Western Star Resources Unveils High-Resolution UAV Magnetic Survey Findings at Nevada's White Star Tungsten Project

8 min read | July 15, 2026 11:50 AM EDT | By Manish Choudhary

Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE: WSR | OTC: WSRIF) announced the results of a high-resolution UAV magnetic geophysical survey conducted at its White Star Tungsten Project in Elko County, Nevada. This marks the first modern geophysical dataset ever collected across the property. The survey revealed a broad magnetic high in the western section of the property, potentially indicating a previously unmapped extension of the intrusive granite linked to tungsten-bearing skarn mineralisation, highlighting a new exploration area of interest. Four priority target zones have been established for follow-up, with findings to be combined with upcoming rock-chip and soil geochemistry data. The integrated dataset from White Star and the neighboring Rowland Tungsten Property is currently undergoing geophysical inversion, offering district-scale magnetic coverage over the consolidated Jarbidge–Charleston tungsten region.

Key Points

  • Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE: WSR | OTC: WSRIF) is a junior mineral exploration firm focused on tungsten assets within historically significant North American mining districts.
  • The company reported findings from a high-resolution UAV magnetic survey at the White Star Tungsten Project in Elko County, Nevada—the first modern geophysical dataset acquired across the site.
  • Four priority target zones were identified, including the top-priority Central Kqm–Pzt contact just north of the historic Batholith Mine, along with three additional zones exhibiting similar geophysical signatures.
  • Investors are anticipating the completion of geophysical inversion on the combined White Star and Rowland district-scale dataset, alongside pending rock-chip and soil geochemistry results, which will collectively guide future exploration phases.

Background of White Star Project and Importance of First Modern Geophysical Data

The White Star Tungsten Project, situated in Elko County, Nevada, lies within a historically vital tungsten mining district. Before this survey, the only publicly accessible geophysical data dated back to 1967 with one-mile line spacing, and the geological framework relied on a 1964 United States Geological Survey map of the Jarbidge area at a 1:62,500 scale—over six decades old.

This high-resolution UAV magnetic survey represents a significant enhancement in geological understanding of the property. Western Star Resources stated that these results are used to refine the district’s geological model and will be integrated with ongoing rock-chip and soil geochemical data collected across the broader White Star claims, potentially guiding future drilling program designs.

Survey Methodology and Magnetic Data Processing at White Star

The UAV magnetic survey aimed to collect a high-resolution magnetic dataset over known historical workings, identify additional prospective exploration targets, and improve understanding of structural controls on mineralisation. Four magnetic data products were processed and interpreted: Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI), First Vertical Derivative (1VD), Second Vertical Derivative (2VD), and Analytical Signal (AS).

Diurnal corrections were applied using filtered base station readings, along with adjustments for lag and heading bias. Filtered derivative products, including Analytical Signal and the First and Second Vertical Derivatives, were computed from corrected TMI data. Grids were generated using the minimum curvature method, providing multiple analytical perspectives on subsurface magnetic contrasts related to various rock types and structures.

Geological Model at White Star: Quartz Monzonite Intrusion, Skarn, and Tungsten Mineralisation

The geological framework focuses on a quartz monzonite intrusion (Kqm) that invaded a Paleozoic sedimentary sequence, reacting with limestone (Pzl) and adjacent host rocks to form garnet–diopside tactite and hornfels (Pzt) containing local scheelite—the primary tungsten ore mineral. Historical Batholith Mine workings and adits are within this Pzt tactite, while the historical open pit to the north lies beneath Quaternary cover and was poorly mapped.

The magnetic data reveals multiple discrete magnetic bodies within and near the mapped Kqm, interpreted as apophyses (offshoots) of the quartz monzonite intrusion. Each apophysis represents additional prospective intrusive–host rock contact zones potentially hosting tungsten mineralisation. The data also identifies northeast–southwest and northwest–southeast trending magnetic lineaments, interpreted as high-angle fault and fracture zones that may have served as conduits for tungsten-mineralising hydrothermal fluids.

Discovery of Previously Unmapped Intrusive Extension in Western Property Area

A key finding is the broad magnetic high in the western portion of the White Star Property, which may represent a previously unmapped extension of the intrusive granite (quartz monzonite) associated with tungsten-bearing skarn mineralisation.

This intrusive body lies adjacent to mapped carbonate units, defining a newly identified prospective area for contact skarn-hosted tungsten mineralisation. The central intrusive complex appears more extensive and internally complex than previously mapped, with multiple discrete magnetic bodies consistent with quartz monzonite apophyses. If confirmed by follow-up work, this could substantially expand the exploration footprint beyond historically recognized prospective zones.

Four Priority Follow-Up Targets Identified from UAV Magnetic Survey

Four target zones have been prioritized for follow-up based on magnetic survey interpretation. The highest-priority target is the Central Kqm–Pzt contact immediately north of the historic Batholith Mine, representing a direct on-strike extension of the mineralised contact. The second target is a mapped Pzt tactite window within the northern Kqm mass, intersected by a northwest-trending magnetic lineament and identified as tungsten-bearing host rock cut by a potential fluid pathway.

The third target is the Southern Limestone Corridor, where multiple small Pzl limestone bodies in the southeast host discrete magnetic features similar to those at the Batholith Mine. This area remains under-mapped, with the true surface extent of Pzl likely exceeding 1964 outlines. The fourth target is the Historical Open Pit area, mapped on Kqm but concealed beneath extensive Quaternary cover, with magnetic data supporting continuation of Kqm–Pzt–Pzl contact geology beneath cover. Historical workings provide direct evidence of prior mineralisation.

District-Scale Integration with Rowland Tungsten Property Dataset

The White Star UAV magnetic survey was conducted using the same specifications and line spacing as a recent UAV magnetic survey at the adjacent Rowland Tungsten Property. This allows processing and interpretation of both datasets as a single, contiguous district-scale magnetic product covering the consolidated Jarbidge–Charleston tungsten footprint.

The combined dataset is undergoing geophysical inversion, with results to be announced upon completion and review. Western Star describes this as the first modern geophysical framework across these two mining districts, facilitating integrated district-scale targeting between White Star workings and confirmed historical zones at Rowland. Investors are likely awaiting this combined inversion outcome as a catalyst for further exploration decisions.

CEO Blake Morgan Highlights Consolidated Jarbidge–Charleston Dataset Importance

Blake Morgan, President and CEO of Western Star Resources, stated that the White Star geophysical results provide "the second component of the consolidated Jarbidge–Charleston dataset and complete the district-scale magnetic coverage that the property consolidation was intended to unlock." He emphasized that the interpreted intrusive body identified in the high-resolution magnetic data "generated a significant new area of interest, where the contact between the granite and surrounding carbonate rocks may provide a favourable setting for tungsten skarn mineralisation."

Morgan added the company looks forward to integrating these geophysical results with ongoing rock-chip and soil geochemical programs as exploration advances at White Star. His comments frame the survey results as fulfilling a strategic objective linked to consolidating the Jarbidge and Charleston district properties, underscoring district-scale coverage as central to the company’s exploration strategy.

Upcoming Geochemistry and Drill Target Refinement Process

The company clarified that geophysical results alone will not finalize drill targets. Instead, geophysics will be combined with pending rock-chip and soil geochemistry results from White Star and Rowland field programs to define priority follow-up targets and guide design of subsequent exploration phases.

Rock-chip and soil geochemical data collection is underway across the broader White Star claim package. Integrating geochemical anomalies with the four geophysically defined target zones will be essential for ranking potential drill targets. No timeline or budget details for geochemical program completion or follow-up exploration were disclosed in this announcement.

Company Overview: Western Star Resources and Critical Minerals Focus

Western Star Resources positions itself as an emerging junior mineral exploration company focused on revitalizing North America’s tungsten supply. The company is advancing past-producing tungsten assets in historically significant U.S. mining districts and aims to address the growing demand for secure domestic critical mineral supply. Tungsten is classified as a critical mineral by the U.S. government and allied nations due to its strategic uses in defense, industrial tooling, and advanced manufacturing, coupled with limited domestic Western production.

The White Star Tungsten Project in Elko County, Nevada, is a primary asset, with the adjacent Rowland Tungsten Property expanding the company’s district footprint. Western Star Resources is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol WSR and trades on the OTC market under WSRIF. As an exploration-stage company, it has not disclosed revenue, production, or financial results in this release.

Qualified Person Statement and QA/QC Procedures

A Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this announcement. QA/QC protocols were applied during magnetic survey data collection to ensure data integrity and reliability. All magnetic data underwent quality checks in the field before final processing and gridding.

NI 43-101 is a Canadian regulatory standard governing public disclosure of scientific and technical information about mineral projects. Its requirement for a Qualified Person to review technical disclosures protects investors in the Canadian junior mining sector. Western Star’s adherence to this standard for the White Star geophysical disclosure aligns with its obligations as a CSE-listed issuer.


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