Locksley Resources and Rice University Join Forces to Fast-Track U.S. Antimony Processing

Key Highlights:

• Strategic collaboration with Rice University to advance downstream processing and utilisation of antimony.
• Focus on developing domestic U.S. antimony supply chain, addressing a current 90–95% reliance on imports.
• Antimony recognised as a critical mineral under President Trump’s Executive Orders, with defense and energy applications.
• Dual-initiative program targeting green hydrometallurgical extraction and next-generation energy storage technologies.
  
   

A Transformative Step in U.S. Critical Minerals

Locksley Resources Ltd (ASX: LKY / OTCQB: LKYRF) has taken a major step in executing its U.S.-focused downstream innovation strategy, announcing a strategic partnership with Rice University, a global leader in nanotechnology, materials science, and energy innovation .

This collaboration marks the beginning of a dual-initiative program that combines upstream antimony development at the company’s Mojave Project in California with cutting-edge research on processing and materials applications in the United States.

Chairman Nathan Lude described the agreement as a “pivotal step” in aligning Locksley’s strategy with America’s critical mineral needs:

Source: LKY ASX Annoucement

Why Antimony Matters

Antimony is classified as a critical mineral under U.S. law and has wide-ranging applications in defense, energy, semiconductors, and flame-retardant materials. It is essential for manufacturing ammunition, missile systems, propellants, electronic components, and advanced energy storage technologies.

Currently, the United States has no commercial-scale antimony processing facilities, with 79% of supply imported from China . Locksley aims to fill this gap by establishing the first domestic processing capacity, strengthening supply chain security at a time when geopolitical tensions are reshaping global trade.
 

Dual-Initiative Program

The Rice–Locksley agreement focuses on two core research “Thrusts”:

1. Green Hydrometallurgical Extraction – Developing low-energy, environmentally sustainable methods to process antimony ore and concentrates from the Mojave Project.
2. Energy Storage Applications – Exploring antimony-based materials for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and hybrid power modules, positioning the mineral as a key enabler in future clean energy technologies.
   
    

Rice University Professor Pulickel M. Ajayan, a globally recognised pioneer in nanotechnology, noted the significance of this collaboration:

Source: LKY ASX Annoucement

U.S. Strategic Alignment

Locksley’s timing aligns with President Trump’s recent Executive Orders calling for increased domestic mineral production and supply chain reshaping. By embedding its project into America’s broader energy and defense strategy, the company positions itself for government funding opportunities and strategic partnerships.

Beyond national security, the move comes as the U.S. accelerates efforts to reduce dependency on Chinese mineral imports. As China continues tightening export controls on critical minerals, demand for domestic alternatives is expected to surge.

Mojave Project – The Anchor Asset

Locksley’s Mojave Project in California sits at the heart of this strategy. The project area not only hosts rare earth elements (REEs) but also contains the historic Desert Antimony Mine, last operated in 1937. With high-grade surface samples confirming strong antimony potential, the Mojave site is uniquely positioned to supply feedstock for the Rice partnership.

The integration of upstream mining and downstream innovation provides a rare opportunity to build a “mine-to-market” U.S. supply chain, ensuring resilience across defense, energy, and high-tech industries.

Next Steps and Funding

Under the agreement, Locksley will fund the project with US$550,000 over the next 12 months, supporting intellectual property development jointly owned by the company and Rice University.

The roadmap includes:

• Appointment of a U.S. Advisory Board
• Engagement with U.S. Government agencies
• Pathways for commercial licensing
• Pilot-scale project development
  
   

These steps aim to accelerate Locksley’s transition from exploration to value-added critical minerals processing, potentially unlocking new revenue streams beyond raw materials.

Market Reaction

Investors welcomed the update, with Locksley Resources shares (ASX: LKY) surging more than 42% to trade at A$0.32 during Monday afternoon trade, pushing the company’s market cap to A$78.7 million. Over the past 12 months, the stock has gained an impressive 1,291%, reflecting growing investor confidence in its U.S. critical minerals strategy.