Locksley Resources (ASX:LKY) clears regulatory path for rare earth drilling in Mojave

With the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) giving the green light for drilling at its El Campo prospect, Locksley Resources (ASX:LKY) has officially entered a new phase in the development of its Mojave Project in California.

The company’s maiden drill campaign will target rare earths in one of the most strategically significant mining corridors in the United States.

In an in depth conversation with Non-Executive Chairman Nathan Lude, we explored the strategic, geological and geopolitical importance of the project, as well as its role within Locksley’s broader critical minerals strategy.

From Surface to Subsurface: A Milestone at El Campo

The BLM approval represents a key operational milestone for the company and opens the way for Locksley’s first ever drilling campaign at Mojave.

Lude confirmed that the approval signals that “our exploration plans meet the regulatory requirements under the revised federal framework, which is designed to expedite the development of critical mineral projects in the United States.”

Until now, El Campo had only been tested at surface.

This drill program is set to transition the project from early stage sampling into targeted subsurface exploration.

According to Lude, this marks “the beginning of a new phase in our exploration journey,” one that will allow the company to test the rare earth potential indicated by earlier high grade rock chip assays.

Strategic Positioning in a Critical Corridor

Geologically, El Campo sits along strike from MP Materials’ Mountain Pass Mine, the only fully integrated rare earth mining and processing operation in the United States.

For Locksley, the proximity offers both validation and opportunity.

“El Campo is uniquely positioned both geologically and geopolitically,” Lude said. “Our own assays from surface sampling have returned highly encouraging grades of up to 12.1 percent TREO and 3.19 percent NdPr, both critical inputs for electric vehicle and wind turbine supply chains.”

The site also lies within a historic mining district now recognised as a priority zone for critical minerals development.

The March 2025 Executive Order to accelerate projects of strategic relevance further reinforces the significance of Locksley’s position.

“This permit demonstrates the strength of our project’s positioning,” Lude added. “It signals that El Campo is recognised not only for its geological potential but also its contribution to domestic rare earth supply chain resilience.”

Timeline and Execution Strategy

Drilling at El Campo is expected to commence in the September quarter of 2025.

Preparatory fieldwork is already underway, with the Locksley exploration team now validating historical data and finalising drill collar positions.

“We are undertaking detailed fieldwork to refine drill collar positions, complete site access logistics and peg locations for the five reverse circulation drill holes that have now been permitted,” said Lude.

In tandem, the company is running a competitive tender to select a drill contractor with rare earth experience in the Mojave region.

The process is expected to conclude within four to six weeks, aligning with the broader mobilisation plan for the campaign.

Lude described the targets as “the most prospective zones identified from surface programs,” which are designed to deliver critical insights into the extent and continuity of mineralisation.

Role Within Locksley’s Broader Strategy

The El Campo program is more than an isolated campaign.

It is a central pillar in Locksley’s critical minerals strategy, particularly in the United States market, where policy and investment are increasingly geared towards reducing reliance on offshore supply.

“Our approach to the Mojave Project forms part of a broader strategy to develop assets that align with the increasing demand for critical minerals,” said Lude.

Locksley is also advancing its Desert Antimony Mine prospect, where rock chips have returned assays of up to 11.2 percent antimony, another mineral on the United States critical list.

Discussions are underway with the BLM for further drilling approvals, adding depth to the company’s United States exploration pipeline.

“By building a portfolio of critical minerals projects underpinned by high impact exploration results and regulatory alignment, we are taking proactive steps to create long term value in both United States and Australian markets,” Lude explained.

Proximity and Collaboration Potential

Locksley’s location is one of its biggest advantages.

The El Campo prospect lies just 1.4 kilometres from Mountain Pass and less than 8 kilometres from Dateline Resources’ Colosseum Project, which was recently added to the United States Federal Permitting Dashboard.

“Being located just 1.4 kilometres from MP Materials’ Mountain Pass Mine is a major strategic benefit,” said Lude. “Not only does this provide an ideal geological address for rare earth mineralisation, but it also offers the potential for future synergies in terms of infrastructure, logistics and processing.”

That potential extends beyond Mountain Pass.

The surrounding district is fast becoming a focal point for critical minerals development in the United States, supported by federal policy and industry interest.

“The clustering of advanced critical mineral projects in such close proximity further validates our landholding and strengthens the investment case for developing El Campo,” Lude said.

He also highlighted the potential for future collaboration or shared infrastructure, particularly if Locksley’s drilling confirms the scale and quality of subsurface mineralisation.

Looking Ahead

With drilling approvals secured, a work program mobilised and the competitive tender for drilling underway, Locksley is well positioned to deliver on its next operational phase.

The company’s strategy is anchored in regulatory alignment, high impact targets and a clear pathway to value creation in the rare earths sector.

As Lude summed up, “We are moving confidently into the next stage of project execution, bringing us closer to realising the next wave of value for our shareholders and stakeholders alike.”

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