Viking Mines (ASX:VKA) completes ultra-high-resolution survey at Linka Tungsten Project

Viking Mines has completed an ultra-high-resolution orthomosaic drone survey and ground investigation at its Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada, establishing a centimetre-scale spatial framework that brings together historical exploration records and modern geological modelling in a single, georeferenced dataset.

The work provides 2cm pixel resolution imagery and a detailed Digital Elevation Model, delivering what the company describes as a “centimetre-perfect” foundation for integrating historical drilling, mapping and surface infrastructure into contemporary 3D software platforms.

Highlights

• Completion of an ultra-high-resolution orthomosaic drone survey delivering 2cm pixel resolution imagery and a detailed Digital Elevation Model
• Identification and recovery of 5 original survey points from the 1970s, enabling accurate georeferencing of historical drilling and mapping
• Visual confirmation of outcropping tungsten mineralisation and historical infrastructure consistent with historical map records
• Integration of historical data into modern 3D geological modelling software, validating the ~$1.0M replacement value of recently acquired drilling data
• Establishment of a high-fidelity environmental and topographic baseline to support permitting and streamline the Notice of Intent process

The Linka survey represents a key step in Viking’s strategy to fast-track the project by transforming decades-old paper records into a digitally precise spatial model.

The recovery of 5 original survey markers from the 1970s provides fixed reference points that allow historical drill collars, shafts, trenches and section lines to be locked into the modern coordinate system with absolute positional confidence.

Through this process, historical drill locations can be converted into precise 3D coordinates, supporting the construction of a fully integrated drillhole database and the development of a detailed geological model.

The orthomosaic imagery and Digital Elevation Model extend beyond geological interpretation to deliver operational and regulatory benefits.

Historical shafts, trenches and drill collars are clearly resolved, allowing the identification of suitable locations for “twin holes” designed to bring legacy drilling toward JORC-compliant standards.

The survey also defines areas of existing disturbance, providing baseline information for regulators and forming the basis for environmental bond assessments and the preparation of a Notice of Intent submission.

In addition, the Digital Elevation Model allows accurate volume estimates for surface stockpiles that have previously been identified as potential early-stage processing feed.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Julian Woodcock said the survey completes the company’s data integration phase, noting:

“This drone survey is the final piece of the puzzle for our data integration phase. It allows us to extract maximum value from our historical datasets by locking them into a modern coordinate system. We are no longer working with estimates; we now have a centimetre-perfect map to guide our drilling and development programs.”

With the high-resolution spatial framework now in place, Viking is progressing the digitisation and georeferencing of historical maps and cross-sections in NAD83 Zone 11N, combining collar locations and downhole assay intervals into a drillhole database for 3D geological modelling and drill targeting.

Once this modelling is complete, the data will be used to finalise drill targets for submission to Federal Agencies as part of the permitting process.

Parallel technical programs are also underway, with metallurgical testwork now commenced on a high-grade 1.3% WO3 sample from the Linka Pit and results expected in February, while planning is progressing for a ground gravity and magnetics survey across the mineralised zone to support the identification of additional drill targets.

The company is also undertaking ongoing technical evaluation of 5 additional tungsten projects within its recently acquired portfolio.

In an industry context where the conversion of historical datasets into modern digital formats is increasingly central to accelerating project advancement, the Linka survey positions Viking with a high-fidelity geological and environmental baseline that supports both technical evaluation and regulatory engagement.

The completion of the orthomosaic imagery and Digital Elevation Model establishes the spatial platform from which drilling, metallurgical assessment and permitting activities can proceed on a fully integrated and accurately referenced basis.