Western Ridge Secures Midnight Sun for Keystone’s First Drilling in 80 Years

Maiden Drilling Campaign Set to Unlock Keystone Potential

Western Ridge Resources (ASX:WRX) has secured Midnight Sun Drilling to undertake a 19-hole reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at its Keystone Project in Nevada, USA. This campaign marks the first drilling at the historic Keystone Mine in more than 80 years, aiming to test high-grade mine extensions and priority targets identified through geological mapping and historical data.

The program is scheduled to commence in early September 2026, with the possibility of an earlier start in August if the contractor finishes its current commitments ahead of schedule. Notably, Midnight Sun Drilling’s rig is already operating in Nevada, which is expected to materially reduce mobilisation costs and streamline logistics.

Expanded Landholding Amplifies Exploration Scope

Western Ridge recently expanded its Keystone landholding by approximately 500%, adding nearly 5,000 acres of prospective ground peppered with historic mining localities. This sizeable increase strengthens the company’s regional footprint across the emerging Pershing Trend, a district known for tungsten, silver, and gold mineralisation. The expanded tenure package provides a broader platform for exploration and testing of multiple priority targets.

Managing Director Dr Matthew Cobb, currently on site in Nevada, emphasised the significance of this milestone: "The work completed to date reinforces the confidence the Company has in the opportunity at Keystone, and we are looking forward to commencing the program and updating shareholders as work progresses." His presence on the ground also involves finalising preparations, engaging with analytical laboratories, and reviewing priority target areas across the expanded project.

Operational Challenges Overcome to Secure Contractor

The initial plan to start drilling in late May to early June 2026 was delayed after the withdrawal of the preferred drilling contractor’s bid. Western Ridge then undertook an extensive review of alternative contractors, ultimately securing Midnight Sun Drilling, whose flexibility and local operation status proved decisive amid high demand for RC rigs in Nevada.

This demand reflects broader market conditions, driven by elevated commodity prices and robust exploration appetite in the United States. Securing a contractor already active in the region mitigates mobilisation complexity and cost, positioning Western Ridge well for an efficient campaign.

Historic Keystone Mine: Untapped for Over Eight Decades

The Keystone Project hosts numerous historic workings but has seen no modern drilling for over 80 years. The upcoming 1,380-metre drilling campaign represents a systematic effort to test high-grade extensions of the known mineralisation and to validate priority targets generated from recent geological and field reconnaissance work.

This maiden drilling program is a critical step in Western Ridge’s strategy to unlock value from the polymetallic project, which is dominated by silver but also contains tungsten and gold. The results from this campaign will be closely watched for indications of resource expansion potential.