Locksley Secures Critical Drilling Permit for Historic Desert Antimony Mine
Locksley Resources Limited (ASX: LKY / OTCQB: LKYRF) has achieved a significant milestone with the approval of drilling permits for its Locksley Resources desert antimony mine permit in California, setting the stage for the first modern exploration of this high-grade antimony deposit in nearly a century.
Strategic Importance in U.S. Critical Minerals Landscape
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has granted approval for Locksley's three-hole RC drilling program targeting structures with surface antimony assays of up to 46%, including eight samples exceeding 17%. This permit aligns with the March 2025 Executive Order designed to accelerate domestic critical mineral development.
The timing appears optimal as antimony prices in the U.S. have reached record highs of approximately US$60,000 per metric tonne, while the country remains heavily dependent on imports with 82% of consumption coming from overseas sources, including 63% from China.
"Securing this permit is not just a technical milestone but a strategic one," commented Locksley Chairman Nathan Lude. "The Desert Antimony Mine has sat dormant for nearly a century, but today we're bringing it back into focus with the benefit of modern exploration techniques and a tailwind of federal policy support."
Breaking America's Antimony Import Dependence
The United States currently has no domestic antimony production despite the metal's crucial applications in defense, batteries, semiconductors, and flame retardants. This exploration initiative represents a potential pathway to reduce America's reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly China, which controls 82% of global antimony supply.
| U.S. Antimony Supply Chain | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total imported antimony | 82% |
| Imports from China | 63% |
| Domestic production | 0% |
The Desert Antimony Mine was last operational during 1926-27 and briefly in 1939, but remained underdeveloped due to technological limitations and lower demand during those periods. Modern exploration techniques now offer the opportunity to fully assess and potentially develop this strategic resource.
Combined Drilling Program Targets Multiple Critical Minerals
Locksley has scheduled the antimony drilling to coincide with its rare earth elements (REE) program at the nearby El Campo prospect. Both campaigns are set to commence in Q3 2025, representing the company's maiden drilling effort at the Mojave Critical Minerals Project.
This dual-focus approach allows Locksley to efficiently test two high-priority critical mineral targets, potentially accelerating the pathway to resource definition across multiple commodities deemed essential to U.S. national security.
What is Antimony and Why Does it Matter?
Antimony is a brittle, silvery-white metalloid that many investors may be unfamiliar with, despite its critical importance in modern manufacturing and defense applications.
The metal's primary uses include:
- Flame retardants for consumer goods
- Lead-acid batteries and other energy storage applications
- Semiconductors and electronic components
- Military applications including ammunition and night-vision technology
- Alloys for increased hardness and durability
Its designation as a U.S. critical mineral stems from both its essential applications and the severe supply chain vulnerability created by having no domestic production. This status makes viable antimony deposits on U.S. soil particularly valuable from both commercial and national security perspectives.
Federal Support Creates Fast-Track Potential
The March 2025 Executive Order has provided a streamlined regulatory pathway for critical mineral projects, directly benefiting Locksley's desert antimony mine permit exploration. This government initiative provides:
- Accelerated BLM assessment processes
- Enhanced federal agency coordination
- Potential eligibility for Defense Production Act Title III support
- Access to Department of Energy Critical Materials programs
For Locksley, this framework has already delivered tangible benefits through expedited permit approval. The company is also positioning itself for potential federal funding opportunities by establishing relationships with U.S. research institutions focused on downstream processing innovation.
Investment Opportunity in a Strategic Asset
The Desert Antimony Mine represents a compelling investment case based on several key factors:
- Grade potential – Surface samples up to 46% antimony represent exceptional grade compared to global benchmarks
- Strategic location – California location provides security of tenure and proximity to potential end users
- Regulatory alignment – Project directly supports U.S. critical minerals strategy
- Price environment – Record antimony prices of ~US$60,000 per tonne create favorable economics
- Exploration upside – First modern drilling of a historically productive mine
Additionally, the broader Mojave Project includes rare earth element potential, with claims adjacent to MP Materials' Mountain Pass Mine, the only active rare earths mine in the United States.
| Asset Component | Strategic Value |
|---|---|
| Desert Antimony | High-grade antimony with silver credits in secure U.S. jurisdiction |
| El Campo REE | Rare earth potential along strike from America's only producing REE mine |
| Critical Mineral Status | Both target commodities designated as critical by U.S. government |
| Regulatory Support | Expedited permitting via Executive Order framework |
Why Investors Should Follow Locksley Resources
Locksley Resources presents an opportunity to gain exposure to critical minerals exploration at a time when geopolitical tensions and supply chain concerns are driving renewed interest in secure domestic sources.
The company is positioned with:
- Two high-potential critical mineral targets in the Mojave Project
- An additional copper-gold asset in Australia's established Tottenham region
- Proximity to the only operating rare earths mine in the United States
- A clear pathway to drilling and resource definition
- Alignment with U.S. government priorities for critical mineral development
With drilling scheduled to commence in Q3 2025, investors can anticipate a steady flow of news as Locksley works to assess the value of its strategic antimony and rare earths assets. The company's dual-country approach also provides portfolio diversification across multiple critical and precious metals.
As global supply chains continue to face disruption and governments increasingly prioritise secure access to strategic materials, Locksley's focus on antimony and rare earths places it at the intersection of commercial opportunity and national security imperatives.
Want to Invest in America's Critical Minerals Future?
Discover how Locksley Resources is positioning itself at the forefront of U.S. critical minerals development with its high-grade Desert Antimony Mine and El Campo REE prospects. With record antimony prices, federal support, and drilling set to commence in Q3 2025, now is the time to explore this compelling investment opportunity in strategic minerals essential to America's national security and industrial future. For more information about Locksley Resources and its Mojave Critical Minerals Project, visit locksleyresouces.com.au today.
