Estrella Resources (ASX:ESR) plans to begin drilling at its Ira Miri Manganese Project in Timor-Leste in early September after a drone survey defined several conductivity targets.
The Mobile Magneto-Telluric survey covered a 3.5km by 4.2km corridor encompassing the existing Ira Miri pit and part of the eastern Laleno Dome.
Several high-conductivity anomalies appear as plume-like features extending towards the surface from depth. Estrella says their position near the Laleno Dome may point to hydrothermal pathways associated with sulphide mineralisation, although this interpretation remains untested.
Estrella has developed an initial approximately 3,000m reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling campaign to test three priority targets.
The initial program will include three vertical holes targeting deep conductivity anomalies. Each is planned to reach 500m using RC pre-collars to approximately 100m, followed by diamond tails.
Estrella says these would be the deepest mineral exploration holes completed in Timor-Leste.
Three further holes, each planned to reach 60m, will test a shallow-dipping anomaly that could represent an extension of manganese-bearing horizons within the Noni Formation.
Managing Director Robert Mencel says the anomalies provide new targets for the project but do not confirm mineralisation.
“While the conductivity anomalies are not, by themselves, proof of mineralisation, their geometry and geological setting provide a strong basis for drill testing,” Mencel says.
Another three 500m holes have been outlined for possible follow-up drilling, subject to the initial results.
Access-track and drill-site preparation is scheduled to begin next week, ahead of drilling during the first week of September.
Estrella also plans to begin a helicopter magnetotelluric survey across its wider Timor-Leste tenure in September, with results expected before the end of 2026.
Meanwhile, the company has selected a customer for its approximately 27,000-tonne wet manganese trial parcel. Export documentation has been lodged with the Timor-Leste Government, with the sales agreement conditional on approval.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Images: Estrella Resources
