Estrella Resources (ASX:ESR) announced a high-grade manganese discovery within its newly granted exploration licences in Baucau Municipality, Timor-Leste.
The discovery, named the Samalari manganese prospect, was identified over a 1.7km strike with manganese oxide outcrops up to 5m in width.
Initial grab sampling has revealed impressive manganese grades ranging from 32.7% to 53.9% as confirmed by ALS Laboratory in Australia.
Estrella was recently awarded four new exploration and evaluation licences covering a total area of 194.425km2.
The addition increases its total landholding in Timor-Leste to 698.1km2.
Managing Director Chris Daws stated, "We are thrilled with the high-grade manganese discovery at Samalari within our newly granted exploration and evaluation licenses in Timor-Leste."
"The outcropping manganese oxides traced over 1.7km, coupled with grades ranging between 32.7% and 53.9% manganese from our Perth laboratory assays, underscore the significant potential of this area," Daws added.
Located just 5km from Baucau and 7.5km by road from the northern highway, the Samalari prospect benefits from good accessibility and available grid power.
The low-population area has minimal farmland, reducing potential conflicts in land use.
Estrella plans to expand its exploration program with additional mapping, sampling, and ground geophysics in the coming months, alongside environmental clearances paving the way for a scout drilling program.
At the time of reporting, Estrella Resources’ share price was $0.11.