Estrella Resources Uncovers High-Grade Copper and Manganese at Timor-Leste’s Laleno Dome

Breakthrough Multi-Commodity Discoveries at Sica and Daudere

Estrella Resources (ASX:ESR) has accelerated its exploration campaign in Timor-Leste with a series of high-grade rock-chip assay results that underscore the prospectivity of its largely unexplored landholdings. At the Sica prospect, the company unearthed oxidised massive sulphide samples boasting extraordinary copper grades, including a standout 60.34% Cu with 182ppm silver and 0.75% nickel. Nearby, the newly defined Daudere prospect delivered consistent manganese mineralisation averaging 51.7% Mn, alongside copper assays hitting 12.4% Cu and 77ppm silver.

These discoveries are not isolated. Both Sica and Daudere lie along the flanks of the Laleno Dome, a massive geological feature approximately 10 kilometres wide and nearly 700 metres high that dominates the region’s landscape and Estrella’s exploration tenure. The company’s geological team has systematically mapped this dome for the first time, interpreting the copper and manganese mineralisation as potentially linked through a common hydrothermal origin associated with the dome’s intrusive activity.

Geological and Geophysical Insights Point to Hydrothermal System

Quantitative X-ray Diffraction (Q-XRD) analysis of the copper-bearing samples at Sica revealed arsenide minerals such as enargite and lautite, which are typically associated with high-sulphidation epithermal and porphyry copper deposits rather than volcanic massive sulphide systems. This suggests the mineralisation could be part of a polymetallic hydrothermal vein system or related to intrusive porphyry or epithermal veins.

Adding to the geological picture, Estrella’s preliminary Magneto Telluric drone (MTd) survey at the nearby Ira Miri project has yielded encouraging results, with ongoing 3D inversion processing expected to clarify subsurface structures. The company anticipates that similar airborne MTd surveys could effectively detect mineralisation concealed beneath clay-rich colluvium around the Laleno Dome, a key advantage given the extensive surface cover obscuring bedrock geology.

Strategic Positioning in a Virtually Untapped Jurisdiction

Timor-Leste remains a frontier exploration jurisdiction with limited historical systematic mineral exploration. Estrella’s early-mover advantage has allowed it to secure extensive Exploration and Evaluation Concessions, covering highly prospective ground within the Banda Terrane. The discoveries at Sica and Daudere, coupled with the manganese mineralisation confirmed across the Noni Formation, highlight the region’s complex geological evolution and multi-commodity potential.

Estrella’s Managing Director Robert Mencel emphasised the significance of the Laleno Dome, stating, “The question now is: just how special is the Laleno Dome? The planned regional geophysical survey will help answer that.” This reflects a clear strategic intent to leverage cutting-edge geophysical tools and systematic fieldwork to unlock the mineral potential of this vast structure.

Next Steps and Commercial Momentum

Looking ahead, Estrella plans to expand its exploration efforts with Resistivity/Induced Polarisation (Res/IP) surveys scheduled to commence at Ira Miri in mid-July, followed by Leuro and Sica. These surveys aim to delineate drill targets beneath surface cover and test the extent of mineralisation. The company also intends to follow up with drilling programs to confirm and extend the discoveries.

On the commercial front, Estrella is progressing well with the sale of a trial manganese parcel, attracting interest from nine separate parties. Discussions are nearing completion, with a sale recommendation expected to be presented to the Board shortly, marking a tangible step towards monetising the manganese resource alongside ongoing exploration.