Estrella Resources Unveils High-Grade 58% Manganese at Ira Miri with Bulk Sample Greenlight

Strong Manganese Grades Confirmed at Ira Miri

Estrella Resources Limited (ASX – ESR) has delivered a significant update on its Ira Miri manganese project in Timor-Leste, reporting multiple high-grade drill intersections with manganese grades reaching as high as 58%. These results reinforce the project's potential to rank among the world’s top manganese deposits, particularly given the low levels of impurities such as phosphorus, aluminium oxide, and iron oxide.

Notable drill results include intervals such as 1.5 metres at 55.1% manganese and 0.4 metres at 58.02% manganese, highlighting the exceptional quality of the stratiform manganese mineralisation. The mineralisation is characterised by folded beds of manganiferous cherty mudstone, dipping shallowly northwards, consistent with marine sedimentary deposits found in other globally significant manganese provinces.

Regulatory Milestone and Bulk Sample Extraction

Post quarter-end, Estrella secured approval from Timor-Leste’s Autoridade Nacional dos Minerais (ANM) to extract up to 30,000 tonnes of high-grade manganese oxide for market appraisal purposes. This marks a critical regulatory milestone, enabling Estrella to commence bulk sampling and metallurgical testing to attract potential offtake partners in the international manganese market.

The company has mobilised extraction equipment to site and begun operations, with plans to excavate a well-defined pit approximately 15 metres deep. The extracted material will be transported by barge to offshore bulk carriers, a logistics approach well established in the region. Estrella emphasises its commitment to local employment, utilising local contractors for mining activities.

Werumata Limestone Project Drilling Completed

Alongside manganese developments, Estrella has completed its maiden drilling campaign at the Werumata limestone project, targeting an inferred mineral resource exceeding 500 million tonnes. The program comprised 33 reverse circulation and diamond drill holes totalling over 3,700 metres. Initial geological observations indicate substantial thicknesses of limestone and chalk formations, with calcite-enriched units potentially adding value through acid-neutralisation properties.

Assay results from Werumata are pending government inspection and export approvals, but the company is optimistic about the project's potential to complement its manganese operations and contribute to long-term growth.

Leadership Transition and Financial Position

Estrella announced a key executive transition with Robert Mencel appointed as Chief Executive Officer effective June 2026, succeeding Managing Director Christopher Daws, who will remain involved as Business Development Officer. Mencel brings over 25 years of operational and corporate experience in mining across Australia and the Indo-Pacific, including leadership roles at ASX-listed companies.

Financially, Estrella ended the quarter with $918,000 in cash, following exploration and development expenditure of approximately $3.1 million. The company continues to fund its activities through option exercises and remains focused on advancing its projects in Timor-Leste.