New hydrometallurgical process DeepSolv turns low-grade antimony into high-purity product, cutting China dependence

Locksley Resources, in partnership with Rice University, has announced a breakthrough in antimony processing that could reshape the supply chain for a critical mineral used in defense, electronics, and flame retardants. The companies developed a proprietary hydrometallurgical technology called DeepSolv that upgrades low-grade ore into a high-purity product.

"upgrades low-grade antimony ore (9-12% purity) into a high-purity product containing up to 93% antimony"

Sydney Morning HeraldLocksley Resources and Rice University achieve antimony processing breakthrough, upgrading low-grade ore to 93% purity

The technology addresses a long-standing challenge: processing low-grade ore economically. Antimony is classified as a critical mineral in the United States, but domestic supply is limited, making the country heavily reliant on imports.

"could help establish a US-based antimony supply chain, reducing reliance on foreign sources"

theage.com.auLocksley Resources and Rice University achieve antimony processing breakthrough with DeepSolv technology

Both sources noted that China currently dominates global antimony production and processing. The DeepSolv process, by turning material that was previously uneconomical into a high-grade concentrate, opens the door for domestic production and eases geopolitical vulnerabilities.

The partnership between a junior mining company and a top-tier research university underscores the growing push to secure supply chains for minerals essential to modern technology and national security. Locksley Resources and Rice University have not yet disclosed commercial timelines or costs.