Strategic Positioning in America's Critical Minerals Heartland
Locksley Resources Limited (ASX: LKY) has announced the mobilisation of its geological field team to the Mojave Critical Minerals Project in San Bernardino County, California. This strategic move positions the company to commence critical field work in June, ahead of anticipated fast-track approval of drilling permits from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
The Locksley Resources Mojave Project represents a significant opportunity in the critical minerals space, located just 1.4km from MP Materials' Mountain Pass Rare Earths Mine and 7.7km from Dateline Resources' (ASX: DTR) Colosseum Project. With over 200 claims covering approximately 20km², Locksley's tenure is emerging as a significant footprint in a federally supported mining district.
Dual-Focus Exploration Strategy Targets High-Grade Mineral Systems
The company's exploration strategy centres on two high-priority targets:
El Campo Prospect (Rare Earth Elements)
- 6 planned RC drill holes targeting a mapped 860m TREO-rich carbonatite horizon
- Previous sampling returned TREO values up to 12.1%
- Located in close proximity to one of the world's highest-grade REE mines
Desert Antimony Mine
- Historical commercial-scale antimony production facility within the project area
- The only known historical source of antimony production in San Bernardino County
- 3 initial RC drill holes planned, with potential to expand to 11 additional locations
- Previous sampling returned antimony values up to 46%
- Visible surface mineralisation with stibnite-bearing quartz veins
"Mobilising our technical team to Mojave is an exciting milestone as we plan drilling in the coming months. The program is not only focused on drill testing the known high-grade targets but also unlocking broader district-scale mineral potential through methodical and strategic exploration," commented Locksley Resources Chairman Nathan Lude.
Comprehensive Field Program to Accelerate Development
The upcoming field program encompasses multiple strategic activities designed to maximise exploration efficiency:
- Confirmation and pegging of drill collar locations
- Drilling contractor engagement to expedite drilling once BLM approvals are received
- Follow-up outcrop mapping and rock chip sampling across antimony, REE, polymetallic, and copper prospects
- Refinement of radiometric and magnetic targets to guide upcoming drilling
- Additional surface geochemistry and structural mapping
- Petrological studies of REE-hosting lithologies to inform metallurgical testing protocols
Understanding Antimony: A Critical Defense and Technology Metal
Antimony is classified as a critical mineral by the United States due to its importance in defense, technology, and energy applications. This brittle, silvery-white metalloid is primarily used in flame retardants, lead-acid batteries, and ammunition.
Key Applications of Antimony
| Sector | Applications |
|---|---|
| Defense | Ammunition, infrared sensors, night vision equipment |
| Industrial | Flame retardants, lead-acid batteries, cable sheathing |
| Energy | Grid-scale battery technology, solar panels |
| Medical | X-ray equipment, certain pharmaceuticals |
The United States currently imports nearly 100% of its antimony requirements, making domestic sources highly strategic. The Desert Antimony Mine within Locksley's project represents a rare domestic source of this critical material. With antimony prices trending upward due to supply constraints and growing industrial demand, Locksley's asset could become increasingly valuable from both economic and national security perspectives.
Strategic Importance of Rare Earth Elements
Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 17 metallic elements that are essential components in numerous high-technology applications, including:
- Permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and consumer electronics
- Catalysts for petroleum refining and automotive catalytic converters
- Phosphors for lighting, displays, and lasers
- Polishing compounds for optical lenses and precision electronic components
The El Campo Prospect within Locksley's Mojave Project has demonstrated high-grade TREO (Total Rare Earth Oxide) mineralisation, with values up to 12.1% recorded in previous sampling. This represents a potentially significant domestic source of these critical materials.
Federal Support and Permitting Acceleration
To accelerate development, Locksley Resources is pursuing multiple federal-level initiatives:
- FAST-41 permitting acceleration to streamline regulatory approvals
- Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III and Department of Energy (DOE) Critical Materials Hub applications
- Collaboration discussions with multiple National Laboratories on REE and antimony development opportunities
These initiatives align with the U.S. government's focus on securing domestic supply chains for critical minerals, potentially providing Locksley with regulatory and development advantages.
Upcoming Milestones and Investment Potential
The company's exploration timeline includes:
| Phase | Timing | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Field Program | June 2025 | Site preparation, surface exploration |
| Drilling Campaign | September Quarter 2025 | 9+ RC drill holes (subject to BLM approval) |
| Additional Exploration | Ongoing | Expanding target inventory across 20km² land package |
Why Investors Should Track Locksley Resources
Locksley Resources offers investors exposure to critical minerals exploration in a tier-one jurisdiction with several compelling advantages:
- Strategic Location: Positioned adjacent to America's premier rare earth element mine with established infrastructure
- Multiple Critical Minerals: Dual focus on rare earth elements and antimony provides diversified exposure to critical minerals markets
- High-Grade Potential: Historical sampling indicates exceptional grades (12.1% TREO, 46% antimony)
- Federal Support Potential: Project aligns with U.S. critical minerals strategy, potentially accelerating development timeline
- Near-Term Catalysts: Drilling planned for September Quarter 2025, providing multiple news flow opportunities
For investors seeking exposure to America's critical minerals sector, the Locksley Resources Mojave Project represents an emerging opportunity with clearly defined exploration targets, near-term drilling catalysts, and strategic positioning in a federally supported mining district.
The Mojave Project in Context
The Mojave Project is situated in a geologically prospective region of California, comprising two distinct claim blocks:
- North Block: 14.9km²
- Northeast Block: 5.7km²
- El Campo Prospect: 0.34km²
This combined 20.94km² land package positions Locksley as a significant holder of critical mineral tenure in the region. The project's proximity to MP Materials' Mountain Pass Mine—one of the highest-grade REE mines globally—enhances its strategic value.
Beyond the primary REE and antimony targets, the company has identified multiple additional prospects across its land package, including:
- Polymetallic (silver-lead-zinc) targets
- Copper prospects
- Additional REE targets identified through radiometric surveys
This multi-commodity approach provides investors with exposure to a diverse range of critical and precious metals within a single project area.
As global demand for critical minerals continues to increase, driven by technological advancement and energy transition requirements, projects like the Locksley Resources Mojave Project that offer potential domestic supply of these materials in stable jurisdictions are likely to attract increasing attention from investors, industry, and government stakeholders.
Ready to Invest in America's Critical Minerals Future?
Locksley Resources is strategically positioned to capitalise on the growing demand for critical minerals with high-grade REE and antimony targets in California's premier mining district. To learn more about this compelling investment opportunity and stay updated on the company's upcoming drilling program, visit locksleyresouces.com.au today.
