Western Star Deploys Drones to Map Abandoned U.S. Tungsten Deposits…

Event summary

Western Star Resources has begun a high-resolution drone magnetic survey at its Eagle Point tungsten project in New Mexico, aiming to define mineralization beneath cover.
The survey uses 25-50 meter line spacing to map limestone-intrusive contacts and magnetite-bearing tactite bodies hosting scheelite mineralization.
Tungsten prices surged 160% in 2025 due to Chinese export controls and rising defense demand, with U.S. procurement rules excluding Chinese tungsten starting in 2027.
Almonty Industries reported Q1 2026 revenue of CA$25.4 million, up 221% year-over-year, reflecting the tungsten market's repricing.

The big picture

The U.S. is racing to rebuild a domestic tungsten supply chain abandoned decades ago due to Chinese price competition. With defense procurement rules excluding Chinese tungsten starting in 2027, companies like Western Star are leveraging modern geophysical techniques to re-explore historical deposits. The market's repricing—160% gains in 2025—reflects both strategic urgency and the lack of substitutes for tungsten in critical applications.

What we're watching

Supply Response: Whether Western Star and peers can accelerate drilling and permitting to meet 2027 U.S. defense procurement deadlines.
Technological Edge: How the adoption of high-resolution drone surveys will redefine exploration efficiency in historically abandoned tungsten districts.
Market Dynamics: The pace at which tungsten prices will stabilize or climb further as Chinese export controls and Western supply constraints persist.