Viking Mines (ASX:VKA) has completed its project-wide data digitisation from the recently acquired historical dataset from the Linka Project in Nevada, US, which comprises 70 holes for approximately 2,881m.
This final tranche of results come from the Conquest area, covering 32 drillholes for 959m over a 140m strike.
Viking notes that the results have returned “exceptional high-grade and thick intercepts” for Conquest.
Key highlights include 12.2m @ 1.3% tungsten trioxide from 26.5m, including 1.5m @ 4.8% tungsten trioxide from 32.6m; 22.9m @ 0.6% tungsten trioxide from 19.8m, including 6.1m @ 1.2% tungsten trioxide from 36.6m; and 22.9m @ 0.5% tungsten trioxide from 15.5m, including 11.3m @ 0.6% tungsten trioxide from 26.2m.
CEO Julian Woodcock says that the completion of this digitisation work is a significant milestone for the company.
“We have now consolidated a comprehensive digital record of the historical exploration that now validates the exceptional opportunities presented by this high-grade tungsten mineralised system,” Woodcock says.
“With the US defence industry facing a hard 2026 deadline to secure non-Chinese tungsten, the timing of these results is critical. We are moving rapidly toward our maiden drilling program to support future US tungsten independence.”
Now that the digitisation work is complete, Viking has highlighted several immediate opportunities for project expansion. The company is integrating the full 70-hole dataset for geological evaluation to develop a more comprehensive drill program targeting high-grade, shallow blocks for early mining.
As Viking accelerates toward early production, the company notes important changes in the US tungsten industry in 2026 with regards to the procurement of this critical mineral.
Key changes under the Defence Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clause include restrictions to tungsten metal powder and heavy alloy from countries including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. From 1 January 2027, there will also be broader restrictions on tungsten mined, refined, or produced in these countries.
These restrictions will challenge the supply of tungsten in the US, which is why Viking is focusing on this accelerated pathway to early production, aiming to become a secure, domestic supply solution for the US.
Viking Mines is an exploration and development company, focused on accelerating the Linka project in Nevada, US toward early production.
Write to Amy Rotman at Mining.com.au
Images: Viking Mines
