Locksley Resources: Leading the Critical Minerals Supply Chain Resurgence in the U.S.

The global race to secure critical minerals has reached a fever pitch, with antimony and rare earth elements (REEs) emerging as linchpins for defense, electric vehicle (EV), and clean energy technologies. Against this backdrop, Locksley Resources (ASX:LKY) stands at the forefront of a U.S. government-backed renaissance to reclaim domestic control over these strategic resources. Its Mojave Critical Minerals Project in California’s mineral-rich heartland is poised to capitalize on a perfect storm of policy support, high-grade assets, and geopolitical urgency.

The Critical Minerals Imperative: Why Antimony and REEs Matter

The U.S. federal strategy to address supply chain vulnerabilities is unambiguous: reduce reliance on China, which dominates 85% of global REE refining and nearly 100% of U.S. antimony imports. Antimony is indispensable for flame retardants, ammunition, and lithium-ion battery electrolytes, while REEs like neodymium and praseodymium are essential for EV motors and wind turbine magnets. A shortage of these materials could cripple defense systems, stifle the energy transition, or leave the U.S. exposed in a crisis.

Enter Locksley’s Mojave Project, strategically located adjacent to MP Materials’ Mountain Pass REE mine and Dateline Resources’ Colosseum Project. This cluster of activity is no accident—it leverages existing infrastructure, skilled labor pools, and federal prioritization of the region as a critical minerals hub.

Locksley’s Strategic Advantages: Geology Meets Policy

1. High-Grade Assets with Immediate Impact
Locksley’s dual focus on antimony and REEs targets two of the U.S.’s most urgent supply chain gaps. At the El Campo Prospect, sampling has returned 12.1% TREO (Total Rare Earth Oxide) and 3.19% NdPr, comparable to top-tier global deposits. The Desert Antimony Mine boasts assays of 46% antimony, a grade that rivals the world’s highest-producing mines. With drilling planned for Q3 2025, these targets could rapidly expand resource inventories and validate commercial viability.

2. Policy-Driven Permitting Acceleration
The U.S. government’s FAST-41 permitting process and Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III are unlocking a path to fast-track development. Locksley has already applied for DPA funding to build domestic processing infrastructure, while the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is expediting environmental assessments—a critical step that could cut permitting timelines by years.

Allister Caird, Locksley’s newly appointed critical minerals strategist, is central to this effort. With 15+ years of experience at Australia’s CSIRO and expertise in federal partnerships, Caird is navigating submissions to agencies like the DOE Critical Materials Hub and coordinating with U.S. National Labs to advance REE separation and antimony purification technologies. His leadership ensures Locksley stays in lockstep with federal priorities.

Funding and the End-to-End Supply Chain Vision

Locksley’s ambition extends beyond exploration—it aims to establish a vertically integrated supply chain within the U.S. This includes:
- Downstream Processing: DPA Title III funds could support domestic refining capacity, reducing reliance on China.
- Strategic Partnerships: Discussions with off-takers in the EV and defense sectors are underway to secure long-term contracts.
- Financial Flexibility: Engagement with the Export-Import Bank (EXIM) and potential equity raises could provide non-dilutive capital for expansion.

The company’s 20.94km² land package also hosts polymetallic and copper prospects, diversifying its revenue streams and de-risking the project.

Near-Term Catalysts: Drilling, Policy, and Market Momentum

1. Q3 2025 Drilling Campaign: With permits progressing, Locksley plans 9+ reverse circulation drill holes targeting high-grade zones. Positive results here could ignite investor confidence and propel valuation.
2. Regulatory Tailwinds: President Trump’s March 2025 Executive Order mandates expedited approvals for critical minerals projects—a clear accelerant for Mojave’s timeline.
3. Trading Volume Surge: On May 11, 2025, Locksley’s shares saw a record daily volume of 136 million, signaling institutional interest in its critical minerals narrative.

Risks and the Case for Immediate Action

While Locksley’s small market cap (AU$6.31 million) and limited analyst coverage pose risks, these are outweighed by the strategic asymmetry of its position. The U.S. will spend $20–40 billion over the next decade to secure critical minerals supply chains—a market where early movers like Locksley stand to dominate.

Final Analysis: A "Buy" with Near-Term Catalysts

Locksley Resources is uniquely positioned to benefit from the convergence of geological potential, policy tailwinds, and strategic execution. Its Mojave Project checks all boxes for an investment in the critical minerals renaissance:
- Technical Excellence: High-grade REE and antimony targets.
- Policy Alignment: FAST-41/DPA-enabled permits and DOE partnerships.
- Market Catalysts: Q3 drilling and EXIM funding announcements.

With shares trading at $0.021 (down 66% from 2023 highs) and a beta of 0.66 offering downside protection, this is a Buy for investors seeking exposure to a critical minerals leader. The next 6–12 months will be pivotal—if Locksley delivers on its drilling targets and federal partnerships, it could emerge as a cornerstone of U.S. strategic mineral security.

Act now: Secure a position in a company at the epicenter of a trillion-dollar supply chain transformation. The time to capitalize on the critical minerals resurgence is now.