Guardian Metal Resources (AIM:GMET), a Nevada-focused tungsten exploration and development company, has decided to accelerate rehabilitation of historical underground workings at its Tempiute project following strong drilling results.
The move follows assays from the first four holes of its Phase II resource drilling campaign, combined with visual observations from a further 24 holes still awaiting results.
The standout intersection, from hole TP26-046, returned 92.0 metres at 0.34% tungsten trioxide (WO3) from a depth of 102.5 metres, including a higher-grade section of 12.7 metres at 0.53% WO3.
The Phase II programme targets the South Thumb and Schofield zones, centred on workings last operated by Union Carbide Corporation before the mine closed in the 1980s, and is designed to support an initial Mineral Resource estimate.
Of the planned 46 diamond drillholes, 28 have been completed, with two surface rigs still active and assays from 24 holes pending.
A separate, now-completed Phase I regional programme of 41 holes confirmed tungsten mineralisation extends well beyond the historical mine footprint, with 20 holes intersecting notable grades, including 32.4 metres at 0.26% WO3 in hole TP25-021.
Guardian has engaged an underground mining contractor to rehabilitate strategically located workings and drill stations, with work expected to start in October, ahead of mobilising underground drill rigs to improve access to the target zones.
"The 92.0 meter intersection at 0.34% WO3 is particularly encouraging and reinforces our confidence in advancing the South Thumb and Schofield areas toward a planned initial Mineral Resource estimate", said chief executive Oliver Friesen.
The company is also assessing permitting requirements for mining a near-surface lode on patented claims, aiming to identify the fastest route to new tungsten feed from the site.
News Intelligence what this means for the company
Guardian Metal has accelerated underground rehabilitation at Tempiute after Phase II drilling returned a 92-metre intersection grading 0.34% WO3—the company's strongest single intercept to date—with 24 of 46 planned holes still pending assays. The move compresses the path to an initial Mineral Resource estimate and positions underground drill access ahead of schedule, materially advancing the project timeline from exploration toward resource definition.
The 92m intersection at 0.34% WO3 validates the South Thumb and Schofield zones as a credible resource base and justifies accelerated capex on underground access. Execution risk now shifts from exploration success to permitting and contractor mobilization; the October start date and pending assays from 24 holes will be near-term catalysts for the resource estimate narrative.
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