Black Canyon Expands Pilbara Footprint with Strategic Manganese Acquisition

Black Canyon

Ndalamo Deal Adds 229km² to Wandanya Project, Boosting Battery Mineral Potential

Black Canyon (ASX:BCA) is expanding its manganese exploration footprint in Western Australia’s Pilbara region through the acquisition of Ndalamo Platinum, a privately held company holding six tenement applications. The deal adds 229 square kilometers of highly prospective ground to the Wandanya Manganese Project and the broader Balfour Manganese Field.

Under the binding share sale agreement, Black Canyon will issue 2 million shares and two unlisted options (exercisable at $0.14, expiring in three years) to Ndalamo. The deal is conditional on a 21-day due diligence period and the successful granting of tenements by 30 November 2025.

Managing Director Brendan Cummins said the acquisition consolidates control over key manganese-bearing strata that outcrop south and north of the Wandanya discovery, potentially extending the mineralised strike by an additional 300–400 meters.

New Tenements Extend Known Strike, Drilling Program Imminent

Black Canyon has already mapped 3km of manganese outcrops at Wandanya and expects the acquisition to enhance the scale of the project. The company is preparing for a reverse circulation (RC) drilling program, aiming to delineate resources at depth and validate surface mineralisation trends.

At Wandanya South, several rock chip samples from manganese- and iron-rich outcrops have been submitted for assay. Results are pending and will help define drill targets. Additional exploration is underway at the Nicholas Downs and Black Hills tenements to assess multiple manganese occurrences.

Cummins emphasized that the acquisition was both strategic and timely. “This is a highly prospective extension to our existing tenure and further solidifies Black Canyon’s position as a leading manganese explorer in the Pilbara.”

Manganese Outlook Strengthens with Steel and Battery Demand

Traditionally, 90% of global manganese output has been consumed in steelmaking, where it improves strength and corrosion resistance. With less than 1% of manganese used per tonne of steel, it remains a vital alloying element in infrastructure, construction, and heavy industry.

However, demand is now being driven by energy transition technologies. According to Australia’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR), manganese is the country’s largest “other critical mineral” export by value. While exports are forecast to decline with the end of life of a major mine, demand for battery-grade manganese—used in EV batteries and consumer electronics—is expected to triple in the coming years.

ScrapInsight Editorial Commentary

Black Canyon’s consolidation around Wandanya comes at a pivotal time. As steel markets stabilize and energy storage accelerates, manganese is emerging as a dual-purpose critical mineral. With Pilbara infrastructure and growing downstream interest, Black Canyon is well positioned to transition from explorer to supplier in the battery metals ecosystem.