Guardian Metal Resources (LSE:GMET) is evaluating the potential to recover tungsten and other metals from the historical tailings at the Tempiute Project in Nevada.
The company aims to provide an opportunity for near-term, domestically sourced tungsten in the US.
To determine the economic and environmental remediation potential, Guardian Metal has conducted a detailed mapping and sampling program across the project.
Evaluation of publicly available production records was correlated with satellite imagery, spectral analysis, and ground mapping to uncover the tailings footprint extending down slope from the mine. Follow-up work delineated a large tungsten-enriched zone and confirmed the extent of the area to cover a surface footprint of 550 acres.
As a result, the company expanded its mineral rights position, staking 193 mining claims and increasing the overall Tempiute Project footprint by more than 375%.
Tempiute’s upcoming activities
An auger drilling program is expected to begin in June 2026, aiming to characterise the tailings material and surrounding soils for environmental evaluation and resource potential.
Guardian Metal says this work will advance its environmental inquiry and enable determination of the potential for a tungsten resource.
A notice to the Bureau of Land Management and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection has been submitted for the drill program.
Concurrently, an independent metallurgical study will be carried out to determine the most effective method of recovering tungsten and other metals. The study will also characterise the geochemistry of the tailings post tungsten recovery. This will inform the final reclamation design of the site. Results are expected in the coming months.
A critical defence metal
CEO Oliver Friesen says Tempiute has a well-documented production history and believes the historical tailings represents an opportunity warranting further investigation.
“With tungsten recognised as a critical defence metal and domestic supply a priority for the US Government, this work is very timely,” Friesen says.
Tungsten has been designated as a strategic priority by the US Government. It is primarily used in cutting tools, mining, and construction, as well as electronics applications, aerospace, and military shielding.
Around 80% of global tungsten production is controlled by China.
According to the US Geological Survey, tungsten deposits in the US have been mined since the late 19th century, but there has been no production since price crashes in the 1980s.
The Tempiute Project is a past-producing skarn-type tungsten-zinc-copper-silver project with existing infrastructure.
Guardian Metal Resources is dual-listed explorer and developer focused on securing US tungsten independence through its portfolio of assets.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Guardian Metal Resources
