Estrella Reports 12.87m at 80% Manganese Oxides in Ira Miri Drilling
Estrella Resources has reported significant high-grade manganese intersections at its Ira Miri project and initiated a major limestone drilling campaign at Werumata, marking a pivotal quarter in its Timor-Leste exploration efforts.
- High-grade manganese intersections up to 80% manganese oxides at Ira Miri
- First modern hard rock manganese exploration campaign in Timor-Leste
- Environmental approvals secured for Werumata limestone drilling targeting 500 million tonne resource
- Advanced geophysical surveys including LiDAR and drone magnetics enhance drill targeting
- Raised $5 million via share placement, maintaining a $4.4 million cash balance
Exploration Breakthroughs at Ira Miri
Estrella Resources Limited (ASX – ESR) has unveiled compelling progress in its manganese and limestone projects in Timor-Leste during the September 2025 quarter. At the Ira Miri manganese project, the company reported multiple drill holes intersecting broad zones of high-grade manganese oxides, with standout results including 12.87 metres grading 80% manganese oxides from just over 5 metres depth. These findings represent some of the highest-grade manganese mineralisation recorded in the region and mark the first modern hard rock manganese exploration campaign in Timor-Leste’s history.
The initial drilling campaign has successfully delineated both primary and secondary enriched manganese zones within the Noni Formation, with visual estimates supported by laboratory assays confirming grades exceeding 50% manganese in several holes. Estrella’s use of advanced geophysical techniques such as LiDAR mapping, drone-based magnetics, and MobileMTd electromagnetic resistivity surveys has refined geological models, enabling more precise drill targeting and enhancing the potential for resource definition.
Werumata Limestone Project Advances
Parallel to manganese exploration, Estrella has secured all necessary environmental and community approvals to commence drilling at the Werumata limestone project. The company plans an initial 26-hole reverse circulation drilling program targeting a highly prospective limestone deposit near the coast, with the ambition of defining a JORC-compliant inferred resource of at least 500 million tonnes. The limestone, characterized by high purity and excellent neutralisation potential, is positioned strategically close to a potential deep-water port, enhancing its commercial viability.
Assays from fresh limestone samples confirm the high quality of the Baucau and Batu Putih formations, with calcium carbonate content exceeding 85% in many samples. This positions the Werumata project as a potentially significant supplier of industrial and environmental-grade limestone to regional markets.
Strategic Partnerships and Financial Position
Estrella continues to advance its strategic Master Agreement with Indonesian partner PT Raka Energi Mandiri, which, upon execution, will grant exclusive marketing and offtake rights for the limestone product. The company has agreed to extend milestone timelines under this agreement to align with permitting and resource definition progress.
Financially, Estrella raised $5 million through a share placement during the quarter, bolstering its cash reserves to $4.4 million at quarter-end. Exploration expenditure totaled $1.644 million, reflecting the company’s commitment to advancing its projects. With over two quarters of funding available, Estrella is well-positioned to sustain its exploration momentum.
Outlook and Market Context
Estrella’s dual focus on manganese and limestone in Timor-Leste taps into growing demand for critical minerals and industrial commodities in Asia. The high-grade manganese intersections at Ira Miri could position the company as a key player in a relatively untapped manganese province, while the Werumata limestone project offers exposure to a clean industrial mineral with broad applications.
As the company progresses towards resource definition and feasibility studies, the market will be watching closely for updated assay results, scoping study outcomes, and the finalisation of offtake agreements. Estrella’s ability to navigate permitting and community engagement successfully will be critical to unlocking the full value of its Timor-Leste assets.
Bottom Line?
Estrella’s exploration momentum in Timor-Leste sets the stage for defining substantial manganese and limestone resources, with upcoming assay results and feasibility studies poised to shape its next growth phase.
Questions in the middle?
- How will forthcoming assay results from Ira Miri influence Estrella’s resource estimates and project valuation?
- What are the timelines and risks associated with securing infrastructure permits for limestone export at Werumata?
- How might Estrella’s partnership with PT Raka Energi Mandiri impact marketing and offtake strategies in competitive regional markets?
