Estrella Reports 70% Completion of Werumata Drilling with 55m Average Limestone Thickness
Estrella Resources reports strong progress at its Werumata Limestone Project with over 70% of drilling completed, alongside promising manganese intersections at Ira Manganese Prospect. Infrastructure and feasibility studies are underway, positioning the company as a first mover in Timor-Leste’s emerging mining sector.
- Over 70% of Werumata limestone drilling completed with average thickness of 55m
- Manganese mineralisation intersected in 29 drill holes at Ira Manganese Prospect
- Samples for premium quality NMD manganese sent for expedited assay
- Feasibility and port infrastructure studies progressing with AGP Associates and Rexline Engineering
- Memorandum signed with University of Timor-Leste to establish local sample preparation laboratory
Exploration Progress at Werumata
Estrella Resources Limited (ASX – ESR) has reported encouraging progress in its maiden drilling campaign at the Werumata Limestone Project in Timor-Leste. With more than 70% of the initial drilling completed, the company has logged limestone formations averaging 55 metres in thickness, with some intersections reaching up to 87 metres. These results bolster Estrella’s target of defining a JORC-compliant limestone resource of at least 500 million tonnes, a significant milestone for the project’s development potential.
Managing Director Chris Daws highlighted the importance of these early results, noting that the broad-scale limestone mineralisation aligns well with prior mapping and sampling efforts. The project’s proximity to the coast and favourable bathymetry revealed by recent surveys suggest a viable export route, with plans underway to develop port infrastructure capable of handling limestone shipments.
Manganese Exploration at Ira Manganese Prospect
Alongside limestone drilling, Estrella has advanced exploration at the Ira Manganese Prospect, completing 45 drill holes with manganese mineralisation intersected in 29 of them. Thicknesses of mineralised zones range from 0.2 to 12.87 metres. The company has collected samples for preliminary investigation of premium quality natural manganese dioxide (NMD), a sought-after material for battery and industrial applications.
Samples have been airfreighted to a Jakarta laboratory for expedited assay, with results expected within the next few weeks. The potential for high-grade NMD positions Estrella to tap into growing demand in the battery materials market, adding a valuable commodity dimension to its portfolio.
Infrastructure and Feasibility Advancements
Estrella has engaged AGP Associates, a firm with extensive Southeast Asian mining development experience, to oversee feasibility studies and project management. Recent bathymetry and drone surveys have identified a preferred port site with deep-water access, facilitating limestone export. Rexline Engineering is supporting infrastructure planning to ensure efficient handling of materials.
Complementing these efforts, Estrella signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Timor-Leste to establish a local sample preparation laboratory. This initiative aims to reduce assay turnaround times and build local capacity, a strategic move that aligns with government interests and supports sustainable project development.
Next Steps and Outlook
The company anticipates completing inferred resource drilling at Werumata by December, with external resource specialists conducting site verification. Government approvals and a Special Investment Agreement application are expected in early 2026, paving the way for commercial development. Extraction of a bulk sample of manganese mineralisation for market appraisal is also planned imminently.
While assay results remain pending and certain regulatory milestones are yet to be achieved, Estrella’s comprehensive approach, from exploration through infrastructure and local partnerships, positions it well to capitalise on Timor-Leste’s untapped mineral potential.
Bottom Line?
Estrella’s timely progress in exploration and infrastructure sets the stage for unlocking Timor-Leste’s mineral wealth, but assay results and regulatory approvals will be key near-term catalysts.
Questions in the middle?
- Will assay results confirm the high-grade quality and commercial viability of the manganese NMD mineralisation?
- How soon can Estrella secure government approvals and finalize the Special Investment Agreement to advance development?
- What are the potential challenges and timelines for constructing the planned port infrastructure to support export operations?