Locksley Resources defines new Mojave REE target adjacent to the Mountain Pass mine
Locksley Resources’ new survey has defined a thorium anomaly at its Mojave project that could point to rare earths mineralisation.
Locksley Resources finds new thorium anomaly found next door to Mountain Pass, the only producing US rare earths mine
Second thorium anomaly 700m east of the high-grade El Campo prospect could mean parallel mineralisation at Mojave
High-resolution magnetic survey has also improved Locksley’s understanding of project geology
Special Report: A high-resolution heli-borne magnetic and radiometric survey has enabled the definition of a new rare earths target at Locksley Resources’ Mojave project in California.
Notably, the pronounced thorium anomaly, a key indicator for potential REE mineralisation, in the North Block claims is adjacent to and within the same geological district as MP Materials’ Mountain Pass mine, the only producing REE mine in the US.
The survey has also delineated a second thorium anomaly that trends parallel and 700m east of the high-grade El Campo prospect, which provides potential for parallel mineralisation.
Adding interest for Locksley Resources (ASX:LKY/OTCQX:LKYRF) the magnetics have revealed complex faulting and distinct magnetic domains, providing a detailed structural map to guide target generation.
The survey, flown at a low altitude of 35m with tight 40m line spacing, has delivered a step-change in data quality compared to historical regional data.
"The results from this high-resolution geophysical survey are a game-changer for our targeting at Mojave,” managing director Kerrie Matthews said.
“Moving from broad legacy geophysical data to this level of detail is like turning on the lights in a dark room.
“We can now see clearly defined structural corridors and thorium anomalies that look geologically similar to the systems known in the district.
“The identification of a potential parallel system near El Campo is particularly exciting and will be a priority for our field teams."
Thorium anomalies
The thorium anomaly in the northeast extent of the Mojave project North Block claims has a notable weathering feature which correlates with the regional drainage.
It also coincides with a broad zone of diffuse magnetic response, which may be indicative of alteration or lithology.
Meanwhile, the second new thorium anomaly trends parallel and 700m east of the El Campo prospect, which also has an elevated thorium anomaly.
Such anomalies may represent surface expressions of alteration, leached zones, or weathered outcrops that could be spatially related to REE mineralisation.
Locksley notes the large anomaly evident at Mountain Pass is due to mining activity that has occurred and distributed the mined rock across the active mine area. The pre-mining anomaly would likely have been much more discrete.
The survey also revealed more discrete anomalies that the company continues to assess and rank.
Additionally, the newly acquired magnetic data has significantly increased the resolution and advanced the company’s geological interpretation.
This data is currently being interpreted and, to date, has delineated multiple orientations of complex faulting, along with distinct magnetic domains, providing valuable insights into the structural framework, potential zones of alteration, and unmapped lithologies.
Magnetic data will also support the detailed structural framework which is being developed.
While it does not directly detect primary mineralisation, it does highlight the structures that act as conduits or pathways for mineralisation.
Combined with surface mapping, rock chip sampling and stream sediment sampling, it will support additional target identification for future drill testing.
This article was developed in collaboration with Locksley Resources, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.
This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
Originally published as Locksley Resources defines new Mojave REE target adjacent to the Mountain Pass mine
