Viking Mines’ maiden drilling at Nevada’s Linka Project reveals multiple broad intervals of visually confirmed scheelite mineralisation, setting the stage for assay results that could validate a near-term tungsten supply boost.
- First drilling in 40 years at Linka reveals strong scheelite zones
- Visual estimates show 0.1% to 3.0% scheelite over significant widths
- Samples en route to ALS Labs with assays expected in 4-6 weeks
- Project benefits from historical infrastructure and strategic US location
- Brownfields restart aligned with US critical mineral supply mandates
Significant Visual Tungsten Mineralisation at Linka
Viking Mines Limited (ASX:VKA) has reported compelling initial results from its maiden drilling campaign at the Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada, marking the first drilling activity at the site in 40 years. Company geologists have identified multiple intervals of strong disseminated scheelite mineralisation; the key tungsten ore mineral; by its distinctive fluorescence under shortwave ultraviolet light (254nm).
Notable intercepts include a continuous 12-metre zone from 40 metres downhole in drill hole LKRC0002, with visual scheelite estimates ranging from 0.1% to 3.0%. Additional holes LKRC0003 and LKRC0004 returned combined visible scheelite intervals of 13 metres and 11 metres respectively, spread over horizons of 19 and 21 metres. These observations suggest a substantial mineralised footprint within the tactite (skarn) host rock.
From Visual Estimates to Confirmed Assays
While these visual identifications are encouraging, Viking cautions that fluorescence-based estimates are not substitutes for laboratory assays, which will ultimately determine tungsten grades and economic viability. Samples from the mineralised zones are currently being prepared for dispatch to ALS Laboratories in Reno, Nevada, with assay results expected within 4 to 6 weeks.
Managing Director Julian Woodcock emphasised the significance of the visual findings, noting that the drilling results align well with the company’s 3D geological models. He described the sight of chip trays lighting up under UV light as a promising prelude to the forthcoming assay data. The ongoing drilling programme aims to expand on these initial results and provide a clearer picture of the deposit’s scale and grade distribution.
Strategic Brownfields Project with Established Infrastructure
The Linka Project encompasses three historically producing tungsten mines; Linka, Conquest, and Hillside; which collectively yielded approximately 65,000 tonnes at an average grade of 0.5% WO3 before ceasing operations in 1956 due to low tungsten prices rather than geological constraints. Viking’s acquisition, formalised in December 2025, positions the company to leverage substantial existing infrastructure including a 150-foot shaft, historical pits, underground workings, and a tailings dam.
With the project located within 7 kilometres of a sealed highway and 4 kilometres from grid power, Viking is pursuing a brownfields restart strategy that could expedite production timelines. The project’s historical mill grade remains among the highest globally for tungsten deposits, and recent surface sampling has returned grades up to 14.7% WO3. Complementing this, metallurgical testwork has demonstrated the potential for producing a 56.9% WO3 concentrate at 76% recovery using conventional gravity and flotation methods.
US Critical Mineral Status and Market Positioning
Given tungsten’s designation as a critical mineral by the US government and the impending US REEShore Act requirements mandating Chinese-free tungsten in military supply chains from December 2026, the Linka Project is strategically positioned to meet growing domestic demand. Viking’s progress with maiden drilling and metallurgical optimisation could place it among a select few near-term, domestically sourced tungsten suppliers.
Ongoing workstreams include completing the RC drilling programme, dispatching samples for assay, and advancing metallurgical testwork focused on ore sorting and flotation. The company plans to provide regular updates as assay results and drilling progress are validated.
Bottom Line?
Visual scheelite intercepts at Linka offer a tantalising glimpse of tungsten potential, but assay results in coming weeks will be critical to confirming economic viability and shaping Viking’s path forward.
Questions in the middle?
- Will assay results confirm the high visual scheelite grades observed under UV light?
- How will ongoing metallurgical testwork influence processing strategies and concentrate quality?
- Can Viking leverage Linka’s existing infrastructure to accelerate a brownfields tungsten restart?