Black Canyon's update on manganese concentrate production

Australian manganese explorer and developer, Black Canyon Limited (Black Canyon or the Company) (ASX: $BCA), has reported the successful production of higher-grade manganese concentrates from the KR1 and KR2 deposits. The Heavy Liquid Separation (HLS) testwork has yielded manganese concentrate grades between 30.2% and 37.4% Mn from KR1 samples, and between 29.2% and 35.3% Mn from KR2 samples, surpassing the target grade specification of 30-33% Mn. The Company is also actively exploring potential sites in Western Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania for the location of a downstream manganese processing facility.

Executive Director's perspective on the milestone

The Executive Director, Brendan Cummins, expressed satisfaction with the results, stating, 'The metallurgical results are significant for two reasons. Firstly, we have achieved a higher grade manganese concentrate above our target range of 30 - 33% Mn and secondly it improves our understanding of the relationship between concentrate grade, recovery and particle size liberation. Using wet screening, crushing and subjecting the samples to HLS and Wifley tabling beneficiation testwork we have achieved a bonus on our objectives which opens the scope to improve overall recoveries and also examine the potential for a higher-grade manganese product in addition to a standard grade manganese product.'

Outlook and future plans

Black Canyon's successful production of higher-grade manganese concentrates demonstrates its progress in achieving substantial mineral resources for alloying in the steel industry and downstream HPMSM processing. The Company's focus on discovering potential sites for a downstream manganese processing facility in Western Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania reflects its commitment to furthering its production capabilities. The ongoing exploration and development of the Balfour Manganese Field projects, with a Global Mineral Resource of 314 Mt @ 10.4% Mn, position Black Canyon as a key player in the manganese industry. The Company's ambitions to optimize and refine the HPMSM flowsheet, along with its pursuit of an Australian-based location for the processing facility, indicate a strong corporate strategy aimed at long-term growth and sustainability.