Locksley Resources (AS:LKY) strengthens U.S. antimony supply push with EV Resources deal

In a climate where Washington is racing to reduce reliance on Chinese critical minerals, Locksley Resources (ASX:LKY) has sharpened its focus on securing diverse antimony supply to underpin its Mojave Project in California.

The company has entered into a non-binding Heads of Agreement with EV Resources (ASX: EVR), a step that could see beneficiated ore from EVR’s Los Lirios operations integrated into Locksley’s downstream processing pathway.

Highlights

• Heads of Agreement with EV Resources for an Antimony Ore Sales Agreement

• Potential A$0.75m strategic investment in EVR, subject to approvals

• Strengthens ore supply for Locksley’s DeepSolv™ processing technology, developed with Rice University

• Expands U.S. domestic feedstock options alongside Mojave’s Desert Antimony Mine

• Aligns with U.S. defence and energy sector demand for secure non-Chinese supply

Locksley’s DeepSolv™ technology, being advanced in partnership with Rice University, lies at the centre of the strategy.

By blending ore from its own Desert Antimony Mine with third-party material, Locksley aims to accelerate validation and commercial deployment of the process.

This would open access to the US$1 billion-plus domestic antimony market, where supply chains remain vulnerable due to China’s dominance.

The agreement with EV Resources not only promises additional feedstock but also delivers near-term optionality ahead of mining at Mojave.

Importantly, Rice University will receive priority access to EVR samples for testwork, bolstering the diversification of ore sources and helping demonstrate resilience across multiple feedstocks.

Locksley Resources Chairman, Pat Burke, said the move reflected the company’s intent to position itself at the forefront of U.S. supply chain independence:

“This agreement potentially strengthens our mine-to-market strategy by complementing our Mojave development with additional concentrate supply from EVR. By securing near-shore feedstock alongside our fast-tracked mining plans in California, Locksley will be well positioned to accelerate the U.S. return to domestic antimony processing.”

For investors attuned to the geopolitical importance of critical minerals, the development places Locksley on the radar as more than an explorer.

Its dual strategy, pairing hard assets with a proprietary downstream process echoes Washington’s call for innovation and resilience in securing supply of materials vital to defence and energy security.

The months ahead will be crucial as the parties progress toward a binding Ore Sales Agreement and Locksley advances drilling at Mojave.

If successful, the company will not only be among the first movers in re-establishing U.S. antimony production but could also provide proof of concept for reshoring critical mineral refining.