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| Mojave Project NdPr REE |
Locksley Resources has confirmed significant REE mineralisation at El Campo within its California-based Mojave Project. The company’s maiden diamond drilling program successfully intersected high-grade, neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr)-enriched light rare earth elements. These results reinforce the geological potential of the project, which sits just 5.5km southeast of the Mountain Pass Mine. Consequently, this discovery strengthens the domestic pipeline for critical materials essential to the U.S. permanent magnet supply chain.
Unlocking Potential in the Mojave Critical Minerals Corridor
The assay results demonstrate the strategic importance of the El Campo prospect, where NdPr magnet oxides account for approximately 25% of the total rare earth oxides (TREO). Drill-hole ECDD0002 returned a peak value of 6.03% TREO over 0.7m, alongside a broader intercept of 7.2m at 2.93% TREO. Furthermore, drilling confirms that REE mineralisation at El Campo continues beneath the surface and remains open at depth. These findings support the interpretation of a Mountain Pass-style carbonatite system, providing a robust foundation for future resource expansion.
Integrating Antimony and Rare Earth Exploration
Beyond the rare earth successes, the company also reported positive results from its maiden drilling at the Desert Antimony Mine (DAM). Final assays confirmed high-grade antimony mineralisation extending below historical underground workings, including a peak of 6.44% Sb over 0.3m. Therefore, Locksley is advancing a dual-commodity strategy that leverages both rare earths and antimony. The company now plans high-resolution ground scintillometer surveys to guide future drilling. As a result, these combined efforts position the Mojave Project as a key asset in securing the U.S. critical minerals supply chain.
ScrapInsight Commentary
The confirmation of high-grade NdPr-enriched mineralization at El Campo validates the potential for a secondary rare earth hub near the Mountain Pass infrastructure, which is vital for reducing U.S. dependence on imported permanent magnet materials. While the geological continuity is promising, the long-term economic viability will depend on the successful deployment of innovative processing technologies to handle carbonatite-hosted ores. Expect Locksley to prioritize metallurgical testing and environmental permitting to de-risk these assets as the U.S. government continues to incentivize domestic critical mineral independence.
