Estrella Resources has reported a significant limestone discovery at its Werumatamata project in Timor-Leste, with drilling intersecting high-purity limestone sheets up to 87 metres thick. The company estimates the resource could exceed 500 million tonnes, with an average thickness of 55 metres logged across the blanket.
Drilling also unexpectedly encountered calcite beneath the target zone, suggesting additional tonnage potential. Meanwhile, the nearby Ira Miri Manganese prospect returned thicknesses of up to 12.87 metres of 80% manganese oxides from just 5.13 metres depth, with 29 of 45 holes showing mineralisation colour.
The Werumata limestone sits directly atop the manganese-rich Noni Formation, creating a dual-commodity opportunity. Weathering has produced thick surface manganese concentrations, meaning every limestone hole could also reveal underlying manganese mineralisation. Planning is underway for a bulk sample to be appraised by market players.
Estrella secured an exclusive marketing and offtake deal with Indonesian group PT Raka Energi Mandiri in May, potentially enabling export of up to 500 million tonnes of limestone over five years. The company holds three exploration concessions and eight reconnaissance permits in Timor-Leste, awarded during the nation's first minerals tender in 2023.
With rigs on site and a potential offtake agreement, Estrella is positioned to capitalise on its first-mover advantage. The limestone resource could prove as valuable as the underlying manganese, offering economies of scale in a two-commodity project.
