Viking Mines (ASX:VKA) has completed gravity separation test work on three additional metallurgical samples from its Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada, US, bringing the total to four.
The Conquest sample (LKMET0003) returned a 69.3% tungsten trioxide (WO3) concentrate @ 43.8% recovery from a 0.76% WO3 head grade.
That represents a higher grade and recovery than the May 2026 Linka Pit test (LKMET0004), which returned 66.6% WO3 at 42.7% recovery. The latest result also comes from the ‘lowest-grade’ sample tested to date.
All four samples produced gravity concentrates grading above 50% WO3. The Linka Stockpile sample (LKMET0001) returned 55.8% WO3 @ 46.8% recovery from a 0.99% head grade — the ‘highest’ gravity recovery of the four.
The Hillside sample (LKMET0002) delivered 53.9% WO3 @ 42.5% recovery from a 0.91% head grade. Gravity recoveries across the tests range between 42.2% and 46.8%.
Managing Director Julian Woodcock says the results show “gravity separation is repeatable across additional samples”.
“Recovery is performing well, with improvements noted in the Hillside and Linka Stockpile samples, whilst grade is maintaining above our 50% WO3 target for the gravity stage,” Woodcock notes.
Flotation test work on the gravity tails is ongoing. Meanwhile, initial gravity plus flotation test work on the Linka Stockpile sample lifted combined recovery to 73.1% from 46.8% at the gravity stage alone.
However, the combined concentrate grade of 44.7% WO3 remains below the 50% target.
Viking notes that the samples comprised selected loose surface material identified using ultraviolet light. The company has not established whether the samples are representative of in situ mineralisation or future plant feed.
Tungsten pricing remains near all-time highs for concentrates grading 50–70% at US$2,440 ($3,512) per metric tonne unit of WO3.
Viking is also advancing a second round of ore-sorting test work with TOMRA in Germany. Test work is identifying toll treatment options for its approved 900-tonne bulk sample.
The company is expecting pending assays for seven holes around the Linka Pit in mid-October, with four southwest extension holes and two regional exploration holes expected in late October.
Viking Mines is an Australian exploration and development company focused on advancing tungsten projects in Nevada, alongside a vanadium and battery minerals project in Western Australia.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: Viking Mines
