Black Canyon (ASX:BCA) is looking forward to returning with a reverse circulation rig in 2025 to further test “compelling targets” along strike and down dip at the Wandanya Project to determine their full-scale potential.
The Australian manganese explorer and developer says results from detailed mapping and pXRF analysis of rock chip samples undertaken within the manganese corridors at Wandanya Project show the scale potential of mineralisation discovered.
Black Canyon says there is potential for significant high-grade iron formations, which had not been previously drilled or mapped prior to the company prospecting the targets.
Managing Director Brendan Cummins says following the recent reverse circulation drill program, “detailed mapping and rock chip sampling assay results continue to impress”.
“We are seeing strike extensive mineralisation along a 3km long corridor, which demonstrates the scale potential of this new and unique style of manganese mineralisation,” says Cummins.
“Widespread outcrops and consistent high-grade manganese results from drilling and rock chip sampling are becoming a clear characteristic of the Wandanya discovery.
“In addition, we are eagerly awaiting the assay results from rock-chip sampling of the extensive hematite enriched iron formations also mapped in the area that look quite prospective.”
Black Canyon says the stratabound hosted manganese mineralisation has been traced along a 3km long corridor, is dipping shallowly to the east and remains open.
The footwall and hangingwall units comprise of dolomite and calcareous siltstone respectively.
The company says the target manganese horizon is often well exposed by gulleys eroding through the hangingwall, forming continuous outcrops up to 150m cross-strike before the unit is overlain by shallow dolomite and cover sequences.
On 14 November, Mining.com.au reported Black Canyon is now beginning to appreciate the significant potential of the W2 prospect, which represents a shallow and potentially open pittable target.
The company is planning initial metallurgical testwork to examine the potential to produce high-quality manganese concentrate at W2, within the Wandanya Project in Western Australia.
The manganese concentrate aims to be produced for silico or ferro alloying and high-purity manganese sulphate testwork.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: Black Canyon
