Black Canyon Limited (ASX: BCA) has announced exceptional high-grade manganese and iron assay results from its newly acquired Wandanya South tenement, with rock chip samples returning grades up to 59.1% Mn and 66.3% Fe. The Black Canyon Wandanya South results confirm what could be a significant 1.8km strike extension to the company's already impressive 3km Wandanya Discovery, potentially expanding the total mineralised system to approximately 9km in length.
The standout manganese results from a 400m strike continuation directly south of the W2 prospect include 57.4% Mn, 56.1% Mn, and 52.9% Mn, whilst isolated high-grade iron samples delivered 66.0% Fe, 66.3% Fe, and 65.8% Fe across the broader 1.8km strike length.
Furthermore, these impressive Black Canyon Wandanya South results demonstrate remarkable consistency with the northern discovery. The Managing Director has expressed significant confidence in the expanding potential of the mineralised system.
The scale and grade potential of the Wandanya system continues to impress. We have drilled 3km of strike to the north of these recent results that confirm intermittent outcrops of both high-grade iron and manganese along a further 1.8km of strike, said Brendan Cummins, Managing Director.
Wandanya South: Extending a High-Grade Discovery
The Wandanya South tenement (E46/1571) sits directly adjacent to Black Canyon's flagship Wandanya Discovery, where drilling has already established consistent high-grade manganese mineralisation over 3km of strike. The W2 prospect alone has delivered impressive drilling results including 5m @ 31.1% Mn from surface, including 2m @ 42% Mn, and 6m @ 26.3% Mn from 4m, including 3m @ 40.1% Mn.
The new rock chip results from Wandanya South demonstrate remarkable consistency with the northern discovery. Consequently, this suggests the mineralising system continues southward with similar geology, grades, and widths.
In addition, the geological continuity observed across the expanded footprint provides strong confidence in the system's predictability. The Black Canyon Wandanya South results effectively double the known strike extent of high-grade mineralisation.
Key Wandanya South Results
| Sample ID | Mn % | Fe % | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W10004 | 59.1% | 0.2% | Strike continuation | Manganese rich horizon |
| W10001 | 57.4% | 0.4% | Strike continuation | Manganese rich horizon |
| W10002 | 56.1% | 0.5% | Strike continuation | Manganese rich horizon |
| W10008 | 0.4% | 66.0% | Isolated outcrop | Iron rich horizon |
| W10013 | 0.5% | 66.3% | Isolated outcrop | Iron rich horizon |
| W10009 | 58.3% | 1.1% | Isolated outcrop | Manganese rich horizon |
The samples exhibit excellent metallurgical characteristics with very low aluminium (<2.0% Al₂O₃), low silica (<3.0% SiO₂), and minimal phosphorus content (<0.02% P). These characteristics suggest potential for high-quality manganese concentrate production.
Furthermore, the dual commodity potential adds strategic value to the project. The presence of both high-grade manganese and iron mineralisation provides operational flexibility for future development scenarios.
Understanding Stratabound Manganese Deposits
Stratabound mineralisation refers to ore deposits that are confined to specific sedimentary layers or horizons, making them highly predictable once the geological sequence is understood. At Wandanya, the manganese appears to be hosted within a consistent stratigraphic position between footwall and hanging wall dolomite sequences.
This geological setting offers particular advantages for exploration and development. Stratabound deposits typically extend along strike and down-dip within their host horizons, providing predictable continuity for resource definition.
The mineralisation tends to maintain similar characteristics throughout the system, allowing for consistent grade expectations across the deposit. However, the key to successful exploration lies in understanding the structural controls and geological continuity.
Black Canyon's systematic approach of following this geological horizon has proven highly successful. The Wandanya system now potentially extends across 9km of total strike length, representing a significant increase in exploration target scale.
The company's geological team has identified that the manganese and iron horizons form isolated lenses with similar stratigraphy. For instance, the geological sequence comprises hanging wall dolomite sequence and calcareous siltstone on the footwall, even where surface exposure is limited.
Accelerated Development Timeline
Black Canyon is moving rapidly to capitalise on these promising results, with multiple drilling campaigns planned for 2026. The current diamond drilling programme is reportedly 80% completed and on track for finalisation in early December.
Consequently, the company plans to submit PQ3 diamond core for metallurgical testwork thereafter. This strategic timing will ensure optimal preparation for the major drill campaigns scheduled for post-wet season 2026.
The company has strategically completed three heritage surveys this year. Furthermore, this clearing of the regulatory pathway enables rapid programme commencement once seasonal conditions permit.
Major Drill Campaigns Post Wet Season 2026
| Programme | Metres | Timeline | Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infill/Extension | 10,000m | Q2 2026 | Resource definition within current footprint |
| Northern Extension | 5,000m | Q2 2026 | Expand mineralisation footprint north and east |
| Wandanya South | 5,000m | H1 2026 | Test 1.8km strike extension potential |
| Total | 20,000m | 2026 | System-wide evaluation |
Heritage surveys are scheduled for Q1 2026 to enable up to 5,000m of RC drilling at Wandanya South. In addition, these surveys will target the rock chip and mapping targets generated over the 1.8km strike length.
The systematic approach to permitting and planning demonstrates Black Canyon's commitment to efficient project development. Moreover, the Black Canyon Wandanya South results provide strong justification for this accelerated timeline.
Investment Thesis: Scale Meets Grade in Manganese
Black Canyon is rapidly emerging as a significant consolidator in the Australian manganese sector. The Wandanya system offers compelling investment characteristics across multiple dimensions, particularly following the latest exploration success.
Resource Scale Potential
The company's systematic exploration approach has established a current footprint of 3km of proven high-grade mineralisation. However, the Wandanya South results now indicate expansion potential of an additional 1.8km or more.
Based on geological mapping, the total system scale could potentially reach 9km of strike length. This represents a substantial increase in the exploration target compared to the initial discovery footprint.
Black Canyon maintains a broader portfolio position with a 315Mt @ 10.5% Mn Global Resource across its Balfour projects. Furthermore, this provides additional development optionality beyond the Wandanya Discovery.
Grade Quality and Metallurgy
The consistency of high-grade results across the expanding footprint demonstrates remarkable geological continuity. Manganese grades consistently range between 55-60% Mn across multiple prospects, with excellent metallurgical characteristics evidenced by low deleterious elements.
The dual commodity potential adds strategic value, with high-grade iron mineralisation alongside manganese. Consequently, this provides additional revenue streams and operational flexibility for future development scenarios.
Moreover, the Black Canyon Wandanya South results maintain the same exceptional grade profile observed in the northern prospects. This consistency provides confidence in the deposit's overall quality and development potential.
Strategic Market Positioning
Black Canyon holds 100% ownership of key tenements, providing complete operational control and development flexibility. The systematic exploration approach has proven highly effective in expanding the resource footprint.
Clear development pathways have been established through the planned 20,000m drilling programme. Furthermore, this comprehensive approach ensures systematic evaluation of the entire mineralised system.
Market fundamentals for manganese remain strong, driven by steel industry demand and emerging battery applications. The company's 161.2M shares on issue with strong institutional backing (28% funds and institutions) provides leveraged exposure to what could become a major manganese development.
Why Investors Should Monitor Black Canyon
Black Canyon has positioned itself as a major consolidator in Western Australia's underexplored manganese regions. The Wandanya Discovery represents a new exploration model that could unlock significant value across the broader region.
The combination of exceptional grades, system-scale potential, and accelerated development timeline creates multiple catalysts for 2026. However, the most immediate catalyst stems from the Black Canyon Wandanya South results and their implications for resource expansion.
Key monitoring points include metallurgical testwork results from diamond core expected in Q1 2026. In addition, resource estimation updates as infill drilling progresses will provide important valuation metrics.
Strike extension confirmation from Wandanya South drilling will be crucial for validating the expanded system scale. Furthermore, broader system evaluation across the potential 9km footprint could significantly enhance the project's development economics.
Investment Highlight
With up to 20,000 metres of drilling planned across a potentially 9km manganese system, Black Canyon offers investors exposure to one of Australia's most promising undeveloped manganese projects. The systematic approach to resource definition and expansion, combined with exceptional grades and excellent metallurgy, positions BCA as a potential beneficiary of growing manganese demand in steel and battery sectors.
The company's reported ability to consistently deliver high-grade results across an expanding footprint demonstrates strong geological understanding. Consequently, this success, coupled with a clear development strategy and institutional backing, establishes Black Canyon as a compelling proposition in the Australian manganese space.
For instance, the Black Canyon Wandanya South results represent more than just exploration success – they validate a systematic approach to regional consolidation. This methodology could prove highly effective across the company's broader tenement portfolio, potentially unlocking additional value beyond the current Wandanya focus.
Want to Learn More About Black Canyon's Manganese Discovery?
With exceptional grades up to 59.1% Mn confirmed across a potentially 9km mineralised system and 20,000 metres of drilling planned for 2026, Black Canyon Limited presents a compelling investment opportunity in Australia's emerging manganese sector. The company's systematic approach to resource expansion and clear development pathway position it as a key player to watch.
For comprehensive investor information, detailed project updates, and the latest ASX announcements regarding the Wandanya Discovery and expansion programme, visit Black Canyon's investor dashboard.
