Estrella Resources has made a significant breakthrough with a high-grade manganese discovery in its first exploration programme in Timor-Leste at the Ira Miri prospect. This discovery, which occurs just 1.35 metres below the surface, marks the first modern metallic minerals drill hole in the country. With manganese being a key component in steel production and battery manufacturing, this discovery places Timor-Leste in the global spotlight. Through its joint venture with Murak Rai Timor, Estrella is set to rapidly develop these resources, potentially transforming the region’s economy.
Estrella Resources has taken a major step in its exploration efforts in Timor-Leste, announcing a highly promising manganese discovery at the Ira Miri prospect. This find is the first modern metallic mineral drill hole in the country, placing Timor-Leste on the global mining map for key industrial minerals.
A Significant Find for the Global Industry
The drill hole intersected a thick 6.45-metre zone of high-grade manganese oxides just 1.35 metres below the surface, with an average manganese grade of 40.1%. Earlier surface rock chip samples returned exceptional grades, reaching up to 58.6% manganese, confirming the quality of the find. This discovery is crucial as manganese is an essential mineral used in steel manufacturing and, more recently, in battery production, both critical for the global energy transition.
The mineralisation is still open at a depth of 7.8 metres, suggesting that the potential for manganese-rich zones in the area could extend much further. Additionally, a trench dug just 8 metres southeast of the drill hole also encountered manganese oxides starting at just 0.7 metres below the surface. This suggests the possibility of widespread mineralisation beneath a thin surface cover, which could significantly expand the potential of the region.
A Strong Local Partnership: Murak Rai Timor
The success of this initial drill programme has been supported by the joint venture with Murak Rai Timor, a state-owned enterprise responsible for mining in the country. This partnership is pivotal in accelerating the exploration efforts and facilitating rapid development in an otherwise underexplored region. Murak Rai Timor holds a 30% stake in the project, with Estrella Resources retaining a 70% interest, underscoring the collaborative approach to resource development in Timor-Leste.
The Broader Mineral Potential of Timor-Leste
The discovery at Ira Miri is not an isolated find. Timor-Leste has other valuable mineral resources, including high-purity limestone deposits located directly above the manganese-rich zones. This geologically favourable setup presents an opportunity for dual-resource exploration, allowing for efficient development of both manganese and limestone deposits.
The limestone is of high purity, making it ideal for a range of industrial applications, including cement production, glassmaking, agriculture, and nickel processing. Estrella Resources has already secured a deal to export up to 500 million tonnes of premium limestone to meet the growing industrial demand in Southeast Asia, further underscoring the region’s potential.
Timor-Leste’s Emergence in the Global Market
With plans to drill over 20,000 metres in the coming months, Estrella is positioned to continue uncovering valuable mineral resources in the region. The advantage of being a first mover in a largely unexplored territory gives Estrella a unique opportunity to tap into untapped mineral deposits, which could be a game-changer for both the local economy and the global supply chain for critical minerals.
Furthermore, Estrella’s efforts in Timor-Leste could establish the country as a key player in the global manganese market, which is critical for industries such as steel production and battery manufacturing. By unlocking the region’s mineral potential, Timor-Leste could play a significant role in meeting the global demand for these essential materials.
A Bright Future for Timor-Leste’s Mineral Industry
This discovery is just the beginning for Estrella Resources in Timor-Leste, but it has already shown that the region has the potential to become a major supplier of high-grade manganese to the global market. As the country continues to develop its mineral resources with the help of local and international partnerships, it could position itself as an important player in the industrial minerals sector, contributing to the global energy transition and strengthening the mining industry in Southeast Asia.
For Estrella, the discovery at Ira Miri is a significant milestone in its journey, and for Timor-Leste, it represents the first step in what could be a transformative era for its mining sector. With continued exploration and development, the region’s untapped potential could soon make it one of the most sought-after destinations for mineral investment worldwide.
