Black Canyon Limited has confirmed extensive, shallow high-grade manganese and iron mineralisation at its Wandanya Project, with significant strike lengths and widths that remain open for expansion. The company plans diamond drilling and metallurgical testwork to advance development.
- Phase 3 drilling confirms manganese over 3km strike, widths 160-500m
- Iron mineralisation delineated over 1km strike, widths 160-320m
- High-grade manganese intercepts up to 50.4% Mn, iron up to 61.1% Fe
- Metallurgical testwork shows potential for premium manganese concentrates
- Diamond drilling and heritage surveys planned to support further exploration
Wandanya Project Drilling Success
Black Canyon Limited (ASX – BCA) has released the final assay results from its Phase 3 reverse circulation drilling program at the Wandanya Project in Western Australia. The results confirm the presence of thick, shallow, high-grade manganese and iron mineralisation extending over significant strike lengths. Manganese mineralisation has been delineated along a 3-kilometre strike with cross-strike widths ranging from 160 to 500 metres, while iron mineralisation extends over 1 kilometre with widths between 160 and 320 metres. Both mineralised zones remain open for further expansion.
Significant Grades and Continuity
The drilling campaign returned impressive manganese intercepts, including 8 metres grading 42.2% manganese and 4 metres at 50.4% manganese from surface. Iron intercepts were equally notable, with results up to 61.1% iron over several metres. These grades, combined with the shallow depth of mineralisation, suggest potential for direct shipping ore (DSO), which could reduce operational costs and enhance project economics.
Metallurgical Advances and Next Steps
Previous metallurgical testwork on the manganese mineralisation demonstrated the ability to upgrade moderate-grade ore to premium concentrates exceeding 44% manganese, a benchmark for high-quality product. Building on this, Black Canyon plans to commence a diamond drilling program in early November to collect core samples for more detailed metallurgical testwork. This will help optimise beneficiation processes and provide critical data for future flowsheet design.
Additionally, a heritage survey is scheduled for late November to facilitate further infill and extension drilling planned for 2026. The company also anticipates completing the acquisition of the Ndalamo tenements, which could provide access to southern extensions of the Wandanya mineral system.
Strong Financial Position Supports Development
With over $11 million in cash at the end of the September quarter, Black Canyon is well-positioned to advance multiple fronts of exploration and development. Managing Director Brendan Cummins highlighted the continuity and scale of the mineralisation, noting the rarity of discoveries that combine near-surface location, high grade, and significant scale for both manganese and iron.
The company’s extensive landholding across the Balfour Manganese Field and Oakover Basin underpins its strategic position in a region with growing demand for critical minerals essential to steel manufacturing and battery technologies.
Bottom Line?
Black Canyon’s latest results reinforce Wandanya’s potential as a significant manganese and iron resource, with upcoming drilling and metallurgical work set to clarify its development pathway.
Questions in the middle?
- How will diamond core drilling refine the understanding of mineralisation and processing potential?
- What impact will the Ndalamo tenement acquisition have on the overall resource footprint?
- How might evolving manganese market dynamics influence Black Canyon’s development strategy?