Viking Mines Uncovers Second Large Gold Target at Bifrost
Viking Mines (ASX: VKA) has announced promising results from its infill auger drilling program at the Bifrost target within its Riverina East Project in Western Australia, defining a second significant gold anomaly that boosts the project's exploration potential.
Key Highlights of the Bifrost Discovery
The latest assay results from Viking's 575-sample infill auger drilling program have revealed a second large gold anomaly exceeding 300 meters in length with gold values above 40 parts per billion (ppb). This anomaly sits within a larger 700-meter anomalous zone with gold values above 20ppb.
The newly identified Bifrost South target is located approximately 100 meters south-southeast of the company's earlier successful drill hole VKRC0103, which returned impressive results of 23 meters at a grade of 0.4g/t gold, including higher-grade sections of 5 meters at 1.0g/t gold and 3 meters at 1.3g/t gold.
Viking's Managing Director and CEO Julian Woodcock expressed enthusiasm about the findings: "I am very pleased with the remaining results from the infill auger drilling programme and the definition of a second large gold anomaly, now at Bifrost South. The programme has successfully delivered on its objective of defining high priority targets for follow up drill testing."
Phase 2 Drilling Program Completed
Viking has completed its Phase 2 drilling program, comprising 50 holes for a total of 5,956 meters. Eight holes specifically targeted the newly defined Bifrost South anomaly as part of this program.
The Phase 2 drilling focused on multiple targets:
- Initial testing across the Central Duplex Target (33 holes)
- Follow-up drilling at Bifrost North (7 holes)
- Testing the newly identified Bifrost South anomaly (8 holes)
- Additional holes exploring up and down dip extensions of previous promising intercepts (4 holes)
Understanding Surface Geochemistry: What It Means for Gold Exploration
Surface gold anomalies like those found at Bifrost are crucial early indicators of potential underground gold deposits. When gold-bearing rocks weather and erode, minute gold particles and associated elements can accumulate in surface soils. Geochemists use auger drilling to collect shallow samples that help map these anomalies.
The discovery of a "gold only" anomaly with only weak associated pathfinder elements (silver, mercury, and selenium) suggests the potential presence of primary gold mineralisation rather than a more complex polymetallic system. This pattern is consistent with the gold mineralisation style commonly found along the Zuleika Shear, where gold often occurs in quartz veins within shear zones.
Strategic Significance of the Zuleika Shear Position
Viking's exploration is targeting a 25-kilometre strike length of the Zuleika Shear, a major geological feature known for hosting significant gold deposits in Western Australia. The company's position is particularly strategic, being just 4 kilometres from Ora Banda Mining's 1.3+ million ounce Riverina/Mulline Camp and 40 kilometres from the 1.2 million ounce Davyhurst Camp.
This geological setting positions Viking Mines discovers gold target to potentially discover similar large-scale gold systems, with the current surface anomalies representing the first stage in identifying these opportunities.
What's Next for Viking
The company is now completing geological logging of drill holes and delivering samples to laboratories, with first assay results expected in late April or early May 2025. Additionally, Viking is conducting high-resolution magnetic geophysics to further refine targets and enhance structural interpretation.
Viking is also completing an underground mining assessment of the historic First Hit Mine, which previously produced gold at an average grade of 7.7g/t.
Why Investors Should Follow Viking Mines
Viking presents a compelling opportunity for gold investors for several reasons:
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Strategic Location: The company's tenements sit on the prolific Zuleika Shear, directly adjacent to established million-ounce gold camps.
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Multiple Discovery Opportunities: With two significant surface gold anomalies now defined at Bifrost and a large-scale structural target at the Central Duplex Target, Viking Mines discovers gold target through multiple paths to potential discovery.
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Systematic Exploration Approach: The company is following a methodical exploration strategy, using surface geochemistry to define targets before testing with deeper drilling.
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Historic High-Grade Production: The project includes the former First Hit Mine, which produced gold at impressive grades of ~7.7g/t, suggesting the potential for high-grade systems within Viking's ground.
With a comprehensive drilling program now completed and assay results pending, Viking Mines discovers gold target at a potential inflection point in its exploration journey, making it a gold explorer worth watching closely in the coming months.
Ready to Invest in Western Australia's Next Gold Discovery?
Discover why Viking Mines' strategic position along the prolific Zuleika Shear and their recent identification of multiple gold anomalies could present a compelling investment opportunity. To learn more about Viking's Riverina East Project, their systematic exploration approach, and upcoming assay results, visit vikingmines.com for comprehensive information on this emerging gold exploration story.
