AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
FRA
GER
ESP
ITA
NLD
PRT
SWE
GRC
IND
POL
BRA
ZAF
RUS
CHN
UAE
Highlights
- Black Canyon (BCA) confirms large manganese and iron systems at Wandanya
- Phase two drilling sets stage for extended 3km strike exploration
- Iron-rich formation shows potential for large-scale development
Black Canyon (ASX:BCA) has made notable progress at its Wandanya Project in Western Australia, following a successful phase two drilling campaign that confirmed substantial manganese and iron mineralisation systems. This development marks a key step forward for the company’s ambitions in the Pilbara region.
The company plans to deploy a reverse circulation drill rig in August 2025 to explore the full 3-kilometre strike of the stratabound manganese horizon and further examine the iron-rich formation expanding to the north and east. This decision follows encouraging drill chip logs and geological assessments consistent with previous findings at the W2 prospect.
According to the company, the latest drillholes intersected the targeted hydrothermal manganese zones, reinforcing the geological model with strong mineralisation continuity. The manganese mineralisation has been delineated along a 2-kilometre stretch, remaining open-ended to the north and east—indicating significant upside potential for further expansion.
Notably, the iron-rich formations identified during the recent campaign are laterally extensive. Surface mapping shows hematite-dominated outcroppings stretching over 5 kilometres along strike. Prior to this drill program, the subsurface thickness of the iron horizon was not well defined. However, early indications now suggest the potential for deeper and more expansive mineralisation, subject to assay confirmations due in July and August 2025.
These findings support Black Canyon’s strategic focus on manganese and iron in an evolving global market. While Australia continues to lead globally in iron ore resources and production, the recovery of the manganese export market remains closely watched. Notably, the 2024 export volumes were impacted by infrastructure disruptions, including the cyclone-induced damage at Groote Eylandt port facilities. This temporary setback has influenced the sector outlook, with Australia’s manganese earnings forecasted to dip before rebounding in the medium term.
Although Black Canyon is not currently classified as an ASX 200 stock, its ongoing progress in exploration and development makes it one to monitor as sector conditions stabilise and critical mineral demand trends gain momentum.
With a market capitalisation of $13.61 million, the company continues to leverage its project portfolio to uncover scalable resources and establish itself as a notable player in the Pilbara region’s evolving critical minerals narrative. The next phase of drilling at Wandanya is set to be a decisive step in this journey.
