Highlights

  • The Government of Timor-Leste granted export authorisation for the Ira Miri manganese bulk sample.
  • The sample will be shipped through the Tenu Port Facility, where causeway construction is underway.
  • The market appraisal parcel is about 27,000 tonnes.
  • Estrella is now working to finalise binding sales terms and shipment arrangements.

Estrella Resources Limited (ASX:ESR) has received export authorisation from the Government of Timor-Leste for its Ira Miri manganese bulk sample. Managing Director Robert Mencel said the approval is an important step toward putting Ira Miri manganese into customers' hands.

Export Approval and Shipping Preparations

The authorisation allows the bulk sample to be shipped through the Tenu Port Facility. Causeway construction is underway at Tenu, and manganese is being moved from the stockpile to the loading area ahead of a barge and customer vessel.

Execution of a sales agreement was conditional on export approval, as previously advised on 13 October 2026. Estrella's next steps are to finalise binding sales terms and shipment arrangements.

Purpose of the Bulk Sample

The bulk sample program is designed to give the customer feedback on product quality and commercial performance, which will inform any future offtake assessment.

In January 2026, Estrella signed an agreement with ANM to extract up to 30,000 tonnes for market appraisal. The appraisal parcel is about 27,000 tonnes.

Scope and Limitations of the Approval

The approval covers the market appraisal parcel only and is not an approval for ongoing commercial mining. Export approval alone does not represent a completed sale or recognised revenue.

The approval is separate from an earlier approval to transport a small trial parcel overland to West Timor, Indonesia. The appraisal work supports Estrella's efforts toward a Category A Mining Licence for any future full-scale development.

Key Takeaways

  • Export approval clears a key condition for Estrella's manganese sales agreement.
  • About 27,000 tonnes is being prepared for market appraisal.
  • Customer feedback will guide future offtake discussions.
  • The approval does not cover ongoing commercial mining.