Locksley Resources' US Strategy Boosts Critical Minerals

[CMJ's daily digest - September 16, 2025] Atlas Critical Minerals is making waves in the rare earths sector with eye-popping results from its Iporá Rare Earths Project in Brazil. Here are today’s key updates: **Rare Earths** - Atlas reports drilling results of 8 meters at 2,071 ppm TREO and 775 ppm MREO. These numbers are not just impressive; they signal a real potential for high-quality production. - The location in Goiás State is strategically valuable, sitting near Serra Verde, enhancing its role in the global rare earths supply chain. Nothing like a little geographical advantage to boost market positioning. - The project showcases robust metallurgical recovery rates, with over 60% recovery for critical permanent magnet elements, showing that Atlas isn’t just digging holes—it’s putting critical materials in our tech. **Policy** - The U.S. is reportedly negotiating a $5 billion fund for critical mineral mining, a substantial move that indicates Washington is finally waking up to the mining sector’s significance. - This endeavor, led by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and Orion Resource Partners, aims to secure essential minerals for technology and renewable energy industries. It's about time they caught on to the minerals game, don’t you think? - While the fund isn’t a done deal yet, the discussions reveal a shift toward proactive government involvement in ensuring domestic mineral supply. A savvy move in an increasingly mineral-hungry world. Stay ahead with the Critical Minerals Journal — where insight meets impact – https://lnkd.in/dB6uikPf #CriticalMinerals #MiningPolicy #SustainableEnergy

🌍🔑 U.S. Draft 2025 Critical Minerals List & TETHYS’s Strategic Alignment The U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Geological Survey have released the draft 2025 List of Critical Minerals, introducing an updated risk-based methodology focused on (1) economic impacts of supply chain disruption and (2) vulnerability to single points of failure. This framework led to the addition of six minerals—potash, silicon, copper, silver, rhenium, and lead—and the removal of arsenic and tellurium. At #TETHYS Gateway Investment, we see this as a pivotal recognition of the metals underpinning global supply chain resilience and the energy transition. Importantly, three of the newly added minerals—copper, silver, and lead—are at the core of our Türkiye 🇹🇷 portfolio. ⚒️ Çataltepe Polymetallic Project (Çanakkale) – now under a dual-track development plan – is anchored by high silver grades and produces lead, copper, and zinc, with gold and cobalt upside . The project is already in a 90-day restart phase, targeting first concentrate by November 2025, alongside a 24-month, 20,000-m drill program to expand its silver-rich Zn–Pb–Cu base and systematically evaluate gold- and cobalt-bearing horizons . This positions Çataltepe as a resilient multi-metal hub, directly aligned with U.S. and EU critical mineral priorities. ⚒️ Yenipazar (Yozgat) adds significant copper, silver, and zinc streams, and stands as Türkiye’s first responsible mining project integrating biochar for decarbonization. ⚡ Beyond the draft list, zinc, cobalt, and nickel—all part of #TETHYS’s portfolio—remain system-critical for energy transition and clean technologies. 📈 Our diversified portfolio—spanning copper, silver, lead, zinc, cobalt, nickel, gold, and iron—demonstrates that Türkiye can be a near-ally anchor for critical mineral supply chains, bridging Europe and North America. With ESG-driven approaches such as Digital Product Passport pilots, carbon capture integration, and IRMA-aligned standards, #TETHYS is ensuring traceability and sustainability alongside growth. The U.S. draft list is more than a technical update: it underscores the urgency of resilient, diversified, and ESG-compliant sourcing strategies. For #TETHYS, it validates the strategic direction of our investments in Türkiye and across Eurasia. 🔗 As the global landscape evolves, #TETHYS remains committed to supplying responsibly mined, strategically vital minerals to reinforce supply chain security and accelerate the energy transition. See the draft 2025 List of Critical Minerals: https://lnkd.in/eAqZctRy. #CriticalMinerals #USGS #SupplyChains #Geopolitics

Altair Minerals Ltd forms a “world-class exploration team” at the Greater Oko Gold Project, the largest 592km² exploration project in Guyana. This move reunites the key members behind the 10Moz Toroparu gold discovery, positioning the company for a potential new milestone in Guyana’s emerging gold sector. 📣 Announcement Highlights: → Accomplished geologist Pascal Van Osta appointed as Head of Exploration, bringing a 30-year track record across major West African and Guiana Shield gold discoveries. → Former Toroparu collaboration between Van Osta and In-Country Executive Director Rich Munson is now back in action. → Strategic land position in a highly prospective greenstone belt, just 1.5km from a 5.9Moz deposit nearing production. → Immediate fieldwork to include large-scale soil sampling and trenching targeting extensions of known mineralized structures. Faheem Ahmed (CEO) commented: “We are essentially looking to reunite the Toroparu team back together at Greater Oko, however, with more experience and better geological tools and understanding behind us this time round.” Exploration will ramp up quickly, with a systematic approach drawn from proven discovery models. Soil sampling, trenching, and drilling are expected to follow in rapid succession. ⚙️ Upcoming catalysts: - Imminent fieldwork launch - Due diligence process anticipated to complete soon - Target advancements to drilling stage in the near future Ready to read more? Discover the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gzj3StZi

The critical minerals sector is rapidly shifting from policy to execution, creating a new value hierarchy for junior and mid-tier miners. Here’s a breakdown of the key developments from the past week. The U.S. Geological Survey's draft 2025 List of Critical Minerals has reshaped the landscape. A new economic methodology now quantifies the GDP impact of supply disruptions, creating a clear "High Risk" category. Top 10 Highest Risk Minerals: Samarium, rhodium, lutetium, terbium, dysprosium, gallium, germanium, gadolinium, tungsten, and niobium. High-Stakes Board Appointments Companies are bolstering their leadership with political and technical heavyweights to de-risk projects. Power Metallic: Appointed former Canadian Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Services, Seamus O’Regan to its board. This adds immense political and social capital as the company advances its Nisk polymetallic project in Quebec with a fully funded $50 million, 100,000-meter drill program. NioCorp Developments had Tony Fulton rejoin it board and highlighted that its key products—niobium, dysprosium, and terbium—were elevated to the highest urgency status, with niobium ranked as the second-highest threat to U.S. GDP. Tintina Mines Limited Mines: Solidified its leadership by formally appointing Juan Enrique Rassmuss as CEO and adding Stefan Jochum, chairman of a major Chilean iron ore producer, to its board. This comes as Tintina advances its flagship Domeyko Sulfuros copper-gold project in Chile, with a PEA expected in December 2025. Broader Trend: Other strategic appointments include a respected geologist Brent Cook joined Homeland Uranium Corp as a Strategic Advisor, Scott McLean announced that capital markets veteran Mark Goodman is joining SPC Nickel Corp board. Geologist Jacquelin Gauthier has become VP Exploration for CUPANI Metals Corp. Global supply chains are being formed through commercial agreements and validated by exploration results Critical Metals Corp. signed a letter of intent with Ucore Rare Metals Inc. Rare Metals for a multi-year offtake agreement. Critical Metals will supply up to 10,000 tonnes per year of rare earth concentrate from its Tanbreez Project in Greenland to Ucore's planned processing facilities in the U.S. and Canada. ABx Group saw its stock jump after successful diagnostic leach tests on a 100kg bulk sample of ionic adsorption clay (IAC) material from its Deep Leads project in Tasmania, a crucial step in proving economic viability.  Bannerman Energy Ltd, with leaders including Brandon Munro, Twapewa Kadhikwa and Gavin Chamberlain has announced two major offtake agreements of 1 Mlbs of uranium (with +/- 10% flex) over five years (2029-33) with two Tier-1 North American generation companies This is just a snapshot of what has been happening in the last week. #CriticalMinerals #Mining #Exploration 

Eclipse Metals Limited (ASX:EPM) has secured approval to renew and redefine its Greenland exploration licence MEL 2007-45 (Kamittalik) through to December 2027. This is an important step on the path toward a mining licence in one of the world’s most strategic rare earth regions. Key Points: 🔸 Licence extended to 2027 and adjusted to 39.2 km² with clear boundaries outside the Grønnedal military zone 🔸 Supports Greenland’s Mineral Resources Strategy 2025–2029 and aligns with EU and US critical minerals policies 🔸 Social and Environmental Impact Assessments progressing with positive reviews from independent agencies 🔸 Grønnedal hosts an Inferred Resource of 89 Mt at 6,363 ppm TREO, one of the largest rare earth deposits in Western-aligned jurisdictions 🔸 Additional potential for rubidium, gallium and high-purity silica quartz at Ivittuut 🔸 ESG focus through environmental sampling and cooperation with Arctic Command Carl Popal, Executive Chairman, said: “The Minister’s approval of MEL 2007-45 until 2027 is a decisive step in Eclipse’s transition from exploration to development. This renewal underpins our ability to finalise the SIA and EIA, progress project scoping studies and advance to public consultation – all essential steps towards a mining licence. Against the backdrop of rising geopolitical competition for REEs, Eclipse’s Greenland projects are uniquely placed to contribute to secure and sustainable supply chains for critical minerals.” Next Steps: ✅ 2025: Submit updated Terms of Reference for SIA/EIA and begin public consultation ✅ 2026: Complete final SIA/EIA and integrate White Paper studies ✅ 2027: Apply for mining licence Eclipse Metals is advancing projects that can support the global energy transition while building secure and sustainable supply chains for critical minerals. Sebastian Andre | Stewart Walters #ASX #EPM #RareEarths #CriticalMinerals #Greenland #SustainableMining #EnergyTransition

Exploration geologists drive critical mineral growth Exploration geologists play a central role in identifying new mineral deposits. They combine scientific knowledge with practical field experience, often working in remote areas with little infrastructure. Their work involves analysing rock samples, mapping geological features, and using advanced technologies to assess mineral potential. Unlike later-stage mining professionals, exploration geologists focus on finding resources where little is known. Their ability to make decisions with limited data makes them critical to the success of grassroots projects. Grassroots exploration projects carry a high level of risk. The majority do not progress to advanced exploration or development. Investors face uncertainty about the size, grade, and commercial viability of mineral discoveries. Financial risks are compounded by logistical challenges in Africa, where access, power, and infrastructure can be limited. Despite these challenges, early-stage exploration is essential for the long-term supply of critical minerals needed for energy transition and industrial growth. Without such projects, the pipeline of future mines cannot be secured. Early-stage exploration has a smaller footprint than full mining operations, but companies still need to manage their environmental and social responsibilities. Land access requires proper engagement with communities and landowners, while water use, waste disposal, and rehabilitation of drill sites must be handled responsibly. Transparent communication with stakeholders reduces the risk of conflict and helps build trust. By adopting good practices from the start, exploration companies can lay the groundwork for responsible project development should the deposit move toward production. Grassroots exploration is a long-term investment that underpins the future of Africa’s critical mineral industry. At WhyAfrica, we track exploration projects across the continent, providing insights into where new discoveries are being made. Our aim is to visit as many projects as possible to see progress on the ground, including sites like Altona Resources in Mozambique (in picture). By monitoring developments at this early stage, we provide our network with up-to-date information about opportunities and risks in Africa’s growing critical mineral sector. Image credit: Leon Louw for WhyAfrica https://lnkd.in/dGpVFAxb

Exploration geologists drive critical mineral growth Exploration geologists play a central role in identifying new mineral deposits. They combine scientific knowledge with practical field experience, often working in remote areas with little infrastructure. Their work involves analysing rock samples, mapping geological features, and using advanced technologies to assess mineral potential. Unlike later-stage mining professionals, exploration geologists focus on finding resources where little is known. Their ability to make decisions with limited data makes them critical to the success of grassroots projects. Grassroots exploration projects carry a high level of risk. The majority do not progress to advanced exploration or development. Investors face uncertainty about the size, grade, and commercial viability of mineral discoveries. Financial risks are compounded by logistical challenges in Africa, where access, power, and infrastructure can be limited. Despite these challenges, early-stage exploration is essential for the long-term supply of critical minerals needed for energy transition and industrial growth. Without such projects, the pipeline of future mines cannot be secured. Early-stage exploration has a smaller footprint than full mining operations, but companies still need to manage their environmental and social responsibilities. Land access requires proper engagement with communities and landowners, while water use, waste disposal, and rehabilitation of drill sites must be handled responsibly. Transparent communication with stakeholders reduces the risk of conflict and helps build trust. By adopting good practices from the start, exploration companies can lay the groundwork for responsible project development should the deposit move toward production. Grassroots exploration is a long-term investment that underpins the future of Africa’s critical mineral industry. At WhyAfrica, we track exploration projects across the continent, providing insights into where new discoveries are being made. Our aim is to visit as many projects as possible to see progress on the ground, including sites like Altona Resources in Mozambique (in picture). By monitoring developments at this early stage, we provide our network with up-to-date information about opportunities and risks in Africa’s growing critical mineral sector. Image credit: Leon Louw for WhyAfrica https://lnkd.in/dxwxzPUd

𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Mineral exploration is a business defined by high risk and high reward, where decisions must often be made under deep uncertainty. Choices made during exploration can result in millions of dollars in losses or even billions in opportunity costs. The question is: how do companies navigate these high-stakes decisions—especially comparing newer mining ventures with industry giants like BHP Billiton or Rio Tinto? The resilience of companies such as BHP Billiton or Rio Tinto—able to absorb market shocks and geological risks—is not solely a result of their scale or resource base. Rather, it is their rigorous application of quantitative decision-making models that underpins their long-term sustainability. In contrast, smaller or novel mining companies often rely heavily on the intuition and experience of senior geoscientists, using heuristics and mental shortcuts rather than formalized models. While experience is valuable, it cannot systematically manage risk or quantify expected returns at the scale required for multi-million-dollar decisions. Mining giants employ a range of econometric and quantitative techniques, including: 1. Dynamic programming for sequential decision-making, 2. Stage-gate models for structured project evaluation, and 3. Economic valuation models to quantify the potential value and risks at each exploration phase. Key economic valuation models used throughout exploration include: 1. 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲-𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 / 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 Evaluates early investment decisions, such as whether to adopt new geophysical technologies or continue exploration and exploration program planning and design. 2. 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Incorporates geophysical survey results and probabilistic assessments to prioritize targets and optimize drilling programs. 3. 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 Provides a semi-detailed economic assessment, guiding decisions on whether to advance a project to full feasibility study. 4. 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 Delivers investment-grade economic evaluation, supporting final project approval, funding decisions, and detailed mine planning. By systematically applying these models, mining companies can make critical decisions with quantifiable risk, including whether to drill, calculating the expected value of drilling, budgeting exploration programs, and investing in advanced survey technologies. This structured, data-driven approach explains why major mining companies can consistently sustain operations and successfully navigate the inherent uncertainty of mineral exploration.

Power Minerals Limited (ASX:PNN) announces exceptional high-grade rare earth and niobium discovery at the Santa Anna Project, returning up to 4.34% TREO from surface. These results confirm the project’s world-class potential in the critical minerals space. Showcasing robust mineralisation in near-surface auger drilling. 📣 Announcement Highlights: → Fourth hole revealed 15m at 13,212ppm TREO with a peak 1m at 43,385ppm TREO (4.34%). → Strong niobium grades include 15m at 4,319ppm Nb₂O₅, demonstrating dual-revenue potential. → Approximately 24–26% magnet rare earth oxides identified, vital for EV and renewable tech. → All holes ended in mineralisation, indicating depth extension beyond current drill capacity. Managing Director Mena Habib explains: "The latest results from our ongoing auger drilling campaign at the Santa Anna Project provide further compelling validation of our exploration model at the Project, and in our confidence in its potential to deliver a significant Mineral Resources Estimate." ⚙ Upcoming Catalysts: - Completion of current 1,000m auger drill program (60 holes) by September 2025. - Pending leach tests under industry-standard AMSUL conditions for REE recoveries. - Deeper RC drilling to extend mineralisation below weathered zones. Power Minerals holds the entire Santa Anna Alkaline Complex in a mining-friendly Brazilian jurisdiction, avoiding boundary and environmental constraints. The combination of rare earth elements and niobium underscores the project’s strategic importance at a time of surging demand for critical minerals. Get the full story and see why this discovery matters. https://lnkd.in/gkBXXg7e

🚨 Resolution Minerals (ASX: RML) – Drilling Expands Footprint at Horse Heaven Gold-Antimony-Tungsten-Silver Project, Idaho Resolution Minerals Ltd has delivered encouraging results from the first four holes of its maiden diamond core drill program at the Golden Gate Target, part of the Horse Heaven Project in Idaho, USA. All holes to date have been positive, with 960m drilled in just 14 days, and visible scheelite (tungsten ore) identified in 100% of logged holes. 💰 Drilling Highlights * 960m drilled across four holes – Phase 1 program targeting 3,000m (up to 12 holes) * Visible scheelite mineralisation identified in first three holes (100% of logged holes) * Host rock textures comparable to Perpetua Resources’ nearby Stibnite Gold Project * Fifth hole underway – assays pending for gold, silver, antimony, and tungsten * Phase 1 drilling scheduled for completion by 1 October 2025 🎯 Exploration Objectives * Confirm historical shallow gold-silver drilling results * Expand the mineralised footprint at Golden Gate * Include first-ever tungsten and antimony assays for the project * Advance understanding of alteration textures across the broader Horse Heaven system ⭐ Project Fundamentals – Horse Heaven * Multi-commodity potential: Gold, Silver, Antimony, Tungsten * Located in Idaho, a premier U.S. mining jurisdiction with proven large-scale projects * Golden Gate is one of several high-priority targets across the broader Horse Heaven tenure * Adjacent to the advanced-stage Stibnite Gold-Antimony Project 🤝 Strategic Positioning * Tungsten and antimony are U.S. government-designated critical minerals * Horse Heaven aligns with U.S. strategic goals for domestic supply of critical resources * Maiden drilling demonstrates potential for both precious metals and critical minerals 🏅 Market Position * Early exploration success builds confidence in resource potential * Expanding the footprint beyond historic drilling zones * Positioning Horse Heaven as a multi-commodity project of significance in the U.S. 🔎 Investor Outlook Resolution Minerals (ASX: RML) is currently trading at $0.056. With visual tungsten mineralisation logged, assays pending across multiple commodities, and structural similarities to a nearby major deposit, the Horse Heaven Project represents a significant growth opportunity. Early exploration success enhances confidence in the project’s potential to host both gold-silver mineralisation and critical minerals such as tungsten and antimony, strengthening the long-term strategic value of RML’s portfolio. 📖 Read more: https://lnkd.in/gYAB_PZR #ResolutionMinerals #RML #ASX #HorseHeaven #Gold #Silver #Tungsten #Antimony #CriticalMinerals #USMining #ExplorationUpdate #MiningNews #ResourceGrowth #Stibnite #InvestorUpdate #CommodityMarkets #MiningStocks #MineralExploration #IdahoMining #StrategicMetals