Viking Mines (ASX:VKA) has reported thick tungsten mineralisation above and below historical workings at its Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada, US.
Assays from four reverse circulation (RC) holes returned 18m @ 0.42% tungsten trioxide (WO3) from 62m in LKRC0005, with an estimated true width of about 16m.
The results include 13m @ 0.46% WO3 from 70m in LKRC0006, with an estimated true width of about 11m. Individual 1m samples graded up to 1.02% WO3.
Both holes tested mineralisation down dip of the historical workings. Shallow holes LKRC0004 and LKRC0003 confirmed mineralisation up dip of the historical stope in the crown pillar between the open pit and underground workings.
LKRC0004 returned 6m @ 0.46% WO3 from 14m, while LKRC0003 returned 6m @ 0.21% WO3 from 16m.
The results follow the previously reported 14m @ 0.56% WO3 in LKRC0002 and align with historical production grades of about 0.49% WO3 at Linka.
Managing Director Julian Woodcock says the assays continue to deliver grades as expected.
“LKRC0005 and LKRC0006 were drilled to test below the historic workings, and both have returned thick intervals of tungsten mineralisation at grades comparable to those mined at Linka through the 1950s,” Woodcock notes.
“Together with the 14m at 0.56% WO3 in LKRC0002, these results further support a continuous zone of mineralisation extending from near surface to below the depth the historic miners reached, exactly as predicted by our 3D geological model.”
Mineralisation in all four holes is hosted in tactite and corresponds closely to zones of disseminated and coarse scheelite logged under shortwave ultraviolet light, validating the company’s visual logging.
Viking has completed 20 RC holes: 14 at Linka Main, four at the south-west extension, including one abandoned hole, and two regional holes.
Assays are pending for seven Linka Main holes. These include LKRC0015 with 1.5m of visible scheelite, LKRC0016 with 9.9m, and LKRC0017 with 12.2m. Results are expected in mid-October.
The drill contractor has demobilised for rig maintenance and a crew break, with drilling to resume in mid-October. Viking is updating its 3D geological model with the assay results received and planning additional holes.
The company cautions that visual estimates of mineral presence should not be considered a substitute for laboratory analyses.
Viking Mines is an Australian exploration and development company advancing a portfolio of tungsten and battery metals across Australia and the US.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Main image: Viking Mines
