Ira Miri Strike Extended to Nearly 100m with 5.9m of 90% Manganese Oxides

• Ira Miri manganese strike length extended to nearly 100 metres
• High-grade supergene manganese oxides intersected up to 90% visual estimate
• LiDAR and drone magnetic surveys completed at Ira Miri; MobileMT survey planned
• Werumata Limestone project bathymetric survey commenced for potential port area
• Drill pad preparation at Werumata complete; drilling imminent

Extending the Ira Miri Manganese Province

Estrella Resources Limited (ASX, ESR) has reported encouraging results from its ongoing diamond drilling program at the Ira Miri manganese project in Timor-Leste. Step-out drilling continues to extend the strike length of supergene manganese mineralisation to nearly 100 metres, with the deposit remaining open in multiple directions. Recent drill holes have intersected visually estimated manganese oxide grades as high as 90%, highlighting the prospect of a significant new manganese province in the region.

The latest drill holes, including EMDD040, intersected 5.9 metres of predominantly secondary supergene manganese oxides starting from 11.5 metres depth. Other holes such as EMDD038 and EMDD039 also returned substantial intervals of high-grade manganese oxides, reinforcing the continuity and robustness of the mineralised zone. Primary manganese oxides were also encountered, albeit at lower grades, indicating a complex mineralisation profile that warrants further investigation.

Integrating Geophysics and Exploration Techniques

Complementing the drilling, Estrella has completed LiDAR and drone magnetic surveys at Ira Miri, with a MobileMT geophysical survey scheduled for late November. These advanced geophysical tools are expected to refine targeting and enhance geological understanding, enabling the company to better delineate the extent and controls of mineralisation. Managing Director Chris Daws emphasised the value of integrating these datasets, noting that the exploration team has done a “fantastic job” in developing targets and expanding the known mineralised footprint.

Progress at Werumata Limestone Project

Meanwhile, at the Werumata Limestone project, Estrella has received LiDAR survey results covering approximately 1,700 hectares, which are being used for detailed planning. A bathymetric survey of a potential port area has commenced, aiming to assess infrastructure options critical for future development. Drill pad preparation is complete, and the arrival of the drill rig is imminent, signaling the start of large-scale calcite mineralisation drilling. The company has engaged local contractors and is progressing ahead of schedule, reflecting strong operational momentum.

Looking Ahead

Estrella plans to continue diamond drilling at Ira Miri to further delineate the mineralised zones and establish water bores and rock-type stratigraphy. The company expects laboratory assay results within 6-8 weeks, which will provide quantitative validation of the visual estimates reported. At Werumata, drilling will focus on confirming the scale and quality of limestone mineralisation, with infrastructure considerations running in parallel.

Overall, Estrella Resources is advancing two complementary projects in Timor-Leste, leveraging modern exploration techniques and local partnerships. The ongoing expansion of the Ira Miri manganese strike and preparatory work at Werumata position the company well to unlock value from these emerging mineral provinces.

Bottom Line?

As Estrella Resources pushes the boundaries of its Timor-Leste projects, upcoming assay results and drilling at Werumata will be key to defining the next phase of growth.

Questions in the middle?

• How will laboratory assays compare to the high visual manganese oxide estimates reported?
• What is the potential scale and grade continuity of the Ira Miri manganese mineralisation beyond current drill lines?
• How might infrastructure developments at Werumata impact project timelines and capital requirements?