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Highlights
- Viking Mines’ Phase 1 sampling of historical stockpiles the Linka Tungsten Project returned assays of up to 1.1% WO₃, with 41 samples averaging 0.4% WO₃.
- The average grade increased to 0.5% WO₃ above a 0.1% cut-off.
- Viking has commenced ore sorting testwork with TOMRA using samples from both the Linka stockpile and the Conquest open pit.
- Metallurgical studies, processing assessments and additional sampling programmes continue across the project.
Viking Mines Limited (ASX:VKA) (OTC:VKALF) has reported Phase 1 field sampling results from historical stockpiles at its Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada, USA, with assays returning grades of up to 1.1% WO₃. The findings support advancement of historical surface stockpile material towards an offtake-grade concentrate sample. Meanwhile, ore sorting testwork, metallurgical studies and preparations for the maiden drilling programme are progressing across the project.
Stockpile Sampling Confirms Tungsten Mineralisation
Sampling undertaken in April across the historical Linka stockpile delivered an average grade of 0.4% WO₃ from 41 collected samples, with the highest assay reaching 1.1% WO₃. When applying a 0.1% WO₃ cut-off, the average grade increased to 0.5% WO₃ from 32 samples. The results are comparable with the project's historically reported average mined grade of 0.5% WO₃.
The results confirm that the stockpile is mineralised.
Location and grade of samples collected across the Linka stockpile. (Image source: Company update)
Viking noted that the outcomes support its strategy of future processing to produce bulk concentrate sample for potential offtake evaluation.
Ore Sorting Programme Underway
The company has commenced ore sorting testwork at TOMRA in Germany using two separate samples collected from the Linka Project. These include a ~20kg sample grading 0.4% WO₃ from the Linka stockpile and a ~20kg sample grading 0.6% WO₃ from the Conquest open pit.
Julian Woodcock, VKA’s MD and CEO highlighted that ore sorting testwork with TOMRA provide optionality to upgrade feed in a processing circuit.
Two-Track Development Strategy Progresses
The latest sampling results support Viking's strategy of advancing historical stockpile material toward the production of an offtake-grade concentrate sample, while the permitted maiden drill programme tests resource potential.
Assay results from a second rock stockpile identified at the Conquest area remain pending.
Multiple Project Workstreams Continue
The company has outlined several ongoing activities expected to deliver updates throughout June.
Metallurgical Optimisation - Metallurgical testwork is underway following earlier results that produced a saleable scheelite concentrate grading 62.5% WO₃ at 59.8% recovery. The company continues flotation optimisation work as part of its processing studies.
Processing Facility Assessment - Mineral Technologies has been engaged to complete a Concept Processing Study aimed at generating capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating expenditure (OPEX) estimates for a proposed 300,000-tonne-per-year processing facility.
Tailings Evaluation - Sampling of the historical tailings dam is being undertaken to determine whether tungsten mineralisation remains within the facility and to assess recoveries achieved by during the 1950s.
Surface Sampling and Drilling Plans - Results from a second surface sampling campaign completed in May are pending. The programme included sampling of the Conquest rock stockpile and the resampling of historical trenches across the broader Linka Project area.
Meanwhile, drill permits have been approved, with site preparation scheduled to begin during the June quarter ahead of the company's drilling programme. The campaign will mark the first drilling conducted at Linka since the 1970s.
Tungsten Market Remains Elevated
The project update comes as western tungsten prices remain near record levels, with CIF Rotterdam 88.5% Ammonium Paratungstate (APT) reported at approximately US$3,100 per mtu, equivalent to around US$305,000 per tonne.
VKA shares were trading at AUD 0.011 per share at the time of writing on 9 June 2026.
