Locksley Resources Limited (ASX: LKY) has initiated a high-resolution heli-magnetic and radiometric survey across its Mojave Project, located in San Bernardino County, California. The company has engaged EDCON-PRJ, Inc. from Colorado to conduct this survey, which aims to significantly enhance the resolution of existing geological data and accelerate the identification of new drill targets.
October 31, 2025, marks the commencement of this dual-purpose survey, designed to benefit both Rare Earth Elements (REE) and antimony exploration efforts. By employing flight lines spaced at 40 meters and operating at an average height of 35 meters, the survey is expected to provide a five-fold increase in data density compared to the regional datasets previously acquired by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which typically utilized line spacings of 100 meters to 200 meters.
Kerrie Matthews, Managing Director and CEO of Locksley Resources, emphasized the importance of this survey in advancing the company’s exploration strategy. “Undertaking this high-resolution survey builds on the foundational datasets which Locksley is acquiring to fast-track exploration activities across Mojave,” Matthews stated. The initiative aims to develop existing prospects, such as the El Campo REE and Desert Antimony Mine, while simultaneously exploring additional areas to expand the project pipeline.
The survey’s magnetic component will facilitate detailed structural interpretation to identify new antimony drill targets by mapping known mineralized structures. Meanwhile, the radiometric survey will focus on delineating discrete REE targets, leveraging the strong thorium signatures associated with REE-bearing carbonatites.
Accelerated Exploration and Enhanced Data Quality
The new survey is anticipated to generate foundational datasets that will inform a comprehensive structural interpretation of the Mojave Project. This interpretation will guide fieldwork and sampling efforts, with particular emphasis on areas exhibiting NNE-SSW striking structures known to align with mineralization at the Desert Antimony Mine.
In parallel to the survey, SGC, the appointed geophysical consultants, will also conduct a review and reprocessing of existing geophysical datasets. This includes Airborne Gravity Gradiometry (AGG) surveys and multispectral data from Aster and Sentinel-2B. The reprocessed data will contribute to identifying alteration signatures and regional geology, enhancing ongoing exploration activities.
The completion of the heli-magnetic and radiometric survey is expected in early November 2025, followed by data processing and structural interpretation. Future steps include detailed geological mapping of the underground workings at the Desert Antimony Mine, scheduled for November, and the integration of LiDAR survey data into a 3D geological model to support the generation of JORC exploration targets.
Strategic Positioning in Critical Minerals
Locksley Resources is focused on critical minerals, specifically targeting REEs and antimony in the United States. The Mojave Project consists of over 250 claims across two primary prospect areas: the North Block/Northeast Block and the El Campo Prospect. Its proximity to MP Materials claims and the Mountain Pass Mine highlights the geological continuity and exploration potential of the area.
Despite the absence of domestic antimony production in the United States, the demand for this metal remains strong due to its essential applications in defense systems, semiconductors, and metal alloys. The Desert Antimony Mine is recognized as one of the highest-grade known antimony occurrences in the country, positioning Locksley well in a market eager to secure supply chains outside of China, the leading global producer of both REEs and antimony.
With a maiden drilling program on the horizon, Locksley Resources is strategically aligned with U.S. objectives concerning critical mineral independence and economic security, particularly in light of increasing geopolitical pressures.
In addition to its activities in the Mojave Project, Locksley Resources also holds the advanced Tottenham Copper-Gold Project in New South Wales, Australia, reflecting the company’s commitment to value creation through discovery, development, and strategic partnerships in the critical minerals sector.
