Brought to you by BULLS N’ BEARSMurray WardMay 21, 2026 — 2:17pmViking Mines has added serious at-surface weight to its historic Linka tungsten project in Nevada, after discovering two previously unrecognised historical rock stockpiles sitting right on top of the ground next to the old Conquest mine.The unexpected find, unearthed during the company’s second field mapping and sampling campaign, could prove a major low-cost windfall by potentially providing a near-term feed at surface, eliminating the need for expensive drilling, blasting, or fresh mining operations.Geologist undertaking mapping at Viking Mines Linka project in Nevada USA.Viking’s geos inspected the new rock heaps under shortwave ultraviolet light and they lit up a treat, revealing clear tactite mineralisation with a strong scheelite response. Eyeball estimates clocked the grade at between 0.4 per cent and 1.0 per cent tungsten trioxide according to management, giving the company significant comfort before the laboratory even returns the official numbers.Since the new surface heaps contain a mix of ore and waste, ore sorting will be an important part of any future mining process. Viking says it’s already moving down that path, leveraging its existing relationship with industry specialist TOMRA in Germany, where bulk samples from the nearby Linka main stockpile are currently undergoing specialised ore sorting testwork at the lab.‘If assays confirm grade, this is material already sitting at surface that could provide a near-term, lower-cost feed source.’Viking Mines managing director and chief executive officer Julian WoodcockIf TOMRA’S tech can successfully separate the cash rock from the unmineralised waste, the process will be used directly to unlock the newly unearthed Conquest stockpiles.Beyond the major stockpile discovery, the big exploration push across the project area was comprehensive, resulting in the collection of 98 distinct samples. The ground game included the systematic resampling of six historical trenches, with geos logging visible tungsten mineralisation across every single trench profile.Viking Mines managing director and chief executive officer Julian Woodcock said: “This second field campaign has delivered two strong outcomes. First, the confirmation of mineralisation in the historical trenches at Linka, which we have sampled. Second, and more strategically significant, the identification of visual mineralisation within two previously unrecognised historical rock stockpiles adjacent to the Conquest mine.”Further afield, Viking’s geological mapping has also proved its worth by confirming a blanket of alluvial cover and unmineralised tuff to the west of the outcropping Linka trend.The company had already theorised the tungsten-bearing structures were dipping or cutting off under this barren cover rock. Confirming exactly that scenario has now given Viking a major confidence boost that it properly understands the structural plumbing of the system and where the drill rods should or shouldn’t start spinning next.Whilst Linka commands the immediate spotlight, Viking also holds another string of highly prospective tungsten mineral claims across Nevada, including the Alpine, Long, Ragged Top, Terrell, and Victory projects.Gazing out to the horizon, a picnic basket of news flow is about to hit the market. Laboratory assay results from the first field campaign covering the tailings dam and Linka main stockpile are due to land in June. The rigs are also locked in, and the rods are set to spin, with a major 63-hole maiden drilling campaign on track to kick off at Linka in late June.The final puzzle pieces from this just-completed program will drop in July, when the laboratory returns the trench and Conquest stockpile assay grades.With the tungsten market running hot and global buyers hunting for supply outside China, Viking appears to be in the right place at the right time and finding commercial-grade mineralisation just sitting on the surface is a rare gift in this game.If the German sorting tests can unlock the key to the company’s stockpiles, Viking could now be sitting on an asset with a much faster pathway to production.Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.auFrom our partners