How Viking Mines Doubled Linka’s Tungsten Strike with Historic Data

Expanding the Linka Tungsten Horizon

Viking Mines Ltd (ASX, VKA) has announced a major breakthrough in its exploration of the Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada, USA. Through the integration of extensive historical data acquired earlier this year, the company has effectively doubled the known strike length of tungsten mineralisation at surface to approximately 1.6 kilometres. This expansion is underscored by the confirmation of high-grade surface samples, including individual grab samples reaching up to 1.5% tungsten trioxide (WO3) and an 8.5-metre channel sample grading 1.0% WO3.

The discovery of tungsten mineralisation nearly 800 metres southwest of the main Linka mine, beneath a younger volcanic cover known as the Bates Mountain Tuff, is particularly significant. This previously obscured area now emerges as a promising target, suggesting the mineralised corridor may represent only about 29% of a much larger 5.5-kilometre prospective contact zone around a buried intrusive body.

Unlocking Value Through Historical Data Integration

The company’s strategic acquisition of a comprehensive historical dataset, including nearly 3,000 metres of drilling records and detailed surface sampling from the 1970s, has provided a substantial technical advantage. Digitisation and georeferencing of this data into a modern 3D geological model are enabling Viking’s geologists to pinpoint high-grade zones and refine exploration targets with greater precision than ever before.

Managing Director and CEO Julian Woodcock highlighted the importance of these findings, stating that the expanded strike length and high-grade surface results indicate the system’s potential to be far larger than previously understood. The ongoing data integration and mapping work are setting the stage for a systematic drilling campaign designed to test these newly identified targets.

Next Steps, Drilling, Metallurgy, and Permitting

Viking Mines is progressing several key initiatives to advance the Linka Project. The company expects to release digitised historical drillhole data imminently, which will further inform drill targeting. Concurrently, geophysical surveys including gravity and magnetic data acquisition are underway to complement the geological model.

Metallurgical testwork on a 1.3% WO3 sample from the Linka Main Pit is also in progress, with initial results anticipated soon. These tests will be critical in assessing the processing characteristics of the tungsten mineralisation and its economic viability.

On the regulatory front, Viking is preparing to submit a Notice of Intent to federal agencies to secure the necessary permits for drilling. This step is essential to move from data integration and surface sampling to active subsurface exploration.

Broader Regional Potential

Beyond Linka, Viking holds interests in several other tungsten projects across Nevada, including Hillside, Conquest, Alpine, Ragged Top, Long, Terrell, and Victory. The company is prioritising these assets through technical evaluation and historical data review, aiming to identify additional high-potential targets for future exploration phases.

The Linka Project’s geological setting, characterised by tungsten-bearing skarn mineralisation along intrusive contacts, is consistent with historically productive mines in the region. The integration of legacy data with modern exploration techniques positions Viking to unlock value from these underexplored deposits.