Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE: WSR) (OTC: WSRIF) has completed Phase 1 exploration at its 100%-owned, past-producing Rowland Tungsten Property in Elko County, Nevada, revealing four discrete zones of extensive historical tungsten-bearing workings, according to a company press release. The findings suggest the property is more prospective than previously indicated by historical records, with implications for the company's future drilling and development plans.
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, with assay results expected in the coming weeks. The company adjusted its program in real time to focus on the newly identified zones, which all share the same skarn-style geological setting as the original Rowland target.
Key highlights include the confirmation of Northern Zones A and B, the Central Zone, and the original Rowland Zone. Northern Zone B emerged as the most significant historical development discovered during Phase 1, featuring dilapidated wooden infrastructure consistent with a historical ore chute and several decommissioned shafts. This zone was not documented in publicly available historical production records. The Rowland Main zone also showed extensive UV fluorescence consistent with scheelite mineralization, confirmed by portable XRF screening.
The UAV magnetic survey, the first modern high-resolution geophysical dataset for the property, is being processed, with preliminary results expected shortly. This data will support drill targeting and the drill-permitting process. 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."
For industry leaders and investors, this news signals a significant upgrade in the project's potential value. Tungsten is a critical mineral used in high-strength alloys, electronics, and defense applications, and the confirmation of multiple mineralized zones could position Western Star as a key player in domestic tungsten supply. The company's next steps include receiving and integrating Phase 1 assay results, finalizing a Phase 2 program, and advancing toward drill targeting and permitting. The success at Rowland may also inform the company's approach at its White Star property.
The scientific and technical information in this release was reviewed by Jasper Mowatt, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. Western Star Resources focuses on mineral exploration and development, aiming to increase shareholder value through cost-effective practices and strategic partnerships.
