Locksley Resources Advances Strategic Antimony & Rare Earth Project Near Only U.S. Rare Earth Mine
Locksley Resources Limited (ASX: LKY) has formally submitted drilling permits for its Mojave Antimony and Rare Earths Project, strategically located just 1.4 km from the Mountain Pass Mine—the only rare earth-producing mine in the United States.
High-Grade Antimony Discovery Positions LKY in Critical Minerals Race
The Desert Antimony Mine within the Mojave Project has delivered exceptional surface sample results, including grades of up to 46% antimony (Sb) and 1,022 g/t silver (Ag). These remarkable assays confirm a high-grade mineralised system with:
- Multiple samples exceeding 17% Sb
- Surface mineralisation traced over 400 meters
- Potential for extensions under cover
The significance of these findings cannot be overstated as antimony is classified as a critical mineral by the U.S. Department of Interior, with limited domestic supply options in North America. In fact, recent exploration has shown high-grade antimony discovery potential across several projects in the region.
Desert Antimony Mine Highlights | Values |
---|---|
Peak Antimony Grade | 46% Sb |
Peak Silver Grade | 1,022 g/t Ag |
Samples >17% Sb | 8 samples |
Samples >1.4% Sb | 18 samples |
Mineralisation Strike Length | 400 meters |
Rare Earth Potential Amplifies Project Value
Beyond antimony, Locksley Resources Ltd rare earth project demonstrates significant rare earth element (REE) potential at the El Campo Prospect:
- Rock chip assays up to 12.1% TREO (Total Rare Earth Oxides)
- 3.19% NdPr (Neodymium-Praseodymium)
- 860-meter mineralised horizon identified through surface mapping
This REE potential significantly enhances the project's strategic importance, especially given its proximity to Mountain Pass, the sole producing rare earth mine in the United States. Furthermore, the discovery shares similarities with other significant rare earth discovery in carbonatite deposits found globally.
Permitting Fast-Track Opportunity
Locksley's timing appears favourable, with the company having formally submitted drilling permits to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The company stands to benefit from:
- BLM commitment to undertake initial Environmental Assessment requirements
- March 2025 Executive Order mandating immediate measures to accelerate American mineral production
- Potential to bypass what would typically be a 12-month approval process
"In light of the Executive Order issued by President Trump on 20 March 2025, the Company believes there is significant opportunity to fast-track approvals at the Mojave Project." – Locksley Resources
Understanding Critical Minerals: Why Antimony and Rare Earths Matter
Antimony: The Essential Critical Mineral
Antimony is classified as a critical mineral yet receives less attention than lithium or cobalt. This metalloid is essential for:
- Flame retardants in everything from clothing to aircraft seats
- Lead-acid batteries (hardening agent)
- Military applications including night-vision devices and ammunition
- Semiconductor manufacturing
The U.S. has virtually no domestic antimony production, with China controlling approximately 53% of global supply. Locksley's high-grade antimony discovery represents a potential solution to this strategic vulnerability. Recently, high-grade antimony at Ricciardo was also uncovered by Warriedar Resources, highlighting growing interest in this critical mineral.
Rare Earth Elements: Technology Fundamentals
Rare earth elements, particularly neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr), are irreplaceable in modern technology:
- Permanent magnets for electric vehicles and wind turbines
- Electronics including smartphones and computers
- Military defence systems
- Medical equipment
Current U.S. rare earth dependency is particularly concerning, as China controls approximately 85% of global processing capacity. The Locksley Resources Ltd rare earth project could help address this critical supply gap.
Strategic Location Provides Competitive Advantage
The Mojave Project's location approximately 1.4 km from Mountain Pass Mine creates significant strategic advantages:
- Established mining jurisdiction with known processing pathways
- Existing infrastructure reducing capital requirements
- Regulatory familiarity with rare earth projects
- Potential synergies with nearby operations
The strategic importance of the region was recently highlighted when Dateline Resources' Colosseum Project, located just 10 km north, received public endorsement from the U.S. Department of Interior and was personally mentioned by President Trump as America's "second rare earth mine."
Near-Term Catalysts and Development Timeline
Investors should monitor several upcoming milestones:
- Approval of drill permits by the BLM (potentially accelerated)
- Engagement with U.S. federal authorities to qualify under the March 2025 Executive Order
- Further surface exploration targeting known high-grade antimony and REE zones
- Initial drilling programme results
Investment Perspective: Why LKY Deserves Attention
Locksley Resources presents a compelling investment case based on several key factors:
-
Dual Critical Mineral Exposure – Both antimony and rare earths are strategically important, providing two pathways to potential success
-
Exceptional Grades – Surface samples showing up to 46% antimony and 12.1% TREO indicate potential for economic extraction
-
Political Tailwinds – The March 2025 Executive Order specifically targets accelerating projects like Mojave
-
Prime Location – Proximity to Mountain Pass provides regulatory precedent and potential operational synergies
-
Tight Capital Structure – With approximately 146.7 million shares on issue, successful development could deliver significant shareholder returns
Similar dynamics have been seen in other resource companies where high-grade gold discovery potential has created substantial shareholder value.
The Critical Minerals Security Imperative
The Locksley Resources Ltd rare earth project aligns perfectly with America's renewed push for domestic critical mineral production. With China dominating both antimony and rare earth supply chains, projects like Locksley's represent more than just commercial opportunities—they address national security imperatives.
The March 2025 Executive Order specifically mandates:
- Expedited permitting for critical minerals projects
- Access to Defence Production Act funding
- Direct support from the National Energy Dominance Council
- Streamlined environmental processes for strategically significant projects
Few junior resource companies are as well-positioned as Locksley to capitalise on this dramatic policy shift. In the mining sector, market consolidation is also occurring, as seen in cases where compulsory acquisition is becoming more common for strategic assets.
Why Investors Should Watch Locksley Resources
Locksley Resources presents a unique opportunity at the intersection of multiple favourable trends: critical mineral supply constraints, geopolitical tensions driving reshoring efforts, and new regulatory frameworks designed to accelerate domestic production.
The company's Mojave Project features exceptional antimony and rare earth grades in a tier-one jurisdiction with nearby precedent for successful mine development. As permitting advances and exploration continues, Locksley appears well-positioned to deliver significant value while addressing critical supply chain vulnerabilities.
With high-grade resources, strategic location, and strong political tailwinds, Locksley Resources Ltd rare earth project represents a compelling opportunity for investors seeking exposure to the critical minerals sector in an American jurisdiction positioned for accelerated development.
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