Viking Mines Confirms High-Grade Tungsten in Historical Linka Stockpiles

High-Grade Tungsten Found in Historical Waste Dumps

Viking Mines (ASX:VKA) has reported assay results from its recent Phase 2 field campaign at the Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada, revealing tungsten grades up to 1.8% WO3 in historical rock stockpiles. These stockpiles, remnants of mining operations from the 1950s, contain mineralised garnet tactite interspersed with barren waste rock, suggesting valuable tungsten was discarded due to technological limitations of the era.

The discovery is particularly striking given the historical mill grade at Linka averaged only 0.5% WO3. The company’s Managing Director Julian Woodcock emphasised that the presence of such high-grade material “sitting at surface” highlights an overlooked resource that could be economically recovered with modern technology.

Trench Sampling Validates Mineralised Trend

Alongside stockpile sampling, Viking completed 63 trench samples across six historical trenches and road cuttings, confirming multiple zones of tungsten mineralisation along an approximately 820-metre mineralised trend stretching from Linka Main to the Conquest mine. Notable intervals include 5 metres at 0.4% WO3 and 1 metre at 1.3% WO3, reinforcing the continuity of scheelite mineralisation ahead of the maiden drilling campaign.

Ore Sorting Testwork Could Unlock Value

The heterogenous mix of mineralised tactite and waste rock in the stockpiles positions this material as a promising candidate for sensor-based ore sorting. Viking has conducted testwork at TOMRA’s German facility, with results pending. Successful ore sorting could significantly upgrade feed grades and reduce processing costs, a vital consideration for brownfields projects seeking rapid commercialisation.

This approach aligns with Viking’s broader metallurgical testwork targeting over 80% tungsten recovery into concentrates exceeding 50% WO3, building on previous successes that delivered a 56.9% WO3 concentrate at 76% recovery using conventional gravity and flotation methods.

Brownfields Restart Strategy Supported by Existing Infrastructure

The Linka project benefits from substantial existing infrastructure, including a 150-foot shaft, historic pits, underground workings, and an on-site ROM pad. Viking’s acquisition terms include a staged US$2.88 million payment over seven years for 100% ownership, with a 2% NSR royalty retained by the original claim holder. The project’s proximity to sealed highways and grid power further enhances its restart potential.

With tungsten designated a critical mineral by the US government and supply chain restrictions limiting Chinese content in military procurement from December 2026, Linka is strategically positioned to supply domestically sourced tungsten. Viking’s ongoing drilling and testwork programmes aim to define resources and optimise processing, advancing the project towards near-term production.

Next Steps Focus on Defining Resource and Processing Viability

Viking plans systematic follow-up sampling of the rock stockpiles to establish representative grades and tonnage potential. The maiden drilling programme is underway, designed to test mineralisation supported by trench results. Meanwhile, assay results from TOMRA ore sorting testwork are expected imminently, which will be critical in assessing the economic viability of processing stockpile material.

While these results are promising, the company cautions that assay data is preliminary and further work is needed to confirm continuity and processing efficiency. How the ore sorting outcomes will impact project economics remains a key question as Viking advances its brownfields restart strategy.