Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE: WSR) (OTC: WSRIF) (FRA: 4K2) has taken a significant step toward advancing its Rowland Tungsten Property in Elko County, Nevada, by engaging KC Harvey Environmental, LLC to lead the drill-permitting process. The company has also 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 Environmental, a Bozeman, Montana-based 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 proposed Phase 2 drilling program. The firm is 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 engagement also includes supporting the associated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process.
This permitting work is being advanced in parallel with the company’s ongoing Phase 1 exploration program at Rowland, which has already confirmed a materially larger exploration opportunity than the historical record suggested. The company plans to test three confirmed zones of historical tungsten workings through drilling. 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 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 alongside state-level reclamation permitting and the ongoing Phase 1 and Phase 2 exploration programs, and will provide further updates upon submission of the Plan of Operations and as the permitting review progresses.
Jasper Mowatt, MIMMM and MAusIMM, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this release.
