Following up on its recent exploration success in the country, Estrella Resources (ASX: ESR) has applied for four additional highly prospective exploration and evaluation licenses in Timor-Leste.
Covering 194.425 sq. km within the Baucau Municipality, the additional licenses will take Estrella’s total landholding to 698 sq. km if granted.
Initial reconnaissance has already defined some of the best outcropping manganese mineralisation seen to date within Estrella’s tenure.
Under Timor-Leste mining law, the Exploration and Evaluation Licenses entitle the holder to conduct mapping and sampling within the granted area for 48 months with additional two-year extensions for up to six years if required. The holder of the license has a pre-emptive right in the grant of a Mining License up to the expiry date of the Tenement.
Of most interest within the application landholding is the prevalence of bedded manganese rich outcrops. The manganese, interbedded with thin chert horizons, are typical of exhalative style mineralisation associated with the thrusting and uplift of the Timor Island, and subsequent hot fluid flow onto the sea floor. Subsequent supergene enrichment has upgraded mineralisation further.
“I am extremely pleased to report to our shareholders that Estrella, with our partner Murak Rai Timor E.P., have applied for highly prospective new licenses in Timor-Leste. The licenses are situated close to our existing grant located to the east and along the northern coast of Timor-Leste,” Managing Director, Chris Daws, said.
“The four new license applications have indications of significant manganese mineralisation. When granted, we will boost our field team to expedite the exploration of the tenements and shareholders can expect a steady flow of results from this work.
“I look forward in progressing our work in Timor-Leste, it has absolutely been the right choice for Estrella considering the outlook for our Western Australian nickel projects. I look forward in working with our partners in Timor-Leste and continuing to build a strong working relationship with the Timor-Leste government and its people.”
Estrella is in the process of boosting its in-country team with additional Timor-Leste geological personnel to expedite the company’s exploration programme.
The planned exploration approach will include community liaison, mapping, sampling, trenching and geophysics to determine the extent of observed mineralisation and to prove up an initial close-to-surface resource ahead of drilling.
