Estrella Resources has reported high-grade manganese results from its Ira Miri project in Timor-Leste, with multiple intervals suggesting stacked manganese horizons. The company also completed drilling at its adjacent Werumata limestone project, revealing thick carbonate layers and a new limestone unit at depth.
Assays from Ira Miri returned peak intercepts of 5.2 metres at 39.6 per cent manganese, including 2.5 metres at 54 per cent manganese. Another hit returned 6.2 metres at 45.3 per cent manganese. Earlier ultra-high-grade intercepts included 6.5 metres at 51.7 per cent and 8.1 metres at 53 per cent manganese.
The results are the final batch from a 45-hole diamond drilling program totalling 1533 metres. Sixteen holes intersected notable manganese mineralisation within the Noni Formation host rock. The mineralisation shows consistent traits with strong manganese grades and low phosphorus and iron impurities.
At the Werumata limestone prospect, Estrella completed 3717 metres of reverse circulation and diamond drilling across 42 holes. Drilling intercepted limestone widths up to 87 metres thick at Baucau and chalk units up to 38 metres at Batu Putih. Combined units reached 112 metres in thickness, averaging 57 metres across the project.
Estrella identified a weathered marl layer at Werumata that could be valuable for acid neutralisation. Assays for limestone samples are pending, with results expected in early 2026. The company says the manganese mineralisation mirrors established high-silica, low-iron operations globally, while the limestone could target markets for cement feedstock, agricultural lime and industrial acid adjustment.
