Australian explorer Estrella Resources has delivered a fresh batch of high-grade manganese results from its Ira Miri project in Timor-Leste, reinforcing the prospect's quality and pointing to the potential for multiple stacked mineralised horizons.
Ira Miri Manganese: High-Grade Hits and Extension Potential
The latest assays from the company's 45-hole diamond drilling program, which totalled 1533 metres, have continued to build on earlier ultra-high-grade intercepts. Notable new results include a peak intercept of 5.2 metres at 39.6% manganese, which contained a spectacular 2.5 metre section grading 54% manganese. Another strong hit returned 6.2 metres at 45.3% manganese.
These results follow earlier standout intercepts such as 6.5 metres at 51.7% manganese and 8.1 metres at 53% manganese, with individual peaks reaching up to 58% manganese. Management confirmed that 16 of the 45 holes intersected significant manganese mineralisation within the target Noni Formation host rock.
A key takeaway from the recent work is the identification of consistent geological traits. The mineralisation appears in pockets featuring strong manganese grades alongside very low levels of phosphorus and iron impurities. This favourable chemistry suggests a straightforward beneficiation process for the supergene-enriched material.
Perhaps most significantly, new geological modelling indicates the possibility of stacked or fault-shifted manganese horizons. This interpretation opens the door for substantial extension potential both at depth and along strike, hinting at a larger system than previously understood.
Werumata Limestone: A Major Resource Takes Shape
In parallel, Estrella has completed a combined reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling campaign at its adjacent Werumata limestone prospect. The program spanned 3717 metres across 42 holes, aimed at defining a large, high-purity limestone resource.
Drilling intersected impressive thicknesses, including limestone units up to 87 metres thick at the Baucau prospect and chalk units up to 38 metres thick at Batu Putih. Combined units reached a remarkable 112 metres in thickness, with an average of 57 metres across the project area.
The company revealed a crucial discovery at Werumata: an underlying weathered marl layer. This mix of carbonate and clay could be valuable for acid neutralisation, similar to limestone, and may be incorporated into future resource calculations, enhancing the project's overall value.
While assays for the limestone samples are pending and due in the new year, the scale is compelling. Some estimates have previously pointed to an exploration target in the range of 500 million tonnes, suggesting the deposit could supply Timor-Leste's needs for decades.
Strategic Implications and Next Steps
Estrella Resources' dual-focus strategy in Timor-Leste is gaining clear momentum. The manganese mineralisation across its landholding mirrors established global operations known for high-silica, low-iron content, a key specification for steel strengthening.
Meanwhile, the Werumata limestone project, with its thick, clean horizons, is poised to target markets for cement feedstock, agricultural lime, and industrial acid adjustment. An operational synergy exists, as the overlying carbonate rock frequently caps manganese mineralisation below, offering potential logistical advantages.
"The consistency of high-grade manganese intersected at Ira Miri continues to underline the quality and potential scale of this system, particularly given its favourable metallurgical characteristics," said Estrella Resources managing director Chris Daws. "In parallel, the company has completed drilling at Werumata and identified a potentially economic marl unit which materially enhances the strategic value of the limestone project."
With assays imminent and follow-up work planned for early 2026, Estrella's projects are at a pivotal stage. The limestone resource could provide a foundation for steady long-term output, while the revelation of potentially stacked manganese horizons at Ira Miri adds significant upside and scale potential for the Australian-listed explorer.
