In a strategic move to accelerate its development plans, Australian resource company Estrella Resources has appointed seasoned mining executive Robert Mencel as its new chief executive officer. The leadership refresh is designed to fast-track the company's emerging limestone and manganese projects in Timor-Leste.
A Strategic Shift from Explorer to Developer
The appointment, announced on 5 January 2026, signals a pivotal transition for Estrella as it moves from a pure-play exploration company towards becoming a project developer and future producer. Subject to shareholder approval, Mencel is expected to assume the role of managing director by June 2026.
Current managing director Chris Daws will remain closely involved with the business, shifting into a dedicated business development role in June. His new focus will be on asset transactions and strengthening crucial relationships with government bodies and strategic partners.
The company has also indicated plans for further technical and operational appointments, building a team capable of supporting its next growth phase in Timor-Leste.
Robert Mencel's Extensive Industry Credentials
Mencel brings a formidable 25 years of global mining and project development experience to Estrella. His track record includes successfully delivering greenfield projects from initial funding through construction and into steady-state operations, with project capital expenditures ranging from $50 million to $1.2 billion.
A qualified mining engineer, Mencel's previous leadership roles include chief executive and managing director positions at several ASX-listed companies such as Centrex Limited, Valence Industries, and Ironclad Mining. He has also held senior positions at Mount Gibson Iron.
His expertise extends beyond project delivery to include operational turnarounds, safety performance improvements, and resource development.
Key Skills for Timor-Leste Success
Critically for Estrella's ambitions, Mencel possesses deep experience navigating complex stakeholder environments. He has a proven history of working effectively with governments, indigenous groups, international offtake partners, and global logistics providers across the Indo-Pacific region.
This skill set is considered vital as Estrella progresses critical discussions around development approvals, funding pathways, and securing long-term offtake agreements for its products.
"I am confident that Robert is the right person to guide these projects through development and into successful long-term operations," said outgoing managing director Chris Daws.
Focus on Disciplined Evaluation and Commercial Development
In his statement, newly appointed CEO Robert Mencel highlighted the potential of Estrella's discoveries. "Estrella’s limestone and manganese exploration success clearly highlights the strong mineral potential of Timor-Leste," Mencel said.
"These discoveries could underpin significant future resources capable of supporting long-life, low-cost operations, further strengthened by the country’s proximity to key markets."
He outlined that the immediate focus would be on the disciplined evaluation of these discoveries, engagement with potential customers, and the development of commercially robust, long-term operations to drive sustainable shareholder value.
Remuneration Tied to Project Milestones
Under the terms of his appointment, Mencel will receive an annual base salary of $430,000, plus statutory superannuation. His compensation package also includes a performance-based incentive: 10 million zero-priced performance options.
These options are directly tied to achieving key milestones at the flagship Werumata limestone project. The targets include securing a Special Investment Agreement with the government, obtaining full development funding, and meeting specific limestone shipment and sales targets.
Positioned for Future Growth
With this enhanced leadership structure now in place, Estrella Resources appears well-equipped to advance its Timor-Leste projects toward the development and first production stages. The appointment strengthens the company's position as an emerging bulk commodities player in the region, poised to capitalise on its strategic assets.
