Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE: WSR) (OTC: WSRIF) (FRA: 4K2) announced the completion of its 2026 geological mapping and sampling program at the Eagle Point Tungsten Project in Hidalgo County, New Mexico, and outlined a planned 17-hole drill program totaling approximately 6,070 feet (1,850 metres). The program is designed to test the geometry and continuity of scheelite-bearing skarn at depth, a critical step toward potentially establishing a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate.
The August 2026 field program identified scheelite-bearing skarn along the favorable granite-limestone contact. A total of 23 analytical samples were collected from the principal skarn target, including grab samples and four one-metre channel intervals across exposed mineralization. The samples have been submitted to ALS Geochemistry in Tucson, Arizona, with analytical results pending. Shortwave ultraviolet examination was used as a field screening aid to confirm the presence of fluorescent scheelite in collected material. Bright fluorescence is consistent with scheelite; however, no tungsten grade or concentration is inferred from visual inspection alone. For images of the hand samples under ultraviolet light, see Figure 2.
Geological mapping focused on the southern portion of the property, where the skarn is exposed at surface. The skarn occurs along the contact between Horquilla Limestone and intrusive granite and is characterized by scheelite associated with garnet, epidote, and lesser quartz. The exposed skarn is locally steeply dipping, with measured dips of approximately 80 degrees. Extensive talus cover obscures portions of the contact, limiting the ability to determine the full subsurface geometry from surface mapping alone. Field observations, historical geological information, and structural data were incorporated into an updated three-dimensional Leapfrog Geo model used to support drill targeting. For a detailed geological map, see Figure 1.
Blake Morgan, CEO and President of Western Star, stated, “The August 2026 field program has given Western Star a clear next step at Eagle Point. We have moved from a project defined largely by historical work and surface showings to a modern three-dimensional geological model and a planned 17-hole drill program. The work identified scheelite-bearing skarn along the granite-limestone contact and identified areas where drilling can directly test the system beneath limited surface exposure. With analytical results pending and drill targets identified, Eagle Point is advancing into the next stage of technical evaluation.”
The planned drill program is intended to evaluate continuity beneath surface exposures, true thickness and geometry of the skarn-bearing contact, relationships between skarn and intrusive rocks, the influence of mapped and interpreted structures, and areas concealed by talus where surface mapping cannot adequately constrain geology. The proposed holes are designed primarily as shallow, closely spaced tests of the steeply dipping skarn contact. For proposed drill collar locations, see Figure 3.
Tungsten mineralization at Eagle Point has been recognized since the early 1940s, with historical examination by the U.S. Bureau of Mines and U.S. Geological Survey. The company has not independently verified historical production information and is not relying on it as a current Mineral Resource or Mineral Reserve. The scientific and technical information in the release was reviewed and approved by Jacob Anderson, CPG, MAusIMM, an independent Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
This announcement matters because it signals a potential revival of domestic tungsten exploration at a time when critical minerals supply chains are under scrutiny. If the drill program successfully delineates a resource, it could contribute to U.S. tungsten supply, which is currently heavily import-dependent. However, no Mineral Resource has been established, and there is no certainty that further exploration will result in the delineation of a Mineral Resource. Analytical results remain pending and will be reported following receipt, review, and verification.
