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Highlights
- Viking Mines has appointed US-based contractor DrilCor for its RC drilling programme at the Linka Tungsten Project, with mobilisation planned for late June 2026.
- Engagement of an earthworks contractor is in the final stages, with mobilisation planned ahead of rig arrival.
- The maiden drilling phase is expected to take approximately six weeks.
- The company reported a cash position of AUD 4.7 million as at 31 March 2026.
Viking Mines Ltd (ASX:VKA) (OTC:VKALF) shares rose over 22% to 0.011 AUD on 26 May 2026 after the company announced it has secured a drill contractor for its maiden exploration campaign at the Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada, USA.
US-based contractor DrilCor has been appointed for the approved 63-hole reverse circulation (RC) drilling programme, with mobilisation activities expected to begin in late June 2026 as Viking advances the project toward its first known sub-surface exploration in more than 40 years.
Viking Finalises Drilling Contract for Linka Project
A drilling services agreement has been executed with DrilCor, following recent approval from the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for exploration activities at the Linka Tungsten Project. The appointment of the drilling contractor represents the final operational requirement before mobilisation activities commence.
The company stated that drilling rig mobilisation is already being prepared, with arrival on site anticipated in late June 2026. At the same time, engagement of an earthworks contractor is in the final stage to begin drill pad preparation and earthworks ahead of rig mobilisation.
Maiden Campaign to Target Three Priority Areas
The approved drilling programme includes 63 holes across 48 drill pads and is designed to test three priority target areas across the Linka Project.
At Linka Main, the programme will focus on verifying historic high-grade intercepts and assessing down-dip continuity below historical workings through 36 planned drill holes.
A further 16 holes are planned at the Linka SW Extension, targeting an approximately 800m southwest extension across multiple sections spaced between 125m and 150m apart.
The remaining 11 holes will support regional reconnaissance activities, including validation of magnetic and gravity geophysical interpretations and the identification of contact positions considered prospective for additional mineralised zones.
Drilling Programme Expected to Run for Six Weeks
Viking Mines said the maiden RC drilling campaign is expected to commence immediately following rig arrival, with the programme anticipated to continue for approximately six weeks, depending on weather, ground conditions and productivity.
Alongside drilling activities, the company is progressing multiple parallel workstreams linked to the broader development of the Linka Project. These include pending assay results from stockpile and tailings dam sampling (anticipated in the June 2026 quarter) and second field campaigns (anticipated in July 2026). Metallurgical testwork and ore sorting testwork are also underway in Germany.
The company also noted that a conceptual processing study is progressing, with outcomes expected to include CAPEX and OPEX estimates, development timelines and preliminary 3D design work.
As of 31 March 2026, the company recorded cash balance of AUD 4.7 million.
With drilling approvals completed and contractor mobilisation underway, Viking Mines is preparing to commence the first known sub-surface exploration programme at the Linka Tungsten Project in more than four decades.
