#United States #Houston #Rice University #Locksley Resources #Antimony Processing

Strategic Collaboration between Locksley Resources and Rice University for Antimony Processing

In a groundbreaking development, Locksley Resources Limited (ASX: LKY; OTCQB: LKYRF) has officially signed a strategic Research and Development Agreement with Rice University located in Houston. This partnership marks a pivotal step in the United States’ quest for critical minerals, focusing specifically on the domestic processing of antimony, a crucial element in defense and energy sectors.

The agreement is part of Locksley's broader initiative, the U.S. Critical Minerals and Energy Resilience Strategy, designed to expedite the process from mining to market for antimony in the U.S. As Nathan Lude, Chairman of Locksley, emphasized, this collaboration aims to seal a significant supply chain gap—currently, no commercial-scale antimony processing exists in America, despite the rising demand from various industries.

Focus of the Collaboration

The collaboration centers around the Mojave Project, a key asset of Locksley in California. It will explore pathways for the domestic processing of antimony sourced from U.S. territories, catering to increasing demand in defense and next-generation energy solutions. This strategic partnership not only enhances the operational capacity of Locksley but also positions it advantageously in a market where material innovation is urgently required by various U.S. sectors including defense, energy, and artificial intelligence.

Professor Pulickel M. Ajayan from Rice University's Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering expressed optimism about the collaboration, marking it as a significant step forward. This project intends to tackle both scientific challenges and engineering hurdles critical for developing scalable, domestic pathways for antimony processing. This strategic priority aligns well with enhancing U.S. energy resilience and fostering sustainable technology premiums.

Research Thrusts of the Collaboration

The collaboration is structured around two main research thrusts:

1. Green Hydrometallurgical Extraction of Antimony: This thrust will involve developing low-energy, environmentally friendly solvent extraction techniques tailored for U.S.-sourced antimony ores. This innovative approach aims to re-establish a domestic antimony processing chain capable of meeting the burgeoning strategic demand, especially when such capacities are currently scarce.

2. Exploration of Antimony in Energy Storage Applications: The focus here will be on using antimony to formulate advanced electrode materials suitable for next-gen lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, as well as for supercapacitors and hybrid power modules. The aim is to leapfrog innovation in energy storage solutions while retaining critical mineral independence.

Importance of this Initiative

Nathan Lude highlighted the integration of upstream development with downstream innovation as a rare opportunity to build a comprehensive domestic supply chain that aligns with U.S. strategic interests. The proactive approach ensures that Locksley can tap into various government funding opportunities aimed at addressing systemic challenges in critical minerals and energy sectors, particularly around antimony.

About Rice University

As a leading institution in materials science, Rice University has an established reputation for bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application. Their collaborative work not only offers reliable technical insight but also propels the commercialization of advanced materials technologies critical for national infrastructure needs. Professor Ajayan, with extensive experience and notable accolades in the field, bolsters this partnership, ensuring actionable pathways to materializes innovative antimony-based solutions.

About Locksley Resources Limited

Locksley Resources, based in Australia, is committed to exploring critical minerals with assets in both the U.S. and Australia. The Mojave Project stands out for targeting rare earth elements along with antimony. It's particularly well-placed against the backdrop of geopolitical urgency to de-risk dependencies on foreign supply chains, specifically from China, which dominates the global production of both rare earth elements and antimony. Locksley is strategically positioned to contribute significantly towards achieving U.S. goals of mineral independence and economic security.

For further details, visit Locksley Resources.