Viking Mines (ASX:VKA) is expecting further assays throughout December 2026 after completing its maiden drilling program at the Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada, US.
The company has received results from nine more reverse circulation (RC) drill holes at Linka Main deposit.
Viking highlights LKRC0007, which returned 7.6m @ 0.33% tungsten oxide (WO3) from 18.3m, including 0.8m @ 1.86% WO3. The company says this represents the ‘highest-grade’ sample drilled at Linka to date.
Meanwhile, hole LKRC0017 extended mineralisation below the historic workings, delivering 12.2m @ 0.20% WO3 from 48.8m.
Other key results include 9.9m @ 0.51% WO3 from 58.7m, including 3.8m @ 0.77% WO3; and 3.8m @ 0.79% WO3 from 57.9m, including 1.5m @ 1.1% WO3.
Additional mineralisation has also been spotted in rock chips. Final logging and evaluation are ongoing ahead of reporting visible intercepts.
Managing Director Julian Woodcock says the results reinforce the opportunity to define a ‘quality’ tungsten project in Nevada.
“These assay results continue to confirm the high-grade nature of mineralisation evident at Linka Main,” Woodcock says.
The company adds that the assays also spatially align with mineralised scheelite-bearing zones logged under shortwave UV light.
To date, assays for 14 holes have arrived from the 48-hole, 3,491m RC program. Viking reports these reported holes collectively confirmed skarn-hosted tungsten mineralisation from near-surface and extending below the historic workings.
With drilling completed and all remaining samples now at the laboratory for analysis, Viking has demobilised its drill rig.
Once all results from the complete program arrive, the company plans to re-assay the mineralised intervals using a different method with an X-ray fluorescence finish to ensure accuracy and precision.
Next steps include completing logging, updating the 3D geological model, continuing metallurgical testwork, and identifying toll treatment options for the approved 900-tonne bulk sample.
Viking Mines has shifted its primary focus to developing tungsten projects in Nevada, US, with a particular emphasis on its flagship Linka Project.
Write to Paula Fabe at Mining.com.au
Main image: Viking Mines
