Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE: WSR) (OTC: WSRIF) reported results from its Phase 1 soil-geochemistry program at the past-producing Rowland Tungsten Property in Elko County, Nevada, revealing a coherent multi-element tungsten-skarn signature over a one-kilometre structural corridor. The highlight is a peak result of 1,425 parts per million (ppm) tungsten trioxide (WO3), equivalent to 0.14% WO3, directly over a recently re-discovered zone of historical workings. This marks the first known soil geochemistry survey conducted by a public company at the property, according to the company.
The 93-sample grid at 25-meter spacing confirmed tungsten anomalism against a background of approximately 2 ppm WO3. Multiple samples exceeded 10 ppm, five exceeded 50 ppm, and three exceeded 100 ppm W. Additional high values include 517 ppm and 504 ppm WO3 over the Rowland Main workings. The anomalous soils coincide with magnetic gradients from the company's UAV magnetic survey, which are interpreted as lithological and structural contacts associated with skarn mineralization. This alignment validates the targeting model, as the company can now use soil geochemistry as a low-cost vector to prospective skarn-contact zones.
Critical metals accompany the tungsten, including copper up to 1,185 ppm, molybdenum up to 35 ppm, bismuth up to 5.2 ppm, and beryllium up to 4.56 ppm, confirming a polymetallic skarn system. The company interprets the mineralization as a reduced tungsten (W-Cu-Mo-Bi) skarn, where tungsten-bearing fluids from a Cretaceous granite reacted with Ordovician–Cambrian limestone to deposit scheelite-bearing skarn.
Blake Morgan, President and CEO of Western Star, stated: “As far as we are aware, this is the first ever soil geochemistry survey completed by a public company at Rowland, and returning a high value result of 0.14% WO3 is an excellent start. The anomalous soil results provide a baseline to interpret the expanded soil results once they arrive. Crucially, the soils line up with the contacts our UAV magnetics are mapping, which is the strongest possible vector for where to look next.”
Based on these results, the company is mobilizing an expanded soil-sampling program to commence shortly. This expanded program aims to trace prospective skarn contacts outward from known workings and potential mineralisation-controlling faults, with results integrated with UAV magnetic surveys and field mapping to generate drill targets for a maiden drill program.
The importance of this news lies in the potential to revitalize domestic tungsten supply in North America, as tungsten is considered a critical mineral for various industrial and defense applications. The Rowland property, past-producing but never systematically explored with modern techniques, could host significant resources. The soil anomalies extend over a large area, and the company’s systematic approach may lead to new discoveries. The expanded program will explore two large target areas and property-wide areas, potentially identifying new zones of mineralization.
The technical information in this release was reviewed by Jasper Mowatt, a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. Western Star Resources is focused on advancing past-producing tungsten assets in historically important mining districts to participate in the growing need for secure domestic critical mineral supply.
