Western Star Resources Acquires Nevada Tungsten Project Amid U.S. Critical Mineral Push

Western Star Resources Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire the past-producing Rowland Project, a tungsten property located in Nevada's Jarbidge mining district. The acquisition comes at a time when the United States faces complete dependence on foreign sources for tungsten, with approximately 85% of global supply controlled by China and no domestic commercial production since 2015.

The Rowland Property represents a strategic asset for both the company and national security interests. Historical production data shows the property yielded high-grade tungsten, with one 1943 shipment reporting 3.38% WO₃ and subsequent production during 1954-56 of about 1,000 tons of ore containing 0.5 to 1.0 percent WO₃. The property features existing mine workings including two shallow shafts and several hundred feet of open cuts, with mineralization occurring in skarn formations adjacent to quartz monzonite intrusions.

CEO Blake Morgan emphasized the national significance of the acquisition, stating that securing domestic tungsten sources aligns with U.S. government priorities to strengthen critical mineral supply chains. The property's location in Nevada provides road accessibility and positions it within a known mining district approximately six miles southwest of Jarbidge.

The transaction structure involves Western Star acquiring rights to an underlying option agreement through a combination of cash payments and share issuance. Total consideration includes CAD $60,000 and 1,000,000 common shares, with additional milestone payments tied to exploration success. These milestones include expanding the claim area by 30%, identifying high-grade surface samples, completing successful drilling programs, and ultimately establishing a compliant resource estimate of at least 5 million tonnes at ≥0.7% WO₃.

The strategic importance of this acquisition extends beyond corporate growth. Tungsten's classification as a critical mineral stems from its indispensable role in defense applications, aerospace components, energy technologies, and semiconductor manufacturing. Recent Executive Orders have prioritized fast-tracking domestic tungsten projects, creating opportunities for federal grants and defense-sector support for qualifying assets.

Western Star plans immediate exploration activities including geophysics, channel sampling, and mapping with the goal of advancing the project to drill-ready status for a maiden program early next year. The company's approach recognizes that while the property saw historical production, it remains under-explored using modern techniques, presenting significant upside potential.

The vendors will retain a 1.5% Net Smelter Return royalty, with Western Star holding the right to buy back 1.0% for CAD $1,000,000. The underlying option agreement requires payments totaling US$50,000 through 2028 to earn 100% interest in the property, subject to a 0.5% production royalty.

This acquisition positions Western Star at the forefront of efforts to rebuild domestic supply chains for critical minerals while creating potential shareholder value through the development of a strategically important resource. The timing coincides with increased government focus on mineral security and reduced dependence on foreign sources for materials essential to national defense and technological advancement.