Wandanya’s Expanding Mineralisation Raises Questions on Project Scale
Black Canyon Limited reports outstanding assay results from its Phase 3 drilling at Wandanya, revealing thick, high-grade manganese and iron mineralisation over a 3km strike, with further expansion potential.
- Phase 3 drilling confirms 3km strike of high-grade manganese mineralisation
- Multiple drill holes average above 35% manganese with intervals exceeding 45%
- Iron mineralisation identified along 1km strike with widths up to 320m
- Metallurgical testwork produces premium 45% manganese concentrate
- Remaining assay results and diamond drilling planned for late 2025
Wandanya Phase 3 Drilling Delivers Impressive Grades
Black Canyon Limited (ASX – BCA) has released the first batch of assay results from its Phase 3 reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at the Wandanya Project in Western Australia. The initial 56 holes of a planned 148 have confirmed consistent, shallow, and thick manganese mineralisation along a 3-kilometre strike length. Notably, multiple drill holes have returned manganese grades averaging above 35%, with several intervals exceeding 45% manganese content.
The mineralisation remains open along strike and at depth, suggesting significant upside potential. Cross-strike widths range between 160 and 500 metres, highlighting the scale of the deposit. Alongside manganese, high-grade iron mineralisation has been delineated over a 1-kilometre strike with widths between 160 and 320 metres, further enhancing the project's resource profile.
Robust Metallurgical Testwork Supports Project Viability
Complementing the drilling success, metallurgical testwork on stratabound manganese samples from the W2 prospect has demonstrated the ability to produce a premium manganese concentrate. Using density-based separation techniques, composite samples averaging 30% manganese were upgraded to a 45% manganese product grade, surpassing the industry benchmark of 44%. This beneficiation potential is a positive indicator for future processing and economic viability.
Ongoing Exploration and Development Plans
Black Canyon’s Managing Director Brendan Cummins expressed optimism about the results, emphasizing the high success rate with 55 of 56 holes intersecting significant manganese or iron mineralisation. The company anticipates receiving assay results from the remaining 92 drill holes through October and early November 2025. Additionally, a diamond drilling program aimed at collecting core samples for further metallurgical testwork is scheduled to commence this quarter.
Heritage surveys have been completed recently, with further surveys planned for November to facilitate infill and extension drilling after the wet season in 2026. These steps are critical to advancing the project towards resource definition and potential development.
Strategic Significance in the Manganese Market
Wandanya represents a significant discovery within the underexplored Balfour Manganese Field and Oakover Basin. The project’s combination of scale, grade, and shallow mineralisation positions Black Canyon well in the manganese sector, which remains vital for steel alloy production and lithium-ion battery cathodes. The company’s expanding resource base, supported by robust assay and metallurgical data, underscores its potential to become a key player in this critical mineral space.
Bottom Line?
As Black Canyon advances with further assays and diamond drilling, Wandanya’s promising grades and scale could reshape its manganese resource outlook.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the remaining 92 assay results influence the overall resource estimate?
- What are the timelines and expected outcomes for the upcoming diamond drilling and metallurgical testwork?
- How might heritage survey findings impact the pace and scope of future drilling campaigns?