Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE: WSR) (OTC: WSRIF) (FRA: 4K2) announced it has engaged KC Harvey Environmental, LLC to lead drill-permitting at its 100% owned, past-producing Rowland Tungsten Property in Elko County, Nevada. The company 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. The firm'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. The scope includes supporting the associated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process.
Key highlights include the preparation of the Plan of Operations, initial engagement with the Jarbidge District Ranger, and parallel advancement of permitting with ongoing Phase 1 exploration. The extensive historical workings at Rowland are expected to support the company's case that the project area is previously disturbed, which could 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 work includes environmental baseline and reclamation planning, and coordination of the NEPA review with USFS. The company intends to advance the application alongside state-level reclamation permitting and the ongoing exploration programs, and will provide updates upon submission and as permitting progresses.
The scientific and technical information has been reviewed and approved by Jasper Mowatt, MIMMM and MAusIMM, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
This engagement marks a critical step toward drill testing the three confirmed zones of historical tungsten workings at Rowland, positioning the project for potential resource definition.
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