Western Star Resources (CSE:WSR) is building the first modern exploration dataset for the Rowland Tungsten Project in Nevada, US, following the completion of a high-resolution unmanned aerial vehicle magnetic geophysical survey.
The survey was designed to improve Western Star’s understanding of the structural controls on mineralisation, refine geological interpretations of the property, and assist in prioritising follow-up exploration targets.
The geophysical data will be integrated with phase one assays, which are due in the coming weeks. The combined dataset will help define the priority drill target inventory and guide the second phase of the exploration program.
CEO and President Blake Morgan says the survey has highlighted multiple structural features and magnetic domains that appear to be associated with historical workings and interpreted skarn horizons.
“We look forward to integrating these results with the phase one soil geochemistry, which is expected imminently, as we advance toward phase two exploration and the definition of priority targets for a maiden drilling campaign,” Morgan says.
Interpreting the results
Existing geological maps are relatively broad in scale and provide limited detail on the structural architecture of the mineralised system. Preliminary interpretation of the magnetic data has identified multiple northeast-southwest-trending linear features across the property.
These lineaments are interpreted to represent possible fault or fracture zones that may have acted as pathways for hydrothermal fluids associated with tungsten-bearing skarn mineralisation.
Several areas of historical activity appear to coincide with interpreted intrusive-carbonate contacts and magnetic lineaments. Western Star says this relationship is considered ‘encouraging’, as tungsten skarn systems commonly develop where mineralising fluids interact with reactive carbonate host rocks adjacent to intrusive bodies.
The survey also suggests the mapped intrusive system may be more extensive than previously recognised. If confirmed through geological mapping and geochemical follow-up, this could indicate the prospective intrusive-carbonate contact zone extends beyond historically worked areas.
Western Star Resources is an emerging junior explorer focused on revitalising North America’s tungsten supply.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Western Star Resources
