Expanded U.S. Drilling Program Targets High-Grade Antimony in Strategic California Location
Locksley Resources Limited (ASX: LKY / OTCQB: LKYRF) has submitted an expanded Plan of Operations to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, significantly scaling up its drilling at Locksley Resources program at the Desert Antimony Prospect in California. The company is strategically positioned just 1.4km from MP Materials' Mountain Pass Mine in the heart of America's critical minerals corridor.
The expanded program will now include ~2,180 meters of drilling designed to test three NNE-SSW trending quartz-carbonate-stibnite vein positions and a newly identified E-W structure revealed through recent structural mapping. This enhanced program comes on the heels of Locksley's oversubscribed capital raising, leaving the company with a strong cash position exceeding $6.5 million to fully fund this initiative and subsequent exploration.
"The submission of this expanded Plan of Operations is a major step forward in unlocking the critical minerals potential of the Mojave Project," said Julian Woodcock, Technical Director of Locksley Resources. "With the benefit of a strengthened balance sheet following our oversubscribed capital raise, we are accelerating exploration to test a larger mineralised footprint at the Desert Antimony Prospect."
Advanced 3D Modeling Expands Target Footprint
Recent structural mapping and enhanced 3D geological modeling have significantly enlarged the target zone at the Desert Antimony Prospect. This advanced work has confirmed three stibnite-rich vein positions within a NNE-SSW mineralised corridor and identified an additional E-W trending structure with mineralisation potential.
The sophisticated 3D modeling has provided Locksley with robust drill targeting capabilities that support the company's objective of defining a JORC Exploration Target. The updated drilling plan outlines 13 reverse circulation (RC) drill holes from 11 pads, with depths ranging from 100 to 240 meters.
| Drilling Program Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Total planned drilling | ~2,180 meters |
| Number of RC drill holes | 13 |
| Number of drill pads | 11 |
| Hole depths | 100-240 meters |
| Target structures | 3 NNE-SSW veins + 1 E-W structure |
| Expected BLM approval | September 2025 |
What is Antimony and Why Does it Matter?
Antimony is a critical mineral designated by the U.S. government due to its essential applications across multiple strategic sectors. This brittle, silvery-white metal plays a vital role in numerous applications that are fundamental to both civilian industry and national security.
Key Applications of Antimony
Antimony serves multiple important functions across various industries:
- Flame retardants: The largest commercial use, particularly in plastics, textiles, and electronics
- Lead-acid batteries: Improves charging characteristics and reduces maintenance requirements
- Ammunition: Hardens lead in bullets and shot
- Semiconductors: Used in the production of diodes and infrared detectors
- Military applications: Essential component in night vision devices, infrared sensors, and precision-guided weapons
- Glass and ceramics: Employed as a fining agent and opacifier
Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
The strategic importance of antimony has increased dramatically as the United States currently has zero domestic antimony production, despite its critical role in national security applications. This vulnerability is compounded by highly concentrated global supply chains:
- China dominates global production (approximately 60%)
- Russia and Tajikistan account for most of the remaining production
- U.S. relies entirely on imports for antimony supply
- Limited processing capacity exists outside China
With surface samples from the Desert Antimony Mine grading up to 46% Sb and silver values reaching 1,022 g/t Ag, Locksley's prospect represents one of the highest-grade known antimony occurrences in the United States.
This exploration initiative aligns perfectly with the U.S. government's push to secure domestic supply chains for critical minerals, reducing dependence on foreign sources, particularly China, which dominates global antimony production.
Accelerated Timeline and Clear Path Forward
Locksley has outlined a streamlined path forward for its expanded drilling program, with several key milestones expected in the coming months:
- BLM bond confirmation and approval anticipated in September 2025
- Site preparation, earthworks, and RC drilling commencing in late September 2025 (subject to BLM approval)
- Ongoing evaluation of geological data to support a JORC Exploration Target
- Continuous news flow expected over the next 4-5 months leading into drilling and results
This accelerated timeline reflects Locksley's commitment to rapidly advancing its U.S. critical minerals program while leveraging its strong financial position.
Strategic Positioning in America's Critical Minerals Corridor
Locksley's Mojave Project sits at the epicenter of U.S. efforts to establish domestic supply chains for critical minerals. The Desert Antimony Prospect is located within the company's North Block claims, just 3km northeast of MP Materials' Mountain Pass Mine, America's only active rare earth elements mine.
This strategic location provides Locksley with significant advantages:
- Proximity to established critical minerals infrastructure
- Position within a region benefiting from substantial U.S. government investment
- Potential to unlock one of America's highest-grade antimony resources
- Alignment with national security priorities for domestic critical mineral production
The company's dual focus on both antimony and rare earth elements at its Mojave Project positions it to benefit from increasing U.S. investment in critical minerals independence.
Why Investors Should Watch Locksley Resources
Locksley represents a compelling opportunity for investors interested in the critical minerals sector for several key reasons:
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Strategic Asset Location: Positioned in the heart of America's critical minerals corridor, adjacent to the only operating rare earths mine in the U.S.
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High-Grade Potential: Historical samples from the Desert Antimony Mine show exceptionally high grades (up to 46% Sb), indicating significant resource potential.
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Strong Financial Position: With over $6.5 million in cash following an oversubscribed capital raising, the company is fully funded for its expanded exploration program.
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Geopolitical Tailwinds: Increasing U.S. government focus on securing domestic critical minerals supply chains provides strong policy support for projects like Locksley's.
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Dual Commodity Exposure: The company offers exposure to both antimony and rare earth elements, two critical mineral groups with strong demand fundamentals.
As global competition for critical minerals intensifies, Locksley's strategic positioning in California's Mojave Desert, combined with its expanded drilling program and robust funding, places it at the forefront of America's push for critical minerals independence. The upcoming drilling program represents a potential inflection point that could substantially unlock value at this highly prospective project.
Ready to Invest in America's Critical Minerals Future?
Discover how Locksley Resources is positioning itself at the forefront of U.S. antimony supply with its high-grade Desert Antimony Prospect. With an expanded drilling program, strong cash position of over $6.5 million, and strategic location in California's critical minerals corridor, Locksley offers compelling investment potential in a sector vital to national security. To learn more about this ASX-listed opportunity and stay updated on the company's progress towards defining a JORC Exploration Target, visit locksleyresouces.com.au today.
