Locksley Resources has initiated diamond drilling at its Desert Antimony Mine in California, aiming to expand known high-grade mineralisation and support US critical minerals supply chains.
- Diamond drilling commenced at Desert Antimony Mine targeting extensions of high-grade stibnite
- Surface mapping confirms vein structures, enhancing drill targeting confidence
- Program fully funded and aligned with US critical minerals priorities
- Collaboration with Rice University and US Department of Energy on metallurgical testing
- Supports mine-to-market strategy to re-establish domestic US antimony supply
Drilling Begins at Strategic US Antimony Asset
Locksley Resources has taken a significant step forward in its Mojave Project by commencing diamond drilling at the Desert Antimony Mine (DAM) in California. This marks the start of a maiden drilling campaign focused on extending known high-grade stibnite mineralisation beneath historical workings, a move that could rapidly expand the resource base of this critical mineral asset.
The company’s recent earthworks and surface exposure mapping have played a crucial role in refining the geological understanding of the site. By confirming the orientation and continuity of primary stibnite veins at surface, Locksley has been able to optimise drill hole placement and sequencing, prioritising targets with the highest confidence for near-term resource growth.
Technical Foundations and Strategic Partnerships
Detailed underground structural mapping and 3D geological modelling underpin the drilling program, providing a robust technical foundation. The integration of surface and underground data has enhanced the precision of targeting faulted extensions of high-grade lodes, which is expected to accelerate resource definition.
In parallel with drilling, Locksley is advancing metallurgical test work in collaboration with Rice University and the US Department of Energy’s Critical Materials Innovation Hub. This partnership aims to evaluate pilot-scale processing techniques, supporting the company’s broader mine-to-market strategy and positioning DAM as a key domestic source of antimony for US defence and advanced materials supply chains.
Aligning with US Critical Minerals Priorities
Antimony is classified as a critical mineral by the US government, with limited domestic production currently available. The Desert Antimony Mine offers a rare opportunity to establish a high-grade, primary source of this vital element within the United States. Locksley’s fully funded drilling program is a clear demonstration of its commitment to contributing to national security and supply chain resilience.
Managing Director Kerrie Matthews highlighted the milestone, stating that the drilling campaign reflects strong technical confidence and is integral to unlocking the resource potential of DAM. The results from this program will directly inform downstream processing inputs and pilot plant development, advancing the company’s strategic objectives.
Next Steps and Market Implications
As drilling progresses, Locksley plans to report assay results progressively, providing the market with timely updates on resource expansion. The company also intends to commence drilling at its El Campo rare-earth element project and continue metallurgical testing to develop a trioxide product tailored for the US defence industry. Permitting for additional underground extraction and pilot plant design are also underway, underscoring a comprehensive approach to resource development and supply chain integration.
Bottom Line?
Locksley’s drilling at Desert Antimony Mine could soon reshape US antimony supply, but assay results will be the true test.
Questions in the middle?
- What initial assay results will reveal about the size and grade of extensions at DAM?
- How will metallurgical test outcomes influence the feasibility of pilot-scale processing?
- What timeline can investors expect for resource updates and pilot plant commissioning?