Locksley Resources Limited has announced the discovery of significant new rare earth element (REE) targets within its Mojave Project, located in California. Following the completion of a high-resolution helicopter-borne magnetic and radiometric survey, the company identified a pronounced Thorium anomaly in its North Block claims, which is crucial for potential mineralisation.
The new findings are situated in the same geological district as the Mountain Pass Rare Earth Mine, the only operating REE mine in the United States, which is characterized by a prominent Thorium signature. Additionally, a second Thorium anomaly has been traced approximately 700 meters east of the high-grade El Campo Prospect, indicating the possibility of parallel mineralisation trends.
Survey Details and Findings
The recently completed survey was conducted at a low altitude of 35 meters and involved tight 40-meter line spacing, resulting in a significant enhancement in data quality compared to historical records. This precision has enabled Locksley Resources to pinpoint discrete, high-priority targets for further investigation.
The radiometric data revealed a notable Thorium anomaly in the northeast part of the North Block claims, correlating with a weathering feature associated with regional drainage. The second Thorium anomaly, parallel to the El Campo Prospect, may indicate broader geological features that could be linked to REE mineralisation.
A technical note on radiometric data indicates that the sensors detect gamma rays emitted during the decay of radioactive isotopes. These readings primarily reflect the upper 20-30 centimeters of the Earth’s surface, making them vital for identifying shallow lithological compositions. Anomalies detected may represent surface expressions of alteration or leached zones that warrant further field investigations.
As part of its efforts to validate these new targets, immediate fieldwork is underway, involving mapping and sampling to groundtruth the identified anomalies.
Future Directions and Strategic Importance
The newly acquired magnetic data has significantly refined the company’s geological interpretations. This data has delineated multiple orientations of complex faulting and distinct magnetic domains, shedding light on the structural framework and potential zones of alteration. Structural interpretation is ongoing, with field teams deployed to verify these anomalies, marking the first step towards establishing new drill targets for 2026.
Kerrie Matthews, Managing Director and CEO of Locksley Resources, expressed enthusiasm about the survey’s results, stating, “The results from this high-resolution geophysical survey are a game-changer for our targeting at Mojave. Moving from broad legacy geophysical data to this level of detail is like turning on the lights in a dark room.”
The proximity of these Thorium anomalies to the Mountain Pass mine further emphasizes their significance. The Mountain Pass mine’s large Thorium anomaly has been influenced by mining activities that have redistributed the mined rock in the area, suggesting that pre-mining anomalies may have been more discreet.
Locksley Resources aims to generate shareholder value by advancing exploration in the highly prospective Mojave region, which also includes the historic Desert Antimony Mine. The mine, which last operated in 1937, represents one of the highest-grade known antimony occurrences in the U.S., a critical metal for various industries, including defense and semiconductors.
The strategic positioning of the Mojave Project aligns with rising geopolitical demands to diversify supply chains away from China, the global leader in both REE and antimony production. With a maiden drilling program planned, Locksley Resources is well-positioned to contribute to U.S. objectives regarding mineral independence and economic security.
