BREAKING NEWS: Estrella Resources has just announced significant discoveries at its Lautém manganese project in Timor-Leste, as all seven of its latest diamond drill holes at the Ira Miri prospect have intersected substantial zones of supergene manganese. A standout intercept measuring 12.87 metres was visually estimated to contain 80 percent manganese oxides starting at a depth of 5.13 metres.
This urgent update is crucial for the mining sector, as the findings come amid surging global demand for manganese, primarily driven by steel production and emerging battery technologies. Another notable intercept from the drilling program reported 11.65 metres with 8.3 metres averaging approximately 60 percent oxides from a depth of 5.1 metres. These results highlight the evolving potential of Estrella’s project as key minerals become increasingly sought after.
Other drill holes have also delivered promising results, including a third hole that recorded 5.74 metres at up to 70 percent oxides, and a fourth that registered 2.1 metres at 50 percent manganese oxide. A fifth bore yielded 8.5 metres at 30 percent primary oxides in chert. This systematic approach to exploration is not only revealing high-grade manganese zones but also expanding the mineralized area, which remains open in both the northwest and southeast directions.
Estrella’s drilling strategy, which is currently focused on step-out drilling, is assessing the continuity and extent of mineralization between outcrops located 450 metres apart. Core samples will be submitted for laboratory analysis, with results expected in the next six to eight weeks. These initial visual estimates require confirmation through rigorous testing to account for potential natural contaminants.
The manganese intercepts trace a supergene horizon that has been enriched through weathering within the stratigraphy of the Noni Formation. Historical data suggests that the manganese oxides were likely deposited on an ancient seafloor, further enhancing the geological significance of this find.
The manganese market is currently stable, with prices hovering around US$4.50 (A$6.80) per dry metric tonne unit for ore containing 44 percent manganese. With a projected annual growth rate of 5 percent for the global manganese market through to 2030, Estrella’s timely exploration efforts position it favorably for future resource definitions and potential early mining operations.
As this drilling program continues, the results could solidify the Ira Miri prospect as a vital component of Estrella’s portfolio, complementing its existing nickel and copper assets in Western Australia. The implications of these findings could resonate deeply within the industry, highlighting the importance of manganese as both a battery and steel production staple.
Stay tuned for more updates as Estrella Resources continues to explore the hills of Timor-Leste, potentially uncovering significant mineral resources that could reshape the region’s mining landscape. If you have insights into ASX-listed companies making notable advancements, please reach out to: [email protected].
