Viking Mines Ltd. has started operations at its Linka tungsten project in Nevada, US, marking a change to active project development at the site.
The company has mobilised a field team to the site to execute a multi-faceted programme aimed at identifying low-cost, near-term commercialisation pathways, and preparations for subsurface exploration.
The current field campaign focuses on evaluating historical ore stockpiles and a tailings dam, both of which offer potential zero-mining-cost opportunities.
By systematically sampling these assets, Viking aims to determine both grade and volume to assess their viability as a low-cost, supplemental feedstock for a potential ‘Rapid-Start’ modular processing plant.
Simultaneously, teams are sampling the historical stockpiles to confirm grade consistency, following historical results of 0.8 per cent of tungsten trioxide.
Viking Mines CEO Julian Woodcock said the current surge in tungsten prices makes the Nevada asset particularly targeted.
“Viking has commenced a period of high activity, transitioning from analysis into active project development,” Woodcock said.
“With tungsten at 90-year highs, the strategic value of our Nevada assets is clear, and we look forward to providing updates as milestones are achieved.”
In parallel with surface evaluations, Viking is advancing its metallurgical test programmes to support a conceptual processing study. The company is collecting additional samples for comminution testwork, including Crushing and Bond Work Indices, to establish precise operational expenditure (OPEX) data.
Furthermore, the team is performing ground-truthing of a 3D geological model across an 820m mineralised corridor, specifically investigating the 800m extension identified beneath volcanic cover to the southwest.
This data will be instrumental in finalising targets for a maiden drilling campaign, which remains on track for the June Quarter.
Phase 2 field activities, scheduled for late April, will include detailed mapping and trench sampling.
Viking is fast-tracking its development strategy to capitalise on the current market environment.
