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Viking Mines (ASX: VKA) has delivered a strong first assay from its maiden RC drilling programme at the Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada, with the first hole into the historic mine area confirming mineralisation continues beneath previously mined workings.
Hole LKRC0002 returned 14 metres at 0.56% WO3 from 40 metres downhole, equivalent to an estimated true width of around 9 metres, including a higher-grade 5-metre interval at 0.81% WO3 from 47 metres.
Individual 1-metre samples reached up to 1.18% WO3, with the mineralisation hosted in tactite, a skarn-type rock, and associated with disseminated and coarse scheelite observed during drilling.
The intersection sits approximately 38 metres vertically below surface and directly beneath the historic stope mined from the 150-foot level during 1955-56.
That provides an important confirmation for Viking’s geological model, showing the tungsten mineralisation extends below the historic workings and remains open down dip.
The result also broadly validates historic mining records, with Linka’s recorded historical production grade sitting at approximately 0.49% WO3. Viking said the assay closely matched its visual scheelite logging, with the 14-metre assay interval corresponding to a 12-metre visual estimate made during drilling.
The company has now completed 16 RC holes across Linka, including 13 around the main pit and historic workings, two regional holes and one at the south-west extension.
Drilling around the main pit is continuing, with multiple prospective skarn and tactite zones identified during logging. Assays from LKRC0003 and subsequent holes are pending, with the next batch expected around mid- to late September.
With the first modern drill hole now confirming mineralisation below the old workings, Viking is moving into the next phase of its programme, with further assays set to test how extensively the system continues beyond the historic mine area.
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