Recent test work at site delivered a blistering 85.9 per cent antimony recovery from rock chip sampling, encouraging Locksley to eye up fast-track options to bring early ore to market.
In parallel with exploration and mining studies, Locksley is also funding research into downstream processing options. One method, dubbed DeepSolv, is being refined in partnership with Rice University in Houston.
If proven, DeepSolv promises to be a low-energy hydrometallurgical technique that could unlock commercial-scale antimony refining in the US for the first time in decades.
With the geopolitical spotlight firmly on critical minerals, Locksley is also hunting government allies, deep-pocketed backers and offtake partners to help shatter China’s supply chain dominance.
As it accelerates permitting and financing efforts, Locksley says the dual power play appointments of Matthews and George mark a line in the sand and place the company as a serious contender in the US race for critical mineral independence.
Long-time supporter and technical director Julian Woodcock, meanwhile, has stepped down to focus on his role at Viking Mines, but will remain on hand as a consultant to ensure continuity.
With the building blocks now in place and the US market crying out for secure antimony supply, Locksley appears locked, loaded and ready to move.
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