The rig is now officially spinning at Ira Miri — and with it, the first pages of Timor-Leste’s modern mining history are being written.
This isn’t just Estrella’s maiden campaign; it’s a first for the entire nation. A frontier jurisdiction. Untouched geology. No legacy holes to reinterpret. Just raw potential.
Here’s what we know — and what we should be thinking about:
• Drill depth: The first hole (EMDD0001) is likely scoped to 100m. The manganese horizon (Noni Formation) is expected to sit just below a limestone cap, likely intersected within the top 60–80m. At a pace of 20–30m/day using the man-portable rig, this hole could be completed in 3–5 days, with another few days for logging and sampling.
• Assay timeline: Given Timor lacks a commercial assay lab, samples will likely head to Perth or Jakarta. With export logistics and lab processing, mid-to-late June remains the most reasonable expectation for first assays — unless visible mineralisation prompts a visual update earlier.
• Dual-commercial potential: The limestone unit above the manganese is of significant interest to Raka Energi Mandiri, who hold exclusive offtake rights. This hole will provide early clarity on both manganese tenor and limestone quality — an important part of the broader revenue mix.
• Grades that matter: Daws has previously stated that 3 metres at 45% Mn* would "make the world sit up and take notice." From an investor perspective, a continuous 5–6 metre interval exceeding 45% Mn would be a game-changer — and exactly the type of result that could elevate this project into a global conversation.
• Missing clarity on approvals: Notably, the announcement made no specific mention of permit finality. While community engagement and site access are confirmed, it remains unclear whether approvals apply to just the initial holes or the broader 23,000m program. Hopefully, clarification follows.
• Forward news flow: Assuming the program runs smoothly, we can expect:
* Visual updates or photos from early holes in the coming days/weeks
* Initial assays by mid-June
* RC drilling to ramp up once stratigraphy is confirmed
* Trenching results and geological mapping to feed into drill targeting
All told, this has the makings of consistent news flow over the next 2–3 months.
There’s a lot to like here: high-grade potential, untested ground, dual mineral revenue streams, and geopolitical first-mover advantage. Early-stage discovery is never smooth sailing — but this is one of the more compelling setups in the small-cap exploration space right now.
The rig is turning. Let the rocks speak.
GO ESTRELLA
