Viking Mines Acquires 2,816m Drilling Data at Fraction of Replacement Cost
Viking Mines has secured a comprehensive historical dataset for its Linka tungsten project in Nevada, significantly cutting exploration time and costs. This strategic acquisition lays the groundwork for rapid 3D geological modelling and targeted drilling.
- Acquired 2,816m of historical drilling data covering 68 drillholes
- Data purchase cost around A$50,000, valued over A$1 million to replicate
- Includes detailed maps and cross sections from the 1970s
- Enables rapid 3D geological modelling and validation drilling plans
- Reduces exploration capital requirements and risk
Strategic Acquisition Unlocks Historical Insights
Viking Mines Ltd (ASX, VKA) has taken a significant step forward in its Nevada-based Linka tungsten project by acquiring an extensive historical technical dataset. The data package, encompassing approximately 2,816 metres of drilling records from 68 drillholes, was secured for a fraction of its estimated replacement cost; around A$50,000 compared to over A$1 million to replicate today.
This trove of information includes high-quality scans of maps and cross sections dating back to the late 1970s, covering the Linka, Hillside, and Conquest targets. Such historical data is invaluable, offering a detailed geological framework that Viking can now digitise and integrate into modern 3D modelling software.
Accelerating Exploration and Reducing Costs
By leveraging this dataset, Viking Mines expects to shortcut months of fieldwork and significantly reduce exploration capital outlay. The historical maps and drillhole data allow the company to pinpoint high-grade mineralisation zones without the need to rediscover them through costly initial drilling campaigns.
Managing Director and CEO Julian Woodcock highlighted the strategic advantage, "Sourcing this extensive dataset substantially shortcuts the time required to advance the Linka Project, reduces the capital outlay required and reduces the exploration risk." The company is already converting the data into digital formats, aiming to build a comprehensive 3D geological model that will underpin upcoming validation drilling.
Next Steps and Broader Potential
Viking is currently georeferencing the historical maps using high-resolution airborne survey data, enabling precise alignment with modern coordinate systems. This process will facilitate the extraction of drillhole collar information and the construction of a robust drillhole database. The digitised data will be released in phases, starting with Linka, followed by Hillside and Conquest.
Beyond immediate drilling plans, the dataset reveals regional upside potential, including skarn mineralisation targets along strike and detailed underground mine maps that support accurate 3D modelling. The confirmation of surface stockpiles also hints at possible early processing feed, which could accelerate project economics.
As Viking Mines progresses, the integration of this historical data will be critical in finalising drill targets and preparing regulatory submissions. The company’s approach exemplifies how strategic data acquisition can de-risk exploration and enhance capital efficiency in mineral projects.
Bottom Line?
Viking’s savvy data acquisition sets the stage for a faster, more cost-effective path to defining Linka’s tungsten resources.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly can Viking complete the digitisation and validation drilling to confirm historical data?
- What impact will the new 3D geological model have on resource estimates and project economics?
- Could additional undiscovered mineralisation targets emerge from the historical data beyond known zones?
