Estrella Resources has acquired encouraging responses from its first trial induced polarisation (IP) geophysical survey line across the company’s recently discovered Ira Miri manganese zone at Lautém in Timor-Leste, prompting it to saddle up for its maiden drilling campaign.
The low resistivity anomaly is interpreted as a potential target for supergene manganese and aligns with previously reported outcrop mapped onsite, although more work is required to gauge the potential scale of the anomalism.
The distinctive IP anomaly is modelled as extending eastwards and at a shallow dip into the face of a hill slope and appears to be associated with a contact between the more resistive Baucau limestone above and the immediately underlying Noni Formation.
Within the extent of available data or instrumental sensitivity, the anomaly is recorded as extending over a distance of about 150m into the hillside.
Estrella says manganese is moderately conductive and could easily be consistent with the observed signature.
The trial demonstrates that IP is an effective means of identifying sub-surface super-gene manganese deposits.
It is the first time the company has deployed IP specifically for manganese in the history of exploration on the island nation, which was formerly known East Timor.
The company intends to keep the equipment within the country for about two months for further definition and mapping of potential drill targets, focusing on known outcropping mineralisation at Samalari in its Baucau licences and at Ira Miri in the Lautém ground.
Additionally, other targets at Lalena and Sica which might emerge from future IP trials will also be drilled.
Estrella is undertaking final validation of its IP data against mapped geological sections.
Targets distilled from the process are being finalised prior to planning and drafting of permit applications for road access and drilling, along with other statutory environmental and cultural surveys and approvals.
The company is also advancing access approvals for drilling at its Lautém, Sica and Lalena prospects and at the Samalari prospect in Baucau.
Estrella Resources managing director Chris Daws said: “Momentum continues to build at Estrella’s Timor-Leste manganese assets as we roll out IP surveys and prepare for drilling across this region – which is virtually unexplored to date. On the IP front, it is pleasing to see the survey identifying a low-resistivity anomaly which our emerging geological model interprets as a potential target for supergene manganese.”
In other activities, Estrella is collaborating with drilling contractor H2O Drilling to undertake the first modern exploration drilling program for economic minerals in Timor-Leste, with essential equipment being shipped in from Darwin.
Equipment includes a tracked carrier for the compressor and a complete reverse circulation (RC) cyclone and sampling system sourced in Vietnam, which are being shipped to Timor-Leste by the contractor.
Depending on the timing of government approvals and land access agreements, Estrella says the type of rig and auxiliary transport system selected will be essential as it aims to mobilise towards the end of the wet season in February 2025, when ground conditions may still be soft from monsoonal rains
The company says it plans to kick off RC drilling with a multi-purpose rig which is expected to arrive in the nation’s capital Dili early in the New Year.
The drilling campaign is shaping up as a major milestone – as it is not only the company’s first glimpse at potential mineralisation at depth but is also significant for the country of Timor-Leste, the company says.
Estrella will continue to work closely with its partners, including Murak Rai Timor E.P. and others as it strives to establish minable resources in Timor-Leste.
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By Doug Bright
