Estrella Resources Launches Drilling at Werumata Limestone Project in Timor-Leste
Estrella Resources has secured all approvals to begin maiden drilling at its Werumata limestone project, targeting a substantial 500 million tonne resource near key infrastructure in Timor-Leste.
- Approvals and community consultations completed for Werumata drilling
- Initial campaign includes 26 RC holes with diamond and infill drilling planned
- Targeting a 500 million dry metric tonne inferred limestone resource
- Master Agreement in place with international mining services partner
- Drilling expected to commence within two weeks, with infrastructure works underway
Strategic Milestone Achieved
Estrella Resources Limited (ASX – ESR) has reached a significant milestone with the receipt of all necessary approvals to commence drilling at its Werumata limestone project in Timor-Leste. The company has completed environmental impact assessments and community consultations, clearing the way for what it describes as a maiden drilling campaign targeting a large-scale limestone deposit.
The Werumata project, situated near the coast in the Baucau Municipality, benefits from proximity to existing infrastructure and a potential deep-water port development. This strategic location could facilitate future export logistics, an important factor for industrial minerals like limestone.
Drilling Campaign and Resource Potential
The initial drilling program will comprise 26 reverse circulation (RC) holes, supplemented by follow-up diamond and infill drilling. Estrella aims to delineate a JORC-compliant inferred resource of approximately 500 million dry metric tonnes of high-purity limestone, predominantly calcite. This limestone exhibits excellent neutralisation potential and low impurities, making it suitable for various industrial applications, including pH control in waste streams.
Managing Director Chris Daws highlighted the company’s first-mover advantage in this relatively unexplored region. He emphasized the simultaneous progress at the Werumata limestone and the Ira Miri manganese projects, underscoring Estrella’s aggressive exploration strategy in Timor-Leste.
Commercial and Operational Outlook
Estrella has entered a Master Agreement with an international mining services partner, which, if executed, will grant exclusive marketing and offtake rights for the limestone resource. This arrangement is contingent on meeting key development conditions, including resource definition through drilling.
Preparatory works such as track and pad construction are already underway, with drilling anticipated to start within approximately two weeks. The company is also planning a bathymetric survey offshore to support potential port infrastructure development, further enhancing the project’s logistical appeal.
Broader Implications
The Werumata limestone project represents a promising addition to Estrella’s portfolio, potentially positioning the company as a key supplier of industrial limestone in the Asian region. The high purity and neutralisation capacity of the limestone could open diverse market opportunities, particularly in environmental and industrial sectors.
As drilling progresses, market participants will be watching closely for assay results and resource updates that could validate the project’s scale and quality. The company’s ability to advance infrastructure and finalize commercial agreements will also be critical to translating exploration success into operational and financial outcomes.
Bottom Line?
Estrella’s upcoming drilling results will be pivotal in unlocking the Werumata limestone’s commercial potential and shaping its role in regional industrial minerals markets.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the drilling confirm the targeted 500 million tonne inferred resource?
- What are the specific terms and timeline for executing the Master Agreement with the mining services partner?
- How soon can port infrastructure and logistics be developed to support large-scale limestone exports?
