Viking Mines (ASX: VKA) has completed an independent conceptual processing study for its Linka Tungsten Project in Nevada, USA. Conducted by Mineral Technologies, the study provides a technical baseline for a potential modular processing facility. By opting for offsite fabrication of modular units, the company aims to streamline project development, with an estimated timeline of 15 months for procurement, construction, and assembly. This approach is designed to minimise on-site activity and control upfront capital requirements, creating a structured pathway as the project moves toward future resource evaluation.

The study outlines a plant design with a nominal capacity of 300,000 tonnes per annum. The proposed flowsheet relies on conventional tungsten processing techniques, including staged crushing, high-pressure grinding, and multi-stage gravity concentration, followed by flotation to recover finer material. These parameters were informed by previous metallurgical testwork, which demonstrated the ability to produce a 56.9% tungsten trioxide concentrate at 76% recovery. While the study provides this technical foundation, it remains conceptual and is intended for internal planning rather than as a definitive production target or economic assessment.

"This study gives us an independent, credible engineering view that Linka mineralisation can be processed through a conventional, well-understood flowsheet - and importantly, through a modular plant designed to keep site works and upfront capital efficient."

"Our near-term focus remains testing the primary tungsten system with the drill bit, and this study means we already have a clear processing pathway to build on as the resource picture develops."

— Julian Woodcock, Managing Director & CEO

With the technical framework now established, Viking is prioritising several upcoming workstreams to support the project’s advancement. Most immediate is the commencement of a maiden reverse circulation drilling campaign, which is currently mobilising to site to test the primary tungsten system. Successful drilling is a critical prerequisite for establishing a mineral resource, which would underpin any future economic studies for the asset. This exploration effort will run in parallel with ongoing metallurgical variability testwork aimed at confirming consistent product grades across diverse samples.

Looking further ahead, the company is also initiating formal vendor engagement to refine equipment selection and cost estimates. This process is intended to improve the accuracy of engineering data, moving the project toward feasibility-level specifications. By advancing these commercial and technical tracks simultaneously, the team intends to build a comprehensive case for potential development. While the project remains in the early stages, the completion of this study allows the technical team to focus on proving the resource while maintaining a clear and modular vision for how the ore could eventually be processed into a saleable concentrate for future offtake partners.

Read the full announcement: LINKA CONCEPT PROCESSING STUDY DELIVERS POSITIVE OUTCOMES