What's Happening?
Locksley Resources is set to commence a drilling program at the El Campo prospect within the Mojave Rare Earth Element Project in San Bernardino County, California. The company is mobilizing a Titan HD
track-mounted diamond drill rig to test mineralization levels, which include up to 12.1% total rare earth oxide and 3.19% neodymium-praseodymium. The drilling, approved by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, will begin in December 2025 and will consist of an initial five-hole program. The campaign aims to explore the continuity of mineralization and compare geological interpretations of stratabound versus structural shear hosted mineralization. CEO Kerrie Matthews emphasized the alignment of this project with the company's U.S.-focused rare earths strategy and the broader U.S. mine-to-market plan.
Why It's Important?
The drilling initiative at El Campo is significant as it supports the U.S. strategy to establish a stable domestic supply chain for rare earth elements, which are critical for various high-tech and defense applications. By securing a local source of rare earths, Locksley Resources contributes to reducing U.S. dependency on foreign imports, particularly from China, which currently dominates the global rare earth market. The project also aligns with national interests in bolstering economic security and technological independence. Additionally, the production of a 100% American-made antimony ingot by Locksley Resources marks a pivotal step in reviving domestic antimony production, further enhancing the U.S. supply chain for critical minerals.
What's Next?
Following the mobilization of the drill rig in December, the program is expected to be completed in approximately three weeks. Subsequent activities will include core logging, structural interpretation, sampling, assaying, and site reclamation as per the Bureau of Land Management's conditions. The results from this drilling campaign will provide valuable data for future metallurgical test work and project advancement. The success of this initiative could lead to further exploration and development activities, potentially positioning Locksley Resources as a key player in the U.S. rare earths market.
Beyond the Headlines
The development at El Campo could have broader implications for the U.S. rare earths industry, potentially spurring investment and innovation in domestic mining and processing technologies. It also highlights the growing importance of sustainable and ethical sourcing of critical minerals, as the U.S. seeks to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. The project may also influence policy discussions around mining regulations and incentives for domestic production of critical minerals.
