Locksley Resources has confirmed multiple new mineralised trends at its Mojave Critical Minerals Project in California, setting the stage for an expanded drilling campaign in Q3 2025. The company’s detailed structural mapping and 3D geological modelling have refined exploration targets for antimony and rare earth elements, aligning with growing US strategic interests in domestic critical minerals.
- Multiple antimony-rich vein positions confirmed at Desert Antimony Mine
- New rare earth element (REE) targets identified at El Campo prospect
- 3D geological models completed to refine drill targeting and JORC Exploration Targets
- Expanded reverse circulation drilling program planned for Q3 2025 pending regulatory approval
- Strategic proximity to MP Materials’ Mountain Pass operation underscores project importance
Strategic Mapping Advances Mojave Project
Locksley Resources Limited (ASX – LKY) has delivered a significant update on its Mojave Critical Minerals Project in California, revealing expanded and refined targets for antimony and rare earth elements (REE) following a comprehensive structural geology mapping program. Completed in late June, this work has enhanced the understanding of mineralised structures at both the Desert Antimony Mine (DAM) and El Campo prospects, underpinning an expanded exploration strategy.
The mapping, conducted by a specialist structural geologist, confirmed multiple mineralised vein positions within a north-northeast to south-southwest corridor at DAM, with additional east-west trending structures broadening the potential mineralised footprint. At El Campo, the team identified a steeply dipping shear zone hosting REEs, alongside a newly mapped South Fault, both representing promising new exploration targets.
3D Geological Models and Drill Planning
Crucially, Locksley has developed detailed 3D geological models for both prospects, integrating surface mapping data to refine drill targeting and assist in defining JORC Exploration Targets. These models reveal discrete stibnite veins at DAM extending approximately 200 metres along strike and highlight under-sampled high-grade REE zones at El Campo, suggesting that previous surface sampling may have missed key mineralised horizons.
With these insights, Locksley plans to submit an expanded Plan of Operations (POO) to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) by late July, aiming for approval by early September. This will enable a substantial reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign in the September quarter of 2025, designed to test the newly identified vein sets and structural targets.
Positioned at the Heart of US Critical Minerals Supply
The Mojave Project’s location is strategically significant, situated just 1.4 kilometres from MP Materials’ Mountain Pass Mine, the only rare earth deposit currently mined in the United States. This proximity, combined with the recent US$500 million investment by Apple into MP Materials to secure domestic rare earth magnet supply, highlights the growing geopolitical and industrial focus on securing critical minerals within the US.
Locksley’s Technical Director, Julian Woodcock, emphasised the importance of the structural mapping program in advancing the company’s exploration strategy. He noted that the refined geological models and expanded drill targets position Locksley to rapidly unlock the critical minerals potential of the Mojave Project amid accelerating US government support for domestic supply chains.
Looking Ahead
Beyond the Mojave Project, Locksley also holds the Tottenham Copper-Gold Project in New South Wales, Australia, but it is the US-based critical minerals assets that currently capture market and strategic attention. The upcoming drilling campaign will be a pivotal moment for the company, potentially validating the expanded mineralised zones and advancing Locksley’s role in the US critical minerals landscape.
Bottom Line?
As Locksley prepares to drill, the Mojave Project stands at a crossroads between exploration promise and strategic opportunity in the US critical minerals race.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming drilling confirm the expanded mineralised zones and support a JORC Exploration Target?
- How quickly can Locksley secure regulatory approvals and mobilise drilling contractors for the Q3 2025 program?
- What partnerships or funding opportunities might emerge as US strategic interest in domestic critical minerals intensifies?