Viking Mines Expands Gravity Anomalies at Linka Project Ahead of Planned June Drilling

Gravity Survey Validates Exploration Model at Linka

Viking Mines Limited (ASX:VKA) has announced that its expanded ground gravity survey at the Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada has successfully identified a strong correlation between high gravity anomalies and known mineralised zones. This correlation supports the company’s exploration concept that tungsten-bearing skarns, being high-density, produce gravity highs detectable through geophysical methods. The survey covered an area of approximately 1.2 square kilometres and was complemented by ground magnetics and a GAIP trial to better define subsurface geology and structures.

Managing Director Julian Woodcock highlighted that the survey resolved several gravity highs beneath volcanic cover at Linka Southwest, which present compelling targets for the upcoming maiden drilling program planned for the June quarter. Additionally, numerous other anomalies across the project area have been incorporated into the geological model, significantly expanding the target inventory for future exploration.

Expanded Target Inventory and De-Risking of Drilling

The gravity survey results have delineated multiple new high gravity anomalies coinciding with historic mines such as Linka Main, Hillside, and Conquest. These anomalies are interpreted to reflect high-density mineralisation contrasting with lower density host rocks, primarily limestone adjacent to granitic intrusions. Importantly, the survey identified concealed targets beneath volcanic cover, which had previously limited exploration, thereby de-risking the maiden drilling program.

Viking plans to commence field assessment and ground-truthing of these targets in April, alongside sampling of historical tailings and stockpiles to determine grade and volume for metallurgical testwork and resource estimation. The company is also progressing a 3D geological model to support drill planning and potentially establish a JORC (2012) Exploration Target.

Strategic Timing Amid Rising Tungsten Prices

The announcement comes amid rising global tungsten prices, with ammonium paratungstate (APT) exceeding US$3,150 per metric tonne unit, according to Shanghai Metals Markets. This price environment enhances the economic potential of the Linka Project, which Viking is fast-tracking through multiple workstreams. The company is preparing to submit a Notice of Intent to the Bureau of Land Management to secure drilling permits and is advancing metallurgical testwork, including flotation and ore sorting techniques.

Viking’s efforts build on recent progress, including a significant upgrade to a 63.6% WO3 concentrate at Linka, which was reported in late March and signals a low-capital pathway to production. This prior development underscores the strategic value of the project as a potential domestic tungsten source in the United States, a market increasingly focused on supply security amid global demand pressures.

Regulatory and Market Access Initiatives

Alongside exploration activities, Viking is advancing its US OTC listing to gain exposure to North American capital markets, which may support future funding and investor engagement. The company holds a binding term sheet to acquire a 100% interest in the Linka Mineral Claims from BLK Group LLC, subject to staged payments over seven years, with a retained 2% net smelter return royalty by BLK Group.

The Linka Project tenure is in good standing, with no known impediments to obtaining drilling permits. The company expects regulatory approvals following the submission of the Notice of Intent, which is imminent. This regulatory progress, combined with the expanded geophysical dataset and rising tungsten prices, positions Viking to advance its exploration and development plans in the near term.

For further context on Viking Mines’ recent advancements, including the concentrate upgrade and expanded geophysical surveys, see the company’s earlier updates on the Linka tungsten concentrate upgrade and discovery of a vast tungsten system.