New CEO and COO to fast-track Locksley’s US mine-to-market antimony strategy

• Locksley brings in new CEO and COO to drive US critical minerals push
• Kerrie Matthews and Danny George set to fast-track Desert Antimony mine
• Strong test results lock in pathway to fully integrated US supply chain

Special Report: Fresh leadership firepower has arrived at Locksley as the company pushes ahead with its US critical mineral ambitions.

Locksley Resources (ASX:LKY/OTCQB:LKYRF) has bolstered its executive team at a pivotal moment in its journey to deliver a fully integrated mine-to-market antimony supply chain in the US.

The company has appointed Kerrie Matthews as chief executive officer and Danny George as chief operating officer.

Locksley said the duo would bring leadership and expertise at a crucial time as the company accelerates development of the Desert Antimony mine (DAM) and downstream processing in the US.

Both execs are known for moving quickly from studies to execution, which positions the company to fill a major gap in the lack of large-scale antimony processing in America.

Locksley said their combined track record ensured it could be a fast mover capable of delivering critical US supply ahead of the curve.

The company also confirmed that technical director Julian Woodcock has resigned to focus on his managing director role at Viking Mines, though he will remain as a consultant.

The key appointments follow the company’s September 22 announcement of excellent metallurgical recoveries of up to 85.9% antimony from Mojave ore, which confirmed Locksley’s pathway to a fully domestic US supply chain.

Alongside traditional mine development, it is also looking at modular and contract mining to speed up initial supply for US demand.

Partnerships such as Rice University, for the development of  DeepSolv™ and external ore agreements are also positioning Locksley to establish commercial-scale downstream processing.

With technical validation secured, the focus has now shifted to execution.

CEO Matthews to lead

Matthews steps into the CEO role with more than two decades of executive leadership in nationally significant and capital-intensive projects.

Ms Matthews played senior roles in delivering BHP’s US$3.8 billion South Flank Project and Iluka’s $1.8 billion Eneabba Rare Earths Refinery – the latter Australia’s first fully integrated rare earths refinery and a cornerstone of the nation’s critical minerals strategy.

Locksley said she brings “deep expertise in complex major project delivery, engineering study program execution, governance, stakeholder alignment, cost optimisation and regulatory engagement.”

Just as importantly, she has a proven track record of aligning large-scale projects with government priorities and fast-tracking outcomes, capabilities which directly support Locksley’s accelerated US strategy.

For the Mojave Project, her leadership will help ensure efficient advancement of the project, while also building frameworks for US downstream antimony processing, something the country lacks at commercial scale.

Watch: Locksley’s Allister Caird on the global push for critical minerals

COO George to execute

New COO George is a seasoned executive with extensive global experience across feasibility studies, EPCM and EPC contract execution in mining and energy.

His resume includes major projects with WSP, Fortescue, Mineral Resources, Thyssenkrupp and Ausenco, delivering for clients such as Vale, BHP and Hancock Prospecting.

He has overseen copper and lithium concentrators, iron ore and coal export facilities, and emerging technology projects in hydrogen and green iron.

Locksley highlighted his “technical breadth and expertise in rapid project delivery, capital efficiency and large-scale project execution”, noting that he brings the operational discipline and agility required to bring DAM into production quickly.

On track

Chairman Pat Burke said the appointments of Matthews and George significantly enhance its executive capability at a pivotal moment.

“Their leadership supports our strategy to transform the historic Desert Antimony Mine into a modern, fully integrated mine-to-market supply chain for 100% Made in America Antimony,” he said.

“This positions Locksley to deliver value for shareholders while directly addressing one of the United States’ most critical national security and energy transition priorities.”

Locksley is now progressing financing and permitting applications, deepening government engagement, and advancing partnerships to align with US national security priorities.

The message to shareholders is simple.

Locksley isn’t just talking about “Made in America Antimony”. It has the team in place to make it happen.

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.