Viking Mines (ASX:VKA) reports its maiden drilling at the Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada, US, has returned 14m @ 0.56% tungsten trioxide (WO3) from 40m downhole.
The first hole drilled into the historic Linka Mine area intersected tungsten mineralisation directly beneath the historical workings, with individual 1m samples grading up to 1.18% WO3. The intercept includes 5m @ 0.81% WO3 from 47m, with an estimated true width of approximately 9m.
Managing Director Julian Woodcock says the result validates the company’s geological model and historical mining records.
“This is exactly the result we were targeting at Linka,” Woodcock notes.
“Our first hole into the mine area has returned an excellent 14m at 0.56% WO3 from just 40m downhole, including 5m at 0.81% WO3, yielding grades and widths consistent with those produced by mining through the 1950s.”
The mineralised interval sits approximately 38m vertically below surface and extends beneath the historical stope mined from the 45m level in 1955–56. The intercept confirms that mineralisation continues below the mined void and extends down dip.
Assay results from ALS Laboratories validate the company’s visual scheelite logging, with the 14m assayed interval closely matching to the 12m visual estimate. The mineralisation is hosted in tactite skarn, consistent with Viking’s three‑dimensional geological model.
The company has completed 16 reverse circulation drill holes at Linka, with 13 holes around the main pit and workings, two regional exploratory holes, and one at the southwest extension. Drilling continues to intersect mineralisation with multiple zones of skarn and tactite encountered.
Regional exploration has delivered encouraging results. Located 350m west of the main shaft, hole LKRC0013 encountered 4.5m of limestone above the monzonite intrusion. The discovery provides potential host rock across the broader monzonite intrusion and raises the potential for new discoveries.
Pathway to production at Linka
With the maiden drilling results validating its geological model and regional exploration highlighting further potential, Viking is now focused on advancing Linka toward production.
The company is awaiting additional assay results and continuing metallurgical test work as part of its brownfields restart strategy.
“Additional samples are in the laboratory queue, and the rig continues to turn. Every metre of confirmed mineralisation continues to advance Linka on our pathway towards tungsten production in the US,” Woodcock says.
The Linka Project comprises three historically producing tungsten mines that produced approximately 65,000 tonnes at 0.5% WO3 through a 360-tonne‑per‑day mill until 1956. Operations ceased due to low tungsten prices rather than geological reasons.
Viking signed a binding term sheet in December 2025 to acquire a 100% interest in the project. The company is pursuing a brownfields restart strategy building on existing infrastructure including a 45m shaft, historical pits, and underground workings.
Assay results for subsequent holes are expected in mid-to-late September. The company continues metallurgical test work on ore‑sorted products to inform the conceptual process flowsheet.
Viking Mines is an Australian explorer focused on advancing its Nevada tungsten portfolio alongside its battery metals project in Western Australia.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: Viking Mines
