Estrella Resources (ASX: ESR) has commenced market sample extraction activities at its Ira Miri Manganese Project in Timor-Leste.
The initiative will produce up to 30,000 tonnes of high-grade manganese ore as part of a bulk sampling program designed to appraise market demand and advance potential sales discussions with international offtake partners.
The ore will be excavated from a highly prospective zone within the Ira Miri project area, located in the country’s Noni formation, an area identified for its rich, low-impurity manganese deposits.
A sizable fleet operated by local contractors has been mobilised to deliver the excavation works and transport material to the project’s barge landing site for shipping and evaluation.
The operations will also generate detailed geological data to enhance Estrella’s understanding of the deposit’s mineral potential, supporting longer-term development planning for the project.
The program is anticipated to be among the first large-scale mineral extraction initiatives undertaken in Timor-Leste under its modern Mining Code, heralding a key milestone for the nation’s resources industry.
According to Estrella, the material extracted during this phase will not only undergo international market appraisal but also serve as a potential basis for commercial export agreements.
Estrella Managing Director Chris Daws said the start of extraction marked a pivotal advancement for both the company and the broader Timorese resources landscape.
“Estrella continues to lead the way in the virtually unexplored region of Timor-Leste, and I am thrilled to see the diggers lining up at the high-grade and highly prospective Ira Miri Manganese project,” he said.
“Through this market sample, the company will have the ability to sell and export up to 30,000 tonnes of ore.
“This step is crucially important as it enables stronger relationships with potential export partners, it will generate extremely valuable geological data and is also a source of royalties for Estrella as well as the Government of Timor-Leste.
“We are fortunate to have such supportive partners across the nation of Timor-Leste, and I look forward to providing further updates as our manganese material deepens our relations both in-country and overseas.”
The bulk sampling project is expected to advance Estrella’s commercial positioning while supporting the local economy through engagement with Timorese contractors and service providers.
The company said the extraction phase will contribute to the generation of local employment, infrastructure usage, and future mining capacity-building in the region.
