Its Desert prospect – tucked in California’s Mojave Desert – lies just 1.4km from the legendary Mountain Pass rare earths mine. Mountain Pass is run by NYSE-listed MP Materials and is the nation’s only operating rare earths mine.
Locksley’s broader Mojave project spans more than 250 claims and packs a one-two critical minerals punch. Up north, the historic Desert antimony mine sits within its North Block, rubbing shoulders with MP Materials’ ground. Locksley’s El Campo prospect lies a few clicks south in a rare earths hot spot and has drilling approvals already in the bag.
Although the Desert mine has been dormant since 1937, it still holds the power to tantalise. The company’s surface sampling in October last year revealed eye-watering grades as high as 46 per cent antimony and more than 1 kilogram per tonne silver, setting the scene for a renewed exploration focus on the prospect.
As the US has zero domestic antimony production and relies on imports mostly from China, Locksley’s project looms as a potential game changer. Antimony is used in military-grade munitions, semiconductors and metal alloys. After China imposed an export ban on the critical metal a year ago, western nations have scrambled to find alternative supplies to fill the gap.
With drill rigs soon to bite into fresh targets and its news flow set to ramp up, Locksley’s timing appears spot on.
While exploration may still be in an early stage at the Desert prospect, recent high-grade hits and an exciting exploration program coupled with burgeoning government demand for critical metals will likely ensure that punters keep a close eye on Locksley’s every move.
Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au
- For more: Elrisala website and for social networking, you can follow us on Facebook
- Source of information and images “brisbanetimes”“
