Apex Critical Metals Acquires Mineral Rights within Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex, Nebraska
[Click image to enlarge]
Apex Critical Metals released an update regarding the acquisition of certain mineral rights within the Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex in southeastern Nebraska.
The Rift Project includes exploration rights and purchase options for approximately 2,784 acres, flanking NioCorp to the east and west within the Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex. The company’s property position is considered highly prospective for rare earth element (REE) mineralization based on extensive historical exploration data.
“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 U.S. National Security,” said Sean Charland, CEO of Apex Critical Metals.
“The Elk Creek area has long been recognized for its geological promise, and we’re eager to advance exploration on these underexplored extensions to unlock their full REE potential. Coupled with a favorable jurisdiction and the exploration expertise of Dahrouge Geological, which has multiple globally significant critical metals discoveries to their credit, the Company is primed for further discovery,” added Charland.
Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project have been largely underexplored in recent decades. The acquired Rift Project includes areas with documented high-grade REE intercepts from historical drilling.
This move aligns with surging U.S. investments in domestic REE production. Recent developments include the Department of Defense’s $400 million equity stake in MP Materials’ Mountain Pass mine and Apple’s $500 million multi-year supply agreement with the same producer. According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s 2025 Mineral Commodity Summaries, the U.S. remains 100 percent import-dependent for several critical minerals, including rare earths, with domestic consumption at approximately 8,800 metric tons of rare earth oxides equivalent in 2024.
The company’s entry into the Elk Creek area supports efforts to diversify and secure North American REE supplies amid global supply chain vulnerabilities, including China’s recent extensions of production quotas on imported concentrates.
The company is in the process of modelling all historical information for targeted drilling in the coming months to confirm and expand upon the historical REE findings, with a focus on the EC-93 area and potential extensions.
Apex Critical Metals is a Canadian exploration company specializing in the acquisition and development of properties prospective for carbonatites and alkaline rocks with potential to host economic concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs), niobium, gold and copper mineralization. By acquiring a multitude of carbonatite projects, Apex intends to investigate potential high-value opportunities to meet the growing global demand of specialty metals across various industries.
Be in-the-know when you’re on-the-go!
FREE eNews delivery service to your email twice-weekly. With a focus on lead-driven news, our news service will help you develop new business contacts on an on-going basis.
CLICK HERE to register your email address.
Copyright © 2025 Mining Connection LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
For licensing permission, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
