Viking Mines (ASX:VKA) advances Linka tungsten targeting with high resolution geophysics
Viking Mines has moved into an active technical phase at its Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada, commencing high resolution gravity and magnetic surveys designed to refine drill targeting across a known high grade skarn system.
The work marks the first systematic geophysical programme under Viking’s ownership and is positioned as a pre drilling filter aimed at mapping subsurface controls on mineralisation and extending known strike under shallow cover.
Highlights
- 0.5km² ground gravity survey commenced using 40m spaced lines and 20m spaced stations at Linka
- 2.2km² magnetic survey underway using 20m line spacing across the target horizon and mineralised corridor
- Surveys designed to map the contact between intrusive monzonite and sedimentary units, described as the primary geological control for high grade tungsten mineralisation
- Skarn mineralisation density stated at SG 3 to 4 versus host rocks at SG 2.5 to 3, forming the basis for direct gravity targeting
- Gradient Array Induced Polarisation survey under evaluation as an additional 3D vectoring tool
- Results expected late February, interpretation by mid March, with drilling targeted for April
- Known mineralised trend currently outcropping over ~820m strike and interpreted to continue under cover
The programme is built around the geological premise that the intrusive monzonite and sedimentary contact horizon controls high grade tungsten mineralisation at Linka.
By measuring variations in rock density and magnetic susceptibility, the company aims to model this boundary in 3D and trace the source of the system along strike, including areas concealed beneath the Bates Mountain Tuff.
The surveys are also intended to test whether tactite style mineralisation can be detected directly through density and magnetic contrasts.
According to the release, the tungsten bearing skarn is significantly denser than surrounding limestone and monzonite, with Specific Gravities ranging from 3 to 4 compared to 2.5 to 3.
Viking states that if the gravity trial successfully defines mineralisation, it could support direct targeting of high tenor zones that have not yet been drill tested, particularly where the system extends under volcanic cover.
Magnetic data is being collected in parallel to resolve structural features beneath cover and across exposed host rocks along the mineralised corridor.
Management frames the campaign as part of a compressed pathway from acquisition to drill testing following the December 2025 agreement to acquire the project. As Managing Director and CEO Julian Woodcock put it,
“These surveys will provide key new datasets to build our 3D geological model and identify the most prospective zones prior to drilling.”
He added that the approach is designed so the planned April drilling programme is directed at what the company describes as the most high value parts of the system.
The geophysics campaign is expected to run for approximately 2 weeks, followed by immediate processing and interpretation.
]The company also reports parallel digitisation of historical drillhole data, metallurgical testwork reporting on a 1.3% WO3 Linka sample expected late February, planned drill target refinement in March, and submission of a Notice of Intent to Federal Agencies for drilling approvals planned for late March.
From a broader sector perspective, the update places Viking among a group of juniors applying high resolution geophysics as a first pass discriminator before committing to drilling.
At Linka, the emphasis is on density, magnetics and potential resistivity contrasts as measurable proxies for skarn style tungsten mineralisation, with the next technical inflection point tied to survey results and April drill execution.