AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
IND
Highlights
Estrella Resources begins core drilling program at Ira Miri with CoreSearch in Timor-Leste
Initial drillhole intersects massive manganese oxides near surface at Lautém prospect
New diamond rig scheduled to be deployed for deeper manganese recovery operations
Estrella Resources (ASX:ESR), listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and part of the materials sector within the ASX 200, has commenced an advanced drilling campaign at the Ira Miri prospect located in Lautém, Timor-Leste. The campaign is aimed at exploring manganese mineralisation, a metal traditionally used in steelmaking and increasingly gaining attention in battery-related applications.
CoreSearch drilling strategy underway
The campaign is being executed by CoreSearch and is structured to include both reverse circulation and diamond drilling phases. An initial round of reverse circulation drilling will be followed by a diamond drilling phase to access deeper geological layers. A subsequent round of additional reverse circulation drilling has also been contracted, subject to geological assessment after initial findings.
The program was initiated using a man-portable diamond rig, chosen for its ease of access and suitability to meet early project timelines. However, the current equipment encountered operational limitations due to insufficient torque to penetrate friable manganese zones at greater depths.
Rig replacement to support deeper drilling efforts
In response, Estrella Resources and CoreSearch are coordinating the replacement of the existing drill rig with a higher-capacity diamond drilling setup. This transition is scheduled during a routine roster break, providing an opportunity to mobilise a more robust rig without disrupting operations.
The upcoming equipment is engineered to drill and recover manganese from deeper subsurface layers. During the interim, Estrella Resources will continue geological analysis of the first drill results and prepare access tracks for subsequent drill sites to ensure seamless project progression.
Notable early manganese intercepts
In its maiden drillhole, EMDD001, Estrella intersected significant manganese oxide mineralisation at shallow depths. The drillhole was positioned just a few metres from visible surface mineralisation, indicating a continuation of the deposit below ground. The drillhole ended while still in mineralised material, underscoring the extent of the manganese system in the area.
This marks a significant development in Timor-Leste, representing the first modern metallic minerals exploration in the nation. The presence of high concentrations of manganese oxides so close to the surface may indicate broader mineralisation zones within the prospect area.
Global context of manganese supply and usage
Manganese has long been a critical component in steel alloy production, typically utilised in the form of silico and ferro manganese. These alloys are vital for crude steel manufacturing. While manganese is increasingly being discussed in the context of energy storage materials, the global market is still largely dependent on steel industry demand.
The global supply of manganese ore places the metal among the most commonly mined by tonnage, following iron, aluminium, and copper. As exploration and extraction methods evolve, regions like Timor-Leste may become new contributors to this international supply network.
Exploration efforts in Timor-Leste continue
As Estrella Resources progresses with its exploration campaign, the operational focus remains on accessing and identifying further manganese mineralisation zones. Preparations for additional drill sites and enhanced drilling infrastructure are underway to support sustained exploration activity.
With drilling activities expanding at the Ira Miri prospect, Estrella Resources continues to advance its efforts in uncovering manganese resources within Timor-Leste’s underexplored geological landscape.
