Locksley Resources Accelerating Antimony Production Efforts in the U.S.
Locksley Resources' Advancement in Antimony Production
Locksley Resources, Ltd., a key player in the critical minerals sector, has made notable advancements in its efforts to produce antimony in the United States. The company provided a comprehensive update concerning its Desert Antimony Mine (DAM) located in California’s Mojave Project in San Bernardino County. This initiative represents a critical step in mitigating supply chain issues for a key industrial metal.
Kerrie Matthews, the Managing Director and CEO of Locksley, highlighted this era as a pivotal moment for the company. She stated, “We are at a pivotal time for Locksley as we continue our rapid advancement toward becoming a developer, with an end-to-end supply chain strategy from Mine-to-Metal – all within the U.S.” This assertion underscores the company’s commitment to ensuring that the U.S. economy becomes less reliant on foreign sources for its critical minerals, particularly antimony.
The company has set forth several strategic initiatives to facilitate the extraction of antimony. Among these efforts is the initiation of development planning aimed at securing the necessary financing, as well as obtaining the requisite permits for mining operations. Recently, Locksley received expressions of interest from U.S. engineering contractors, indicating strong support for the project's commencement and development.
A thorough assessment regarding underground access at DAM confirmed that the site is structurally stable. This is crucial as it enables safe re-entry into historical mining workings, facilitating a phase-based development approach as they further delve into the extraction processes.
In terms of technical milestones, the company has achieved a preliminary exploration target, estimating between 19,400 to 67,000 tons of recoverable antimony metal at the DAM site. This evaluation indicates considerable potential, although further exploration is needed to accurately define a Mineral Resource — a step essential for the project’s progression.
The recent bulk sampling conducted yielded impressive results, with head grades ranging from 7.6% to 7.8% antimony, corroborating the viability of the operation. A flotation test from a smaller sample returned a remarkable concentrate grade of 68.1% antimony, aligning with industrial and defense specifications.
Key Activities Planned
Locksley’s strategy includes a robust schedule of exploration activities:
1. Underground Mapping: Currently underway and expected to wrap up by November 2025.
2. Underground Sampling: Initiatives are planned to begin in November, with results anticipated shortly thereafter.
3. Surface Sampling: The program has commenced, with assay results due late November to early December 2025.
4. Drilling Operations: An ambitious plan allows for drilling at the DAM Prospect, with up to 16 holes approved. The company plans to begin drilling at the El Campo Prospect in late 2025 or early 2026.
5. Geophysical Studies: A comprehensive magnetic geophysics interpretation is in the works to enhance understanding of the regional geology, which will further support the exploration initiative.
6. Stream Sediment Sampling: Scheduled for Q4 of 2025 pending weather conditions, with analysis results expected by Q1 2026.
Through these meticulous planning and engineering processes, Locksley Resources is positioning itself as a leader in the domestic antimony market. The company's approach not only aims to bolster the U.S. supply chain but also emphasizes partnerships with top-tier research institutions and industry collaborators.
In conclusion, Locksley Resources is on a determined path to re-establish a vital antimony supply chain capable of meeting domestic demand. With strategic vision, expert partnerships, and concrete plans under development, the future looks promising for both the company and the U.S. critical minerals market, aligning with broader goals of mineral independence in the country.
For those interested in following Locksley Resources' progress, further information can be found on their official website.