Black Canyon Resumes Drilling at Wandanya Manganese Discovery

Black Canyon Resumes Drilling at Promising Wandanya Manganese and Iron Discovery

Black Canyon Limited (ASX: BCA) has announced the commencement of its third drill program at the Wandanya Project, targeting an impressive high-grade manganese and iron discovery that extends over 3 kilometers of strike length.

Significant Discovery with Exceptional Early Results

The Wandanya discovery represents a novel exploration model on the eastern margin of the Oakover Basin, where Phase 2 drilling has already delivered consistent shallow, thick, and high-grade manganese intersections across at least 2 kilometers. Standout results include:

• 6m @ 35.0% Mn from surface including 3m @ 42.1% Mn from 3m
• 8m @ 28.5% Mn from surface including 3m @ 43.2% Mn from 4m
• 6m @ 29.2% Mn from surface including 3m @ 43.1% Mn from 3m
• 5m @ 29.3% Mn from surface including 2m @ 45.8% Mn from 3m

These high-grade results are particularly significant as they start from surface, suggesting potential for cost-effective extraction.

"We are excited to resume drilling at Wandanya, building on the outstanding results from our initial programs which confirmed shallow, high-grade manganese and iron intervals across a broad strike length," said Managing Director Brendan Cummins. "The remarkable geological continuity observed to date combined with the scale of outcropping and shallow mineralisation with proximity to existing infrastructure, reinforces our belief that Wandanya represents a significant manganese discovery in a highly underexplored part of the Oakover Basin."

Ambitious Phase 3 Drilling Program Underway

The newly commenced Phase 3 Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling program includes approximately 150 holes for 3,500 meters. This ambitious program aims to:

• Extend current drill coverage northward
• Conduct infill drilling to test the entire 3km of mapped mineralisation
• Assess cross-strike width ranging between 400m and 700m

Drill spacing varies between 200-300 meters between lines, with planned hole centers approximately 40 meters apart on each line. The program is expected to take three weeks, with assay results anticipated throughout October and November 2025.

Additionally, the company plans to conduct diamond core drilling to obtain samples for metallurgical testwork to advance beneficiation processes.

Strategic Timeline and Near-Term Catalysts

Black Canyon has outlined a clear timeline for upcoming results and developments:

This steady flow of news provides investors with multiple near-term catalysts that could drive share price appreciation upon positive results.

Understanding Manganese: A Critical Battery and Steel Material

Manganese represents a compelling investment opportunity due to its dual importance in traditional and emerging industries. As a key component in steel manufacturing, manganese is essential and non-substitutable in alloy production, providing stable industrial demand.

More significantly, manganese is classified as a critical mineral for the energy transition, serving as an important element in cathodes for lithium-ion batteries. With the rapid growth of electric vehicles and energy storage systems, demand for battery-grade manganese is projected to increase substantially in coming years.

Key Manganese Applications:

1. Steel Production: Approximately 90% of manganese is used in steel manufacturing, where it improves hardness, strength, and wear resistance. Every tonne of steel requires 7-9kg of manganese.

2. Battery Technology: Manganese is used in various lithium-ion battery chemistries, including NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt) and LMFP (Lithium-Manganese-Iron-Phosphate) cathodes.

3. Aluminium Alloys: Manganese improves corrosion resistance and strength in aluminium products.

4. Agricultural Products: Used in fertilisers and animal feed supplements.

The dual-demand dynamic provides investors with exposure to both established industrial markets and high-growth clean energy technologies.

Black Canyon's Strategic Position in the Manganese Sector

Black Canyon has established a significant footprint in Western Australia's manganese landscape:

• 2,300km² land holding across the underexplored Balfour Manganese Field and Oakover Basin
• 100% ownership of several exploration licenses in the Balfour Manganese Field
• 75% interest in the Carawine Joint Venture with Carawine Resources Limited
• Global Mineral Resource of 314 Mt @ 10.4% Mn defined across Balfour Manganese Field projects

This substantial resource base comprises:

• 100 Mt @ 10.4% Mn (Measured)
• 150 Mt @ 10.1% Mn (Indicated)
• 64 Mt @ 11.9% Mn (Inferred)

The company's substantial resource base provides a solid foundation, while the new high-grade Wandanya discovery represents significant growth potential beyond existing resources.

Why Investors Should Monitor Black Canyon Closely

Black Canyon presents a compelling investment case for several key reasons:

1. High-grade discovery: The Wandanya project's surface-level high-grade manganese results (up to 45.8% Mn) suggest potential for cost-effective extraction.

2. Significant scale potential: With 3km of mapped mineralisation and widths between 400-700m, Wandanya could develop into a substantial resource.

3. Infrastructure advantages: The proximity to existing infrastructure enhances development potential and reduces future capital requirements.

4. Exposure to critical minerals: Manganese's dual role in both steel production and battery technology provides resilience through market cycles.

5. Clear near-term catalysts: With multiple drilling results expected over the coming months, there are several potential share price catalysts on the horizon.

For investors seeking exposure to critical minerals with both established industrial demand and emerging clean energy applications, Black Canyon offers an intriguing opportunity at a relatively early stage of project development.

Technical Aspects of the Wandanya Discovery

The Wandanya discovery represents a hydrothermal, stratabound manganese and iron mineralisation type that differs from typical manganese deposits. This geological model is characterised by:

• Stratabound mineralisation: The manganese and iron mineralisation follows specific geological layers, creating predictable patterns that can aid exploration and resource definition.

• Hydrothermal origin: The minerals were likely deposited by hot, mineral-rich fluids moving through the host rocks, often resulting in higher grades than sedimentary deposits.

• Surface expression: The mineralisation outcrops at surface, potentially reducing strip ratios and mining costs.

The consistent high grades across multiple drill holes suggest a well-developed mineralisation system with significant continuity along strike. The combination of thick intersections, high grades, and surface location creates favourable conditions for potential future development scenarios.

For investors with an interest in the manganese sector, Black Canyon's continued exploration success at Wandanya represents a compelling opportunity to gain exposure to a critical mineral with growing importance in both traditional and emerging industries.

Ready to Invest in Black Canyon's Manganese Discovery?

Don't miss the opportunity to be part of Black Canyon's exciting journey as they develop their high-grade Wandanya manganese discovery. With consistent shallow intersections up to 45.8% Mn across a 3km strike length and multiple catalysts on the horizon, now is the time to learn more. Visit Black Canyon's Investor Dashboard for comprehensive project information, latest announcements, and to understand how you can participate in this compelling critical minerals opportunity.