How Estrella Exceeded Ira Miri Manganese Targets and What’s Next
Estrella Resources has extracted over 22,600 tonnes of high-grade manganese from its Ira Miri Project, exceeding expectations and setting the stage for a full-scale mining licence application.
- 22,600 tonnes of high-grade manganese extracted, nearing 30,000-tonne permit limit
- Port stockpile approved for direct shipping ore blending and shipment
- Untested deep mineralisation anomalies suggest significant expansion potential
- Extraction completed with over 95% local workforce and zero lost-time injuries
- Category A Mining Licence application planned to enable full-scale development
Operational Milestone Achieved
Estrella Resources Limited (ASX: ESR) has announced a significant operational achievement at its Ira Miri manganese project in Timor-Leste, successfully extracting approximately 22,600 tonnes of high-grade manganese ore. This volume approaches the permitted 30,000-tonne market sample limit and marks a major step forward in validating the project's scale and quality.
The extracted ore is currently stockpiled at an approved port location, enabling efficient blending and shipment as Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) to prospective offtake partners. This logistical approval by the Timor-Leste government’s Autoridade Nacional dos Minerais (ANM) is a critical enabler for Estrella’s market engagement strategy.
Exploration Upside and Community Engagement
Beyond the immediate extraction success, Estrella’s geological surveys have identified multiple high-priority Induced Polarisation (IP) anomalies beneath the current pit, indicating untested mineralisation at depth. These anomalies represent compelling targets for future drilling and potential resource expansion, suggesting that Ira Miri’s manganese deposits could be significantly larger than currently delineated.
Notably, the extraction campaign was conducted with over 95% Timorese workforce participation, achieving zero lost-time injuries and maintaining strong community relations. This local engagement underscores Estrella’s commitment to responsible development in a region that remains largely unexplored but highly prospective.
Next Steps Toward Full-Scale Mining
Following the successful market sample extraction, Estrella plans to prioritise an application for a Category A Mining Licence. This licence would enable the transition from sample extraction to full-scale mining operations, a critical milestone for advancing the Ira Miri Project’s commercial potential.
The company’s Managing Director, Chris Daws, highlighted the rapid progression from discovery to extraction within nine months, reflecting Estrella’s focused development strategy. The milestone also satisfies conditions under a 2024 Subscription Agreement related to the Spargoville nickel rights, securing Estrella’s full ownership of that asset.
As Estrella prepares for the next phase, the company is reviewing logistics to optimise ore blending and shipment processes, including barging trans-shipment to offshore bulk carriers, a standard regional practice to enhance efficiency.
Broader Implications for Timor-Leste Mining
Estrella’s progress at Ira Miri shines a spotlight on Timor-Leste’s largely untapped mineral potential. The region’s favourable government support and emerging infrastructure could position it as a new frontier for manganese and other critical minerals. Estrella’s success may encourage further exploration and investment in this promising jurisdiction.
Bottom Line?
Estrella’s Ira Miri milestone sets a strong foundation, but the real test lies ahead in securing full-scale mining approval and unlocking deeper mineralisation.
Questions in the middle?
- When will Estrella receive formal approval for the Category A Mining Licence?
- How extensive and economically viable are the untested deep mineralisation anomalies?
- What are the timelines and terms for potential offtake agreements with international partners?
