Viking Mines Identifies New Tungsten Stockpiles at Linka Ahead of Drilling

New Surface Stockpiles Could Boost Project Feed

Viking Mines Limited (ASX:VKA) has revealed the discovery of visual tungsten mineralisation within two previously unrecognised historical rock stockpiles adjacent to the Conquest mine at its Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada. The mineralisation, identified under UV light, suggests the presence of scheelite in material already at surface. This could provide a valuable, lower-cost feed source if assay results confirm economic grades, potentially accelerating project development by reducing the need for immediate drilling or mining in these areas.

Ore Sorting Testwork Underway in Germany

Recognising that the mineralised rock in the Conquest stockpiles is mixed with waste material, Viking has initiated ore sorting testwork with TOMRA in Germany. Samples from the Linka (Main) Stockpile, collected during an earlier campaign, have been delivered for assessment of ore sorting viability. Success in this testwork would directly apply to the Conquest stockpiles, offering a pathway to segregate mineralised from unmineralised material efficiently and economically.

Extensive Field Campaign Validates Drilling Strategy

The recently completed second field mapping and sampling campaign collected 98 samples across the Linka (Main), Conquest, and Hillside historic mining areas. This included resampling six historical trenches where visual mineralisation was confirmed under UV light in each. Geological mapping also validated the scout drilling approach by confirming alluvial cover and unmineralised tuff west of the Linka mineralised trend. The maiden drilling campaign, comprising 63 holes, remains on track to commence in late June 2026, following regulatory approvals secured earlier this month, including the BLM approval received ahead of schedule.

Assay Results and Metallurgical Progress Expected Soon

Assay results from the initial field campaign, which included sampling of the Linka Main stockpile and tailings dam, are expected in June 2026. Results from the second campaign, encompassing trench and Conquest stockpile samples, are anticipated in July. Meanwhile, metallurgical testwork continues, although Viking has noted delays due to increased demand for tungsten testing amid a buoyant commodity price environment. These efforts build on recent advances in processing design, including a conceptual flowsheet and preliminary cost evaluations outlined in April, reflecting a low-capital approach to tungsten concentrate production Conceptual process flowsheet completion.

Historical Context and Exploration Tenure

The Linka Project area has a rich mining history, with tungsten production dating back to the 1940s and 1950s. Historical mining and exploration have documented significant past output and geological work, including over 70 drill holes by Min-Ex in the 1970s. Viking currently holds the rights to acquire 100% of the project claims from BLK Group LLC over seven years, with a 2% NSR royalty retained by the vendor. The project is strategically positioned within the US tungsten supply chain, which is increasingly critical amid global supply constraints.