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Mining
Significant high-grade manganese has been detected in core scans taken from diamond drilling at the Bryah Basin Manganese Joint Venture project in WA.
Core taken from drilling at the project, which is currently 60%-owned by Bryah Resources (ASX:BYH) and 40%-owned by OM (Manganese) Limited, was recently scanned using high-resolution non-destructive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis with exciting results.
Scanning confirmed the presence of shallow, high-grade manganese, with some grades exceeding 50% manganese over 10cm intervals.
Results of core scanning for drill hole BRDD005 included 48 10cm intervals grading between 30% and 40% manganese, and 15 samples above 40% manganese, with a peak grade of 52.6% manganese over one 10cm interval.
Bryah said variability in the manganese grades indicated that beneficiation should be achieved on the project, with samples to be used in an upcoming beneficiation testwork program ahead of mineral resource estimates.
Significantly for BYH, all activities on its namesake JV project are fully funded by OM as it earns up to a 51% stake in the arrangement. OM (Manganese) is a subsidiary of OM Holdings (ASX:OMH).
Managing director Neil Marston said the results painted a compelling picture of the project’s potential.
“These grades greatly advance our project understanding as we move the company towards mining and manganese production,” he said.
“Importantly, our exploration to date has targeted just a small part of the manganiferous Horseshoe Range, with approximately 70km of this prospective feature under our control.
“These core scanning results confirm visual observations of the presence of some exceptionally high-grade manganese in the Bryah Basin.”
The use of XRF analysis on uncut diamond core from January’s drilling program was lauded by Marston. The technique, when compared with nearby 1m samples from RC drilling, gives insights into the nature of manganese mineralisation and the beneficiation potential of deposits.
“By using this innovative technology we have been able to determine that significant manganese mineralisation is present, with grades ranging from 30% manganese to in excess of 50% manganese,” he said.
“Our intention is to take this core and conduct a series of beneficiation tests to ascertain the best methods to use to produce a quality manganese product.
“Those results will flow into our mineral resource estimation work, which should be completed later this quarter.”
January’s drilling comprised seven holes for 201 metres, with two at the Horseshoe South Extended area and five at the Brumby Creek project.
Bryah continues to project manage the manganese exploration on its Bryah Basin project under the terms of the joint venture agreement struck with OMM in 2019.
That arrangement may change once the latter earns up to a 51% stake in the project – a milestone which is expected to take place with exploration spend of $500,000 over Q2 and Q3 of this year.
OMM has until June 30, 2022 to earn up to the 51% stake – which applies to manganese only over the 600km2 project.
Bryah continues to explore the historically strong region for copper-gold, having kicked off a drill program last month at the Windalah prospect.
In March, the company announced plans to spin out its Tumblegum South gold project into a new IPO called Star Minerals.
This article was developed in collaboration with Bryah Resources, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.
This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
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