Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE: WSR) has announced it submitted a 43 CFR 3809 Exploration Notice to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management on October 22, 2026, advancing its Eagle Point Tungsten Project in Hidalgo County, New Mexico toward what the company believes would be the first drilling at the site in more than 70 years. The planned program covers 17 HQ core holes across 12 drill pads, totalling approximately 6,000 feet, with targets refined through the company's 2026 surface mapping work. The announcement signals a significant transition for WSR from surface exploration to active drilling preparation, a development investors in domestic critical minerals may be watching closely.

Key Points

  • Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE: WSR | OTC: WSRIF | FRA: 4K2) is a Vancouver-based mineral exploration company focused on tungsten and critical minerals in the United States.
  • The company submitted a BLM Exploration Notice on October 22, 2026, covering a 17-hole drill program at Eagle Point in Hidalgo County, New Mexico.
  • The program encompasses approximately 6,000 feet of drilling across 12 pads, with planned hole depths ranging from 164 to 820 feet and a total surface disturbance of 1.71 acres.
  • Investors may watch for BLM review outcomes, state permit approvals, and the finalisation of drilling contractor selection ahead of the December 2026 planned operating start.

Eagle Point Notice Covers Skarn Contact Targets Identified in 2026 Field Season

The Exploration Notice, prepared by KC Harvey Environmental, LLC on Western Star's behalf, was filed with the BLM Las Cruces District Office and covers five lode claims in Hidalgo County. The 17 proposed holes — designated EP26-001 through EP26-017 — are designed to test a steeply dipping skarn contact at depth, beneath surface exposures and talus cover. Drill targets were refined using results from the company's 2026 surface mapping and sampling program, as reported in a September 30, 2026 release. The submission includes location figures, claims data, GIS shapefiles, and a typical drill pad layout.

Minimal Surface Disturbance and Closed-Loop Drilling Fluid System Planned for Hidalgo County Site

Western Star has emphasised a low-impact operational design for the Eagle Point program. Total proposed surface disturbance is 1.71 acres, encompassing 12 drill pads, approximately 0.56 mile of temporary connector roads, and a single laydown area. Drilling will use a water-based fluid recirculated through a closed-loop centrifuge system, eliminating the need for in-ground sumps or mud pits. Water will be trucked from a commercial supplier, with no on-site well or surface water diversion. The company states all disturbed areas will be reclaimed concurrently with drilling activity, and a surface use agreement with the private surface owner is already in place.

Permitting Steps and Contractor Selection Underway Before December 2026 Operating Period

Prior to commencing drilling, Western Star must submit a Minimal Impact Exploration Operation permit application to the New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division, make well and plugging filings with 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 field logistics, and refining collar locations using its Leapfrog Geo model. The Notice describes an operating period from December 2026 through December 2027. No mineral resource has been established at Eagle Point.