Black Canyon (ASX:BCA) reports a maiden mineral resource estimate (MRE) of 23.6 million tonnes (Mt) at 25.8% manganese for its Wandanya Project in Western Australia, with the company expecting to complete a Scoping Study by December.
The resource comprises 66% measured, 26% indicated, and 8% inferred at a 12% manganese (Mn) cut-off. At higher cut-offs, the deposit contains 16.8Mt at 30% Mn (20% cut-off) and potential direct ship ore (DSO) material of 3.7Mt at 38.9% Mn (35% cut-off).
The company also established a maiden iron MRE of 12.5Mt @ 54.9% iron (Fe) at a 50% cut-off, including 5.5Mt at 57.9% Fe (55% cut-off). The iron resource classification is 100% measured.
“Wandanya is one of the most significant recent greenfields manganese discoveries in Australia, with a global MRE comprising 23.6Mt @ 25.8% Mn,” Managing Director Brendan Cummins says.
“When benchmarked against our peers, the scale and grade potential of Wandanya compares strongly and, in some key grade and mining aspects, is superior to the Bootu Creek pre-mine resource of 11Mt @ 27% Mn, which was built and operated by OM Holdings for 15 years.”
The resource extends over 3.4km of strike length with mineralisation occurring from surface to approximately 20m depth. Drilling comprised 929 holes for 24,021m on 50m by 50m and 50m by 100m grid spacing.
Metallurgical test work demonstrates strong beneficiation potential. Pilot scale dense media separation may produce ‘high-grade’ products between 38.5% and 41% manganese at approximately 80% recovery.
Iron ore drop tower tests produced 74% lump product grading 59.7% iron, confirming DSO potential.
The Wandanya resource compares favourably to the Bootu Creek mine. Bootu Creek operated for 15 years with an initial resource of 11Mt @ 27% Mn. The continuous mineralised horizon at Wandanya contrasts with the Woodie Woodie mine’s 20 individual deposits ranging from 0.2Mt to 5.5Mt.
Black Canyon holds 100% of the project through tenements E46/1407 and E46/1571. The company expects to complete its Scoping Study by December 2026 to evaluate preliminary economics for the dual-commodity operation.
Black Canyon is an Australian explorer advancing a portfolio of manganese and iron assets.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: Black Canyon
