Locksley Resources (ASX:LKY) will seek to enhance the overall rare earth opportunity within the Mojave Project in California, US, by conducting an expanded geological and structural mapping program.
The field program will focus on expanding knowledge gained from a recent structural mapping program completed at the Desert Antimony prospect, alongside conducting initial mapping across other prospective areas within the North Block claims.
The North Block directly abuts MP Materials’ Mountain Pass Mine – the only producing rare earths mine in the US and the focus of recent strategic investment from the Pentagon and Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL).
Further work is anticipated to include drone surveys and detailed geophysical analysis. This work will complement ongoing efforts at El Campo and support the potential discovery of additional high-priority rare earth prospects across Mojave.
Technical Director Julian Woodcock says the field mapping programs will provide additional field data which may provide new rare earth targets for follow-up later this year.
“Our technical team is committed to expanding our geological knowledge to complement the existing Desert Antimony and El Campo prospects, enhancing our overall rare earth element opportunity within the Mojave Project and strengthening our position in a proven US jurisdiction,” Woodcock says.
Locksley, which has a market capitalisation of $47.83 million, expects to receive Bureau of Land Management approvals for an expanded plan of operations in September 2025. The approvals will enable drilling to start.
The company also intends to complete integrating recent geological modelling and previous surface sampling activities with the aim of determining an exploration target ahead of drill testing.
The drilling program is expected to begin in due course, with the first batch of results expected in Q4 2025.
Locksley will also engage with metallurgical consultants to develop testwork flowsheets for Mojave, targeting recovery and upgrading rare earths and antimony.
Concurrently, the company will progress downstream collaboration opportunities centered around the US Government mandate to create a domestic fully integrated critical minerals supply chain. This comprises potential technology partnerships in processing capabilities, e-waste, and other technologies.
The Mojave Project comprises 250 claims across two contiguous prospect areas, located in the Mojave Desert, California, US.
Locksley Resources is a critical and base metals-focused explorer with assets in Australia and the US.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Locksley Resources
