Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE: WSR) (OTC: WSRIF) (FRA: 4K2) has reported results from its Phase 1 soil-geochemistry program at the past-producing Rowland Tungsten Property in Elko County, Nevada. The program confirmed a coherent, multi-element tungsten-skarn signature in soil over an approximately one-kilometre structural corridor, headlined by a peak of 1,425 parts per million (ppm) tungsten trioxide (WO3) in soil, equivalent to 0.14% WO3. This result was returned directly over a recently re-discovered zone of historical workings.
The soil sampling program comprised 93 samples at nominal 25-meter spacing over the central Rowland workings corridor. The results are significant because they validate soil geochemistry as an effective, low-cost vector to prospective skarn-contact zones. The anomalous soils align with magnetic gradients imaged by the Company’s UAV magnetic survey, which are interpreted as lithological and structural contacts. This coincidence of high-grade, polymetallic-metal soils with interpreted contacts over an approximately one-kilometre area is a powerful exploration vector.
Blake Morgan, President and CEO of Western Star, commented: “As far as we are aware, this is the first ever soil geochemistry survey completed by a public company at Rowland, and returning a high value result of 0.14% WO3 is an excellent start. The anomalous soil results provide a baseline to interpret the expanded soil results once they arrive. Crucially, the soils line up with the contacts our UAV magnetics are mapping, which is the strongest possible vector for where to look next.”
Key highlights from the Phase 1 program include a peak tungsten-in-soil value of 1,425 ppm WO3 (1,130 ppm W) from sample X-3 in the central zone, and soils over the main historical workings (Rowland Main) returning up to 517 ppm and 504 ppm WO3. The anomalous samples are interpreted to reflect a tungsten-skarn system developed along a carbonate–intrusive contact with potentially mineralised NE-SW structures. Tungsten was accompanied by coincident diagnostic W-Cu-Mo-Bi(-Be) skarn metals, including copper up to 1,185 ppm, molybdenum up to 35 ppm, bismuth up to 5.2 ppm, and beryllium up to 4.56 ppm.
Rowland is interpreted as a reduced tungsten (W-Cu-Mo-Bi) skarn, where tungsten-bearing fluids exsolved from a Cretaceous granite reacted with Ordovician–Cambrian limestone to deposit scheelite-bearing skarn at and near the intrusive contact. The Phase 1 soils sit directly on this carbonate host, and the strongest anomalies fall on magnetic gradients. The Company has high confidence that soil geochemistry reliably highlights the prospective skarn-contact zones, as soils respond strongly over both the Central zone and Rowland Main.
On the strength of these results, Western Star is mobilising an expanded soil-sampling program to commence imminently. This program is designed to trace the prospective skarn contacts outward from the known workings and potential mineralisation controlling faults. Results from the expanded program will be integrated with the UAV magnetic survey and field mapping to generate and prioritise drill targets for a maiden drill program at Rowland.
Soil samples were submitted to ALS, an accredited laboratory, and analysed by method ME-MS41L (aqua-regia digest, 51-element ICP-MS) with gold. Tungsten values are reported in ppm; WO3 is calculated as W × 1.2611. The scientific and technical information has been reviewed and approved by Jasper Mowatt, MIMMM and MAusIMM, a consultant to the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
Western Star Resources is an emerging junior mineral exploration company focused on revitalizing North America's tungsten supply. The Company is advancing its entry into the U.S. market through past-producing tungsten assets in historically important mining districts and is positioning itself to participate in the growing need for secure domestic critical mineral supply. For more information, visit www.westernstarresources.com.
