What's Happening?
Black Canyon, a manganese-focused developer and explorer, is conducting a diamond drilling campaign at its Wandanya Project in Western Australia. The initiative aims to connect manganese and iron mineralisation
delineated from previous reverse circulation drillholes. The company plans to drill up to 500 meters, with manganese samples undergoing tests for material classification, mineralogy, density-based beneficiation, recovery trends, and potential product specifications. Initial testwork returned a concentrate of 44% manganese with an 80% recovery rate. Iron oxide samples will also be collected to assess physical characteristics and chemical specifications, followed by grade uplift studies. A heritage survey is scheduled for the end of the month, preceding infill and extensional drilling planned for 2026. Managing Director Brendan Cummins emphasized the importance of this phase in refining processing and product specification knowledge, building on previous successful testwork.
Why It's Important?
The drilling campaign at the Wandanya Project is crucial for Black Canyon as it seeks to enhance its understanding of the mineralisation and improve product specifications. The success of this initiative could lead to significant advancements in the company's exploration and development activities, potentially increasing the value of its Western Australian assets. The project is supported by strong funding, positioning Black Canyon to progress towards future development. This could have broader implications for the mining industry, particularly in the manganese sector, as the company aims to produce high-grade concentrates using cost-effective methods. The acquisition of additional tenements surrounding the Wandanya Project further strengthens Black Canyon's strategic position in the region.
What's Next?
Following the current drilling campaign, Black Canyon plans to conduct a heritage survey and proceed with infill and extensional drilling after the wet season in 2026. The company is also compiling datasets to expedite drilling at newly acquired tenements, aiming to test outcropping and potential southern extensions to the Wandanya system. These activities are expected to provide critical data for refining processing techniques and product specifications, supporting the company's pre-development activities. Black Canyon's participation in the Noosa Mining Investor Conference may also attract further investment and interest in its projects.
Beyond the Headlines
The ongoing exploration and development activities at the Wandanya Project highlight the growing importance of manganese in the global mining sector. As demand for high-grade manganese increases, companies like Black Canyon are positioned to play a significant role in meeting this demand through innovative and cost-effective methods. The project's success could set a precedent for similar initiatives, encouraging further investment in manganese exploration and development.
