Bryah Resources Ltd (ASX:BYH) is assessing development options for the Horseshoe South Manganese Mine in Western Australia.
The company has locked in an exclusive one-year option to purchase the mining lease covering the historical mine and a further 154 square kilometres of manganese exploration rights in the Bryah Basin.
Bryah’s managing director Neil Marston said: “The Horseshoe South Manganese Mine has been the largest manganese mine in the Bryah Basin, producing about 1 million tonnes of manganese ore, and we believe that there is potential to breathe life back into the old mine.”
Horseshoe South Manganese Mine was the largest manganese mine in the Bryah Basin producing about one million tonnes of manganese ore.
Notably, high-grade manganese of up to 48.8% manganese was recorded in recent rock chip sampling within the mining lease.
Manganese stockpiles offer early production pathway
215,000 cubic metres of manganese stockpiles are reported to remain on site at the historical mine site.
Ore sorting test work on the manganese stockpiles has commenced with positive initial results.
A detailed surveying, sampling and metallurgical test work program focused on the stockpiles is to commence.
The aim will be to establish the opportunity to upgrade the stockpiles to a saleable manganese product.
Trials on the stockpiles to commence
Marston added: “High-grade manganese up to 48% manganese was recorded in recent outcrop sampling at the mine and 215,000m\ cubic metres of manganese stockpiles are reported to remain on site; which we are currently testing.
“Historical test work on the stockpiles reported that a reasonable amount of manganese product grading 34% could be produced by screening the finer material.
“We are about to complete some trials, including using modern ore sorting technology, to verify these earlier results in the coming weeks.”
Multiple drilling programs planned
A program of exploration including drilling of manganese targets is being planned and will commence once all permitting and site clearances have been obtained.
Additionally, reverse circulation drilling at the Aquarius Copper-Gold Project will be commencing shortly.
READ: Bryah Resources identifies two manganese prospects at Bryah Basin Project
The option includes a further 154 square kilometres of manganese exploration rights to adjoining ground in the Bryah Basin, near Meekatharra, in Western Australia.
Marston added: “On our 100% owned adjoining ground we have recently identified several new manganese prospects at Black Hill, Black Caviar and Devils Hill.
“None of these new areas have been adequately evaluated so the exploration team have been charged with drill testing them over the coming months.
“We are aiming at creating a pipeline of new deposits which could sustain manganese mining operations over several years.”