Locksley Resources (ASX: LKY) has commenced a high-resolution helicopter-based magnetic and radiometric survey across its 491-claim Mojave Project in California, marking a significant technological upgrade in the company's exploration strategy. This Locksley Resources high-resolution survey, contracted to EDCON-PRJ Inc. from Colorado, represents a 5x increase in data density compared to existing USGS regional datasets, positioning the company to rapidly identify new drilling targets for both rare earth elements (REE) and antimony mineralisation.
The dual-purpose survey utilises 40m spaced flight lines at 35m height, dramatically improving resolution from the existing variable 100m-200m spaced USGS data collected at ~70m flying height. This technical advancement is expected to accelerate target identification across a project area that directly borders MP Materials' operations and encompasses the historic Desert Antimony Mine.
Survey Technology Delivers Unprecedented Resolution
The new helicopter-based survey represents a substantial technological leap forward for Locksley's exploration capabilities. While existing USGS magnetic and radiometric datasets were suitable for regional-scale activities, they lacked the precision required for direct drill target identification.
Furthermore, the Locksley Resources high-resolution survey incorporates cutting-edge technology to maximise data quality and geological understanding across the project area.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Flight line spacing: 40m (compared to 100-200m USGS data)
- Flying height: ~35m (compared to ~70m USGS data)
- Data density increase: Up to 5x improvement
- Coverage: Complete Mojave Project claim area
- Aircraft: Eurocopter AS-350 B3 with magnetometer probe
| Survey Comparison | USGS Regional Data | New Heli-Mag Survey |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Line Spacing | 100-200m | 40m |
| Flying Height | ~70m | ~35m |
| Data Density | Standard | 5x Increase |
| Target Resolution | Regional Scale | Drill-Target Precision |
CEO Insight
"Undertaking this high-resolution survey builds on the foundational datasets which Locksley is acquiring to fast-track exploration activities across Mojave. Our exploration strategy is to both advance the already identified El Campo REE and Desert Antimony Mine Prospects through drilling, whilst simultaneously aggressively exploring across the rest of our claims to grow the project pipeline."
— Kerrie Matthews, Managing Director & CEO
Understanding Geophysical Targeting: Why Magnetics and Radiometrics Matter
Magnetic surveying measures variations in the Earth's magnetic field caused by different rock types and geological structures. For antimony exploration, magnetic data is crucial for identifying structural breaks and fault systems that commonly host mineralisation. At Mojave, the focus will be on NNE-SSW striking structures that align with known mineralisation at the Desert Antimony Mine.
Radiometric surveying detects natural radiation emitted by elements like thorium, uranium, and potassium in rocks. For rare earth exploration, this technique is particularly valuable because REE mineralisation in carbonatite systems typically exhibits elevated thorium signatures, making radiometrics an essential tool for target identification.
In addition, the Locksley Resources high-resolution survey will provide critical geological insights that were previously unavailable through regional datasets alone.
Why This Matters for Investors
Higher resolution data leads to more precise drilling programs and reduced exploration risk through better target definition. Consequently, this approach enables faster identification of new prospects across the 491-claim area whilst maintaining cost-effective exploration methodology before expensive drilling.
Glossary:
- Carbonatite: An igneous rock composed primarily of carbonate minerals, often hosting rare earth elements
- Structural interpretation: Analysis of geological structures like faults and fractures that control mineralisation
- Thorium signature: Elevated thorium readings that indicate potential REE mineralisation
Strategic Partnership Accelerates Technical Capabilities
Locksley has appointed SGC as geophysical consultants to manage data acquisition, processing, and interpretation, bringing specialised expertise to complement the company's existing technical team. This partnership is designed to fast-track geological interpretation and new drill target generation.
SGC's immediate responsibilities include:
- Data processing and structural interpretation of new survey results
- Reprocessing existing datasets including Airborne Gravity Gradiometry and multispectral satellite data
- Integration of multiple data types to build comprehensive geological models
- Target generation for both REE and antimony prospects
However, the appointment follows Locksley's recent success in identifying the Hendricks Silver Prospect with grades up to 219g/t silver through systematic mapping, demonstrating the effectiveness of the company's exploration strategy.
Immediate Milestones and Development Timeline
Locksley has outlined a clear progression of activities following the geophysical survey, demonstrating a systematic approach to advancing multiple prospects simultaneously. For instance, the completion of the Locksley Resources high-resolution survey will trigger a comprehensive programme of data analysis and target generation.
Upcoming Catalysts
November 2025:
- Survey completion (early November)
- Data processing and structural interpretation
- Detailed geological mapping of Desert Antimony Mine underground workings
- LiDAR survey integration into 3D geological models
Post-Survey Activities:
- JORC exploration target generation ahead of drilling
- Underground sampling assessment (subject to safety conditions)
- New target identification across the broader project area
| Timeline | Activity | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Early Nov 2025 | Survey completion | High-resolution geophysical data |
| Nov 2025 | Underground mapping | Enhanced DAM prospect understanding |
| Q4 2025 | Data interpretation | New drill targets identified |
| Q1 2026 | JORC target | Resource estimation framework |
Investment Thesis: Critical Minerals in a Strategic Location
Locksley Resources occupies a unique position in the North American critical minerals landscape, with its Mojave Project strategically located adjacent to the only operating rare earth mine in the United States. The project's 491 contiguous claims provide substantial exploration upside in a region with established geological potential.
Furthermore, the implementation of the Locksley Resources high-resolution survey represents a significant step towards unlocking the full potential of this strategic asset base.
Key Investment Drivers
Strategic Location Advantages:
- Direct adjacency to MP Materials' Mountain Pass Mine operations
- El Campo Prospect lies along strike from proven REE mineralisation
- Desert Antimony Mine represents one of the highest-grade known antimony occurrences in the U.S.
Market Positioning:
- Dual commodity exposure (REE and antimony) in supply-constrained markets
- U.S. domestic production aligns with critical minerals independence objectives
- No current domestic antimony production despite strong defence and semiconductor demand
Technical Catalysts:
- 5x improvement in geophysical data resolution
- Systematic target generation across 491 claims
- Proven exploration success with 219g/t silver discovery at Hendricks
| Resource Type | Locksley Advantage | Market Context |
|---|---|---|
| Rare Earth Elements | Adjacent to Mountain Pass Mine | China dominates global supply |
| Antimony | Historic high-grade occurrence | Zero U.S. domestic production |
| Silver | Recent 219g/t discovery | Supporting commodity upside |
Why Investors Should Track Locksley Resources
Locksley Resources represents a compelling investment opportunity in the critical minerals sector, combining strategic asset positioning with systematic exploration advancement. The company's mine-to-market antimony strategy and REE development potential position it to benefit from growing U.S. strategic mineral independence initiatives.
Competitive Differentiators:
- Strategic location bordering the only operating U.S. rare earth mine
- Dual commodity exposure reducing single-market risk
- Advanced technical approach with specialised geophysical partnerships
- Systematic exploration strategy proven through recent discoveries
The completion of the Locksley Resources high-resolution survey represents a significant milestone in building geological understanding across the project area. With 283,498,961 shares outstanding and trading on multiple exchanges (ASX: LKY, OTCQX: LKYRF, FSE: X5L), Locksley offers accessible exposure to North American critical minerals development.
Investment Highlight
Locksley Resources has positioned itself as a strategic player in North American critical minerals, with significant upside potential through systematic exploration across 491 claims adjacent to proven mineralisation. With upcoming survey results expected in early November 2025 and multiple development catalysts planned, investors should monitor this emerging opportunity in the supply-constrained REE and antimony markets.
The convergence of advanced geophysical targeting, strategic asset location, and growing geopolitical demand for domestic critical mineral supply chains creates a compelling investment narrative for Locksley Resources as it advances toward its maiden drilling programs.
Could Locksley Resources Be Your Next Critical Minerals Investment?
With the high-resolution helicopter survey set to complete in early November 2025 and multiple catalysts on the horizon, Locksley Resources presents a compelling opportunity for investors seeking exposure to North America's critical minerals sector. The company's strategic positioning adjacent to the only operating U.S. rare earth mine, combined with its systematic exploration approach across 491 claims, offers significant potential upside in supply-constrained markets. To explore how Locksley's dual-commodity strategy and upcoming drilling programmes could fit into your investment portfolio, discover more about the company's projects and development timeline.
