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Murray Ward
Viking Mines Ltd has dialled up the heat in Nevada, after a high-tech gravity survey at its Linka tungsten project delivered a rock-solid correlation with known mineralisation.
The results have effectively sharpened drill-ready targets for the company’s upcoming maiden drill programme by confirming a direct correlation between the survey results and the heavy, tungsten-bearing skarn rocks that characterise the region.
The geophysical campaign, which combined ground gravity and magnetic data, successfully identified gravity “highs” at the Linka Main, Hillside and Conquest targets.
The survey results have proven these high-gravity anomalies sit right on top of established mineralised zones, giving Viking a clear roadmap for the drill rig. The data also identified numerous other new hotspots across the tenure, significantly expanding the project’s target inventory.
Notably, the survey sniffed out several concealed targets lurking beneath volcanic cover at the Linka Southwest extension. These targets have never been tested and offer major discovery potential.
‘The survey results demonstrate that known mineralisation coincides with gravity highs’
Viking Mines Limited managing director and chief executive officer Julian Woodcock
The company’s strategy is built on a simple geological premise of finding the “sweet spot” where Jurassic-aged granitic intrusions meet Ordovician sedimentary limestone. High-grade scheelite-bearing skarns commonly form along this contact zone.
By layering the new gravity data with existing magnetic signatures, the company has been able to pinpoint high-density targets matching the precise profile of the source intrusion contact.
Viking Mines Limited managing director and chief executive officer Julian Woodcock said: “The survey results demonstrate that known mineralisation coincides with gravity highs, providing strong support for our exploration concept.”
In the 1970’s, previous operators, most notably Union Carbide, drilled 70 holes into Linka, providing plenty of historical muscle to back up the geophysics.
Best hits included a solid 12.2-metre section grading 1.3 per cent tungsten trioxide from 26.5m and a thick 22.9m running at 0.6 per cent tungsten trioxide from 19.8m. A further standout hole returned 22.9m at 0.5 per cent tungsten trioxide from 15.5m downhole.
Historical production records also show the Linka mine was a reliable producer in its heyday, churning out 60,000 tonnes of ore at a grade of 0.40 per cent tungsten trioxide.
Viking’s broader USA tungsten portfolio is in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of Nevada. It contains several other high-potential prospects, including its Alpine, Long, Ragged Top, Terrell, and Victory targets, notably, many of which benefit from existing infrastructure.
Back at the in-focus Linka prospect, a 210-foot vertical shaft and over 1,500 feet of underground development give the company a significant head start for potential future production.
Beyond the hard-rock targets at Linka, Viking is also eyeing some “low-hanging fruit” in the form of historical tailings. Sampling is scheduled to begin this month to calculate the grade and volume of material left behind by previous operators. This may offer the bonus of a secondary, ready-made source of mineralisation.
With the global price of tungsten hitting record highs, currently surging through US$3,150 per metric tonne unit (MTU) – where 10kg is equal to one MTU – Viking is keen to fast-track development.
The company is polishing its 3D geological model to pinpoint its next drill targets while continuing its metallurgical test program.
In parallel, it is in the final stages of lodging its Notice of Intent with the Bureau of Land Management for a maiden drilling program. The company expects the drill rods to be turning as early as the June quarter to test its picnic basket of newly minted gravity highs.
The stars appear to be aligning for Viking in Nevada. Between
record tungsten prices, a wealth of historical data and a suite of fresh targets, the upcoming drill programme is shaping up to be a potential game-changer.
Punters should stay tuned for news that the drill bits have kissed the dirt.
Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au
