What's Happening?
Viking Mines has reported improved tungsten recovery rates at its Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada. Recent testwork combining gravity and cleaner flotation circuits has resulted in a 56.9% tungsten trioxide concentrate grade with a 76% recovery rate.
This marks an improvement from the previous 59.8% recovery rate and exceeds the company's target of over 70% recovery for grades above 50%. The company is focusing on optimizing the flotation stage and has achieved a combined gravity concentrate of 66.6% tungsten trioxide at 42.16% recovery. Viking Mines is advancing its metallurgical and resource workstreams, with drilling scheduled to commence in the June 2026 quarter.
Why It's Important?
The enhanced recovery rates at the Linka Project position Viking Mines as a competitive player in the tungsten market, particularly as the U.S. seeks domestic sources for strategic minerals. The ability to produce high-grade concentrates with a low-capex model offers a significant advantage, potentially reducing reliance on foreign imports. This development aligns with national interests in securing critical mineral supplies, especially for defense and manufacturing sectors. As the demand for tungsten increases, Viking Mines' advancements could contribute to the U.S. economy by providing a stable domestic supply, supporting job creation, and fostering technological innovation in mineral processing.
What's Next?
Viking Mines plans to continue its metallurgical program with further optimization and variability testing. The company is preparing for drilling activities at the Linka site, which will involve earthworks and drill site preparation. These efforts aim to enhance the project's viability and establish it as a strategic asset in the U.S. tungsten market. The ongoing developments may attract interest from government and industry stakeholders seeking reliable domestic sources of critical minerals.
