Estrella hits thick manganese in latest Timor Leste drill holes

Estrella Resources is making waves at its Lautém manganese project in Timor-Leste, where all seven of its latest diamond drill holes at the company’s Ira Miri prospect have hit thick zones of supergene manganese. 

A standout intercept of 12.87 metres was visually estimated to contain 80 per cent manganese oxides from 5.13m depth, while a second hole bored through 11.65m, including 8.3m averaging about 60 per cent oxides from 5.1m. 

Other holes delivered solid hits, including a third hole which pierced 5.74m at up to 70 per cent oxides, a fourth carried 2.1m at 50 per cent manganese oxide from 13.8m, and a fifth hole yielded 8.5m at 30 per cent primary oxides in chert.

Step-out drilling is now testing the extent and continuity of mineralisation between two outcrops 450m apart, while core samples will be sent for analysis with results expected in six to eight weeks. The manganese intercepts require laboratory analysis to confirm grades and take account of possible natural contaminants.

The intercepts, about 65m northwest of the discovery outcrop, trace a supergene horizon enriched by weathering within the stratigraphy of the Noni Formation. Natural secondary enrichment has boosted manganese grades and broadened the mineralised zone, which remains open to the northwest and southeast. 

Estrella’s mapping shows consistent bedding and strong stratigraphic control, with the manganese oxides believed likely to have been deposited on an ancient seafloor. 

Estrella Resources managing director Chris Daws said: “The discovery of further extensive supergene manganese mineralisation at Ira Miri is a fantastic result for our team. Not only does this demonstrate that we potentially are working within an entirely new manganese province located in the virtually unexplored nation of Timor-Leste, it also gives greater confidence to our geological modelling.” 

Timor-Leste’s manganese potential is gaining attention as global demand spikes, driven by steel production - which accounts for about 90 per cent of manganese use - and growing battery applications. Prices are holding steady at about US$4.50 (A$6.80) per dry metric tonne unit (dmtu) for ore grading 44 per cent manganese. 

Estrella’s project, fully owned since its 2022 earn-in, sits in a region with a history of small-scale mining but no modern exploration. 

The Noni Formation’s chert-hosted manganese, marked by interbedded light cherts and darker oxides, offers a clear expansion target. With the global manganese market projected to grow 5 per cent annually through to 2030, Estrella’s timing looks sharp.

The company’s focus on near-surface supergene zones positions it to potentially fast-track resource definition and early mining if the numbers stack up. 

As drilling continues, these results could solidify Ira Miri as a key player in Estrella’s portfolio, building on its nickel and copper assets in Western Australia.

Estrella’s drilling could be spinning up something special in Timor-Leste’s hills. As manganese heats up as a battery and steel staple, the latest thick intercepts could be the start of a bigger story.

Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: matt.birney@businessnews.com.au