Estrella Resources has commenced bulk mining at its Ira Miri manganese project in Timor-Leste, targeting up to 30,000 tonnes of high-grade manganese oxide ore. This marks the country's first significant economic bulk mineral extraction under its modern mining code.
The operation follows an agreement signed in early January with Timor-Leste's national mineral authority, Autoridade Nacional dos Minerais, I.P. (ANM), which permits ore extraction for market appraisal. The manganese ore is subject to an 8% gross smelter return royalty, slightly higher than Western Australian manganese royalties.
Estrella has engaged a local Timor-Leste contractor crew equipped with three excavators, a loader, a backhoe, a support digger, two bulldozers, and a dozen community-owned dump trucks. The pre-strip is advancing across multiple benches, with first ore exposure expected within days.
Excavation will focus on previously drilled high-grade zones, including intercepts of 8.05m at 53% manganese and 11.97m at 28.9% manganese. The pit is designed to a maximum depth of 15m, with total excavation of about 85,000 cubic metres. Topsoil is being stockpiled for rehabilitation, and overburden is benched outside the pit.
The manganese will be trucked 17 km to the old Lautem airstrip and barge landing site for loading onto offshore bulk carriers. Estrella is engaging local communities, village leaders, ANM, and state-owned mining company Murak Rai Timor E.P. to ensure safety and ongoing consultation.
Next steps include completing the concession transfer to the Estrella-Murak Rai Timor joint venture, assaying fresh-mined manganese for a product specification sheet, and advancing buyer discussions for sales and export. The company views this as a pivotal proof-of-concept milestone.
