Viking Mines (ASX:VKA) has completed a concept processing study for its Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada, US, with independent engineering consultancy Mineral Technologies outlining a modular processing pathway for scheelite mineralisation.
The study proposes a conventional flowsheet using staged crushing, high-pressure grinding, gravity concentration, and flotation to produce tungsten concentrate.
This concept design targets a mill capacity of 300,000 tonnes per annum, based on a conservative 60% recovery of scheelite into a 50% tungsten trioxide (WO₃) concentrate. Viking’s recent test work achieved a 56.9% WO₃ concentrate at a 76% recovery rate.
Managing Director Julian Woodcock says the study provides independent validation of Linka’s processing potential through established technology.
“This study gives us an independent, credible engineering view that Linka mineralisation can be processed through a conventional, well-understood flowsheet — and, importantly, through a modular plant designed to keep site works and upfront capital efficient,” Woodcock explains.
“It’s another piece of technical de-risking as we move the rig to site for our maiden drilling campaign focused on defining a mineral resource to support progression towards a Scoping Study.”
The modular approach centres on offsite fabrication to minimise construction time. Mineral Technologies estimates approximately 15 months for procurement, fabrication, and assembly, 12 months for modular unit construction, and three months for on-site assembly.
The study evaluated multiple throughput rates using the same equipment base. Meanwhile, tests achieved lower annual tonnages of 100,000 and 200,000 through reduced operating hours while maintaining capital efficiency.
Viking has assessed indicative capital and operating costs for internal planning but has not disclosed financial projections, as it has established no mineral resource. The company notes the study outcomes are conceptual and prepared for internal planning purposes only.
The processing flowsheet leverages scheelite’s high specific gravity relative to silicate and garnet gangue. As such, this makes gravity concentration the primary recovery method. Viking has identified a contract-crushing option as a potential capital efficiency measure.
The maiden reverse circulation drilling campaign is now mobilising to test the primary tungsten system and support mineral resource definition.
Viking Mines is advancing a portfolio of tungsten and gold projects, with its flagship Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada, US.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: Viking Mines
