Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE: WSR) (OTC: WSRIF) announced the successful completion of Phase 1 exploration at its 100% owned, past-producing Rowland Tungsten Property in Elko County, Nevada. The program has materially increased understanding of the property, confirming four discrete zones of extensive historical tungsten-bearing workings, all hosted within skarn-style geological settings. The discovery significantly expands the project's potential beyond historical records.
The Phase 1 program included a high-resolution UAV magnetic geophysical survey, focused soil geochemistry, rock-chip sampling, and field checking of historical workings. Samples have been rush-submitted to the laboratory for assay results expected in the coming weeks. The UAV magnetic survey is being processed, with preliminary results expected imminently.
Blake Morgan, CEO and President of Western Star, stated: 'Rowland has come out of Phase 1 looking considerably more prospective than the historical record suggested. We expected a single past-producing zone; the field crew came back with multiple zones of extensive historical development, including a previously undocumented central area with processing infrastructure, shafts, and 600 to 700 metres of trenching.'
The newly identified Northern Zone B is the most significant historical development confirmed during Phase 1. Field crews documented dilapidated wooden infrastructure consistent with a historical ore chute and several decommissioned shafts. This zone was not documented in publicly available historical production records and was initially identified through LiDAR review. The Northern Zone A, which prompted the company's prior expansion of the claim package, also showed substantially larger waste dumps and surface piles than historical records indicate.
The Rowland Main Zone, the original target area, revealed multiple additional workings, trenches, and surface disturbances. Material from this zone displayed extensive UV fluorescence consistent with scheelite mineralization, with tungsten content confirmed by portable XRF screening. Channel samples were taken across the open cut to characterize distribution and grade.
These findings have implications for the tungsten supply chain, as the United States relies heavily on imports for this critical mineral used in defense, aerospace, and industrial applications. The confirmation of significant historical tungsten workings at Rowland suggests potential for domestic production, reducing dependence on foreign sources. For the mining industry, the success of Phase 1 demonstrates the value of modern exploration techniques, including UAV magnetic surveys and LiDAR, in reassessing past-producing properties.
With Phase 1 field work complete, the company’s near-term priorities are to receive and integrate assay results, finalize the Phase 2 program, and advance toward drill targeting and permitting. The company will provide further updates as results become available. The scientific and technical information has been reviewed and approved by Jasper Mowatt, a Qualified Person under NI 43-101.
Western Star Resources continues to focus on cost-effective exploration and expanding its property portfolio. The company looks forward to applying the successful approach at Rowland to its White Star property.
