Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE: WSR) (OTC: WSRIF) has successfully completed Phase 1 exploration at its 100% owned, past-producing Rowland Tungsten Property in Elko County, Nevada, USA. The program, which included a high-resolution UAV magnetic geophysical survey, focused soil geochemistry, rock-chip sampling, and field checking of historical workings, has materially increased the company's understanding of the property. Four discrete zones of extensive historical tungsten-bearing workings have been confirmed on the ground, all hosted within the same skarn-style geological setting as the originally targeted Rowland workings.
The most significant finding is Northern Zone B, which was not documented in publicly available historical production records. Field crews confirmed dilapidated wooden infrastructure consistent with a historical ore chute, and several decommissioned shafts. This zone is considered the most significant historical development identified on the property. Additionally, the Rowland Main zone revealed multiple additional workings, trenches, and surface disturbances, with extensive UV fluorescence consistent with significant scheelite mineralization.
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.” The company adjusted the program in real time to focus on actual ground conditions and has rush-submitted the first round of rock and soil samples for assay results.
The Phase 1 program was designed to deliver an integrated package of geophysical, geochemical, and field-mapping data to support drill targeting and the drill-permitting process. The UAV magnetic survey has been completed and is currently being processed, with preliminary results expected imminently. Soil sampling was completed across the Rowland Main zone, with reconnaissance lines extended across the Northern zones. Rock samples and initial soil samples have been rush-submitted to the laboratory, with assay results expected over the coming weeks.
The Northern Zone A, which prompted the company’s prior expansion of the Rowland claim package, was validated by field results. Although the historical adit is old and partially backfilled, surrounding waste dumps and surface piles are substantially larger than historical records indicate, suggesting a meaningful volume of material was mined from this area. Northern Zone B, first identified during a pre-mobilization LiDAR review, features 3 to 4 confirmed shafts and a series of northeast-southwest oriented trenches testing approximately 600 to 700 metres of strike length.
At the Rowland Main zone, material displayed extensive UV fluorescence consistent with scheelite mineralization, with tungsten content further confirmed by portable XRF screening. A series of channel samples were taken across various lithologies and contacts to characterize grade distribution. The UAV magnetic survey represents the first modern high-resolution geophysical dataset for the property, currently being processed and interpreted.
With Phase 1 field work complete, the company’s near-term priorities are to receive and integrate assay results, finalize the Phase 2 program, and advance toward drill targeting and permitting. The company expects to receive the first tranche of assay results over the coming weeks and will provide further updates as geophysical interpretation products and the Phase 2 program plan become available.
