Estrella Resources has ramped up extraction at its Ira Miri manganese project in Timor-Leste, targeting a significant 30,000 tonne market sample as it advances towards commercial production.
- Successful interception of manganese mineralisation at shallow depth
- Production ramp-up with grade control sampling underway
- Infrastructure improvements including haulage road and port access
- Ongoing discussions with international offtake partners
- Strong community engagement and zero lost time injuries reported
Extraction Milestone at Ira Miri
Estrella Resources Limited (ASX – ESR) has announced a significant advance in its Ira Miri manganese project located in Timor-Leste, with extraction activities accelerating and a manganese-bearing horizon successfully intercepted. The company is progressing towards producing a market sample of up to 30,000 tonnes, marking a key step in project development and the first mineral export under Timor-Leste’s new Mining Code.
The manganese mineralisation was encountered at a shallow depth during hillside excavation, confirming previous drilling results and validating the company’s geological model. This breakthrough supports Estrella’s confidence in the project’s potential and underpins the ramp-up of production activities.
Operational Progress and Infrastructure
Production ramp-up is well underway, with grade control sampling initiated to optimise extraction sequencing and ensure product quality. The company’s contractor workforce is supported by a fleet of heavy equipment including excavators, bulldozers, graders, and rock breakers, enabling efficient mining operations. Night shifts have commenced, facilitated by lighting towers, to maintain momentum.
To support logistics, Estrella has installed a 17-kilometre haulage road using compacted limestone, connecting the mining site to a former airstrip and fish-processing facility at Lautem. This site will serve as a port for barge loading, with manganese ore to be shipped offshore for export. Compliance testing under international maritime standards is in progress to ensure smooth export operations.
Market Engagement and Community Relations
Estrella is actively advancing discussions with several prospective international offtake partners, aiming to secure initial sales of the manganese product. While no agreements have been finalised yet, the company remains committed to keeping shareholders informed of material developments.
Community engagement remains a priority, with Estrella maintaining strong relationships with local stakeholders and government partners. The company reports zero lost time injuries to date, reflecting effective safety management and site protocols.
Looking Ahead
Next steps include completing sampling and assaying of the mined manganese ore to generate a product specification sheet, finalising compliance testing, and preparing for the arrival of the market sample at Tenu Beach Port. Estrella’s progress at Ira Miri not only advances its commercial ambitions but also represents a milestone for Timor-Leste’s emerging mining sector.
Bottom Line?
Estrella’s Ira Miri project is gaining momentum, but the timing and terms of offtake deals will be critical to its next phase.
Questions in the middle?
- When will Estrella finalise binding offtake agreements for the manganese product?
- How will the company manage export logistics and compliance amid evolving maritime regulations?
- What are the projected timelines and costs for scaling from market sample to full commercial production?