What's Happening?
Viking Mines has successfully completed the digitisation of historical data from the Linka Project in Nevada, U.S. This project includes 70 drill holes covering approximately 2,881 meters. The final results from the Conquest area, which include 32 drill holes over a 140-meter
strike, have shown high-grade tungsten mineralization. Key findings include significant intercepts of tungsten trioxide, with highlights such as 12.2 meters at 1.3% tungsten trioxide. Viking Mines CEO Julian Woodcock emphasized the importance of this milestone, noting that the comprehensive digital record validates the project's potential. The company is now preparing for a maiden drilling program to support U.S. tungsten independence, especially as new restrictions on tungsten imports from countries like China and Russia are set to take effect.
Why It's Important?
The completion of the digitisation project is crucial as it positions Viking Mines to address upcoming changes in U.S. tungsten procurement policies. The U.S. defense industry faces a 2026 deadline to secure non-Chinese tungsten, making domestic production increasingly important. Viking Mines aims to become a key domestic supplier, reducing reliance on foreign sources. This development is significant for the U.S. as it seeks to bolster its supply chain security for critical minerals, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions and the strategic importance of tungsten in defense applications.
What's Next?
Viking Mines plans to integrate the full dataset for geological evaluation, aiming to develop a comprehensive drill program targeting high-grade, shallow blocks for early mining. The company is accelerating its pathway to production to meet the U.S. demand for domestically sourced tungsten. As the 2027 restrictions on tungsten imports from certain countries approach, Viking Mines' efforts could play a pivotal role in ensuring a stable supply of this critical mineral for the U.S. defense sector.
