Estrella Resources has commenced an extensive survey program across its concessions in Timor-Leste, focusing on manganese and limestone deposits in the Lautém Municipality. The initiative spans approximately 3,200 hectares and aims to refine geological models while enhancing drill targeting for the Ira Miri manganese and Werumata limestone prospects. This move positions Estrella to tap into the region’s significant mineral wealth.
The company, recognized as a pioneer in Timor-Leste’s emerging mining sector, is utilizing advanced geophysical techniques to unlock the potential of these dual-commodity assets, which are strategically located near coastal infrastructure. The survey will begin with a drone-based LiDAR assessment at Werumata, covering 1,700 hectares over a 15-day period. This includes three days for establishing control points and 12 days of flights spaced 100 meters apart at an altitude of 80 meters.
Conducted by TimorRai Exploration Services Lda and Enmintech, the LiDAR survey will map subtle surface features such as ridges and outcrops. This critical step aims to accurately define the high-purity limestone sheet while ensuring compliance with JORC standards for any anticipated resource, which Estrella hopes to delineate by the end of the year.
Following the Werumata survey, the team will shift focus to Ira Miri for a 1,500-hectare LiDAR survey. This will aid in detecting topographical lows and historical structures, enhancing Estrella’s predictive modeling for secondary supergene manganese deposits. Previous assays at Ira Miri have shown high-grade potential, with manganese levels reaching as high as 58.6 percent.
The company plans to follow the LiDAR work with a drone-based magnetics survey to map geological contacts and structures. The final phase will involve a MobileMTd survey by Expert Geophysics, utilizing drone-mounted equipment to measure electromagnetic resistivity. This will assess the depth and extent of conductive manganese zones. By integrating these datasets with existing induced polarisation (IP) surveys, surface prospecting, and drilling results, Estrella aims to pinpoint high-priority drill targets effectively.
Estrella has already begun drilling at Ira Miri, where the initial campaign intersected 6.45 meters of massive manganese oxides at shallow depths. This marks Timor-Leste’s first modern exploration for metallic minerals. Additionally, the company is preparing for resource-definition drilling at Werumata, bolstered by a recent $5 million investment from MJ Ratta Investments, aimed at enhancing its exploration initiatives.
The limestone situated above Estrella’s manganese targets offers dual-resource efficiency. Its high-purity calcite is suitable for various applications, including cement, glass production, agriculture, and environmental remediation in Indonesia’s nickel industry. In 2023, this industry achieved an export value of US$6.82 billion, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database, and is projected to grow significantly through 2030.
Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chairman of Indonesia’s National Economic Council (DEN), highlighted the potential for Indonesia to reach US$50 billion in annual nickel-related exports by 2045, driven by a transition from raw material exports to higher value-added processing industries.
Estrella’s exploration strategy in Timor-Leste emphasizes significant local engagement, including a partnership with state-owned Murak Rai Timor, which holds a 30 percent joint venture stake. The company actively employs local workers and collaborates with students from the National University of Timor-Leste in geophysical trials, reflecting its commitment to responsible social development.
With a first-mover advantage in a largely unexplored region and strong infrastructure in place, Estrella is well-positioned for growth. The binding offtake agreement with REM for up to 500 million tonnes of limestone over five years further enhances its prospects.
Estrella’s large-scale survey program represents a pivotal step towards unlocking Timor-Leste’s mineral potential. By leveraging advanced geophysical tools, the company aims to refine its manganese and limestone prospects, with anticipated survey outcomes that could significantly impact its drilling success and establish Estrella as a key player in Southeast Asia’s expanding minerals market.
