Viking Mines has achieved a remarkable upgrade to a 63.6% tungsten concentrate at its Linka Project in Nevada, signalling a rapid, low-capital pathway to production amid soaring global tungsten prices.
- 53-fold upgrade from 1.2% to 63.6% WO3 concentrate via gravity separation
- Combined gravity and flotation recoveries reach 83.8%, enhancing project economics
- Low-capital, rapid-start modular processing flowsheet under development
- Linka positioned as a strategic US domestic tungsten source amid supply deficits
- Drilling permits targeted for Q2 2026 with ongoing metallurgical optimisation
A Breakthrough in Tungsten Processing
Viking Mines Ltd (ASX:VKA) has announced a significant metallurgical milestone at its Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada, USA, achieving a premium 63.6% tungsten trioxide (WO3) scheelite concentrate from a low-grade 1.2% feed. This 53-fold upgrade was realised through simple gravity separation techniques, a method that promises to drastically reduce capital expenditure and technical complexity compared to conventional chemical processing routes.
The testwork results reveal that nearly half of the tungsten content can be recovered quickly and economically via gravity separation, with a 42.4% recovery into the high-grade concentrate. When combined with middlings, the concentrate grade remains robust at 56.4% WO3 with a 46.0% recovery. Further flotation testwork on gravity tails has pushed combined recoveries to an impressive 83.8%, underscoring the mineralisation’s amenability to a streamlined processing flowsheet.
Strategic and Economic Implications
This breakthrough comes at a time when tungsten prices have surged to all-time highs, with ammonium paratungstate (APT) trading around US$2,800 per metric tonne unit. Global tungsten supply is structurally constrained, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine. Viking’s ability to produce a premium concentrate through a low-CAPEX, gravity-led process positions Linka as a strategically important domestic source for the US, aligning with government efforts to secure critical mineral supply chains.
Managing Director Julian Woodcock emphasised the competitive advantage of the project’s simple processing approach, highlighting its potential to fast-track construction and early cash flow generation. The modular, rapid-start plant design under development aims to reduce permitting and build times significantly, a crucial factor in capitalising on current market conditions.
Ongoing Work and Next Steps
Viking is advancing metallurgical testwork to optimise both gravity and flotation stages, aiming to maximise recovery and maintain high concentrate grades above 50% WO3. Additional testwork includes evaluating coarser grind sizes, ore sorting technologies, and detailed mineralogical studies to refine processing options.
On the exploration front, the company is progressing a 3D geological model informed by new and historical data, with plans to submit a Notice of Intent for maiden drilling in the June quarter of 2026. This drilling campaign will be critical to confirming resource extents and supporting future development decisions.
Historical Context and Tenure
The Linka Project area has a rich tungsten mining history dating back to the 1940s, with past production averaging between 0.4% and 1.0% WO3. Viking holds an option to acquire 100% interest in the mineral claims from BLK Group LLC, with a staged payment structure and a manageable royalty arrangement. The project benefits from stable tenure under US federal land management agencies, with no known impediments to permitting.
As tungsten’s strategic importance grows globally, Viking Mines’ Linka Project stands out as a promising, low-cost, and rapid pathway to commercial tungsten production on US soil.
Bottom Line?
Viking Mines’ Linka Project is shaping up as a nimble, high-grade tungsten producer poised to capitalise on tight global supply and soaring prices.
Questions in the middle?
- How will full-scale plant CAPEX and operating costs compare once detailed engineering is complete?
- What are the timelines and hurdles for securing final permits and commencing drilling?
- How will ongoing metallurgical optimisation impact overall recovery and concentrate quality?