Locksley Resources has kicked off its maiden drilling at the El Campo Rare Earths Prospect and secured full regulatory approval for an expanded program at the Desert Antimony Mine, setting the stage for continuous exploration updates through mid-2026.
- Maiden drilling campaign commenced at El Campo Rare Earths Prospect
- Reclamation bond accepted, enabling full approval for Desert Antimony Mine drilling
- Sequential drilling strategy to maintain exploration momentum into Q2 2026
- Focus on high-grade rare earth elements and antimony targets
- Mojave Project strategically positioned near Mountain Pass Mine and MP Materials claims
Exploration Milestone Achieved
Locksley Resources Limited (ASX, LKY) has officially entered a new phase of its Mojave Project in California with the commencement of its maiden drilling program at the El Campo Rare Earths Prospect. This marks a significant operational milestone as the company seeks to validate the down-dip continuity of high-grade rare earth element (REE) mineralisation previously identified at surface.
Simultaneously, Locksley has secured full approval for an expanded drilling program at the historic Desert Antimony Mine (DAM) following the acceptance of a reclamation bond by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. This regulatory clearance unlocks the potential for up to 16 drill holes targeting one of the highest-grade antimony occurrences in the United States.
Strategic Sequential Drilling Campaign
To optimise operational efficiency and reduce mobilisation costs, Locksley has structured a sequential drilling campaign. The diamond drill rig currently operating at El Campo will move directly to the Desert Antimony Mine upon completion of the REE program. This approach ensures a continuous flow of exploration news and data through the first half of 2026, maintaining investor engagement and market visibility.
The El Campo drilling program comprises five diamond drill holes designed to test breccia zones and shear structures known to host high-grade REE mineralisation, with reported surface grades reaching up to 12.1% total rare earth oxides (TREO). Following this, the Desert Antimony Mine program will execute approximately 14 holes over 2,180 metres, targeting an expanded antimony exploration zone.
Positioned for U.S. Critical Minerals Independence
Located in the Mojave Desert, the project benefits from its proximity to MP Materials’ Mountain Pass Mine, the only rare earth mining and processing facility of scale in the U.S. The El Campo Prospect lies along strike and is enveloped by MP Materials’ claims, underscoring strong geological continuity and exploration potential.
Antimony, a critical metal for defence systems, semiconductors, and alloys, currently lacks domestic U.S. production. The Desert Antimony Mine’s high-grade surface samples position Locksley to potentially fill this strategic supply gap. The company’s mine-to-market strategy, supported by partnerships with U.S. research institutions, aims to re-establish secure supply chains for these critical minerals amid rising geopolitical pressures to reduce reliance on China.
Looking Ahead
CEO Kerrie Matthews emphasised the momentum gained by opening two exploration fronts simultaneously, highlighting the company’s commitment to delivering continuous updates and advancing both rare earth and antimony targets. As Locksley progresses through these drilling programs, the market will be watching closely for assay results that could redefine the resource potential of the Mojave Project.
Bottom Line?
Locksley’s dual drilling campaign sets a robust foundation for critical mineral discoveries that could reshape U.S. supply chains.
Questions in the middle?
- What initial assay results will reveal about the depth and grade continuity at El Campo?
- How will the Desert Antimony Mine drilling impact the overall resource estimate and project economics?
- What strategic partnerships or off-take agreements might Locksley pursue following exploration success?