Locksley Resources has commenced a high-resolution helicopter magnetic and radiometric survey at its Mojave project in California, aimed at identifying new drill targets for rare earth elements and antimony. The survey, managed by SGC, an Australian geophysical firm, is being conducted with the assistance of EDCON-PRJ, based in Colorado. Helicopter flight lines are set at 40 meters apart, with the aircraft flying just 35 meters above the surface to ensure optimal data collection.
This new survey is expected to provide five times the data density compared to previous surveys conducted by the United States Geological Survey, which utilized wider 100-by-200 meter line spacings. By generating high-quality imagery, it will enhance the detection of concealed mineral structures that earlier data may have overlooked.
Kerrie Matthews, managing director and chief executive officer of Locksley Resources, stated, “Our exploration strategy is to both advance the already identified El Campo REE and Desert antimony mine prospects.” The magnetic survey will focus on tracing structures that have shown potential for antimony at the Desert antimony mine (DAM) and Hendricks prospects, while the radiometric analysis will seek out increases in thorium levels, indicative of rare earth-rich carbonatites.
Recent systematic mapping efforts have already revealed the high-grade Hendricks silver prospect, with assays indicating concentrations of up to 219 grams per tonne of silver. This site is located 2.5 kilometers east of the Desert antimony mine, which was last operational in 1937 and is one of only four known high-grade antimony occurrences in the United States. Samples taken from the old mine earlier this year included a notable result of 46 percent antimony alongside over 1 kilogram per tonne of silver, sparking renewed interest in exploration activities in the Mojave region.
Upon completion of the helicopter survey in early November, SGC will oversee the data analysis, transforming the findings into actionable drill targets for Locksley”s exploration initiatives scheduled for 2026. This survey is part of a broader exploration strategy that also involves LiDAR mapping and reprocessing existing gravity and satellite imagery to create a comprehensive 3D geological model of the Mojave project.
In conjunction with these efforts, Locksley is preparing to map the historical workings at the Desert antimony mine, with plans for sampling and drilling in the coming year, contingent on underground conditions. Matthews emphasized the significance of the high-resolution survey, stating, “This builds on the foundational datasets which Locksley is acquiring to fast-track exploration activities across Mojave.” The company aims to develop both the El Campo REE and Desert antimony mine prospects while simultaneously exploring the other claims to expand their project pipeline.
Situated in the Mojave Desert, the Mojave project is adjacent to the Mountain Pass rare earths mine, owned by MP Materials. This location is part of a geological corridor known for its rich deposits of rare earths and antimony. As the United States strives to enhance its domestic critical minerals supply chain amid a global supply crisis, demand for antimony has surged, especially following China”s export restrictions in 2024, which caused prices to skyrocket.
With its strategic initiatives, Locksley Resources is positioning itself as a leader in the U.S. antimony market, combining resource development with innovative processing technologies. Collaborating with Rice University, a prominent institution in advanced materials research, Locksley is poised to play a key role in America”s pursuit of critical mineral independence. As the helicopter conducts its survey across the Californian desert, the data collected may unlock significant discoveries for the company.
