Locksley partners with Rice University on antimony processing technology

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

The collaboration focuses on Locksley's Mojave Project in California and aims to create processing pathways for antimony to meet demand in defense and other industries, as well as advance applications in energy storage systems. The U.S. currently has no commercial-scale antimony processing facilities.

The agreement establishes two research initiatives. The first involves developing environmentally benign solvent extraction processes for antimony ores and concentrates. The second explores 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 said the partnership addresses "a critical supply chain gap" and represents "a national strategic priority."

Locksley's Mojave Project comprises more than 250 claims in California's Mojave Desert and includes the historic Desert Antimony Mine, which last operated in 1937. The project area is adjacent to claims held by MP Materials.

The collaboration aims to support re-establishment of U.S.-based antimony processing capacity amid rising strategic demand for the metal in defense systems, semiconductors and metal alloys.

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