Estrella Resources Limited (ASX: ESR) has announced a major milestone at its Ira Miri Manganese Project, intersecting 7.76 metres of massive manganese oxide just 30 centimetres below surface in drillhole EMDD002.
This latest drillhole twins the earlier EMDD001, which ended in mineralisation, with assay results from that hole expected in approximately six weeks.
The discovery marks a significant step in the first-ever modern minerals exploration campaign in the virtually unexplored region of Timor-Leste.
The Boart Longyear Deltabase 525 track-mounted diamond drill rig is now being relocated to the next target, with track and pad development for the ongoing diamond drilling campaign progressing well.
Estrella’s exploration efforts are accelerating, with teams simultaneously drilling at Ira Miri, conducting reconnaissance mapping of the southern Lautém permits, and engaging in community liaison and environmental works in Baucau.
In addition, community consultation and preliminary scoping works have commenced at the Werumata Limestone Project, which covers a prospective area of 3.5km by 3.5km and could see a future drilling campaign.
The company recently hosted a successful site visit for potential investors and significant shareholders at Ira Miri and Werumata, attended by dignitaries from the Timorese regulatory authority (ANM), state mining company (MRT), the Timor-Leste Parliament, local government, and national media.
Estrella’s management also met with Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, who expressed his full support for the company’s projects.
Estrella Managing Director Chris Daws commented: “Estrella continues to build serious momentum as our maiden drilling campaign unfolds in the virtually unexplored region of Timor-Leste.
“These latest results which effectively twin our first hole are strategically important, providing the Company with complete core for geological analysis and data on the depth of our initial manganese discovery.
“I am continually impressed by the interest in our project and I was humbled by the recent recognition we received from Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão.”