Estrella Uncovers 7.76m Manganese Zone at Ira Miri in Timor-Leste
Estrella Resources has reported a significant 7.76-metre manganese oxide intercept at its Ira Miri Project in Timor-Leste, marking a promising start to its maiden drilling campaign in this underexplored region.
- 7.76m manganese oxide intersection in drillhole EMDD002
- Maiden modern exploration campaign underway in Timor-Leste
- Assay results from initial drillhole EMDD001 expected in six weeks
- Strong local government and community support including Prime Minister endorsement
- Concurrent exploration and environmental permitting progressing at Werumata Limestone Project
A Landmark Discovery in Timor-Leste
Estrella Resources Limited (ASX – ESR) has unveiled a significant manganese oxide intercept measuring 7.76 metres from drillhole EMDD002 at its Ira Miri Project. This discovery is part of the company’s first modern mineral exploration campaign in Timor-Leste, a country with minimal prior systematic exploration despite known mineral potential.
The Ira Miri Project lies in a virtually unexplored region, and this intercept effectively twins the initial drillhole EMDD001, which encountered 6.45 metres of manganese mineralisation before technical issues curtailed recovery. The new hole was drilled with improved techniques to enhance core recovery, providing a more complete geological picture.
Technical and Geological Insights
The manganese mineralisation is hosted within the Noni Formation, interpreted as a terrestrial supergene enrichment blanket preserved beneath surface weathering. Visual estimates suggest high manganese oxide content, with some intervals reaching 100% MnO by visual approximation, though laboratory assays are pending. The depth and thickness of the mineralisation, if confirmed by assays and further drilling, could position Ira Miri among globally significant manganese deposits.
Estrella’s exploration team is employing a combination of diamond drilling, geological mapping, and environmental baseline studies. The company is also advancing permitting and community consultation efforts, particularly at the Werumata Limestone Project nearby, where preliminary scoping and environmental licensing work has commenced.
Strong Local Support and Strategic Positioning
Notably, Estrella’s efforts have garnered high-level recognition, including a site visit by Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, who expressed strong support for the company’s projects. The visit included government officials, local authorities, and investors, underscoring the strategic importance of Estrella’s exploration activities for the country’s emerging minerals sector.
Community engagement remains a priority, with ongoing liaison and environmental baseline work in the Baucau and Lautém municipalities. The company’s approach aims to balance resource development with sustainable local benefits, a critical factor in the region’s socio-economic landscape.
Looking Ahead
Assay results from the initial drillhole EMDD001 are anticipated within six weeks, which will provide crucial data to validate the visual estimates and inform resource modelling. Meanwhile, drilling continues at Ira Miri with plans to expand to nearby targets such as Sica later in the year. The Werumata Limestone Project is also advancing through environmental permitting and community consultation, targeting a large prospective area with favorable logistics and infrastructure.
Estrella’s maiden campaign in Timor-Leste is thus shaping up as a pivotal chapter in the country’s mineral exploration history, with promising early results and strong institutional backing.
Bottom Line?
As assay results loom and drilling expands, Estrella’s Timor-Leste projects could redefine manganese exploration in a new frontier.
Questions in the middle?
- Will assay results confirm the high-grade manganese content suggested by visual estimates?
- How extensive and continuous is the manganese mineralisation beyond the initial drillholes?
- What are the timelines and hurdles for advancing Werumata Limestone Project towards resource definition?
