Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE: WSR) (OTC: WSRIF) (FRA: 4K2) has announced the commencement of its maiden field exploration and drill-planning program at the Eagle Point Tungsten Project in Hidalgo County, New Mexico. The program marks a significant step in advancing the past-producing tungsten property toward a potential drilling campaign.
The company has engaged Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd. to conduct detailed geological and structural mapping, channel and grab sampling, validation of existing project data, and ground-truthing of proposed drill-hole collar locations. Additionally, the field team will evaluate areas surrounding the proposed drilling targets to identify opportunities to expand the exploration target areas.
Eagle Point is a past-producing tungsten skarn system comprising 24 lode mining claims in the Granite Pass area of the Little Hatchet mining district. Historical records indicate that approximately 1,800 tons of scheelite-bearing material were mined and shipped to the U.S. Government stockpile at Deming during 1943-44, with a grade of 0.48% WO3. Subsequent U.S. Government work estimated a historical mineralized system of approximately 170,000 tons, including 70,000 tons grading 0.40% WO3 and 100,000 tons grading 0.25% WO3. However, these figures are historical estimates and not current mineral resources or reserves.
Notably, the U.S. Government had prepared and recommended a Defense Minerals Exploration Administration exploration contract (Idm-E783, Docket DMEA-3701) that would have funded 75% of a proposed shaft-sinking and diamond-drilling program. That contract never became effective, leaving the principal exploration objectives largely untested.
More recent sampling by the United States Geological Survey and New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources (USGS/NMBGMR) provided additional evidence of high-grade tungsten mineralization at surface, including sample LH705 returning 27.6% WO3 and 0.98% molybdenum. These selective samples should not be considered representative of the average grade, but they highlight the potential for high-grade zones.
The 2026 field program is designed to integrate new field information with the company's existing geological database to refine future drill targets. Historical records describe eight skarn bodies exposed through open cuts and trenches, but drilling has been limited to a few shallow holes. The property remains largely untested at depth and along strike using modern exploration methods.
Western Star's CEO, Blake Morgan, emphasized the significance of the program: “This is the program we have been eager to commence since acquiring Eagle Point. We are moving from historical records and exceptional surface indications to boots on the ground, systematic modern exploration and the identification and validation of drill locations.” He added that the combination of documented historical production, multiple mineralized skarn bodies, and significant U.S. Government involvement makes Eagle Point a compelling target.
The program forms part of Western Star's broader strategy to advance past-producing and historically explored tungsten assets in the United States, including the Rowland and White Star projects in Nevada. Tungsten is designated as a critical mineral by the United States, essential for defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing applications. The company's focus on domestic tungsten supply aligns with increasing Western emphasis on critical-mineral security.
Following completion of the field program, Western Star expects to integrate the data and rank and refine targets for subsequent drill testing, subject to permitting and financing. Dahrouge is scheduled to provide a field summary report by September 2026.
