Viking Mines (ASX:VKA) Begins Metallurgical Testwork on High-Grade Linka Tungsten Sample

3 min read | January 20, 2026 02:03 PM AEDT | By Sonal Goyal

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Viking Mines (ASX:VKA) Begins Metallurgical Testwork on High-Grade Linka Tungsten Sample — Image source: Company Update

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Highlights

Metallurgical testwork has commenced on a 1.3% WO₃ sample from the Linka Project in Nevada.

The program is assessing low-CAPEX rapid advancement options alongside a conventional processing flowsheet.

Initial metallurgical results are scheduled for release in February 2026.

The program is being fast-tracked amid record global tungsten prices, with Ammonium Paratungstate (APT) recently hitting USD 1,025 per mtu.

Viking Mines Ltd (ASX:VKA) has commenced metallurgical testwork on a high-grade tungsten sample collected from the Linka Project in Nevada, USA. The program focuses on a 1.3% WO₃ sample from the Linka Pit and is designed to assess multiple pathways aimed at producing saleable scheelite concentrates.

The program is being fast-tracked in response to record global tungsten prices, with Ammonium Paratungstate (APT) recently reaching USD 1,025 per metric tonne unit (mtu).

High-Grade Linka Sample Enters Metallurgical Testing

The metallurgical program has officially begun on sample LKMET0004, one of four high-grade samples collected from the Linka Project for detailed metallurgical evaluation. Results from the initial testwork will guide further testing on the remaining samples once an optimal processing flowsheet is established.

Testwork is being undertaken at Base Met Lab/Intertek’s Kamloops laboratory, with oversight provided by Independent Metallurgical Operations (IMO), based in Perth. Initial outcomes from the program are expected to be reported in February 2026.

Focus on Rapid Advancement and Conventional Processing

The metallurgical strategy has been structured to assess two parallel development pathways. The first is a “Rapid Advancement” approach (strategic option 1) using mobile crushing and processing equipment. This pathway aims to produce a course, lower grade scheelite concentrate without the need for a capital-intensive milling circuit, minimising upfront investment.

The second pathway follows a conventional processing route (strategic option 2), that involves grinding and flotation to maximise scheelite recovery and concentrate grade.

Testwork Program and Technical Scope

The testwork program includes:

Heavy Liquid Separation (HLS) with the objective to assess strategic option 1 potential.
Detailed mineralogical analysis using QEMSCAN to evaluate feed mineralisation properties to assist flowsheet design and optimisation. Gravity separation and flotation to assess strategic option 2 potential as a base case scenario.

Next Steps at the Linka Project

Following completion of the initial flowsheet optimisation, Viking plans to apply the selected processing parameters to the remaining three metallurgical samples. Additional activities include evaluation of ore sorting technology, conducting geophysical and aerial surveys, complete drill hole planning to gain required regulatory approvals, and continued technical evaluation of other projects within the company’s Nevada portfolio.

VKA shares were trading at AUD 0.009 per share at the time of writing on 21 January 2026.

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