Estrella Resources Limited (ASX: ESR) has reported promising results from a recently completed Resistivity–Induced Polarisation (Res-IP) survey at its Ira Miri manganese prospect in Timor-Leste.
The survey identified multiple highly chargeable subsurface anomalies that coincide with known manganese mineralisation, paving the way for prioritised drill targets in the 2026 field season.
The Res-IP survey detected three primary anomalous zones, with the standout target interpreted as a northern continuation and probable thickening of mineralisation previously intersected in drill holes EMDD032 to EMDD034.
Notably, the earlier drilling showed impressive manganese oxide grades near surface: 12.87 metres at 80 per cent manganese oxides from 5.13 metres downhole in EMDD033, 11.65 metres including 8.3 metres at 60 per cent manganese oxides in EMDD032, and 8.5 metres of 30 per cent primary manganese oxides hosted in chert in EMDD034 from 8.3 metres depth.
The survey strategically placed electrodes across the prospect, measuring both resistance to electrical current flow and chargeability.
Areas combining low resistivity and high chargeability typically indicate manganese oxide mineralisation.
The detected anomalies are at shallow depths ranging from approximately five to 25 metres and are up to 15 metres thick, consistent with supergene enrichment and weathered horizon accumulation, matching expected geological models for the region.
Estrella’s Managing Director Chris Daws commented on the survey results: “Estrella continues to make major strides in the virtually untested region of Timor-Leste and the completion of this Res-IP survey brings further advanced technology to define highly prospective targets.
Daws said the survey deployed sensitive electrodes across the Ira Miri area to measure resistance to electrical current and the capacity for temporary charge storage.
He explained that a combination of low resistivity and high chargeability can suggest the presence of manganese oxide mineralisation or other similar mineral systems.
According to Daws, the IP inversion modelling revealed three promising subsurface targets at shallow depths consistent with supergene enrichment along weathered zones and structural conduits.
He noted that the strongest chargeable zone appears particularly encouraging, as it likely represents a northern extension and possible thickening of manganese mineralisation intersected in drill holes EMDD032 to EMDD034.
Daws added that this target will be prioritised for drilling once field operations recommence next year, with further analysis planned as additional assay results and exploration data are received.
The survey data correlate strongly with previously mapped manganese outcrops and high-grade drill intersections, enhancing confidence in the geological model.
This alignment enables Estrella to strategically focus its upcoming drilling efforts on high-potential zones for expanding manganese resources.
Manganese is a critical mineral used in steelmaking and increasingly in battery technologies, making this exploration activity significant in the context of growing market demand.
Assay results from recent drilling are expected within the next one to three weeks, which will inform further drill planning.
The company intends to commence immediate field operations at Ira Miri in 2026 to test these priority targets.
