Wandanya Drilling Yields 64% Iron and 41% Manganese in Phase 2 Assays

Exploration Breakthrough at Wandanya

Australian manganese developer Black Canyon Limited (ASX – BCA) has reported significant progress in its June 2025 quarter activities, spotlighting its Wandanya Manganese and Iron Project in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. The company’s Phase 2 reverse circulation drilling program has confirmed the presence of extensive manganese and iron mineralisation, with assays from key drill holes revealing impressive grades including 12 metres at 60.1% iron and 8 metres at 31.1% manganese.

The drilling results reinforce the discovery of a hydrothermal stratabound manganese horizon extending over 2 kilometres of strike, with mineralisation remaining open to the north and east. Concurrently, shallow hematite-rich iron formations have been intersected over hundreds of metres, also open for further expansion. These findings suggest a substantial mineral system with potential to underpin a long-life mining operation.

Metallurgical Advances Bolster Project Economics

Complementing the drilling success, metallurgical testwork has demonstrated encouraging beneficiation results. Using heavy liquid separation techniques analogous to industry-standard dense media separation, Black Canyon achieved an 80% recovery of manganese, producing a high-grade concentrate averaging 45% manganese. This concentrate surpasses the premium 44% manganese benchmark, indicating strong product quality for steel and battery markets.

The testwork also highlighted low impurities such as phosphorus, iron, and aluminium, enhancing the concentrate’s attractiveness. These metallurgical improvements are critical as they directly influence the economic viability and marketability of the project’s output.

Strategic Tenement Expansion and Corporate Developments

In a strategic move to consolidate its position in the region, Black Canyon acquired six new tenements from Ndalamo Platinum Pty Ltd, adding 229 square kilometres of prospective ground around the Wandanya discovery and across the broader Balfour Manganese Field. Early field mapping confirms the continuity of manganese mineralisation into these new areas, setting the stage for expanded exploration.

On the corporate front, the company appointed Rebecca Broughton as Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer, bringing expertise in compliance and corporate governance. Black Canyon’s cash position stood at $2.2 million as of June 30, 2025, with no debt, providing a solid financial foundation for upcoming exploration and development activities.

Looking Ahead

Black Canyon plans to receive the remaining Phase 2 drill assay results in early August and commence Phase 3 drilling targeting a 3-kilometre strike of manganese and iron mineralisation. Further metallurgical testwork and heritage and environmental surveys are also scheduled to support resource definition and project advancement. Additionally, the company is progressing updates to its KR2 Mineral Resource Estimate and scoping study financial metrics, aiming to refine the project’s economic outlook.

With manganese’s critical role in steel manufacturing and electric vehicle battery cathodes, Black Canyon’s developments position it well to capitalize on growing demand for this essential mineral.