Challenges Ahead as Estrella Tackles Core Recovery and Resource Definition at Ira Miri

A New Chapter in Timor-Leste Manganese Exploration

Estrella Resources Limited (ASX – ESR) has taken a significant step forward in its manganese exploration efforts at the Ira Miri Project, located in the Lautém Municipality of Timor-Leste. The company has mobilised a more powerful, track-mounted diamond drill rig to the site, replacing the earlier man-portable rig that faced limitations in core recovery and depth penetration. This upgrade is critical to advancing the understanding of the mineralisation and improving the quality of core samples.

Alongside this operational enhancement, Estrella announced the discovery of a second supergene manganese outcrop approximately 350 metres north-northwest of the initial discovery zone. This new outcrop exhibits visual manganese oxide estimates exceeding 90%, closely resembling the initial Ira Miri mineralisation. The mineralisation is hosted within the Noni Formation and has now been mapped over an impressive 4.5-kilometre strike length, underscoring the extensive nature of the deposit.

Strategic Drilling and Environmental Compliance

The commencement of the diamond drilling program marks the first modern minerals exploration campaign in Timor-Leste for Estrella. The company has secured the necessary environmental license approval, a crucial regulatory milestone that enables the planned drilling activities. The initial program consists of 3,000 metres of diamond drilling and 10,000 metres of reverse circulation (RC) drilling, with a secondary 10,000 metres of RC drilling anticipated following a geological review of initial results.

CoreSearch, the contracted drilling partner, has already begun twinning the initial hole EMDD001 to validate and expand upon the early findings. The more capable diamond rig is expected to deliver improved core recovery and deeper penetration into the manganese zones, providing critical data to guide subsequent drilling phases.

Building a Resource Base in an Underexplored Region

Estrella’s Managing Director, Chris Daws, highlighted the significance of the recent discoveries and drilling progress. He emphasised that the new outcrop discovery validates the geological model and confirms the extensive supergene manganese mineralisation within the Noni Formation. The company’s focus remains on unlocking the full value of the Ira Miri Project by building a robust resource base in a region that has seen little systematic modern exploration.

Samples from the new outcrop have been collected and sent for laboratory analysis, with assay results expected in the coming weeks. While visual estimates suggest high manganese oxide content, these results will be essential to confirm the grade and economic potential of the mineralisation.

Looking Ahead

Preparations for the broader RC drilling campaign are underway, with groundwork and track pad development progressing to support the larger-scale program. Estrella plans to extend drilling across the Ira, Sica, and Lalena prospects, aiming to delineate the mineralisation further and assess its viability for resource development.

This campaign represents a pivotal moment for Estrella Resources as it seeks to establish itself as a key player in manganese exploration within Timor-Leste, leveraging modern techniques and a strategic approach to unlock the region’s mineral potential.