Uncertainty Looms as Ragusa Starts IP Survey at Historic Black Rock Manganese Site

Geophysical Survey Targets High-Grade Manganese Zones

Ragusa Minerals (ASX:RAS) has kicked off an induced polarisation (IP) geophysical survey at the historic Black Rock Manganese Mine site, a key prospect within its Purple Pansy Manganese-Gold Project in Arizona, USA. The survey aims to delineate the massive manganese oxide mineralisation visible in the open cut mine and identify extensions both laterally and at depth to inform the next phase of drilling.

The Black Rock site, located about 80km northwest of Phoenix in the Aguila Mining District, features exposed high-grade manganese oxide mineralisation beneath a shallow volcanic overburden. This mineralisation has been historically mined but remains largely unexplored using modern geophysical techniques. The IP survey, expected to conclude within 10 days, will provide data critical to selecting drilling targets to establish a maiden resource estimate.

Historic Operations and Strategic Importance

The Purple Pansy Project spans approximately 4,142 acres and includes numerous historic gold and manganese workings dating back to sporadic operations up to the 1950s. Ragusa’s acquisition of a controlling interest in Pegasus Tel Inc., which holds the project, was recently supported by high-grade rock sample results, including manganese assays up to 45.6%, underscoring the site’s potential.

With the United States currently 100% reliant on manganese imports, the Black Rock prospect gains strategic significance. Manganese is federally designated as a critical mineral essential for energy storage and defence technologies. Ragusa’s project is well positioned to benefit from government initiatives aimed at rebuilding domestic supply chains for such minerals, a factor that adds a compelling geopolitical dimension to the exploration effort.

Next Steps in Exploration and Resource Development

Following the IP survey, Ragusa plans to process and interpret the geophysical data to identify zones of chargeability indicative of massive manganese mineralisation. These insights will guide targeted drilling campaigns designed to test both the surface-exposed mineralisation and its potential subsurface extensions. The company’s Chair, Jerko Zuvela, emphasised the opportunity to define a project with scale and long-term value for shareholders.

This exploration push builds on Ragusa’s recent progress, including the securing of a controlling stake in Pegasus Tel Inc. and the Purple Pansy Project, as well as the release of encouraging rock sample assays. The company is methodically advancing from surface observations to geophysical definition and then drilling, a progression that will be closely watched by investors given the critical minerals context and the US government’s focus on domestic manganese supply.

Ragusa’s approach reflects a blend of technical rigour and strategic positioning, leveraging the historic Black Rock Mine’s visible manganese oxide to underpin a modern resource development program. The coming weeks will be pivotal as the IP survey results emerge and drilling targets crystallise, potentially setting the stage for a maiden resource estimate that could elevate the project’s profile.

Exploration at Purple Pansy is unfolding amid a broader push by Ragusa to expand and develop its US manganese-gold assets, following its recent $600K raise and acquisition progress and the confirmation of high-grade manganese assays that underpin the company’s optimism. The IP survey is a critical next step in translating these early indicators into a defined resource.