What's Happening?
Locksley Resources, a critical minerals explorer, is collaborating with Rice University to develop the DeepSolv program, which focuses on advancing the processing of antimony using a green hydrometallurgical deep eutectic solvent (DES) process. This collaboration
aims to establish preliminary process parameters that enhance the selectivity for antimony dissolution, representing a breakthrough in reagent innovation. The project is part of Locksley Resources' efforts to strengthen the domestic supply chain of antimony in the United States, particularly in light of increased demand following China's export ban. The company plans to shift its focus to the Desert Antimony Mine within the Mojave Project in California and EV Resources' Los Lirios deposits, delivering flotation concentrates and run of mine ore to Rice University for further testing.
Why It's Important?
The collaboration between Locksley Resources and Rice University is significant as it addresses the growing demand for antimony in the United States, which has become critical due to its importance in the defense sector. The development of a novel DES-based process could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly methods of antimony processing, potentially reducing reliance on foreign sources. This initiative aligns with national interests, as evidenced by the United States Antimony Corporation's recent contract with the US Defense Logistics Agency to supply antimony metal ingots for the national defense stockpile. The success of this collaboration could bolster the U.S. antimony supply chain, ensuring a stable and reliable source for defense and other industries.
What's Next?
Locksley Resources plans to use the findings from the collaboration to assist in the design and scoping of a planned pilot demonstration plant. This plant aims to further strengthen the domestic supply chain of antimony, providing a pathway toward commercial scalability and operational reliability. The ongoing partnership with Rice University is expected to continue delivering strong technical outcomes, potentially leading to future commercial applications of the DES-based process. As the demand for antimony continues to rise, Locksley Resources' efforts could play a crucial role in meeting national needs and supporting the U.S. defense sector.
Beyond the Headlines
The collaboration highlights the importance of academic innovation in driving industry advancements, particularly in the critical minerals sector. By leveraging the expertise of Rice University, Locksley Resources is able to explore cutting-edge solutions that could redefine antimony processing. This partnership exemplifies how academia and industry can work together to address complex challenges, fostering innovation that benefits both sectors. The development of environmentally friendly processing methods also underscores the growing emphasis on sustainability in mineral extraction and processing.
