Strategic US Partnerships Position Locksley as Key Player in National Security Supply Chain
Locksley Resources (ASX: LKY) has launched a strategic collaboration initiative across the United States, designed to fast-track development of its high-potential Mojave Critical Minerals Project in California. The company is establishing partnerships with federal agencies, national laboratories, leading US universities, and downstream technology partners to align its antimony and rare earth elements (REE) assets with America's critical minerals strategy.
The timing aligns with intensified US government efforts to reduce dependency on Chinese critical minerals. Locksley's Mojave Project features rock chip samples with up to 12.1% TREO and 3.19% NdPr at its El Campo REE prospect, which shares geological similarities with the Mountain Pass Mine located just ~5km along strike—the only operating REE mine in the United States.
Even more notable is the Desert Antimony Mine area, which boasts surface samples with antimony grades up to 46% Sb and extraordinary silver values up to 1,022g/t, along with associated lead and zinc mineralisation.
Two High-Grade Assets with National Security Implications
Locksley's Mojave Project hosts two primary zones of exceptional interest:
El Campo Prospect: America's Next Potential REE Producer
- Gossanous and intrusive hosted REE system with strong NdPr mineralisation
- 860-meter strike length with evidence of structural control and dip continuity
- Geological similarities to the Mountain Pass Mine, America's only producing REE mine
- Rock chip samples returning up to 12.1% TREO and 3.19% NdPr
Desert Antimony Mine Area: Strategic Antimony Source for US Defense
- Historic workings with high-grade stibnite-quartz-calcite veins
- Surface samples grading up to 46% Sb—one of the highest-grade known antimony occurrences in the US
- Exceptional polymetallic signature including silver up to 1,022g/t plus lead and zinc
- Last operated in 1937, representing a potential domestic supply of a metal critical to defense systems
| Property | El Campo REE Prospect | Desert Antimony Mine |
|---|---|---|
| Key Minerals | Rare Earth Elements | Antimony, Silver, Lead, Zinc |
| Peak Grades | 12.1% TREO, 3.19% NdPr | 46% Sb, 1,022g/t Ag |
| Strike Length | 860m | Historic workings |
| Strategic Value | Essential for magnets, electronics | Defense systems, semiconductors |
| Geological Comparison | Similar to Mountain Pass Mine (~5km away) | One of highest-grade Sb occurrences in US |
Understanding Critical Minerals: Why Antimony and REEs Matter to National Security
What Are Critical Minerals?
Critical minerals are raw materials essential for economic and national security that face supply chain vulnerabilities. The US is heavily dependent on foreign sources for many of these materials, particularly from China.
Antimony: The "Forgotten" Critical Metal
Antimony is classified as one of the most critical minerals by the US government due to its essential applications in defense systems, fire retardants, and semiconductors. Despite its importance, the US currently has zero domestic antimony production, creating a strategic vulnerability that Locksley's Desert Antimony Mine could potentially address.
Applications include:
- Flame retardants for military vehicles and aircraft
- Ammunition and explosives
- Lead-acid batteries for military applications
- Infrared detecting devices
Rare Earth Elements: Powering Modern Technology
REEs, particularly Neodymium and Praseodymium (NdPr), are essential components in permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and military hardware. Mountain Pass Mine, located near Locksley's El Campo prospect, is currently America's only domestic source of REEs.
Chairman Nathan Lude says: "The Mojave Project is not just a promising exploration opportunity, but a potential strategic supply chain across rare earths and antimony for the United States. The similarities in the El Campo geology to the Mountain Pass Mine present a clear opportunity to enhance value through synergies associated with similar ore to the only US producing REE mine."
Comprehensive US Collaboration Strategy
Locksley has initiated engagement with multiple federal stakeholders including:
- US EXIM Bank – For potential project financing
- Department of Energy (DOE) – For technology development and energy transition applications
- Department of Defense (DoD) – For strategic funding aligned with national security
- Critical Materials Institute (CMI) – For research collaboration
The company plans to advance these relationships through established partnership mechanisms:
- Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs)
- ACT agreements
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) channels
R&D Focus Areas
Locksley's collaboration efforts target:
- Bench-scale metallurgical and separation test work for REEs and antimony
- Integration pathways into US-based downstream supply chains
- Participation in federally supported pilot programs
- Potential feedstock supply opportunities
Project Development Timeline and Next Steps
Locksley's strategic approach leverages both geological potential and national security priorities:
- Immediate Focus: Progress discussions with US research institutions and government agencies
- Near-Term: Conduct metallurgical and mineralogical testing of preserved samples
- Medium-Term: Evaluate integration opportunities within DOE, DoD, and CMI initiatives
- Longer-Term: Execute maiden drilling program at Mojave Project
Investment Case: Multiple Catalysts in a Strategic Sector
Locksley Resources presents a compelling investment case based on several key factors:
1. Strategic Asset Base in Critical Minerals
- Mojave Project hosts both rare earth elements and antimony—two minerals deemed critically important to US national security
- Tottenham Copper-Gold Project in NSW provides commodity diversification
2. Exceptional Grade Potential
- Surface samples at Desert Antimony Mine grading up to 46% Sb and 1,022g/t Ag
- El Campo REE Prospect with rock chips returning up to 12.1% TREO and 3.19% NdPr
3. Geographic and Political Advantage
- Located in California, USA—a stable mining jurisdiction
- Positioned to capitalise on US government initiatives to secure domestic critical mineral supply chains
- El Campo shares geological similarities with Mountain Pass, America's only producing REE mine
4. Institutional Backing Potential
- Engagement with US EXIM Bank, DOE, and DoD creates multiple pathways for non-dilutive funding
- Research collaborations could accelerate technological development and processing pathways
5. Experienced Leadership
- Board with strong technical and commercial expertise
- Strategy focused on creating value through strategic partnerships and resource development
Why Investors Should Follow Locksley Resources
Locksley Resources represents a rare opportunity to gain exposure to two of the most strategically important mineral groups in the US critical minerals strategy. With antimony and rare earth elements both facing severe supply constraints and overwhelming Chinese market dominance, Locksley's Mojave Project addresses core national security concerns while offering significant upside potential for investors.
The company's dual-pronged approach—combining high-grade mineral assets with strategic US partnerships—positions it at the intersection of geopolitics and resource development, potentially unlocking value beyond traditional exploration metrics.
Key Takeaway:
Locksley Resources has positioned itself as a potential key player in the US critical minerals supply chain, with significant upside potential due to exceptional grades and strategic government partnerships. With upcoming collaboration announcements and exploration milestones, investors should keep a close eye on developments in this strategically vital sector.
The company's share price could benefit from multiple catalysts in the coming months, including partnership announcements with US institutions, metallurgical test results, and progress toward maiden drilling at the Mojave Project—all against the backdrop of increasing government focus on securing domestic supplies of these critical materials.
Ready to Position Yourself in America's Critical Minerals Future?
Discover how Locksley Resources' strategic US partnerships and high-grade antimony and rare earth assets could play a crucial role in national security and investor returns. With exceptional grades including 46% antimony and 12.1% TREO, Locksley is positioning itself at the intersection of geopolitics and resource development. Visit locksleyresouces.com.au to learn more about this compelling investment opportunity in the critical minerals sector.
