Locksley Resources Advances Mojave Project Amid US Policy Shifts

Locksley Advances Mojave Critical Minerals Project Amid Favorable U.S. Policy Shifts

Locksley Resources (ASX: LKY / OTCQB: LKYRF) has deployed its structural geology team to the Mojave Critical Minerals Project in California, marking significant progress in its exploration strategy while positioning itself to capitalize on recent supportive U.S. policy developments for critical minerals.

Strategic Field Program Targets Rare Earth and Antimony Potential

The company's second-stage mapping and target generation work, which commenced on August 24th, focuses on expanding the geological understanding of the project's Rare Earth Element (REE) and Antimony potential. This field program represents a crucial step in Locksley's exploration strategy, targeting four priority areas across the project.

The comprehensive work program includes:

• Detailed mapping of lithology and structural geology across priority targets
• Rock chip sampling and analysis for multi-element suite including REEs and antimony
• Development of an enlarged 3D geology model for the Desert Antimony Mine Prospect area

"The deployment of our structural geology team for the second time in 2025 marks an important milestone in advancing Mojave," said Nathan Lude, Chairman of Locksley Resources. "At the same time, U.S. policy settings are shifting strongly in favor of projects like ours, with substantial DOE funding initiatives, supportive permitting frameworks and direct engagement opportunities with EXIM Bank and the Department of Interior."

Aligning with U.S. Critical Minerals Strategy

Locksley has initiated several strategic moves to position itself within the U.S. critical minerals ecosystem:

These initiatives come at a pivotal time, as the U.S. Department of Energy recently announced a $1 billion funding package to strengthen domestic critical minerals supply chains. This complements President Trump's Executive Order on "Unleashing American Energy," which prioritizes permitting efficiency and domestic supply security for critical minerals.

Strategic Significance of the Mojave Project

The Locksley Resources Mojave Project is uniquely positioned as a tier-1 jurisdictional asset adjacent to the Mountain Pass mine, representing a potential cornerstone for U.S. antimony and REE supply chain independence. The project comprises over 250 claims across two contiguous prospect areas: the North Block/Northeast Block and the El Campo Prospect.

Key aspects of the project include:

• North Block directly abuts claims held by MP Materials
• El Campo lies along strike of the Mountain Pass Mine
• Historic "Desert Antimony Mine" with surface samples grading up to 46% Sb and silver up to 1,022 g/t Ag
• One of the highest-grade known antimony occurrences in the U.S.

Understanding Critical Minerals Supply Chain Security

Why Critical Minerals Matter to Investors

Critical minerals, including rare earth elements and antimony, are essential components in defense systems, renewable energy technologies, electronics, and numerous high-tech applications. The U.S. currently has no domestic antimony production, despite high demand for the metal in defense systems, semiconductors, and metal alloys.

For investors, understanding the geopolitical dynamics of critical minerals supply chains is crucial. China currently dominates global production of both REEs and antimony, creating significant supply risk for Western economies. This has prompted increased government support for domestic projects that can reduce this dependence.

Companies that control domestic sources of these materials in tier-1 jurisdictions are strategically positioned to benefit from policy support, potential government funding, and premium pricing as supply chain security becomes increasingly prioritized.

Rare Earth Elements: Strategic Importance

Rare earth elements comprise 17 metallic elements with unique magnetic, luminescent, and electrical properties that make them essential for numerous advanced technologies. Despite their name, many REEs are relatively abundant in the Earth's crust, but concentrated deposits suitable for economic extraction are less common.

Key applications for REEs include:

• Permanent magnets used in electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, and hard disk drives
• Catalysts for petroleum refining
• Phosphors for displays and lighting
• Defense applications including guidance systems, lasers, and radar
• Medical imaging and diagnostic equipment

The Mountain Pass mine, adjacent to Locksley's Mojave Project, is the only operating rare earth mine in the United States. This proximity suggests favorable geology for REE deposits within Locksley's claims.

Antimony: Critical for Defense and Industry

Antimony is a metalloid element with unique properties that make it valuable across multiple industries. Its primary applications include:

• Flame retardants for plastics, textiles, and electronics
• Lead-acid batteries
• Metal alloys for increased hardness and mechanical strength
• Semiconductors and electronic components
• Infrared detectors and night vision devices
• Ceramic and glass manufacturing

The U.S. has designated antimony as a critical mineral due to its importance in defense applications and complete reliance on imports. The high-grade antimony samples from Locksley's Desert Antimony Mine prospect suggest potential for domestic antimony production, which would address a significant supply chain vulnerability.

Next Steps and Development Timeline

Locksley has outlined a clear path forward for the Mojave Project:

1. Completion of the second stage structural mapping program
2. Progression of CMI membership and U.S. agency engagements
3. Participation in DOE's August 20, 2025 workshop
4. Ongoing technical evaluation of processing options capable of aligning with DoE pilot and accelerator funding pathways

Investment Perspective: Why Locksley Deserves Attention

Locksley Resources presents a compelling investment case based on several key factors:

1. Strategic Asset Location: The Mojave Project is situated in California, a tier-1 mining jurisdiction, adjacent to MP Materials' Mountain Pass Mine (the only operating rare earth mine in the United States).

2. Critical Minerals Focus: With both rare earth elements and antimony potential, Locksley targets two critical mineral groups with significant supply chain vulnerabilities and national security implications.

3. Policy Tailwinds: Recent U.S. government initiatives, including the $1 billion DOE funding package and supportive executive orders, create a favorable environment for critical minerals projects.

4. Potential Non-Dilutive Funding: Locksley's engagement with EXIM Bank, the Department of Interior, and application for CMI membership positions it to potentially access government funding support.

5. Exploration Upside: The historical Desert Antimony Mine, with its exceptional high-grade samples, represents a significant exploration opportunity in a country with no current domestic antimony production.

For investors seeking exposure to the critical minerals sector, Locksley offers a unique combination of favorable geology, tier-1 jurisdiction, and alignment with national security priorities at a time when government support for such projects is reaching unprecedented levels.

With its strategic positioning in the heart of America's critical minerals strategy and systematic approach to exploration, Locksley Resources represents an opportunity to participate in the development of domestic supply chains for materials essential to modern technology and defense applications.

Want to Capitalise on the U.S. Critical Minerals Opportunity?

Discover how Locksley Resources is advancing its strategically located Mojave Project amid unprecedented U.S. policy support for critical minerals development. With rare earth elements and high-grade antimony potential in a tier-1 jurisdiction, Locksley offers investors unique exposure to materials essential for defence, technology and energy transition. For detailed information about this compelling investment opportunity and to follow Locksley's progress, visit their website today.