Timor-Leste’s First Modern Mineral Drilling Reveals Promising Manganese But Challenges Remain
Estrella Resources has released its first assay results from the Ira Miri manganese prospect in Timor-Leste, revealing significant high-grade manganese intersections and reshaping its exploration strategy to focus on primary and secondary manganese beds.
- First assays confirm high-grade manganese up to 53% Mn
- Significant intersections include 8.05m at 53% Mn and 6.45m at 51.7% Mn
- Exploration strategy shifted to target manganese beds within the Noni Formation
- Ongoing drilling campaign with over 10,000m planned
- Market appraisal of 20,000 to 30,000 tonnes supergene manganese parcel planned by year-end
Breaking New Ground in Timor-Leste
Estrella Resources Limited (ASX – ESR) has announced the first assay results from its maiden drilling campaign at the Ira Miri manganese prospect in Timor-Leste, marking a significant milestone as the country’s first modern mineral drilling program. The assays confirm the presence of high-grade manganese mineralisation, with notable intersections including 8.05 metres at 53% manganese and 6.45 metres at 51.7% manganese. These results validate Estrella’s initial discoveries and underscore the prospect’s potential to host economically viable manganese deposits.
Refining the Exploration Strategy
Following these encouraging results, Estrella has adjusted its exploration approach to focus on both primary and secondary manganese beds within the Noni Formation, a geological unit identified as hosting significant mineralisation. The company’s drilling has revealed zones of secondary enrichment, supergene manganese oxides, that enhance the grade and economic appeal of the deposit. For example, angled holes EMDD022 and EMDD023 intersected multiple zones of secondary manganese enrichment, visually estimated at up to 90% manganese oxide content.
Expanding the Drilling Campaign
The initial drilling campaign, which has already surpassed 10,000 metres, is ongoing with plans to drill additional holes along strike to better define the extent of mineralisation. Estrella aims to delineate a 20,000 to 30,000 tonne parcel of supergene manganese for a market appraisal scheduled before the end of the calendar year. This step is critical to assessing the deposit’s commercial viability and attracting potential partners or off-take agreements.
Local and Industry Support
Estrella’s Managing Director, Chris Daws, highlighted the significance of these results in the context of Timor-Leste’s nascent mining sector, emphasizing the company’s role in pioneering modern mineral exploration in the country. Local partner Murak Rai Timor E.P.’s President & CEO, Jose Manuel Goncalves, praised the steady progress and the potential economic impact of the manganese discoveries. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to unlocking Timor-Leste’s mineral resources responsibly and sustainably.
Looking Ahead
Beyond Ira Miri, Estrella is also preparing for limestone drilling at its Werumata project, indicating a diversified exploration portfolio in Timor-Leste. The company continues to update its geological models as new data emerges, refining its understanding of the region’s mineral potential. While the initial assay results are promising, further drilling and comprehensive economic studies will be essential to confirm the deposit’s viability and to chart a path toward development.
Bottom Line?
Estrella’s Ira Miri results open a new chapter for manganese exploration in Timor-Leste, but the journey from discovery to development is just beginning.
Questions in the middle?
- What are the full assay results from the ongoing drilling program beyond the initial holes?
- How economically viable is the supergene manganese parcel once fully appraised?
- What regulatory and infrastructure challenges might Estrella face in advancing mining operations in Timor-Leste?
