Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE: WSR) (OTC: WSRIF) (FRA: 4K2) has taken a significant step forward at its 100% owned, past-producing Rowland Tungsten Property in Elko County, Nevada, by engaging KC Harvey Environmental, LLC to lead the drill-permitting process. The company has also initiated engagement with the Mountain City–Ruby Mountains–Jarbidge Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest to support the submission of a Plan of Operations.
KC Harvey Environmental, based in Bozeman, Montana, is a consultancy specializing in mining permitting, reclamation, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) support across the western United States. The firm’s mining services are led by founder Kevin Harvey, M.Sc., a board-certified professional soil scientist and current President of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation. KC Harvey has been tasked with preparing and submitting a Plan of Operations (USDA Forest Service form FS-2800-5, under 36 CFR 228A) for the company’s proposed Phase 2 drilling program at Rowland, and supporting the associated NEPA review process.
The Plan of Operations is the principal authorization required from the U.S. Forest Service to conduct drilling on National Forest System lands. The company is advancing permitting in parallel with its ongoing Phase 1 exploration program at Rowland, with the objective of positioning the project for drill testing of three confirmed zones of historical tungsten workings. The extensive historical workings already documented at Rowland are expected to support the company’s case that the project area is previously disturbed, which is anticipated to streamline the NEPA pathway.
Blake Morgan, CEO and President of Western Star, stated: “Engaging KC Harvey and opening dialogue with the Jarbidge District Ranger is the logical next step for Rowland. With Phase 1 field work confirming a materially larger exploration opportunity than the historical record suggested, our priority is to advance permitting in parallel with exploration so we are positioned to drill test the Rowland targets without delay.”
The engagement of KC Harvey and initiation of the permitting process represent a critical milestone for Western Star. Tungsten is a strategic metal used in high-strength alloys, electronics, and defense applications. The United States currently relies heavily on imports for its tungsten supply, making domestic sources strategically important. The Rowland Property, located in Elko County, Nevada, has a history of tungsten production, and successful drilling could help reduce U.S. dependence on foreign tungsten. For the mining industry, this project demonstrates the importance of early engagement with regulatory agencies and environmental consultants to navigate the NEPA process efficiently. The company’s strategy of parallel exploration and permitting aims to shorten the timeline from discovery to development.
KC Harvey’s scope of work includes preparation of the Plan of Operations, supporting environmental baseline and reclamation planning, and coordination of the NEPA review process with the USFS. The company intends to advance the application in parallel with state-level reclamation permitting and the ongoing Phase 1 and Phase 2 exploration programs at Rowland. Further updates will be provided upon submission of the Plan of Operations and as the permitting review progresses.
The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jasper Mowatt, MIMMM and MAusIMM, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Western Star Resources is a mineral exploration and development company focused on increasing shareholder value through cost-effective exploration practices and strategic partnerships.
