Locksley Submits Drilling Permit as Mojave Project Yields 46% Antimony Assays

Strategic Location and Project Overview

Locksley Resources Limited (ASX: LKY) has taken a significant step forward in advancing its Mojave Antimony and Rare Earths Project in California, submitting a formal drilling permit application to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Situated a mere 1.4 kilometres from the Mountain Pass Mine, the only producing rare earth mine in the United States, the Mojave Project is strategically positioned within a highly prospective mineral district.

The project encompasses the Desert Antimony Mine and the El Campo Prospect, both showing promising polymetallic mineralisation. Notably, surface sampling at the Desert Antimony Mine has returned exceptional rock chip assays, including up to 46% antimony (Sb) and 1,022 grams per tonne (g/t) silver (Ag), alongside elevated lead, zinc, and copper. These high-grade results confirm a robust mineralised system extending over a 400-metre strike length, with potential for further extensions beneath surface cover.

Regulatory Momentum and U.S. Government Support

Locksley’s permit submission comes at a pivotal moment, coinciding with a March 2025 Executive Order issued by President Trump aimed at accelerating domestic critical mineral projects. The order mandates expedited permitting processes, streamlined environmental assessments, and access to Defense Production Act funding, all designed to bolster American mineral production and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.

The BLM has confirmed it will undertake any necessary initial Environmental Assessments, which could otherwise delay approvals for up to a year. However, the Executive Order’s provisions offer a pathway for fast-tracking these approvals, potentially shortening the timeline for Locksley’s drilling program to commence.

Further underscoring the strategic importance of the region, nearby Dateline Resources’ Colosseum Project recently received federal endorsement and was publicly recognised by President Trump as America’s “second rare earth mine.” Locksley is positioning the Mojave Project to leverage similar regulatory and market support, given its comparable location and mineral potential.

Rare Earth Element Potential and Exploration Outlook

Beyond antimony and silver, the Mojave Project hosts significant rare earth element (REE) potential. Rock chip assays at the El Campo Prospect have yielded up to 12.1% total rare earth oxides (TREO) and 3.19% neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr), critical components for high-tech and clean energy applications.

Surface mapping has identified an 860-metre mineralised horizon, which remains open along strike and at depth. This adds a compelling dimension to the project’s value proposition, especially given the U.S. government’s strategic focus on securing domestic REE supplies.

Next Steps and Market Implications

Locksley’s immediate priorities include securing BLM approval for drilling permits, engaging with federal authorities to qualify for benefits under the Executive Order, and advancing further surface and subsurface exploration targeting high-grade antimony and rare earth zones. The company has committed to providing ongoing updates as it progresses permitting, stakeholder engagement, and exploration activities.

For investors and market watchers, the Mojave Project represents a potentially valuable domestic source of critical minerals at a time when supply chain security and geopolitical considerations are driving increased demand for U.S.-based mineral projects.