Estrella Resources Advances High-Grade Manganese and Limestone Projects in Timor-Leste
Estrella Resources has delivered a 27,371-tonne manganese stockpile with nearly 5,000 tonnes grading above 49% Mn at Ira Miri and declared a maiden 621Mt JORC Inferred limestone resource at Werumata, underpinning its emerging Timor-Leste portfolio.
- 27,371 tonnes manganese stockpile including 4,984 tonnes at 49.38% Mn
- Ultra high-grade manganese mineralisation confirmed up to 60.22% Mn
- 621 million tonnes maiden JORC limestone resource declared
- Advanced UAV geophysical survey targets deeper manganese mineralisation
- Leadership transition completed with Robert Mencel as Managing Director
Ira Miri Manganese Trial Parcel Draws Strong Market Interest
Estrella Resources (ASX:ESR) has moved closer to commercialising its Ira Miri manganese project in Timor-Leste, completing a Category B market appraisal sample totalling 27,371 tonnes of manganese stockpiled on site. Notably, 4,984 tonnes of this material boasts a high-grade manganese (Mn) content of 49.38%, with in-situ sampling confirming ultra high-grade mineralisation reaching up to 60.22% Mn. This positions Ira Miri as a potentially valuable source of manganese, a critical metal in battery and steel industries.
The company reports nine parties have expressed interest in purchasing the trial manganese parcel, with customer discussions expected to wrap up imminently. This level of commercial engagement signals robust market appetite for the high-grade manganese, validating Estrella’s exploration and development strategy at Ira Miri.
Advanced UAV Survey Targets Deeper Mineralisation Extensions
Survey data is currently undergoing quality assurance, with full interpretation expected by early August. The results will help prioritise deeper drill targets and refine the geological model, supporting Estrella’s application for a Category A Mining Licence. This step is critical for transitioning from exploration to mining operations.
Wider Manganese Footprint Confirmed at Leuro and Sica Prospects
Post quarter-end, Estrella announced high-grade manganese rock chip assays from reconnaissance mapping at the Leuro and Sica prospects, with samples assaying up to 57.8% and 55.7% Mn respectively. These findings bolster the company’s interpretation that the manganese-bearing Noni Formation is more widespread than initially thought, extending beyond Ira Miri. The Leuro prospect shows laterally continuous manganiferous beds exposed in stream banks, while Sica features extensive detrital manganese deposits with a primary source yet to be fully delineated.
Resistivity and induced polarisation surveys have commenced at Ira Miri and will soon extend to Leuro and Sica, aiming to define drill targets and further evaluate district-scale potential. This systematic exploration approach reflects Estrella’s commitment to unlocking value across its Timor-Leste concessions.
Maiden 621 Million Tonne Limestone Resource Declared at Werumata
Complementing its manganese progress, Estrella declared a maiden JORC (2012) Inferred Mineral Resource of 621 million tonnes at its Werumata Limestone Project. This substantial resource comprises three direct shipping ore products requiring only crushing and screening, with no metallurgical processing needed. The primary product is high-grade limestone suitable for acid neutralisation, accounting for 493 million tonnes at an average Acid Neutralisation Capacity of 83.2%.
The resource estimate, based on 42 drill holes totalling 3,765 metres, covers only a fraction of the Werumata concession, which extends over 6 kilometres eastward and remains largely untested. Open cut mining is deemed the only economically feasible extraction method. Estrella plans to engage prospective customers, negotiate port land access, and conduct community consultations ahead of further drilling to target very high-grade limestone zones.
Corporate Updates and Financial Position
Estrella completed its planned leadership transition during the quarter with the appointment of Robert Mencel as Managing Director. Mencel brings over 30 years of mining and industrial minerals experience, including executive roles at Ironclad Mining and RONPHOS Corp, providing seasoned leadership as the company advances its Timor-Leste projects.
The company also finalised an $8.01 million Listed Options Underwriting Agreement with Million Link (China) Investment Ltd, with proceeds received in two tranches during April and May. Estrella ended the quarter with a cash balance of $5.23 million, supporting ongoing exploration and development activities.
Meanwhile, legal proceedings concerning Estrella’s Mt Edwards Lithium Royalty remain ongoing, with mediation held in April and no expected impact on current operations.
Bottom Line?
Estrella’s strategic exploration and resource declarations in Timor-Leste position it well to convert early-stage discoveries into commercial operations, with manganese sales and detailed geophysical results in the near term set to shape its development trajectory.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the trial manganese parcel secure binding sales agreements and at what pricing?
- How will the upcoming UAV survey results influence drilling and mining licence applications?
- Can Werumata’s limestone resource be upgraded beyond Inferred classification with further drilling?
