Estrella taps mining veteran to fast-track Timor-Leste projects

Estrella Resources has refreshed its senior leadership ranks, appointing experienced mining executive Robert Mencel as chief executive officer, as it gears up to advance its emerging limestone and manganese projects in Timor-Leste.

Mencel’s appointment marks a key step in Estrella’s transition from explorer to developer, with the company positioning itself for more advanced project evaluation and, ultimately, future production. Subject to shareholder approval, Mencel is expected to transition into the role of managing director by June this year.

The company says managing director Chris Daws will remain closely involved with the business, shifting into a business development role in June to focus on asset transactions and strengthening relationships with government and strategic partners. 

Estrella has also flagged further technical and operational appointments as it builds the team required to support its next phase of growth in Timor-Leste.

Mencel brings more than 25 years of global mining and project development experience to the role, with a strong track record of delivering greenfield projects from funding through construction and into steady-state operations. His career spans projects with capital expenditures ranging from $50 million to $1.2 billion.

A qualified mining engineer, Mencel has previously held chief executive and managing director roles at several ASX-listed companies, including Centrex Limited, Valence Industries and Ironclad Mining, as well as senior positions at Mount Gibson Iron. His experience also extends across operational turnarounds, safety performance improvement and resource development.

Importantly for Estrella’s Timor-Leste ambitions, Mencel has extensive experience working with governments, indigenous stakeholders, international offtake partners and global logistics providers across the Indo-Pacific region. This skill set is expected to play a pivotal role as Estrella progresses discussions around development approvals, funding pathways and long-term offtake.

Estrella Resources managing director Chris Daws said: “I am confident that Robert is the right person to guide these projects through development and into successful long-term operations.”

Estrella Resources chief executive officer Robert Mencel said: “Estrella’s limestone and manganese exploration success clearly highlights the strong mineral potential of Timor-Leste. These discoveries could underpin significant future resources capable of supporting long-life, low-cost operations, further strengthened by the country’s proximity to key markets. The next phase will focus on the disciplined evaluation of these discoveries, engagement with potential customers, and the development of commercially robust, long-term operations to drive sustainable shareholder value.”

Under the terms of his appointment, Mencel will receive a base salary of $430,000 per annum, plus statutory superannuation. He will also be granted 10 million zero-priced performance options, tied to key milestones at the Werumata limestone project, including securing a Special Investment Agreement, full development funding and achieving limestone shipment and sales targets.

With leadership depth now in place, Estrella appears well-positioned to push its Timor-Leste projects toward development and first production, strengthening its credentials as an emerging bulk commodities player in the region.

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