Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE: WSR) (OTC: WSRIF) (FRA: 4K2) announced results from its high-resolution UAV magnetic geophysical survey at the Rowland Tungsten Property in Elko County, Nevada. The survey, the first modern geophysical dataset acquired across the property, was designed to improve understanding of structural controls on mineralization and refine geological interpretation to prioritize follow-up exploration targets.
The survey processed Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI), First Vertical Derivative (1VD), Second Vertical Derivative (2VD), and Analytical Signal (AS) data. Preliminary interpretation identified multiple northeast-southwest trending magnetic lineaments, interpreted as possible fault structures and fluid pathways. Historical workings and Phase 1 target areas appear spatially associated with refined intrusive-carbonate contacts and prospective skarn horizons. Notably, a magnetic-high domain and adjacent magnetic-low domain south of the historical Rowland zone represent untested features that may indicate extensions of the prospective skarn horizon.
Blake Morgan, CEO and President of Western Star, stated, "The results of the high-resolution magnetic survey represent an important step in building the first modern exploration dataset at Rowland. The survey has highlighted multiple structural features and magnetic domains that appear to be associated with historical workings and interpreted skarn horizons."
These findings are significant because tungsten is a critical mineral essential for defense, aerospace, and industrial applications, yet the United States relies heavily on imports. Western Star is focused on revitalizing North America's tungsten supply by advancing the past-producing Rowland mine, one of America's most important historic tungsten districts. The new geophysical data could help define priority drill targets for a maiden drilling campaign, potentially reducing U.S. dependence on foreign sources.
The survey also suggests the mapped intrusive system may be more extensive than previously recognized. If confirmed, this could extend the prospective intrusive-carbonate contact zone beyond historically worked areas. The magnetic-high and adjacent magnetic-low domains south of Rowland will be evaluated in Phase 2 exploration, potentially representing extensions of the Rowland Main zone or additional skarn horizons.
Results will be integrated with pending Phase 1 soil geochemistry, expected imminently, to support Phase 2 exploration program design and refine potential drill targets. Morgan added, "We look forward to integrating these results with the Phase 1 soil geochemistry as we advance toward Phase 2 exploration and the definition of priority targets for a maiden drilling campaign."
Western Star acquired the cost-effective dataset using a drone, significantly improving interpretation of the structural and geological setting. The Rowland area previously had limited high-resolution public geophysical coverage, and no known prior operator completed a modern UAV magnetic survey. Existing geological maps were broad in scale, providing limited detail on structural architecture. Click Here to see Figure 2: Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) image of the property and Click Here to see Figure 3: First Vertical Derivative (1VD) image of the property.
The survey data underwent rigorous QA/QC protocols, including diurnal corrections, lag and heading bias adjustments, and processing in Geosoft Oasis Montaj by Warren Hughes at East Coast Consulting. Filtered derivative products were computed from corrected TMI data, and grids were generated using minimum curvature with a cell size of about one-third the flight line spacing.
The scientific and technical information was reviewed and approved by Jasper Mowatt, MIMMM and MAusIMM, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. Western Star Resources is an emerging junior exploration company focused on securing domestic tungsten supply, also owning claims in British Columbia.
