Locksley Resources (ASX: LKY) has secured critical drilling infrastructure to advance its high-grade rare earth project in California, positioning the company at the centre of America's push for critical mineral independence. The Locksley Resources diamond drilling in California initiative represents a strategic move as the company has executed drilling contracts for its El Campo Prospect, located just 5 kilometres from the world-class Mountain Pass Mine – North America's only operating rare earth facility.
The upcoming December drilling campaign will test surface samples showing exceptional grades of up to 12.1% TREO (Total Rare Earth Oxides), including 3.19% NdPr – the most valuable components of the rare earth basket that typically account for over 90% of project revenues.
Strategic Positioning Next to America's Rare Earth Powerhouse
El Campo's proximity to MP Materials' Mountain Pass operation provides Locksley with significant logistical and strategic advantages. Furthermore, the timing couldn't be better – the US government recently committed over $550 million to MP Materials through a $400 million equity investment and $150 million Department of Defense loan to secure domestic rare earth supply chains.
This massive federal commitment underscores the critical importance of the mineral corridor where Locksley operates. Additionally, the company's 491 claims across the Mojave Project directly adjoin MP Materials' infrastructure, creating potential synergies for processing and logistics.
| Project Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance to Mountain Pass | 5 kilometres southeast |
| Total Claims | 491 across Mojave Project |
| Peak Surface Grades | 12.1% TREO, 3.19% NdPr |
| Drilling Programme | 5 holes, 750 metres total |
| Timeline | December 2025 start |
Understanding NdPr: The Crown Jewels of Rare Earths
Neodymium-Praseodymium (NdPr) represents the most commercially valuable portion of rare earth deposits. These elements are essential for manufacturing high-strength permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced defence systems.
Why NdPr Matters to Investors:
- Commands premium pricing in global markets
- Accounts for 90%+ of revenue in light rare earth projects
- Critical for clean energy transition and defence applications
- China currently dominates global supply, creating strategic vulnerability
Locksley's surface samples showing 3.19% NdPr demonstrate the high-value potential of the El Campo deposit. This is particularly significant given the strategic push for domestic US rare earth production.
CEO Insight:
"Securing the Titan HD drill rig marks another key milestone in advancing Locksley's U.S. rare earths strategy and aligns with our broader U.S. mine-to-market development objectives." – Kerrie Matthews, Chief Executive Officer
What Makes the Diamond Drilling Programme Special?
The Titan HD track-mounted diamond drill rig will target the 860-metre-long El Campo Lode – a northwest-southeast striking mineralised zone identified through systematic geological mapping. Moreover, the Locksley Resources diamond drilling in California programme specifically utilises diamond drilling to provide high-quality core samples suitable for future metallurgical testing and detailed geological analysis.
Programme Specifications:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Drill Holes | 5 diamond holes |
| Total Metres | Up to 750 metres |
| Target | Sheared carbonatite breccia zones |
| Duration | Approximately 3 weeks |
| Direction | Eastward drilling to test downdip continuity |
The programme will test two geological models: stratabound mineralisation occurring at stratigraphic contacts versus structural shear-hosted mineralisation. Consequently, this systematic approach will provide crucial data for resource modelling and development planning.
Dual-Asset Strategy Maximises Value Creation
Beyond rare earths, Locksley's Mojave Project includes the historic Desert Antimony Mine, representing one of the highest-grade known antimony occurrences in the US. In addition, with America currently producing zero domestic antimony despite strong defence and semiconductor demand, this asset adds significant strategic value.
The company has received BLM approval for a 14-hole programme at the antimony prospect, pending resolution of the current government shutdown. However, this dual-commodity approach positions Locksley to benefit from multiple critical mineral shortages.
Strategic Timeline:
- November 2025: Earthworks preparation begins
- December 2025: Diamond drilling commences at El Campo
- Q1 2026: Antimony drilling following government reopening
- Q1-Q2 2026: Core logging, assaying, and results
How Does the Investment Thesis Stack Up?
Locksley Resources offers investors direct exposure to America's critical mineral independence strategy through premium assets in a world-class geological district. For instance, the company's positioning next to Mountain Pass, combined with exceptional surface grades and upcoming catalyst-rich drilling programmes, creates multiple value inflection points.
Key Investment Drivers:
| Factor | Significance |
|---|---|
| Strategic Location | Adjacent to $550M government-backed Mountain Pass |
| High-Grade Potential | 12.1% TREO surface samples exceed many producing mines |
| Dual Commodities | Rare earths AND antimony address separate critical shortages |
| Permitted & Ready | BLM approvals in place, drilling imminent |
| Processing Synergies | Proximity to existing infrastructure reduces development risk |
The convergence of geopolitical pressure to reduce Chinese dependence, massive federal investment in the region, and Locksley's high-grade discoveries creates a compelling investment narrative. Furthermore, the Locksley Resources diamond drilling in California programme represents a critical milestone for the emerging US critical minerals sector.
Why Should Investors Track This Development?
With drilling set to commence in December 2025, Locksley enters a catalyst-rich period that could fundamentally revalue the company. The combination of proximity to America's rare earth hub, exceptional surface grades, and strategic dual-commodity exposure positions the company at the forefront of US critical mineral development.
The federal government's $550 million commitment to the Mountain Pass corridor validates the strategic importance of this region. Meanwhile, Locksley's 12.1% TREO surface grades suggest world-class potential that could be validated through the upcoming Locksley Resources diamond drilling in California programme.
As America accelerates its push for mineral independence, companies like Locksley with permitted, high-grade projects in strategic locations represent the next generation of critical mineral producers. The systematic approach being taken through diamond drilling demonstrates the company's commitment to generating high-quality data for future development decisions.
Key Takeaway:
Locksley Resources has positioned itself as a major player in America's critical mineral renaissance, with significant upside potential due to its strategic location next to Mountain Pass and exceptional surface grades. With drilling commencing in December 2025 and additional antimony drilling to follow, investors should closely monitor this emerging story in the US critical minerals sector.
Could Locksley Resources Be Your Gateway to America's Critical Mineral Renaissance?
With exceptional surface grades of 12.1% TREO and strategic positioning just 5 kilometres from the government-backed Mountain Pass Mine, Locksley Resources presents a compelling opportunity in America's push for critical mineral independence. As the company prepares to commence its catalyst-rich diamond drilling programme in December, investors seeking exposure to the next generation of US critical mineral producers should explore the full potential of this dual-commodity story. Discover how Locksley's high-grade rare earth and antimony projects could benefit from the federal government's $550 million commitment to the Mountain Pass corridor by visiting Locksley Resources for comprehensive company information and project details.
