Locksley Resources (ASX:LKY) will incorporate a now completed LiDAR survey into the 3D geological model and JORC exploration target preparation at the Desert Antimony Mine (DAM) prospect.
The high-resolution underground Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) survey has delivered a detailed 3D representation of the historical mine workings, providing a clear framework to guide resource drilling and future mine redevelopment planning.
Completion of the survey at the prospect, located within the Mojave Project in San Bernardino County, California, facilitates Locksley’s execution of its US critical minerals strategy.
The company notes it provides a higher level of geological knowledge as the company advances towards re-development of the Desert Antimony Mine.
Initial 3D mapping data from the survey confirms the scale of the historically mined stibnite-bearing veins, and assists with targeting drilling programs.
Detailed geological mapping of the underground workings at DAM has been scheduled for November 2025.
Locksley will now undertake an assessment of the ground conditions within the historical workings with the objective of detailed underground sampling (subject to safe working conditions being determined).
CEO Kerrie Matthews says the LiDAR dataset provides an increased level of geological detail and understanding of historical mining at the Desert Antimony Mine that didn’t exist before.
“The survey has confirmed the position of the historically mined stibnite-bearing veins and the quality of this data materially enhances our ability to progress drilling design with far greater precision,” she says.
“Importantly, this work also underpins our broader mine-to-metal US growth strategy by supporting a fully domestic antimony supply chain in the US.”
LiDAR leads the way
The LiDAR confirms 236m of underground development across four distinct levels and occurring throughout a strike length of 130m. The 3D data delineates three previously mined areas (via open stopes) of the mineralised quartz-carbonate-stibnite veins that correspond to known historical production
This information supports refinement of the geological interpretation and provides a foundation for the upcoming targeted drilling campaign.
Matthews adds that the LiDAR provides a technical foundation that will support ongoing engagement with the US Government strategic funding pathways, including the recently announced US ExportImport Bank letter-of-intent and Department of Defense initiatives aimed at rebuilding domestic critical minerals capacity.
Concurrent metallurgical testwork and process route assessments are ensuring that geological insights are fully aligned with downstream value creation.
In early November 2025, Locksley entered a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with metallurgical processing provider Hazen Research to conduct toll processing of ore from the Desert Antimony Mine, as reported by Mining.com.au.
The agreement seeks to secure an immediate processing capability amid plant design, construction, and development studies being conducted at the mine.
Locksley says the agreement aligns with plans to accelerate production timelines, de-risk early operations for processing, while pushing the greater Mojave Project towards commercialisation as per its US mine-to-market strategy.
In addition to rare earths, the Mojave Project hosts the Desert Antimony Mine, which last operated in 1937. Despite the US currently having no domestic antimony production, demand for the metal remains high due to its essential role in defence systems, semiconductors, and metal alloys.
With significant surface sample results, Locksley says the Desert Mine prospect represents one of the highest-grade known antimony occurrences in America.
Locksley’s North American position is further strengthened by rising geopolitical urgency to diversify supply chains away from China, the global leader in both REE and antimony production. With its maiden drilling program planned, the company says Mojave is uniquely positioned to align with US strategic objectives around critical mineral independence and economic security.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: Locksley
