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Locksley Resources Launches High-Impact Drilling Campaign at California's Critical Minerals Hub
The Locksley Resources drilling program in California represents a pivotal moment for the junior explorer as it commences operations at the El Campo Rare Earths Prospect in the Mojave Desert. This comprehensive exploration initiative marks the beginning of what could transform the company's critical minerals portfolio significantly.
Furthermore, the company has strategically structured a sequential drilling approach that will see the diamond drill rig move directly from El Campo to the Desert Antimony Mine (DAM) prospect upon completion. This efficient campaign design ensures continuous exploration news flow through Q1 and Q2 2026, providing investors with regular catalysts and data updates.
Breaking Through Regulatory Hurdles for Dual-Commodity Strategy
Following the end of the recent U.S. government shutdown, Locksley secured final approval for its expanded Desert Antimony Mine drilling program. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) accepted the required reclamation bond, representing the removal of the last major regulatory hurdle.
Consequently, this approval enables Locksley to execute up to 16 drill holes for approximately 2,300 metres at the DAM prospect. The company describes this as targeting one of the highest-grade known antimony occurrences in the United States.
Historical operations at the site ceased in 1937, leaving significant exploration potential untested with modern techniques. However, the Locksley Resources drilling program in California now positions the company to unlock this potential using contemporary exploration methods.
Managing Director's Perspective
"We are finishing 2025 with strong momentum. By commencing operations at El Campo and finalising the bond for DAM, we have effectively opened two fronts for exploration."
— Kerrie Matthews, Managing Director and CEO
El Campo: Testing High-Grade REE Potential at Depth
The El Campo drilling program consists of five diamond drill holes designed to test the down-dip continuity of high-grade REE-bearing breccia zones. In addition, the program will examine shear structures previously identified at surface levels.
Surface sampling at El Campo has returned exceptional grades of up to 12.1% Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO). For instance, this establishes it as a priority target within the broader Mojave Project framework.
Primary Drilling Objectives
The drilling campaign aims to:
- Validate the exploration model developed from surface mapping and sampling
- Confirm the extension of mineralisation at depth
- Provide critical geological data for resource estimation
- Test structural controls on REE mineralisation
Strategic Location Adjacent to North America's Only Operating REE Mine
Locksley's Mojave Project benefits from an enviable location in California's Mojave Desert. The project comprises over 491 claims across contiguous prospect areas, providing substantial exploration territory.
The strategic positioning is particularly noteworthy for the Locksley Resources drilling program in California:
- El Campo Prospect: Located along strike from MP Materials' Mountain Pass Mine
- North Block: Directly adjoins claims held by MP Materials
- Desert Antimony Mine: Represents a separate high-grade antimony opportunity
Furthermore, this proximity to established infrastructure provides significant strategic advantages. The location near North America's only operational rare earth mine offers potential future development benefits.
Understanding Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO): A Key Investment Metric
Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO) represents the combined concentration of all rare earth elements in a sample. Typically expressed as a percentage, this metric provides investors with a comparative tool for evaluating different REE deposits.
TREO grades above 2-3% are generally considered economically significant. However, grades exceeding 10% are exceptional in global terms. Consequently, Locksley's surface results of up to 12.1% TREO at El Campo place the prospect among higher-grade REE occurrences worldwide.
The diversity of rare earth elements within the TREO figure also matters significantly. Heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) command premium pricing compared to light rare earth elements (LREEs). For instance, heavy rare earths include elements like dysprosium and terbium, essential for high-performance magnets.
REE Grade Classification Guide
| TREO Grade | Economic Significance | Global Context |
|---|---|---|
| <1% | Sub-economic | Requires exceptional volumes |
| 1-3% | Potentially economic | Subject to location and processing costs |
| 3-10% | Economically attractive | Competitive with established mines |
| >10% | Exceptional | Premium grade globally |
Back-to-Back Drilling Programs Maximise Operational Efficiency
Locksley's decision to structure sequential drilling campaigns demonstrates operational sophistication and cost management. By moving the diamond drill rig directly from El Campo to the DAM prospect, the company achieves multiple benefits.
Furthermore, this approach contrasts with many junior explorers who focus on single targets. The Locksley Resources drilling program in California leverages operational synergies across multiple prospects effectively.
Key Operational Advantages
- Reduces mobilisation costs by avoiding double handling of equipment
- Maintains continuous drilling operations through Q1 and Q2 2026
- Provides regular news flow to maintain market engagement
- Tests two distinct commodity opportunities within a single campaign
Critical Minerals Supply Chain Strategy Aligns with U.S. Policy Priorities
Locksley's dual focus on rare earth elements and antimony positions the company strategically. This approach enables the company to benefit from increasing U.S. government emphasis on critical minerals independence.
The United States currently has no domestic antimony production despite significant defence and industrial applications. In addition, China dominates global production of both commodities, creating supply chain vulnerabilities.
Recent geopolitical tensions have elevated the strategic importance of domestic critical minerals production. Antimony is classified as a critical mineral by the U.S. Geological Survey due to its essential applications.
Critical Minerals Supply Statistics
- China controls 63% of global REE production
- Tajikistan and China dominate 90% of antimony supply
- U.S. has zero domestic antimony production
- Mountain Pass is North America's only operating REE mine
Locksley's mine-to-market strategy for antimony positions the company at the intersection of resource development and national security priorities. Moreover, strategic downstream technology partnerships with leading U.S. research institutions enhance this positioning.
Investment Timeline and Upcoming Catalysts
The structured drilling approach provides investors with a clear timeline for expected news flow. The Locksley Resources drilling program in California encompasses multiple commodity targets across defined phases.
Q4 2025 – Q1 2026 Program Schedule
| Phase | Activity | Target Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Current | El Campo diamond drilling (5 holes) | REE grade and continuity confirmation |
| Q1 2026 | Initial geological logging and core analysis | Preliminary geological interpretation |
| Q1-Q2 2026 | Equipment mobilisation to DAM | Seamless operational transition |
| Q2 2026 | DAM drilling program (up to 16 holes) | Antimony resource expansion testing |
This timeline ensures regular catalyst events and data releases throughout the exploration phase. Furthermore, it maintains investor engagement while testing two distinct critical mineral opportunities.
Technical Drilling Parameters and Geological Targets
The El Campo program utilises diamond drilling technology to recover continuous core samples. This method provides superior sample quality compared to reverse circulation methods for detailed geological analysis.
Diamond drilling is essential for understanding the complex structural controls on REE mineralisation. However, the DAM prospect represents a different geological environment entirely.
Technical Program Details
- Drill Type: Diamond core drilling
- Total Metres: Approximately 5 holes at El Campo
- Target Depth: Testing down-dip extensions of surface mineralisation
- Geological Focus: REE-bearing breccia zones and shear structures
The DAM prospect targets antimony mineralisation associated with historical mine workings. In addition, it explores unexplored extensions of known high-grade zones.
What Makes Locksley Resources a Compelling Investment Opportunity?
Locksley Resources has positioned itself strategically within the critical minerals space through exceptional asset quality. The company combines operational efficiency with regulatory compliance effectively.
The dual-commodity approach targeting both rare earth elements and antimony provides diversification within the critical minerals sector. Furthermore, it leverages operational synergies across multiple prospects.
Competitive Advantages
The proximity to established infrastructure at Mountain Pass differentiates Locksley from many junior exploration companies. Combined with high-grade surface results and a structured exploration approach, these factors create significant value potential.
With the regulatory pathway now cleared and drilling operations commenced, the company enters 2026 with multiple catalysts. The potential for transformative exploration results positions Locksley favourably within the market.
Key Investment Tracking Points
Investors should monitor several critical factors throughout the Locksley Resources drilling program in California:
- Continuous news flow: Sequential drilling programs through Q1-Q2 2026
- High-grade potential: Surface results up to 12.1% TREO at El Campo
- Strategic location: Adjacent to North America's only operating REE mine
- Dual-commodity exposure: REE and antimony within single project area
- Regulatory clarity: All approvals secured for comprehensive drilling programs
Market Positioning and Future Prospects
The company's approach to maintaining continuous drilling operations demonstrates management's market understanding. This operational strategy recognises the importance of sustained news flow for junior explorers.
Consequently, this systematic approach, combined with the strategic importance of both target commodities, positions Locksley favourably. The critical minerals investment theme continues gaining momentum globally.
For investors seeking exposure to the critical minerals sector, Locksley Resources represents a compelling opportunity. The company demonstrates operational competence and strategic positioning entering its most significant exploration phase.
The combination of high-grade surface results and strategic location advantages provides multiple pathways for value creation. Furthermore, the systematic exploration approach across both rare earth and antimony prospects enhances the investment proposition significantly.
Ready to Explore Locksley's Critical Minerals Opportunity?
With drilling operations now underway at El Campo and regulatory approval secured for the Desert Antimony Mine prospect, Locksley Resources is positioned for a transformative exploration phase. The company's strategic dual-commodity approach, targeting both rare earth elements and antimony in California's critical minerals hub, offers investors exposure to two essential sectors with compelling supply-demand dynamics. To discover more about Locksley's exploration timeline, high-grade surface results, and strategic positioning adjacent to North America's only operating REE mine, visit the company's website for comprehensive project details and investment information.
