Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE: WSR) (OTC: WSRIF) has released results from a high-resolution UAV magnetic geophysical survey at its White Star Tungsten Project in Elko County, Nevada. The survey, the first modern geophysical dataset acquired over the property, aims to refine the geological model, identify new exploration targets, and improve understanding of structural controls on mineralization. The results will be integrated with ongoing rock-chip and soil geochemical sampling to guide follow-up exploration and potential drill targeting.
The survey processed Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI), First Vertical Derivative (1VD), Second Vertical Derivative (2VD), and Analytical Signal (AS) products. The historical Batholith mine and adit are situated along a northwest-southeast-trending magnetic lineament within a subtle magnetic low. Several comparable geophysical features have been identified across the property, suggesting additional mineralization potential.
A significant finding is a broad magnetic high in the western portion of the property, interpreted as a previously unmapped extension of the intrusive granite (quartz monzonite) associated with tungsten-bearing skarn mineralization. This interpreted intrusive body lies adjacent to mapped carbonate units, defining a new area prospective for contact skarn-hosted tungsten. Multiple magnetic lineaments interpreted as fault and fracture zones may have acted as pathways for hydrothermal fluids.
Blake Morgan, CEO and President of Western Star, stated, "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. The interpreted intrusive body identified in the high-resolution magnetic data has 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 mineralization."
Four target zones have been defined for follow-up: the central Kqm–Pzt contact north of the Batholith Mine, a northern Pzt body within the northern Kqm, a southern limestone corridor hosting discrete magnetic features, and the historical open pit area. The survey was flown to the same specifications as the recently completed Rowland UAV magnetic survey, enabling a contiguous district-scale magnetic product spanning the consolidated Jarbidge–Charleston tungsten footprint. The combined dataset is undergoing geophysical inversion and will be announced once completed.
Figure 1 shows the Analytical Signal magnetic product and 1964 geology, with preliminary interpretations suggesting the central intrusive complex is more extensive and internally complex. The geological model at White Star involves a quartz monzonite intrusion (Kqm) invading Paleozoic sedimentary sequences, reacting with limestone (Pzl) to produce garnet–diopside tactite and hornfels (Pzt) that carry scheelite. The historical Batholith mine workings sit within this tactite.
Figure 2 provides the legend for the geology map. The dataset resolves NE–SW and NW–SE trending magnetic lineaments interpreted as high-angle fault and fracture zones favourable as fluid pathways. The geophysics will be integrated with pending rock-chip and soil geochemistry to define priority targets and inform subsequent exploration phases.
QA/QC protocols were applied during data collection, and final processing was performed using Geosoft Oasis Montaj by Warren Hughes at East Coast Consulting. Diurnal corrections, lag and heading bias corrections were applied, and filtered derivative products were computed from corrected TMI data. Grids were generated using the minimum curvature method with a cell size of approximately one-third of the flight line spacing.
The scientific and technical information has been reviewed and approved by Jasper Mowatt, MIMMM and MAusIMM, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. The results mark a key step in advancing the White Star project as part of Western Star's strategy to revitalize North America's tungsten supply.
