Wandanya Project Black Canyon Ltd Delivers Exceptional Manganese Results

Black Canyon's Wandanya Discovery Delivers Impressive Manganese and Iron Results

Black Canyon Limited (ASX: BCA) has announced outstanding new drill results from its Wandanya Project in Western Australia, with some of the thickest and highest-grade manganese intersections reported to date, alongside significant high-grade iron discoveries.

Exceptional Manganese Results Confirm Scale of Discovery

The latest assay results from Black Canyon's Phase 2 RC drilling program at Wandanya have delivered exceptional manganese intersections, confirming the scale and quality of this emerging discovery. Standout results include:

• 7m @ 40.1% Mn from surface including 4m @ 46.9% from 3m (WDRC125)
• 6m @ 37.9% Mn from 6m including 3m @ 46.3% Mn from 9m (WDRC126)
• 6m @ 35.6% Mn from 10m including 3m @ 48% Mn from 12m (WDRC127)
• 10m @ 27.7% Mn from 4m including 3m @ 39.6% Mn from 10m (WDRC063)
• 8m @ 32.3% Mn from 7m including 5m @ 40.1% Mn from 9m (WDRC064)
• 12m @ 31.9% Mn from 5m including 7m @ 39.3% Mn from 9m (WDRC065)

These results confirm shallow stratabound manganese mineralisation with consistent thickness and grade intervals across 2km of strike, with cross-strike widths ranging between 160m and 450m. Importantly, the mineralisation remains open to the north and east on multiple drill lines.

Significant Iron Discovery Adds Value

In addition to the exceptional manganese results, Black Canyon has reported significant shallow high-grade iron intersections, including:

• 13m @ 59.3% Fe from 1m including 7m @ 62.0% Fe from 7m (WDRC056)
• 12m @ 59.3% Fe from 4m including 7m @ 63.9% Fe from 7m (WDRC057)
• 11m @ 56.4% Fe from 2m, including 5m @ 60% Fe from 7m (WDRC055)

RC drilling has defined iron mineralisation along the western boundary over 800m of strike, with cross-strike drill lines extending the iron mineralisation 170m to 320m to the east.

"The unique stratabound manganese mineralisation discovered by Black Canyon continues to impress, delivering consistent and widespread shallow manganese intersections. Pleasingly, several of the drill results announced today represent some of the thickest and highest-grade manganese intersections we have drilled to date at Wandanya," said Black Canyon's Managing Director Brendan Cummins.

Understanding Stratabound Manganese Deposits

Stratabound manganese deposits like Wandanya form within sedimentary rock sequences where manganese-rich minerals are concentrated in specific layers or "strata." These deposits typically result from hydrothermal processes where manganese-bearing fluids replace reactive host rocks.

The geological sequence at Wandanya is shallowly dipping to the east and includes footwall dolomite, spotted manganese dolomite, massive manganese, and manganese dolomite breccia overlain by hangingwall dolomite. This consistent layering across multiple drill lines suggests a well-developed mineral system with predictable grade distribution.

Stratabound deposits have several key characteristics that make them attractive exploration targets:

1. Consistency: The mineralisation typically maintains relatively uniform thickness and grade over significant distances
2. Predictability: The layered nature makes geological modelling more straightforward
3. Continuity: Mineralisation tends to follow specific stratigraphic horizons, aiding resource definition
4. Low strip ratios: The tabular, shallow-dipping nature can result in favourable mining geometries

At Wandanya, the consistent high-grade footwall zone (35-45% Mn) and moderate-grade hangingwall zone (15-25% Mn) demonstrate these classic stratabound characteristics.

Future Exploration Plans and Development Timeline

Black Canyon is moving quickly to advance the Wandanya Project:

• Phase 3 RC drilling is currently underway with a planned 3,500m program
• Drilling is expected to be completed by the end of August 2025
• Results are anticipated from mid-October through November 2025
• A diamond core drilling program is planned to collect samples for metallurgical testing

The current drilling aims to extend coverage to the north and infill drill lines to test the full 3km strike of mapped manganese and iron mineralisation. Previous metallurgical testing has shown that material averaging 30% Mn can be beneficiated to achieve a 45% Mn product grade, exceeding the premium 44% Mn benchmark grade.

Investment Potential: Why Wandanya Stands Out

The Wandanya discovery represents a potentially significant new manganese and iron resource with several compelling investment attributes:

1. Grade and Scale: Consistent high-grade manganese (up to 48% Mn) and iron (up to 63.9% Fe) across substantial widths and strike length

2. Near-Surface Mineralisation: The shallow nature of both the manganese and iron mineralisation suggests potential for low strip-ratio mining operations

3. Dual Commodity Potential: The project offers exposure to both manganese (critical for steel and batteries) and high-grade iron ore

4. Metallurgical Advantages: Initial testing shows the manganese can be upgraded to premium product specifications using density separation

5. Strategic Location: Located in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of Western Australia with established infrastructure

"We consider the iron results also announced today as a substantive bonus to the project. We recognise the longer-term value lies with manganese which is typically 2 to 3 times the value of iron but with these potentially Direct Ship Ore (DSO) shallow and low strip ratio iron ore grades encountered at or close to surface and located up dip from the manganese mineralisation, there is an option to examine a low CAPEX DSO startup leading to the manganese development," noted Cummins.

Why Investors Should Follow Black Canyon

Black Canyon represents a compelling investment opportunity for several key reasons:

1. Critical Mineral Exposure: Manganese is essential for steel production and is increasingly important for battery technology, particularly for electric vehicles

2. Dual Commodity Strategy: The company offers exposure to both manganese and high-grade iron ore, providing diversification within a single project

3. Exploration Momentum: With three phases of drilling in quick succession and consistent high-grade results, the company is rapidly advancing the Wandanya discovery

4. Development Optionality: The shallow, high-grade nature of both commodities offers multiple development pathways, including potential for a low-capital DSO operation

5. Strong Management: The company is led by experienced mining executives with a track record of exploration success and resource development

As the Phase 3 drilling program progresses and metallurgical testing continues, investors should watch for further confirmation of the scale and quality of this emerging discovery. With manganese playing a critical role in both traditional steel manufacturing and the growing battery sector, Black Canyon is well-positioned to capitalise on strong demand fundamentals for this essential mineral.

The company has consolidated a significant land holding totalling 2,300km² in the underexplored Balfour Manganese Field and across the Oakover Basin in Western Australia. This strategic position, combined with the emerging high-grade discoveries at Wandanya, positions Black Canyon as a significant player in the manganese exploration sector.

Want to Capitalise on This Emerging Manganese and Iron Discovery?

Uncover the investment potential of Black Canyon's Wandanya Project, delivering some of the thickest and highest-grade manganese intersections to date alongside significant high-grade iron discoveries. To learn more about this compelling dual-commodity opportunity in Western Australia's Balfour Manganese Field, visit the Black Canyon Investor Dashboard for comprehensive project information, latest announcements and contact details.