Locksley Resources Limited (ASX:LKY) has officially commenced its drilling operations at the El Campo Rare Earths Prospect, a significant step forward for its Mojave Project in California. This new phase marks the initiation of a high-impact exploration campaign aimed at uncovering valuable mineral resources.
Drilling Operations and Approvals
The company recently announced that earthworks and preparation for drill sites at El Campo are underway. This operation includes a maiden campaign consisting of five diamond drill holes designed to assess the continuity of high-grade rare earth element (REE) zones. According to the company, this drilling program will provide essential geological data to confirm the extent of mineralization at depth, with preliminary surface samples indicating grades of up to 12.1% total rare earth oxide (TREO).
In addition to the El Campo drilling, Locksley received approval for the Desert Antimony Mine (DAM) after the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) accepted the necessary reclamation bond. This approval paves the way for an expanded drilling program at the DAM, which includes plans for up to 16 drill holes across approximately 2,300 meters. The sequential nature of these drilling campaigns is designed to optimize operational efficiency and reduce costs by mobilizing the drill rig directly from El Campo to the DAM site.
Kerrie Matthews, Managing Director and CEO of Locksley Resources, expressed confidence in the project’s trajectory. “We are finishing 2025 with strong momentum. By commencing operations at El Campo and finalizing the bond for DAM, we have effectively opened two fronts for exploration,” she stated. This dual approach is expected to facilitate a continuous flow of exploration data throughout the first half of 2026.
Strategic Importance of the Mojave Project
The Mojave Project, located in the Mojave Desert, encompasses over 250 claims across two contiguous prospect areas: the North Block/Northeast Block and the El Campo Prospect. Notably, the North Block is adjacent to claims held by MP Materials, a leader in rare earth production. The El Campo Prospect is strategically positioned near the Mountain Pass Mine, further enhancing its exploration potential.
The project also includes the historic Desert Antimony Mine, which last operated in 1937. As the United States currently lacks any domestic antimony production, the demand for this critical metal remains high, particularly due to its importance in defense systems, semiconductors, and various metal alloys. Locksley’s advancements in this area are timely, given the growing geopolitical focus on diversifying supply chains away from China, a dominant force in the REE and antimony markets.
With its drilling programs now underway, Locksley Resources aims to align its operations with U.S. strategic objectives for mineral independence and economic security. The company’s commitment to advancing exploration in this critical mineral region reflects a broader trend of increasing investment in the U.S. mining sector, particularly for materials vital to technology and defense.
Locksley Resources also maintains an Australian portfolio, including the Tottenham Copper-Gold Project in New South Wales, where it focuses on VMS-style mineralization. The company remains dedicated to creating shareholder value through strategic exploration and development, positioning itself as a key player in the critical minerals landscape.
