sets the rules for how mining and exploration companies must report mineral resources and reserves, requiring technical reports prepared or signed off by an independent, certified expert. It matters to investors because it creates a consistent, transparent “inspection report” for mining projects, making it easier to compare prospects, judge the reliability of claims, and assess geological and financial risk before investing.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Modern analytical data to support upcoming interpretation, drill targeting and updated geological modelling

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / December 8, 2025 / Apex Critical Metals Corp. (CSE:APXC)(FSE:KL9)(OTCQB:APXCF) ("Apex" or the "Company"), a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the identification and development of critical and strategic metals, is pleased to announce that it has completed its 2025 re-logging and re-sampling program of preserved historical drill core from the Rift Rare Earth Project, located near Elk Creek, Nebraska, USA.

The program was designed to establish a modern analytical baseline for the Rift carbonatite system by applying today's advanced geochemical and geological methods to drill core originally drilled by Molycorp Inc. during the 1970s and 1980s. A substantial portion of this core was preserved through the Conservation and Survey Division, School of Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, enabling a rare opportunity for modern re-evaluation (see Image 1 below).

Image 1: Apex's geological team evaluating historical drill core (left) and preserved core from EC-93 pictured (right).

The 2025 program included:

• Re-logging of prioritized Molycorp drillholes within Apex's Rift land position

• Modern geological descriptions to verify lithologies, alteration, and mineralized intervals

• Photography of drill core for future referencing

• Selection and collection of samples for multi-element analysis

• Submission of samples to Actlabs for Fusion ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and XRF analysis

• Initial data review and modelling now underway, with assay results expected to be compiled and interpreted during Q1-2026

Apex CEO, Sean Charland, stated: "Completing this program is an important milestone for Apex. Having access to the preserved Molycorp drill core is a unique advantage, and our 2025 re-logging and re-sampling initiative provides the first modern analytical foundation for understanding the scale and grade potential at Rift. This work allows us to accelerate our geological modelling, refine drill targeting, and build toward a more comprehensive evaluation of this significant rare earth and niobium system."

The Rift Project covers a series of carbonatite and related intrusive rocks forming part of the broader Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex, one of North America's most prospective districts for rare earth elements ("REE") and niobium. Historical drilling by Molycorp identified multiple zones of REE- and niobium-bearing carbonatite within Apex's holdings; however, these historical results pre-date NI 43-101, are non-compliant, and are not being treated as current resources. Modern re-logging and assay data will allow Apex to improve geological and structural interpretations, validate and refine historical intervals, support 2026 drill targeting, and progress toward potential future resource modelling after the Company has completed its planned phased drilling during 2026.

With the 2025 program now complete, the Company is compiling and interpreting newly generated analytical data, updating the geological model for the Rift carbonatite system, defining additional priority drill targets for the next phase of exploration, and continuing permitting and operational planning for drilling anticipated to commence in early 2026. A further update will be provided upon completion of data interpretation and integration into the Rift geological framework.

Marketing Update

The Company is also pleased to announce it has extended its investor relations agreement with Rumble Strip Media Inc. ("Rumble") to enhance its investor awareness. Pursuant to the agreement, Rumble will provide certain social media, marketing and consulting services to Apex. In consideration, Apex will pay CAD$1,000,000 to Rumble, with CAD$250,000 to be paid upfront. The extension commences December 5, 2025, for a three-month term ending March 5, 2025. The services to be provided by Rumble constitutes investor relations activities within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. Rumble and its principals are arm's length to the Company and, to the knowledge of the Company, Rumble does not own, control, or direct any securities of the Company.

Stock Options

The Company wishes to announce that it has granted (the "Grant") an aggregate of 75,000 incentive stock options (each, an "Option") to purchase up to 75,000 common shares of the Company (each, a "Share") to a consultant under its Equity Incentive Plan. The Options are exercisable for a period of four (4) years from the date of Grant, expiring on December 5, 2027, at a price of $2.50 per Share. Additionally, the Company announces that is has granted an aggregate of 25,000 restricted share units (each, a "RSU"). The Options and RSU's will vest six (6) months from the date of grant. All Options and the Shares underlying such Options are subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Nathan Schmidt, P. Geo., Geologist for Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd. and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101 on standards of disclosure for mineral projects.

The results discussed in this document are considered historical. An Apex Critical Metals Corp. qualified person has not performed sufficient work or data verification to validate these historical results in accordance with NI 43-101, and therefore results should not be relied upon until such time that the Company has carried out its own sampling, drilling and modern analysis.

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 reported 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.

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 to sign up for free news alerts please go to https://apexcriticalmetals.com/news/news-alerts/, or follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook or LinkedIn.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

APEX CRITICAL METALS CORP.,

Sean Charland
Chief Executive Officer
Tel: 604.681.1568
Email: info@apexcriticalmetals.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

This news release may contain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Forward-looking statements in this news release include (without limitation) statements with respect to anticipated assay results from remaining 2025 drillholes, statements regarding the Company's US-based prospective assets (more particularly described above), including the potential for additional acquisitions and the potential for exploration, and statements regarding the potential for future exploration and drilling to confirm the source of magnetic anomalies. Forward-looking statements are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. Risks that could change or prevent these events, activities or developments from coming to fruition include: the Company's properties are at an early stage of development and no current mineral resources or reserves have been identified by the Company thereof, that we may not be able to fully finance any additional exploration on the Company's properties; that even if we are able to raise capital, costs for exploration activities may increase such that we may not have sufficient funds to pay for such exploration or processing activities; the timing and content of any future work programs; geological interpretations based on drilling that may change with more detailed information; potential process methods and mineral recoveries assumptions based on limited test work and by comparison to what are considered analogous deposits that, with further test work, may not be comparable; testing of our process may not prove successful or samples derived from our properties may not yield positive results, and even if such tests are successful or initial sample results are positive, the economic and other outcomes may not be as expected; the anticipated market demand for REE and other minerals may not be as expected; the availability of labour and equipment to undertake future exploration work and testing activities; geopolitical risks which may result in market and economic instability. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date hereof, and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

SOURCE: Apex Critical Metals Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

FAQ

When will Apex (OTCQB:APXCF) release assay results from the 2025 Rift re-sampling program?

Apex expects to compile and interpret assay results during Q1-2026.

What analyses did Apex (APXCF) submit for the Rift drill core re-sampling?

Samples were submitted to Actlabs for Fusion ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and XRF multi-element analysis.

How does Apex (APXCF) plan to use the 2025 re-logging data for the Rift project?

The data will be used to update geological models, refine drill targeting, and support planned phased drilling in 2026.

What is the cost and term of Apex's extended investor relations agreement announced December 8, 2025?

The extension commences December 5, 2025 for three months to March 5, 2025, with total consideration of CAD$1,000,000 (CAD$250,000 upfront).

What equity incentives did Apex (APXCF) grant related to the announcement?

Apex granted 75,000 incentive stock options at $2.50 exercisable until December 5, 2027, and 25,000 RSUs, vesting in six months.