Locksley Resources (ASX:LKY) builds U.S. momentum with Mojave Project near Mountain Pass

Locksley Resources (ASX:LKY) is positioning itself as a serious player in the U.S. critical minerals landscape, with its Mojave Project strategically located just 1.4km from MP Materials Mountain Pass Mine, the only operational rare earths processing facility in the United States.

According to Chairman Nathan Lude, the project’s proximity to existing infrastructure is no coincidence.

“Antimony, neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr), and cerium, our key targets at Mojave, are officially classified by the U.S. Government as critical to national defence, clean energy and electronics,” Lude explains. “With Executive Orders now mandating fast tracked approvals and funding, we’re positioned right where policy meets opportunity.”

Strengthening the U.S. supply chain

The U.S. is racing to rebuild its domestic rare earth element (REE) supply chain.

Mojave’s location offers rare potential to integrate into an existing federally supported ecosystem and Locksley Resources is building the technical leadership required to seize that opportunity.

“Allister’s technical credentials include time at the CSIRO, and the design and execution of complex analytical programs across U.S. lab networks,” says Lude. “That’s the kind of credibility we need to engage with agencies like the Department of Energy and to ensure our submissions to federal programs are both rigorous and aligned with innovation pathways.”

Caird will lead all U.S. technical submissions, coordinate collaboration with national labs on REE separation, and manage Locksley’s broader federal engagement.

His appointment signals the company’s intent to move beyond exploration and become a strategic contributor to U.S. domestic supply chain development.

Engagement that goes beyond permitting

Locksley has launched formal engagement with key U.S. agencies including the Export-Import Bank (EXIM), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the FAST-41 permitting process an initiative designed to streamline approvals for high priority projects.

“These programs provide financial support, reduce regulatory hurdles and potentially unlock technical partnerships,” says Lude. “All of these are crucial accelerators and provide external validation for a project in an early stage critical minerals environment.”

The company has also applied under the Defence Production Act (DPA) Title III, a program that could support the development of downstream processing infrastructure.

“This is about evolving from exploration to value added supply,” Lude says.

“Funding for downstream processing would fundamentally reshape our role in the supply chain.”

Delivering value to shareholders

For investors, the dual approach of government engagement and exploration upside offers meaningful short and medium term potential.

“Progressing formal U.S. engagement, including lab collaborations, permitting fast tracks, and bank support, represents a meaningful de risking milestone,” Lude explains. “It demonstrates regulatory alignment and opens doors to non-dilutive funding, which enhances the project’s development pathway and potential commercial outcomes.”

In parallel, Locksley is preparing for a substantial exploration campaign focused on REE and antimony mineralisation. Early fieldwork has already returned high-grade samples, yet much of the tenure remains underexplored.

“At the same time, Locksley is preparing to launch an extensive exploration campaign targeting REE and antimony mineralisation,” he adds. “While historical sampling at the Mojave Project returned high grade antimony and REE samples, much of the tenure remains underexplored. This presents a compelling pipeline for future discoveries.”

The company is targeting a high impact drilling program in Q3 2025.

“Early results, combined with favourable permitting conditions, could create value inflection points that drive investor interest and strategic partnerships,” Lude says.

A supportive regulatory tailwind

Locksley’s forward momentum aligns with sweeping U.S. policy changes designed to accelerate critical mineral development.

A March 2025 Executive Order from former President Donald Trump, alongside the formation of the National Energy Dominance Council, has shifted the regulatory landscape in favour of fast tracked project approvals.

One of the first beneficiaries of this policy shift was the Colosseum Mine located just 8km from Mojave.

“The approval of the Colosseum Mine under these conditions illustrates the fast moving regulatory shift in which Locksley is now operating,” says Lude. “Notably, the Colosseum Mine is located about 8km from Project Mojave. Initial high grade sampling results at Mojave compare favourably, particularly given the lack of publicly reported REE assays from Colosseum to date.”

A global company with a U.S.-centric edge

For a company listed on the ASX, Locksley’s strategy reflects a broader shift in how Australian explorers can engage with international markets.

Rather than sending concentrates offshore, the company is positioning itself to support value-added processing within the United States.

“This is an example of how Australian listed companies like Locksley can play a meaningful role in reshaping global supply chains through U.S. centric development,” says Lude.

With a clear technical strategy, strong relationships with U.S. agencies and an aggressive exploration schedule ahead, Locksley Resources is entering a new phase of growth.

As Lude concludes: “We’re building the right project, in the right location, at the right time.”

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