Estrella Resources (ASX: ESR) has announced two significant supergene manganese discoveries within its Lautém Manganese Project in Timor-Leste, offering a strong endorsement of the company’s predictive exploration model. With grades of up to 63.4% Mn, these findings position Estrella as a potential leader in unlocking Timor-Leste’s untapped mineral wealth.
Location of the Ira Miri and Sica Prospects
Managing Director Chris Daws expressed excitement about the progress, remarking, “We are thrilled to delineate further instances of wide-scale manganese mineralisation in the unexplored nation of Timor-Leste. Identifying a swathe of encouraging prospects gives us a better chance of developing a high-grade manganese deposit.”
The discoveries, named Ira Miri and Sica, were identified through reconnaissance mapping and strategic deployment of geological teams to predicted mineralisation zones.
Ira Miri: A New Prospect Across the Valley
Estrella MD Chris Daws at the partially outcropping supergene manganese exposure at Ira Miri
within concession MEL2023-CA-ZA001
Located 4.4 km southeast of the previously identified Sica Prospect, the Ira Miri discovery features a three-metre-high outcrop of in-situ supergene manganese within the Noni Formation. Initial analyses using portable XRF (pXRF) devices indicated exceptional grades of 57.5% Mn and 63.4% Mn. These are some of the highest grades seen in the project to date.
The mineralisation is concealed beneath scree from overlying limestones, and its full extent is yet to be determined. Rock-chip samples are en route to Australia for further laboratory analysis, with results expected in January 2025.
Daws highlighted the significance of this find: “What began with a blank sheet of paper when Estrella was first awarded tenure in December last year has emerged into a detailed and increasingly predictive discovery tool.”
Sica Prospect: From Surface Rubble to Supergene Enrichment
First identified in August 2024, the Sica Prospect initially showcased high-grade tertiary manganese supergene rubble at surface. Recent mapping efforts have uncovered further secondary supergene manganese outcrops in the surrounding hills. Visual estimates suggest a composition of 80% manganese-iron-oxide minerals with 20% limestone.
Estrella’s exploration model accurately predicted this extension, reinforcing its utility as a powerful discovery mechanism. The company plans to integrate advanced geophysical techniques, including Induced Polarisation (IP) surveys, to probe deeper for concealed mineralisation.
Outlook: Setting the Stage for Growth
Manganese is a critical mineral for steel production and emerging battery technologies. Estrella’s discoveries come at a time of heightened global demand for high-purity manganese, particularly as the EV revolution accelerates.
Estrella’s ability to delineate high-grade resources within a relatively short timeframe underscores the potential of its Timor-Leste tenements. If these findings translate into commercially viable deposits, the Lautém Manganese Project could emerge as a cornerstone of the company’s portfolio.
“With the introduction of Induced Polarisation surveys, our exploration model is expected to become even more powerful,” noted Daws, hinting at the next phase of exploration aimed at uncovering deeper, obscured resources.
The next steps involve leveraging geophysical surveys and expanding mapping coverage before the wet season gains full steam. In-country capabilities are being bolstered with training programs for Timor-Leste staff, which could accelerate the project's execution timeline.
Investors can anticipate key developments in early 2025, with assay results expected in January and a broader deployment of IP technology to follow. Success in these endeavours could position Estrella not only as a pioneering explorer in Timor-Leste but also as a significant player in the global manganese market.
