Black Canyon (ASX:BCA) has reported fresh assay results that have revealed thick, shallow, manganese-enriched shales at the KR2 prospect in Western Australia.
The manganese explorer and developer says the results demonstrate widespread manganese (Mn) mineralisation at KR2, with several ‘high-grade’ intersections reported from surface or near to surface.
Drilling was completed in July this year, comprising 220 holes for 6,927m aimed to test 6 targets across the wholly owned tenements within the Balfour Manganese Field.
‘Significant’ intersections at KR2 include hole KRRC099 with 27m @ 13.4% Mn from surface, including 15m @ 16.3% Mn from 5m; hole KRRC101 with 24m @ 10.7% Mn from surface; and hole KRRC103 with 36m @ 15.5% Mn from surface, including 23m @ 17.3% Mn from 4m.
Black Canyon Executive Director Brendan Cummins says the Balfour Manganese Field tenements continue to build the company’s knowledge and understanding of the mineralisation inventory potential in the area.
“The KR2 discovery was only drilled with 14 holes, but more than half of the holes intersected mineralisation that remains largely open, providing further upside potential to expand the footprint with future drill programs.
“more than half of the holes intersected mineralisation that remains largely open…”
Going forward, the company is building the foundations for a substantial manganese business with a strategy to produce high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) for batteries used in EV’s and manganese concentrates required for steel manufacturing.”
Following the recently completed 7,000m reverse circulation drill program conducted within the Balfour Manganese Field, the company has begun compiling exploration data in preparation for a Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the area.
The company is expecting to deliver the MRE towards the end of Q4 2023.
Black Canyon is an ASX-listed exploration company focused on its ‘significant’ landholding totalling 2,400km-square in the underexplored Balfour Manganese Field and across the Oakover Basin in Western Australia.
As of 30 June 2023, the company had $1.183 million cash and cash equivalents at hand, according to its latest quarterly report. On 21 July, Black Canyon announced it was raising $1.95 million via a placement.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Black Canyon
