Viking Mines Wins Approval For Nevada Drilling Programme

The US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has approved Pioneer awards contract for Springfield RC drill programme at the Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada, marking a significant milestone for Viking Mines as it moves closer to resuming production at the site. The approval, which was granted ahead of schedule, ensures that the project is fully permitted and allows for planned mobilisation in the June quarter.

The drilling campaign, which will cover three priority target areas, is designed to verify high-grade historical data and assess potential mineralisation at the site. The programme will revisit historical high-grade intercepts, such as 8.5m at 1% tungsten trioxide, which ceased production in 1956 after producing approximately 65,000t at 0.5% tungsten trioxide.

The Linka Main project, involving 36 holes, aims to confirm the presence of high-grade tungsten mineralisation in the area. This will be crucial in determining the economic viability of the project and informing future exploration and development plans.

In addition to the main project, the drilling campaign will also target the south-west extension, where surface samples indicate up to 0.6% tungsten trioxide. This region is believed to have potential for significant mineralisation, and the company is eager to explore this further.

The approved drilling plan details 63 holes distributed across 48 drill pads, with specific objectives outlined for each pad. The south-west extension will see 16 holes targeting potential mineralisation, while 11 holes are allocated for regional reconnaissance to assess geophysical data across the broader intrusive complex.

Viking Mines managing director and CEO Julian Woodcock said: “Receiving the BLM approval is yet another hurdle accomplished at Linka as we move towards the first known drilling at the project for over 40 years. With our maiden campaign now fully permitted for drilling, the regulatory pathway is behind us, and the focus shifts entirely to finalising our drilling contractor and getting drilling under way.”

The company plans to focus on finalising the selection of a drilling contractor, with evaluations nearing completion and an award expected soon. Once the contract is awarded, drill rig mobilisation is set to begin.

The Linka Tungsten Project is located in Nevada’s northeastern part of Humboldt County, approximately 100 km northwest of the town of Winnemucca. The project involves the exploration and development of a previously mined tungsten deposit, which produced tungsten trioxide from 1942 to 1956. The site was closed due to declining grades and increasing costs.

In recent years, Viking Mines has been actively exploring the potential for reactivating the Linka Tungsten Project. The company’s initial exploration efforts focused on assessing the extent of the deposit and evaluating its economic viability.

The project’s geology is complex, with multiple phases of magmatic activity that have created a significant intrusive complex. This complex hosts several key targets, including the Linka Main project area and the south-west extension.

Viking Mines has conducted extensive geophysical surveys to evaluate the site’s mineral potential, including ground-penetrating radar, airborne magnetic surveys, and gravity measurements. These surveys have helped identify areas of interest and provide a better understanding of the project’s geology.

The company’s exploration efforts are supported by a significant investment in geological mapping and sampling programs. Viking Mines has conducted extensive geological mapping, including detailed descriptions of the site’s geology and mineralisation patterns.

Surface sampling campaigns have been carried out to gather more information on the project’s mineral potential. These campaigns have targeted areas of interest identified through geophysical surveys and have provided valuable insights into the project’s mineralisation patterns.

The company has also conducted environmental assessments to evaluate the potential impacts of mining at the Linka Tungsten Project. This includes assessing the site’s environmental footprint, including water usage, waste management, and potential habitat disruption.

In addition to the environmental assessments, Viking Mines has also engaged with local stakeholders, including the Winnemucca Tribe and other nearby communities. The company is committed to working closely with these groups to ensure that its operations are environmentally responsible and socially sustainable.

Corcel secures US BLM approval for Yuma King Project in a move that is seen as a significant development for the project’s future. With the regulatory pathway behind them, Viking Mines can now focus on finalising the selection of a drilling contractor and getting drilling under way.

As the project progresses, the company will continue to engage with local stakeholders and conduct environmental assessments to ensure that its operations are responsible and sustainable. With a strong exploration team in place and a clear plan for mobilisation, Viking Mines is confident that it can deliver a successful drilling campaign at the Linka Tungsten Project.

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