Resolution Minerals Eyes Swift Tungsten Production with Promising Stockpile Assays
Resolution Minerals is gaining significant momentum in its bid to fast-track tungsten production in the United States, following the release of highly encouraging preliminary sampling results from historical stockpiles at its Johnson Creek mill. The assays, taken from ore previously extracted from the historic Golden Gate mine, have revealed impressive grades of tungsten trioxide (WO3) and even trace amounts of gold, presenting a compelling opportunity for a low-cost, high-return venture.
The mini-bulk sample, meticulously collected from the Johnson Creek mill stockpiles, yielded a remarkable result of up to 1.85% WO3. Furthermore, the material also contained gold at a grade of 0.11 grams per tonne (g/t). To put these figures into perspective, the global average for underground tungsten mines typically hovers between 0.15% and 0.2% WO3. This suggests that the Johnson Creek stockpiles hold significantly higher-grade material than commonly encountered in current global mining operations.
Scheelite Dominance and Low Impurities Pave the Way for Efficient Processing
An independent mineralogy study, conducted on the stockpiles at Resolution Minerals’ (ASX:RML) recently acquired Johnson Creek facility, has shed further light on the composition of this valuable resource. These stockpiles, which have remained untouched since the 1980s, were found to be predominantly comprised of scheelite, the primary ore mineral for tungsten. Crucially, the study also identified low levels of impurities.
This discovery is particularly timely, given the current global market for tungsten. A combination of tight supply chains and escalating geopolitical tensions has driven the price of this critical metal to extraordinary heights, surging from approximately US$400 per tonne to as much as US$2200 per tonne. The high-grade, scheelite-dominant nature of the Johnson Creek stockpiles, coupled with their low impurity profile, strongly indicates the potential for a straightforward and cost-effective processing pathway.
A Strategic Opportunity to Accelerate Tungsten Supply
Aharon Zaetz, Executive Director at Resolution Minerals, expressed his enthusiasm for the findings. “Confirming a high-grade 1.85% WO3 result from the Golden Gate stockpile is a significant milestone for Resolution Minerals,” he stated. “The combination of strong grade, scheelite-dominant mineralisation and low impurity levels highlights the potential for a simple, low-cost processing pathway.”
Zaetz further elaborated on the strategic implications of this discovery. “Furthermore, given that Golden Gate has previously been mined for tungsten, and has supplied the US Government with critical metals for several war efforts during the 20th century, this presents a compelling opportunity to fast-track the stockpiles should further planned work prove positive.” The historical significance of the Golden Gate mine, with its past contributions to critical metal supply, adds a layer of strategic importance to Resolution Minerals’ current endeavours.
Tracing the History: From Golden Gate to Johnson Creek
The company’s engagement with the Johnson Creek mill stockpiles involved two distinct fieldwork programs conducted in 2025. During these programs, Resolution Minerals undertook comprehensive mapping and sampling of the stockpiles, which are known to originate from their Golden Gate project located in Idaho.
These efforts confirmed that the material within the stockpiles is characteristic of the mineralised granodiorite found at the Golden Gate site. A total of six samples were carefully collected from various sections of the stockpiles. These individual samples were then combined off-site, without any sub-sampling or weight reduction, to form a substantial mini-bulk sample weighing 93.6 kilograms. This sample was subsequently subjected to multi-element geochemical analysis and a detailed mineralogical assessment by Independent Metallurgical Operations.
The history of tungsten exploration and development at Golden Gate dates back to the late 1940s, with open-pit mining commencing in the early 1950s. Initially, the extracted ore was processed at the Stibnite Mill. However, following the mill’s closure in 1952, the construction of the Johnson Creek Mill was initiated. This facility was strategically located on a 15-acre site directly adjacent to what is now recognised as the Horse Heaven project, which encompasses the Golden Gate system.
Historical records indicate that in 1973, 227 tons of tungsten ore, grading 2.03% WO3, were extracted from the Golden Gate open-cut operation and processed at the Johnson Creek Mill. Subsequently, in 1977, an additional 456.6 tons of ore, grading 1.8% WO3, were mined and stockpiled. Underground mining activities were then undertaken in 1979 and 1980, resulting in the production and stockpiling of approximately 1905 tons of mill feed at the Johnson Creek facility. This accumulated quantity of “leftover” Golden Gate tungsten ore, estimated at around 2000 tons, constitutes the current stockpiles at Johnson Creek.
Next Steps: Quantifying and Qualifying the Resource
Resolution Minerals is now poised to embark on the next phase of its stockpile evaluation. This will involve detailed sampling of the stockpiles to explore older, sub-surface sections, alongside a volumetric survey to accurately quantify the material in cubic metres.
Subsequent specific gravity analysis will enable the conversion of volumetric data into tonnage figures. The results derived from this comprehensive program will be instrumental in upgrading the stockpiles to JORC-compliant resources. This classification will unlock opportunities for direct offtake agreements for the material in the short term, while simultaneously advancing the development of a parallel process flowsheet.
In parallel with the stockpile assessment, Phase 2 drilling is currently underway at the Horse Heaven project. The objective of this drilling program is to ascertain the full extent of gold mineralisation within the Golden Gate system. Encouragingly, earlier Phase 1 drilling at the project intersected tungsten, lending further support to the geological interpretation that tungsten mineralisation extends northward from the historical Golden Gate mine workings.
