Viking Mines has completed due diligence on its Nevada tungsten portfolio, confirming high-grade mineralisation and fast-tracking acquisition and exploration to meet urgent US supply needs.
- Due diligence confirms high-grade tungsten in Nevada portfolio
- US regulatory deadline drives urgent domestic tungsten sourcing
- Acquisition phase initiated with BLK Group LLC
- Maiden drilling and 3D geological modelling underway
- Near-term development targets include historical stockpiles and shallow open pit mineralisation
Strategic Validation in a Critical Mineral Sector
Viking Mines Ltd (ASX: VKA) has marked a significant milestone by completing due diligence on its high-grade tungsten projects in Nevada, USA. This technical validation not only confirms the quality of the mineralisation but also underscores the strategic importance of the portfolio amid tightening US regulations on tungsten sourcing.
The US currently lacks domestic tungsten production and faces a looming December 2026 deadline under the REEShore Act, which mandates the removal of Chinese tungsten from military supply chains. Viking’s Nevada projects, therefore, represent a timely opportunity to secure a critical mineral supply for defence and industrial applications.
From Validation to Acquisition and Exploration
Following rigorous assessment, Viking has entered the formal acquisition phase with BLK Group LLC, confident in the project's potential. The company is bypassing early-stage exploration by leveraging historical drill data and surface sampling, enabling immediate focus on high-impact drill targeting.
Geophysical surveys and 3D geological modelling are already underway, aiming to delineate mineralised systems and identify extensions of known tungsten deposits. Notably, historical sampling has revealed promising grades, including 0.6% tungsten trioxide (WO3) over an 800-metre strike extension and shallow drill intercepts such as 7.9 metres at 0.9% WO3, indicating near-term development potential.
Near-Term Development and Production Prospects
Viking is aggressively pursuing near-term production opportunities. The company has identified historical surface stockpiles at the Linka Project with tungsten grades around 0.8% WO3. Metallurgical testwork is progressing, alongside efforts to secure toll treatment facilities to process these stockpiles into concentrate samples for potential offtake partners.
Additionally, the presence of shallow mineralisation in the Linka (Main) pit offers the possibility of a rapid, small-scale open pit operation. This approach could provide early cash flow while broader exploration and development continue in parallel.
Looking Ahead: Drilling and Permitting
Viking’s immediate priorities include finalising drill plans for a maiden 2026 campaign designed to validate historical results and test extensions of the mineralised corridor. Federal permitting processes are also underway to ensure exploration activities proceed without delay.
With metallurgical testwork and geophysical integration advancing, Viking Mines is positioning itself to become a key player in the US tungsten supply chain, addressing a critical gap created by geopolitical and regulatory pressures.
Bottom Line?
Viking Mines is poised to transform Nevada’s tungsten potential into a strategic domestic supply, but upcoming drilling and permitting will be crucial to unlocking value.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Viking’s maiden drilling confirm extensions of high-grade tungsten mineralisation?
- How quickly can Viking advance from exploration to production given regulatory timelines?
- What are the prospects for securing toll treatment and offtake agreements for early production?