Viking Mines Confirms Up to 1.1% WO3 in Linka Stockpile Samples

Stockpile Sampling Validates Historical Grades

Viking Mines Limited (ASX:VKA) has delivered encouraging assay results from its Phase 1 sampling of the Linka tungsten stockpile in Nevada, with 41 grab samples averaging 0.4% WO3 and peak grades reaching 1.1% WO3. When applying a 0.1% WO3 cut-off, the average grade lifts to 0.5%, aligning directly with the historical mined grade reported from the Linka Mine. This confirmation of mineralisation in surface stockpiles underpins Viking’s strategy to process these historical materials into a bulk concentrate sample for offtake discussions.

Ore Sorting Testwork Adds Processing Optionality

Complementing the sampling, Viking has initiated ore sorting testwork at TOMRA in Germany using ~20kg samples from both the Linka stockpile (0.4% WO3) and the Conquest open pit (0.6% WO3). Successful ore sorting could provide a low-cost method to upgrade feed material, applicable to both historical stockpiles and future mined ore. The company is awaiting assay results from a second rock stockpile at Conquest, identified in a subsequent sampling campaign.

Advancing Metallurgy and Processing Studies

Metallurgical testwork continues to refine processing flowsheets, building on recent successes that produced a saleable scheelite concentrate grading 62.5% WO3 at 59.8% recovery. Flotation optimisation is underway, with updates expected shortly, aiming to improve recovery rates further. Parallel to this, Viking has engaged Mineral Technologies to conduct a Concept Processing Study targeting a 300,000 tonnes per year facility, which will deliver capital and operating cost estimates critical for project economics.

Drilling Permits Secured as Project Moves to Next Phase

Viking’s maiden drilling campaign at Linka is poised to commence following permit approvals, marking the first drilling since the 1970s. Site preparation is scheduled for the June quarter, with drilling to test resource potential and validate surface sampling results. This program represents a significant step in advancing the project from historical data and surface stockpiles toward delineating a mineral resource.

Market Conditions Support Project Economics

Tungsten prices remain near all-time highs, with the CIF Rotterdam price for 88.5% Ammonium Paratungstate (APT) reported at US$3,100 per metric tonne unit (mtu). This robust pricing environment strengthens the potential commercial viability of the Linka Project, which benefits from both historical mined material and prospective new resources.