Trek Metals Unveils High-Grade Manganese Discovery at Pearana Prospect

• High-grade manganese assays exceeding 30% Mn at Pearana Prospect
• Peak assay of 57% Mn recorded at Pothole prospect
• Mineralisation confirmed over a 3.5 km strike at Pearana
• Key access and heritage agreements secured for exploration
• Next steps include geophysical surveys and drill targeting

Discovery Highlights and Regional Context

Trek Metals Limited (ASX: TKM) has announced a compelling high-grade manganese discovery at the Pearana Prospect, part of the Hendeka Manganese Project in Western Australia's prolific Pilbara region. Early-stage exploration by investee company Advanced Energy Fuels (AEF) has yielded rock chip assays exceeding 30% manganese (Mn), with a standout peak assay of 51.8% Mn at Pearana and an even higher 57% Mn at the nearby Pothole prospect. These results confirm the presence of significant manganese mineralisation over a 3.5-kilometre strike length at Pearana, positioning it as a high-priority target for further exploration.

Exploration Progress and Geological Setting

The recent field campaign involved detailed geological mapping and the collection of 302 rock chip samples across four key prospects: Pearana, Pothole, Sharks Fin, and Pearana South. The geological setting is characterised by a NW-SE trending ridge capped by Pinjian Chert Breccia, a known host for manganese mineralisation analogous to the nearby Woodie Woodie mine. The manganese mineralisation is interpreted to be structurally controlled, with chemical traps at lithological contacts, particularly between the Pinjian Chert and Carawine Dolomite units, providing favourable conditions for mineral deposition.

Strategic Agreements and Next Steps

Importantly, Trek has secured key land access and heritage agreements with the Nyamal people and pastoral leaseholders, facilitating the planned heritage surveys and geophysical programs. The company is preparing for a comprehensive exploration phase that includes gravity, magnetic, and electromagnetic surveys to refine drill targets. A track-mounted drilling rig is expected to be mobilised to access priority areas, with earthworks and drill pad construction scheduled ahead of the drilling campaign. These efforts aim to delineate the extent and continuity of the manganese mineralisation and assess its resource potential.

Corporate and Market Implications

The discovery at Pearana complements Trek’s existing Contact Deposit resource approximately 30 kilometres to the south, potentially adding significant value to the Hendeka Project portfolio. The Option and Acquisition Agreement with Advanced Energy Fuels, which includes a $2 million exploration commitment and a 12-month extension on AEF’s proposed US listing timeline, underscores the strategic importance of this manganese asset. Given manganese’s critical role in battery technologies and electrification, this discovery aligns well with broader market trends favouring battery materials.

Outlook and Considerations

While the assay results are highly encouraging, they stem from early-stage surface sampling and require confirmation through drilling and resource estimation. The upcoming geophysical surveys and drill programs will be pivotal in defining the scale and grade continuity of the mineralisation. Trek’s methodical approach, combined with strong local partnerships and a clear exploration roadmap, positions the company well to unlock the full potential of the Hendeka manganese assets.

Bottom Line?

Trek Metals’ Pearana discovery marks a promising step in manganese exploration, with drilling set to reveal its true resource potential.

Questions in the middle?

• How will drilling results refine the resource estimate and grade continuity at Pearana?
• What are the timelines and capital requirements for advancing the Hendeka Project to development?
• How might manganese market dynamics influence Trek Metals’ strategic partnerships and project valuation?