Locksley Resources Limited (ASX: LKY) has formalised a collaborative agreement with Columbia University aimed at enhancing rare earth element (REE) recovery processes in the United States. This partnership will focus on developing innovative and sustainable technologies for extracting critical metals from geological resources in the Mountain Pass region of California.
The collaboration, announced on November 17, 2025, marks a significant step in Locksley’s mission to establish a robust Mine-to-Market platform for critical minerals. By leveraging Columbia’s expertise in sustainable mineral processing, the partnership aims to improve the efficiency and environmental sustainability of REE extraction through advanced research methodologies.
Strategic Collaboration Overview
According to the announcement, Locksley has entered into a Sponsored Research Agreement with Columbia University. This initiative will focus on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in ore characterisation, developing electrochemical recovery methods, and employing CO2-assisted mineral processing. These advancements seek to address the limitations associated with traditional processing methods that are not based in the U.S.
The research will be led by Professor Greeshma Gadikota, Director of the Lenfest Center for Sustainable Energy at Columbia. Professor Gadikota stated, “Our team is excited to collaborate with Locksley Resources on developing scalable, low-impact pathways for rare earth recovery.” The collaboration is expected to yield transformative solutions for sustainable critical minerals production in the U.S.
The program will specifically target the Clark Mountain District, which encompasses the El Campo Prospect and the Mountain Pass Mine. The initiative will pursue three core objectives: comprehensive characterisation of REE-bearing ores, development of advanced recovery technologies, and formulation of a field deployment strategy that integrates techno-economic assessments (TEA) and life-cycle analyses (LCA).
Enhancing U.S. Mineral Processing Capabilities
This partnership is strategically significant for Locksley as it builds upon its existing collaboration with Rice University on antimony processing. By establishing a dual-commodity development strategy, Locksley is positioning itself at the forefront of U.S. critical minerals processing. The company plans to invest US$150,000 over the next year to support the research and development of intellectual property under this agreement.
The recent funding announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), which includes US$355 million for domestic critical minerals production and sustainable mining technologies, aligns closely with the research focus of the Locksley-Columbia collaboration. This financial backing is critical for developing innovative processing solutions and enhancing U.S. supply chain independence.
Furthermore, the research initiatives will incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as AI-enabled ore mapping and low-impact mining techniques. These advancements aim to improve extraction efficiency while reducing the environmental footprint of mining operations.
Kerrie Matthews, Chief Executive Officer of Locksley, expressed optimism regarding the collaboration, stating, “This partnership expands our U.S. research collaborations into rare earths, complementing our DeepSolv™ DES work with Rice University on antimony.” The synergy between these programs is anticipated to strengthen Locksley’s technical foundation and broaden its exposure to emerging American-developed processing technologies.
As the collaboration progresses, several immediate actions are planned, including the shipment of ore samples from the Mojave Project to Columbia for advanced analysis. The first governance meeting between the two teams is scheduled for November, where they will establish project parameters and intellectual property protocols.
This partnership not only enhances Locksley’s capabilities in critical minerals processing but also underscores the growing urgency for the U.S. to diversify its supply chains for minerals integral to defense and advanced manufacturing. With its focus on REEs and antimony, Locksley Resources is poised to play a vital role in supporting domestic supply chains and contributing to the broader goals of U.S. economic security.
Locksley Resources Limited, based in Australia, continues to advance its exploration efforts in the Mojave Project, which targets both rare earth elements and antimony. This project highlights the company’s commitment to developing sustainable mining practices and meeting the increasing demand for these critical minerals amid rising geopolitical tensions.
As the implementation phase of the partnership begins, both Locksley and Columbia University are set to pursue additional funding opportunities through DOE and other initiatives, ensuring that their research remains aligned with national priorities in critical mineral development.
