Black Canyon Uncovers 1.8km High-Grade Manganese and Iron Extension at Wandanya

Expanding the Wandanya Footprint

Black Canyon Limited has delivered encouraging exploration results from its recently acquired Wandanya South tenement (E46/1571) in Western Australia. Rock chip sampling has revealed high-grade manganese and iron mineralisation, with manganese assays reaching up to 59.1% and iron up to 66.3%. These findings suggest a significant 1.8-kilometre strike extension of the mineralised system south of the previously defined 3-kilometre Wandanya discovery.

The company’s Managing Director, Brendan Cummins, highlighted the continuity and scale potential of the Wandanya system, which now appears to extend over approximately 9 kilometres based on geological mapping and sampling. This extension not only increases the mineralisation footprint but also reinforces the strategic importance of the project within the underexplored Balfour Manganese Field.

Strategic Exploration and Upcoming Drilling

Following the acquisition and initial reconnaissance, Black Canyon has scheduled heritage surveys for the first quarter of 2026, a critical step to secure approvals for ground-disturbing activities. These surveys will pave the way for a planned drilling campaign in the second quarter, targeting both infill and extension drilling within the existing 3-kilometre mineralised zone and the newly identified southern extension.

The current diamond drilling program is nearing completion, with 80% of the planned meters drilled. Metallurgical testwork on core samples is anticipated shortly, which will provide further insights into the ore’s processing characteristics and commercial viability. This methodical approach underscores Black Canyon’s commitment to advancing the project towards development readiness.

Geological Context and Resource Significance

The Wandanya mineralisation is interpreted as a fault-related, stratabound carbonate deposit with a supergene overprint, hosting both manganese and iron in sedimentary sequences. The manganese-rich horizons are associated with dolomite and calcareous siltstone, while the iron mineralisation is dominated by hematite, forming a distinct enrichment horizon. The geological setting and mineralisation style suggest potential for substantial resource growth as exploration progresses.

Black Canyon’s broader portfolio in the Balfour Manganese Field already includes a global mineral resource estimate of 315 million tonnes at 10.5% manganese, positioning the company as a significant player in this critical mineral sector. Manganese’s essential role in steel alloys and lithium-ion battery cathodes further enhances the strategic value of these exploration successes.

Looking Ahead

With the recent assay results confirming the southern extension and the ongoing drilling program advancing, Black Canyon is well placed to refine and expand its resource base. The upcoming heritage surveys and drilling campaigns in 2026 will be pivotal in validating the strike continuity and thickness of the mineralised horizons, potentially unlocking new zones of high-grade manganese and iron.

Investors and industry observers will be watching closely as metallurgical data and further drilling results emerge, shaping the project’s development trajectory and its contribution to the critical minerals supply chain.