Viking Mines reports a remarkable 16-fold increase in tungsten concentrate grade from initial gravity separation testwork at its Linka Project, setting the stage for a rapid, low-capital development pathway.
- 16x grade increase to 22.9% WO3 concentrate via gravity separation
- Initial recovery of 63.7% at coarse grind size with further improvements expected
- Advancing flowsheet with flotation and staged grinding optimisation
- Engagement with Mineral Technologies for modular, low-cost processing solutions
- Linka Project located in Nevada with 100% acquisition agreement underway
Significant Metallurgical Breakthrough
Viking Mines Ltd (ASX: VKA) has unveiled compelling metallurgical test results from its Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada, USA. The company’s initial gravity separation testwork has delivered a striking 16-fold upgrade in tungsten concentrate grade, boosting it from a modest 1.4% WO3 in the feed to an impressive 22.9% WO3 in the rougher concentrate. This achievement was realised using a relatively simple and cost-effective gravity concentration method, which leverages the high density of scheelite, the tungsten-bearing mineral.
Alongside this grade enhancement, the testwork demonstrated a promising recovery rate of 63.7% at the coarsest grind size tested (200 microns). This suggests that a significant portion of tungsten can be extracted early in the processing circuit, potentially reducing complexity and capital expenditure.
Optimising for Efficiency and Scale
Viking Mines is not resting on these initial results. The company is fast-tracking flowsheet development to further improve recoveries through staged grinding and conventional flotation of gravity tails. These additional steps are expected to capture finer scheelite particles that escape the initial gravity separation, pushing overall recovery rates higher.
Importantly, Viking is engaging with processing specialist Mineral Technologies to explore modular, low-cost gravity processing equipment. Such modular solutions could enable a rapid start to production with lower upfront capital investment, aligning well with the current environment of elevated tungsten prices, which recently hovered near record highs at around US$1,850 per metric tonne unit for ammonium paratungstate.
Strategic Project Positioning
The Linka Project itself is strategically located in Nevada, a mining-friendly jurisdiction with established infrastructure. Viking Mines currently holds a binding term sheet to acquire 100% ownership of the project from BLK Group LLC, with staged payments over seven years and a manageable royalty structure. Historical mining at Linka and nearby deposits has demonstrated tungsten mineralisation, and Viking’s ongoing work includes detailed mineralogy, 3D geological modelling, and plans for drilling in the June quarter of 2026.
Technical oversight is provided by independent consultants IMO and Base Met Labs, ensuring that metallurgical standards meet global best practices. The company’s Managing Director Julian Woodcock emphasised the significance of the gravity separation results as a “fantastic result” and highlighted the focus on low-cost, rapid development to capitalise on the strong tungsten market and geopolitical support for critical minerals.
Looking Ahead
Viking Mines’ next steps include cleaner gravity separation optimisation, flotation testwork on gravity tails, ore sorting trials, and advancing permitting for drilling. The combination of strong metallurgical performance, modular processing potential, and robust market fundamentals positions the Linka Project as a promising candidate for near-term development in the critical tungsten sector.
Bottom Line?
Viking Mines’ gravity concentration breakthrough could unlock a swift, capital-efficient path to tungsten production amid soaring global demand.
Questions in the middle?
- How will flotation testwork impact overall tungsten recovery and concentrate quality?
- What are the detailed capital and operating cost implications of modular processing solutions?
- How representative are the surface-collected samples compared to in-situ ore bodies?