Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE: WSR) (OTC: WSRIF) (FRA: 4K2) announced that it has engaged KC Harvey Environmental, LLC to lead drill-permitting at its 100% owned, past-producing Rowland Tungsten Property in Elko County, Nevada, and has commenced initial engagement with the Mountain City–Ruby Mountains–Jarbidge Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in support of a Plan of Operations submission.
KC Harvey, a Bozeman, Montana-based environmental consultancy specializing in mining permitting, reclamation, and NEPA support, will prepare and submit a Plan of Operations (USDA Forest Service form FS-2800-5, under 36 CFR 228A) covering the Company’s proposed Phase 2 drilling program at Rowland. The firm will also support the associated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process. The consultancy’s mining services are led by founder Kevin Harvey, M.Sc., a board-certified professional soil scientist and current President of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation.
Key highlights of the engagement include the preparation of the Plan of Operations for submission to the U.S. Forest Service, initiation of dialogue with the Jarbidge District Ranger, and parallel advancement of permitting with the ongoing Phase 1 exploration program at Rowland. The objective is to position the project for drill testing of the three confirmed zones of historical tungsten workings. The extensive historical workings already documented at Rowland are expected to support the Company’s case that the project area is previously disturbed, which is anticipated to streamline the NEPA pathway.
Blake Morgan, CEO and President of Western Star, stated, “Engaging KC Harvey and opening dialogue with the Jarbidge District Ranger is the logical next step for Rowland. With Phase 1 field work confirming a materially larger exploration opportunity than the historical record suggested, our priority is to advance permitting in parallel with exploration so we are positioned to drill test the Rowland targets without delay.”
The Plan of Operations is the principal authorization required from the U.S. Forest Service to conduct drilling on National Forest System lands. KC Harvey’s scope of work includes preparation of the Plan of Operations, supporting environmental baseline and reclamation planning, and coordination of the NEPA review process with USFS. The Company intends to advance the application in parallel with state-level reclamation permitting and the ongoing Phase 1 and Phase 2 exploration programs at Rowland, and will provide further updates upon submission of the Plan of Operations and as the permitting review progresses.
This announcement is significant because it marks a critical step toward drill testing at the Rowland Tungsten Property, a historical mine with potential for expanded tungsten resources in Nevada. Tungsten is a strategic mineral used in various industrial applications, and advancing domestic sources is important for supply chain security.
