Ira Miri Drill Results Show Average 35% Manganese with Multiple High-Grade Intervals
Estrella Resources has reported outstanding high-grade manganese assay results from its Ira Miri prospect in Timor-Leste, with grades reaching as high as 58% manganese and strong continuity across multiple drill holes. These findings reinforce the project’s potential as a significant sedimentary manganese deposit.
- Exceptional manganese grades up to 58% Mn
- Multiple intervals exceeding 50% Mn with low impurities
- 10 of 12 drill holes intersected mineralisation
- Average manganese grade around 35% across mineralised intervals
- Potential for significant lateral extensions and emerging targets
Exceptional Grades Confirm Ira Miri’s Potential
Estrella Resources Limited (ASX, ESR) has released assay results from 12 recent drill holes at its Ira Miri manganese prospect in Timor-Leste, revealing outstanding manganese grades up to 58% Mn. These results are consistent with some of the highest-quality stratiform manganese deposits globally, highlighting Ira Miri as an emerging high-grade manganese system with strong lateral continuity.
Of the 12 holes drilled, 10 intersected mineralisation, with an approximate average grade of 35% manganese across mineralised intervals. Several intervals exceeded 50% manganese, accompanied by very low levels of impurities such as phosphorus, aluminium oxide, and iron oxide. This combination of high grade and low impurities is a hallmark of economically attractive manganese deposits.
Geological Context and Comparison
The mineralisation at Ira Miri is hosted within folded manganiferous mudstone and cherty sediments, dipping shallowly to the north. The deposit exhibits characteristics typical of marine sedimentary manganese deposits formed on continental shelves in back-arc tectonic settings. Estrella draws parallels between Ira Miri and world-class manganese deposits such as Molango in Mexico and Groote Eylandt in Australia, both known for their high silica and low iron content.
Managing Director Chris Daws emphasised the strategic significance of the discovery, noting the exceptional grades rival some of the world’s best sedimentary manganese deposits. He highlighted the potential scale of the project, with several large targets still untested and ongoing drilling programs underway.
Exploration Progress and Next Steps
Estrella has completed 45 diamond drill holes totaling over 1,500 meters at Ira Miri, with assay results from 16 holes reported so far. The company also conducted a resistivity and induced polarisation geophysical survey, which helped identify thick zones of mineralisation confirmed by recent drilling.
Further assay results from the latest drill holes are expected imminently, alongside updates on the Werumata Limestone Project, where drilling is nearing completion. Estrella plans to continue exploration activities, including trenching and additional drilling, to delineate the extent of mineralisation and advance towards resource estimation.
Economic Implications
The combination of high manganese grades and low impurities enhances the potential for economic beneficiation, making Ira Miri a promising candidate for future development. The deposit’s sedimentary nature and continuity suggest it could support large-scale mining operations, contributing to manganese supply chains that are critical for steel production and emerging battery technologies.
While the true thickness of mineralisation remains uncertain due to drill angle limitations, the consistent high-grade intersections provide a strong foundation for further resource definition. Estrella’s ongoing work in Timor-Leste positions the company well to capitalize on this emerging manganese province.
Bottom Line?
As Estrella Resources advances drilling and awaits final assay results, Ira Miri’s high-grade manganese promise could reshape manganese exploration in Timor-Leste.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the final batch of assay results reveal about the full extent of mineralisation?
- How soon can Estrella progress from exploration to resource estimation and development?
- What role might Ira Miri play in global manganese supply amid rising demand for battery materials?
