Locksley Resources partners with Rice University on antimony processing

Locksley Resources Limited (ASX: LKY; OTCQB: LKYRF) signed a research and development agreement with Rice University to develop domestic processing of U.S.-sourced antimony, according to a company statement.

The collaboration focuses on Locksley's Mojave Project and aims to create pathways for domestic antimony processing to meet U.S. defense industry demand and advance energy storage applications. The agreement addresses what the company describes as a supply chain gap, noting no commercial-scale antimony processing currently exists in the U.S.

The partnership includes two research initiatives: developing environmentally benign extraction processes for antimony ores and concentrates, and exploring antimony-based materials for energy storage applications including lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries.

"This strategic collaboration with Rice, formalized in our agreement, marks a pivotal step for Locksley and provides a first-mover advantage," said Nathan Lude, chairman of Locksley.

Professor Pulickel M. Ajayan of Rice University's Department of Materials Science & Nanoengineering stated that developing scalable domestic antimony processing pathways represents both a scientific challenge and national strategic priority.

Locksley's Mojave Project in California comprises more than 250 claims and includes the historic Desert Antimony Mine, which last operated in 1937. The project area is located near MP Materials' claims and along strike of the Mountain Pass Mine.

The agreement provides potential for future licensing opportunities, according to the company statement.

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