Estrella Strikes High-Grade Manganese in Timor-Leste’s First Modern Drillhole
Estrella Resources has intersected 6.45 meters of massive manganese oxides in its first-ever drillhole in Timor-Leste, confirming the region’s untapped mineral potential and setting the stage for an extensive follow-up drilling campaign.
- Maiden drillhole EMDD001 intersects 6.45m of massive manganese oxides
- Initial PXRF assays indicate an average 40.1% manganese content
- Timor-Leste’s first modern manganese exploration drilling
- Joint venture with Murak Rai Timor backed by local government and communities
- Planned follow-up drilling includes 3,000m diamond and 10,000m RC drilling
A Landmark Discovery in an Underexplored Region
Estrella Resources Limited (ASX – ESR) has announced a significant milestone in its exploration efforts with the first modern manganese drilling in Timor-Leste. The maiden drillhole, EMDD001, at the Ira Miri Prospect in Lautém, intersected 6.45 meters of massive manganese oxides, ending in mineralisation at a depth of 7.8 meters. This discovery confirms the presence of high-grade manganese mineralisation in a region that has seen little systematic exploration until now.
High-Grade Mineralisation Confirmed by Preliminary Assays
Preliminary portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) assays on the drill core indicate an average manganese content of 40.1% over the mineralised interval. While these results are preliminary and based on uncrushed samples, they provide a strong indication of the deposit’s quality. Final laboratory assays, currently underway at ALS in Malaga, Australia, are expected to provide more definitive grade confirmation in the coming weeks.
Strategic First-Mover Advantage and Local Partnerships
Estrella’s Managing Director, Chris Daws, highlighted the strategic importance of this discovery, emphasizing the company’s first-mover advantage in Timor-Leste’s largely untapped manganese sector. The project is a joint venture with Murak Rai Timor, which holds a 30% interest, and benefits from strong support from the Timorese government and local communities. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in the rapid progress from initial reconnaissance in late 2024 to drilling success in mid-2025.
Ambitious Follow-Up Drilling Program Planned
Building on the maiden hole’s success, Estrella plans an extensive drilling campaign comprising 3,000 meters of diamond drilling and 10,000 meters of reverse circulation (RC) drilling. The initial diamond drilling utilized a man-portable rig to access the friable manganese mineralisation, but the company intends to upgrade to a more powerful diamond rig to improve core recovery and reach greater depths. This next phase aims to delineate the extent and continuity of the mineralisation and refine the geological model.
Unlocking Timor-Leste’s Mineral Potential
Timor-Leste’s manganese deposits have historically been difficult to access and underexplored due to logistical and regulatory challenges. Estrella’s breakthrough drilling represents a turning point, opening the door to systematic exploration and potential development of a new manganese province. The company’s approach integrates geological mapping, trenching, and modern assay techniques to build a comprehensive understanding of the mineralisation.
Looking Ahead
As Estrella advances its exploration program, the market will be watching closely for assay results from the expanded drilling campaign and any indications of resource potential. The company’s ability to navigate operational challenges and maintain strong local partnerships will be critical to unlocking value in this emerging manganese project.
Bottom Line?
Estrella’s maiden drillhole in Timor-Leste marks a promising start, but the true scale and economic potential of the manganese deposit await further drilling and assay results.
Questions in the middle?
- Will final laboratory assays confirm or adjust the preliminary high manganese grades?
- How extensive and continuous is the manganese mineralisation beyond the initial drillhole?
- What are the logistical and regulatory challenges Estrella might face as it scales up drilling in Timor-Leste?
