Estrella Resources (ASX:ESR) is moving to finalise binding sales terms and shipping arrangements after receiving export authorisation for its Ira Miri manganese bulk sample.
The Government of Timor-Leste granted approval for export via the Tenu Port Facility, advancing the bulk sample program from extraction and stockpiling towards sale and export.
Causeway construction is now underway at Tenu to allow manganese to be transferred to a barge and then onto the customer’s vessel, while crews move ore from the stockpile to the loading area.
Signing the sales agreement depended on export approval, which the company advised on 13 October 2026. Estrella now needs to finalise binding commercial terms and shipment logistics, which will be reported as they are completed.
Managing Director Robert Mencel says the approval is an important step towards getting Ira Miri manganese to customers.
“Our focus now is on completing the commercial and logistics arrangements needed to deliver it,” Mencel says.
In January 2026, the company signed an agreement with Timor-Leste’s National Minerals Authority (ANM). The agreement authorised the extraction of up to 30,000 tonnes of manganese for market appraisal, with the parcel totalling about 27,000 tonnes.
The program aims to establish delivery requirements, inform longer-term supply talks, and support work towards a Category A mining licence.
Estrellla notes that the approval covers the market appraisal parcel only, does not permit ongoing commercial mining, and does not represent a completed sale or recognised revenue.
Estrella Resources is an explorer with projects and mineral rights in Western Australia. It is currently focused on its Timor-Leste portfolio.
Write to Paula Fabe at Mining.com.au
Main image: Estrella Resources
