Locksley Resources (ASX:LKY) aligns Mojave Project with US critical minerals strategy

In the evolving landscape of global critical minerals, few locations are as geopolitically important and technically promising as the corridor between MP Materials Mountain Pass Mine and Dateline Resources Colosseum Project in California.

Positioned between these two federally supported sites is Locksley Resources (ASX:LKY) Mojave Project, a 20 square kilometre landholding with rare earth and antimony potential, and a location that sets it apart.

For Locksley Resources Non-Executive Chairman Nathan Lude, the project is more than prospective, it is strategically placed.

“Mojave is located in one of the most strategically critical regions in the US for rare earth and antimony supply,” Lude explains. “It’s just 1.4 kilometres from Mountain Pass and 7.7 kilometres from Colosseum. That corridor is attracting federal attention, which significantly derisks infrastructure and permitting timelines.”

The Mojave Project also includes the historical Desert Antimony Mine, which saw intermittent production in the early 20th century.

This legacy infrastructure, combined with modern exploration, strengthens Locksley’s development outlook.

With more than 260 mining claims and alignment under evaluation with major US federal initiatives including the Department of Energy’s Critical Materials Hub and DPA Title III, Mojave is being advanced with both resource and regulatory foresight.

High Grades and a Defined Exploration Pathway

Locksley Resources is targeting high grade results in both rare earth elements and antimony, supporting the rationale for its upcoming drilling program.

At the El Campo prospect, historical surface sampling returned values of up to 12.1 percent total rare earth oxides (TREO), hosted in carbonatite veins.

Meanwhile, rock chips at the Desert Antimony Mine recorded up to 46 percent antimony, a commercially strong grade based on past production.

“These grades underpin a drill program designed to test both vertical and lateral continuity at known prospects,” Lude says. “They also align with broader district trends, validating the project’s inclusion in our critical mineral development pathway.”

Drilling is expected to commence in the September quarter of 2025, pending final approvals from the Bureau of Land Management.

The company has submitted the necessary applications and is conducting site assessments to finalise drill pad and collar locations.

“Importantly, the mobilisation of contractors and early stage groundwork means Locksley is well placed to commence drilling without delay once permitting is in hand,” Lude adds.

Data Driven Fieldwork Now Underway

While drilling is scheduled for later in the year, fieldwork is already in motion.

The current program includes confirming collar positions, collecting rock chip samples across multiple prospects, structural mapping, and refining targets from radiometric and magnetic datasets.

Petrology studies are also in progress to support future metallurgical testing of rare earth bearing lithologies.

Locksley’s exploration approach aims to maximise efficiency and minimise cost.

“By integrating geophysics, geochemistry and field mapping into the early exploration phase, Locksley is taking a data driven approach to drilling,” Lude says.

Engagement with US Federal Pathways

Locksley is also actively engaging with US government programs that support domestic critical mineral development.

An EXIM Bank Letter of Interest has been submitted, and the company is working to align with Department of Energy priorities under programs such as the Critical Materials Hub and DPA Title III.

The FAST 41 framework, which offers streamlined permitting for strategic projects, is also being reviewed as a future option.

“The company is in active dialogue with multiple US National Laboratories about collaboration on rare earth and antimony development,” says Lude. “These partnerships will be key in ensuring that Mojave can move from exploration to development in alignment with US supply chain initiatives.”

Positioned for Progress

Locksley’s strategy at Mojave is built around proximity to producing assets, validation of high grade targets, and early alignment with federal policy objectives.

This combination positions the company not just as an explorer, but as a potential contributor to the reshoring of critical mineral supply chains.

With fieldwork advancing and permitting already underway, 2025 is shaping as a pivotal year for the project.

Investors and industry stakeholders will be watching closely as Locksley transitions from groundwork to drilling and progresses its role in North America’s strategic resource development.

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