Viking Mines Limited (ASX: VKA) is an Australian exploration company with a primary focus on tungsten projects. The company today announced further significant visual intercepts from its reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign at the Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada, USA. Detailed ultraviolet (UV) logging of holes LKRC0005 to LKRC0017 identified additional broad zones of visible scheelite, a key tungsten mineral. Standout intercepts included a combined 22 metres of visible scheelite over a 24-metre horizon from 55 metres in LKRC0005, and a 12.2-metre continuous interval with visible scheelite from 48.8 metres in LKRC0017.
Company geologists visually identified the strong, disseminated scheelite mineralisation, hosted in tactite (skarn), by its distinctive fluorescence under shortwave UV light. This style appears consistent with previous findings, including an earlier reported assay of 14 metres at 0.56% WO3 from hole LKRC0002. To date, 20 RC holes have been completed across the Linka Main, SW Extension, and Regional targets, with Linka Main demonstrating an 86% success rate in encountering visible mineralisation. Managing Director & CEO Julian Woodcock noted the drilling validates historical datasets and aligns with strong US government support for domestic tungsten production. All samples have been dispatched for laboratory analysis, with results expected throughout September and October.
The drill contractor has temporarily demobilised from the Linka site for maintenance, with a return to drilling anticipated in mid-October on a double-shift basis. Viking expects to complete the current drilling program within two to three weeks upon resumption, planning additional holes as warranted. Near-term workstreams involve finalising drilling, reporting assay results, conducting metallurgical testwork, and identifying toll treatment options for approved bulk samples. It is crucial to remember that visual estimates of mineral presence should not be considered a substitute for laboratory analyses.
