What's Happening?
Locksley Resources has completed a high-resolution LiDAR survey at the Desert Antimony Mine (DAM) prospect, part of the Mojave Project in San Bernardino County, California. This survey provides a detailed 3D representation of historical mine workings,
enhancing geological understanding and guiding future drilling and mine redevelopment plans. The survey confirms the scale of historically mined stibnite-bearing veins, aiding in the precision of drilling design. Locksley Resources aims to leverage this data to support its broader mine-to-metal US growth strategy, focusing on establishing a domestic antimony supply chain. The company has also entered a memorandum of understanding with Hazen Research for toll processing of ore from the Desert Antimony Mine, aligning with plans to accelerate production timelines and de-risk early operations.
Why It's Important?
The completion of the LiDAR survey is a significant step for Locksley Resources in advancing its US critical minerals strategy. The detailed geological data enhances the company's ability to progress with drilling and redevelopment plans, crucial for establishing a domestic antimony supply chain. Antimony is vital for defense systems, semiconductors, and metal alloys, yet the US currently lacks domestic production. Locksley's efforts align with US strategic objectives to reduce dependency on foreign sources, particularly China, which dominates global antimony production. This initiative supports economic security and critical mineral independence, addressing geopolitical concerns and supply chain diversification.
What's Next?
Locksley Resources plans to conduct detailed underground sampling at the Desert Antimony Mine, contingent on safe working conditions. The company is also engaging with US Government strategic funding pathways, including initiatives from the US Export-Import Bank and the Department of Defense, to rebuild domestic critical minerals capacity. Concurrent metallurgical testwork and process route assessments are underway to ensure alignment with downstream value creation. The maiden drilling program is planned, positioning the Mojave Project to meet US strategic objectives for critical mineral independence and economic security.
Beyond the Headlines
The LiDAR survey not only supports Locksley Resources' immediate operational goals but also contributes to broader efforts to establish a sustainable and secure supply chain for critical minerals in the US. This development reflects a growing geopolitical urgency to diversify supply chains away from China, enhancing national security and economic resilience. The focus on antimony, a metal with high demand and no current domestic production, underscores the importance of strategic mineral independence in the context of global supply chain dynamics.
