Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE: WSR | OTC: WSRIF | FRA: 4K2) has submitted a 43 CFR 3809 Exploration Notice to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for a 17-hole drill program at its Eagle Point Tungsten Project in Hidalgo County, New Mexico. The notice, filed October 22, 2026, marks a pivotal regulatory step toward what the company describes as the first drilling at Eagle Point in more than 70 years. The announcement is likely to draw investor attention given rising demand for domestic tungsten supply and the company's parallel tendering of drilling contractors.

Key Points

  • Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE: WSR | OTC: WSRIF | FRA: 4K2) is a Vancouver-based tungsten and critical minerals exploration company
  • A 43 CFR 3809 Exploration Notice was submitted to the BLM Las Cruces District Office on October 22, 2026, covering 17 HQ core holes from 12 drill pads
  • The planned program totals approximately 6,000 feet of drilling across 1.71 acres of surface disturbance, with an operating period from December 2026 through December 2027
  • Investors may watch for BLM review progress, state permit approvals, contractor selection, and drill programme commencement

Eagle Point Exploration Notice Targets Steeply Dipping Tungsten Skarn Contact

The Exploration Notice, prepared by KC Harvey Environmental, LLC, covers 17 HQ core holes drilled from 12 pads, with planned hole depths ranging from 164 to 820 feet to test the steeply dipping skarn contact at Eagle Point. Drill targets were refined using results from the company's 2026 surface mapping and sampling programme, announced September 30, 2026. The programme will use a water-based fluid in a closed-loop centrifuge system, eliminating in-ground sumps, with drilling water trucked from a commercial supplier. All surface disturbance will be reclaimed concurrently with drilling operations.

Minimal Footprint Design and Secured Surface Access Underpin Permitting Strategy

Total proposed surface disturbance is 1.71 acres, encompassing 12 drill pads, approximately 0.56 mile of temporary connector roads, and one laydown area. Western Star has a surface use agreement with the private surface owner covering road access and all proposed activities on private land, which accounts for approximately 1.35 acres of disturbance. The remaining four pads and approximately 565 feet of connector road sit on BLM-administered land. The project is accessed via approximately 3.3 miles of existing roads from U.S. Highway 81, requiring no upgrades.

Regulatory Steps and Contractor Tendering Advance Eagle Point Toward First Drill Bit

Before drilling commences, Western Star must submit a Minimal Impact Exploration Operation permit to the New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division, well and plugging filings to the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, and post a reclamation financial guarantee anticipated to be held jointly by the BLM and the Mining and Minerals Division. The company is simultaneously tendering drilling contractors, finalising collar locations using its Leapfrog Geo model, and setting up field logistics. The company notes that no mineral resource has been established at Eagle Point.