Apex Critical Metals Stock: Surprising Growth Leaps in 2026!

• Why Is Apex Critical Metals’ Stock Surging?
• What’s the Scope of the Upcoming Drilling Program?
• How Does This Project Compare to Other Rare Earth Ventures?
• What Are the Key Risks and Catalysts Ahead?
• How Are Investors Positioning for the Next Move?
• What’s the Long-Term Vision for Apex?
• FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Apex Critical Metals is making waves with its rare earth metals project in Nebraska. After securing exploration permits and contracting Boart Longyear for an 8,000-meter drilling program, the company is transitioning from planning to active exploration. The stock has surged 79% in a month, reflecting investor optimism. With drilling set to begin by January 2026, the market eagerly awaits results from the Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex. Here’s why this could be a pivotal year for Apex.

Why Is Apex Critical Metals’ Stock Surging?

The stock has skyrocketed 229% year-to-date, now trading at €2.10—well above its 200-day average. The catalyst? A clear timeline for drilling at the Rift Rare Earth Project. Investors love tangible progress, and Apex delivered: permits secured on January 5, 2026, and a drilling contract signed by January 12. The market sees this as de-risking the project, hence the bullish momentum. Data from TradingView shows the stock’s RSI hitting 70, signaling strong buying pressure.

What’s the Scope of the Upcoming Drilling Program?

Apex plans 8,000 meters of diamond drilling across 10–15 holes, targeting high-grade rare earth elements (REEs) in Nebraska’s Elk Creek Carbonatite Complex. Boart Longyear, fresh off work at the nearby Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project, brings regional expertise to streamline logistics. Drilling starts by late January 2026—a rapid turnaround that underscores management’s efficiency. Historical data suggests the area hosts niobium and REEs, but modern verification could redefine its potential.

How Does This Project Compare to Other Rare Earth Ventures?

Unlike greenfield projects, Apex benefits from adjacent proven deposits. The Elk Creek Complex has historical grades of 2–4% total rare earth oxides (TREO), per Dahrouge Geological Consulting. If Apex replicates or expands these intervals, it could join peers like MP Materials in supplying critical minerals for tech and defense sectors. The U.S. government’s push for domestic REE sourcing adds geopolitical tailwinds.

What Are the Key Risks and Catalysts Ahead?

Risks include drilling delays or underwhelming assays, but the near-term catalyst is first-phase results expected by Q2 2026. CEO Sean Charland’s emphasis on “rapid advancement” suggests a data-driven timeline. Meanwhile, the 200-day moving average (€1.45) now acts as support—a technical sweet spot for traders. As one BTCC analyst noted, “Execution is everything in exploration; Apex is checking boxes so far.”

How Are Investors Positioning for the Next Move?

Options volume hints at bullish bets, with January 2026 €2.50 calls seeing heavy activity. Institutional holdings ROSE 12% last quarter, per Bloomberg data. Retail traders on platforms like BTCC are also piling in, drawn by the rare earth narrative and clean energy hype. Remember, though: This article does not constitute investment advice. Always DYOR (do your own research).

What’s the Long-Term Vision for Apex?

Beyond drilling, Apex aims to establish a U.S.-centric REE supply chain—a strategic play amid China’s export curbs. The company’s partnership with Dahrouge and Boart Longyear signals a focus on scalable, low-cost exploration. If successful, Nebraska could become a hub for critical minerals, mirroring Australia’s success in lithium.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

When does Apex Critical Metals start drilling?

Drilling begins by late January 2026, per the company’s January 12 announcement.

Why choose Boart Longyear as the drilling contractor?

Boart recently worked nearby at Elk Creek, offering regional expertise to reduce operational risks.

How has the stock performed recently?

Up 79% in a month and 229% YTD, now trading at €2.10 (TradingView data).