Resolution Minerals Ltd (ASX:RML, OTC:RLMLF, FRA:NC3) has outlined a renewed push to advance and develop the past-producing Golden Gate Tungsten Mine, sharpening its focus on building a US-based critical metals platform at its Horse Heaven project in Idaho.
The company said the next phase of work follows a positive review of historical data, discussions with prior operators and encouraging insights from recent drilling, all of which point to meaningful potential for additional tungsten mineralisation beyond the historic workings.
As part of this effort, Resolution has engaged veteran US geologist David R. Hembree to help fast-track tungsten exploration and development across the Golden Gate area and the broader Horse Heaven Gold–Antimony–Tungsten–Silver Project.
Veteran mine geologist brought in to fast-track work
Hembree brings more than 45 years’ experience across the western United States and was the last mine geologist to work at Golden Gate during its most recent production period in 1980–81. Resolution said his direct knowledge of the historic workings, mineralisation controls and prior production history will be critical in refining exploration targets and development strategies.
His role will include reviewing historical tungsten exploration data, undertaking fieldwork, contributing to a planned drill program slated for June 2026, and supporting metallurgical test work on existing tungsten stockpiles.
Resolution said Hembree’s familiarity with Golden Gate is expected to accelerate the identification of additional tungsten resources both at the historic mine and across other emerging targets within the company’s 100%-owned Horse Heaven landholding.
Historic production points to further upside
Golden Gate produced tungsten ore intermittently from the early 1950s through to 1980. Ore was initially processed at the nearby Stibnite mill before later being treated at the Johnson Creek custom milling facility.
Historical records show that more than 1,800 tonnes of tungsten ore were mined and milled in the 1950s at an average grade of 1.5% WO₃. Later campaigns delivered smaller but higher-grade parcels, including material grading above 2% WO₃.
Resolution believes additional mineralisation may exist along roughly 3 kilometres of strike associated with the north–south oriented Golden Gate Fault, as well as at other targets across the project area that were either lightly tested or overlooked during earlier gold-focused drilling campaigns.
Johnson Creek mill acquisition nearing completion
In parallel with its exploration plans, Resolution is nearing completion of due diligence on its proposed acquisition of the historic Johnson Creek Tungsten & Antimony Mill site, first announced in October 2025.
The acquisition includes a past-producing processing facility, industrial water rights and an estimated 2,000 tonnes of tungsten ore stockpiled from historic Golden Gate mining. The site sits on 15 acres of private land immediately adjacent to the Horse Heaven project.
Resolution said ownership of private land in the area could provide strategic advantages, including greater permitting flexibility, a potential base for future processing and milling activities, and opportunities for downstream integration such as refining, smelting and offtake partnerships.
Johnson Creek Antimony & Tungsten Mill Site, located approximately 3 miles from the village of Yellow Pine, Valley County, Idaho, USA.
Strategic location in established mining district
Horse Heaven covers about 59 square kilometres within the Boise National Forest and sits immediately adjacent to the fully permitted Stibnite Gold Project operated by Perpetua Resources Corp.
Resolution said the project’s location underscores its potential to become a hub for domestic US critical metals production, particularly as government and defence agencies look to secure reliable, non-Chinese supply chains for strategic materials such as tungsten.
Tungsten demand strengthens investment case
The company’s renewed focus comes amid record-high prices for ammonium paratungstate (APT), currently around US$900 per metric tonne unit. Resolution noted pricing is expected to strengthen further in 2026, driven by China’s export controls, limited new mine development and rising demand from defence, clean energy and high-tech applications including AI chips and lithium-ion batteries.
Near-term work at Horse Heaven will focus on data compilation and assessment, metallurgical testing of historic tungsten stockpiles, ground-based sampling and geophysics, ahead of the planned June 2026 drill program.
Resolution said it will update the market as work progresses and as next steps on the Johnson Creek acquisition are finalised.