Australian Investors Explore World-Class Manganese Deposits in Timor-Leste
In June 2025, twelve prominent investors from Western Australia visited Timor-Leste to assess the country’s promising manganese deposits located in the Lautém and Baucau municipalities. This visit was part of ongoing exploration activities led by Estrella Murak Rai (EMR), a joint venture between Estrella Resources and the state-owned Murak Rai Timor. Since securing mining concessions in November 2023, EMR has been conducting intensive exploration over a concession area totaling 648.41 square kilometers.
The exploration efforts have included detailed geological and geophysical surveys, sampling, laboratory analysis, and modern drilling techniques. These activities have uncovered high-grade manganese mineralization, particularly near the surface in areas such as the Ira Miri prospect. The discovery of this world-class manganese resource marks a significant milestone for Timor-Leste’s mining industry.
The project has received strong backing from the Timor-Leste government. Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Francisco Monteiro have both expressed their support, highlighting the government’s commitment to facilitating legal and institutional frameworks that encourage sustainable development. The government views this initiative as a major opportunity to diversify the country’s economy and create long-term value for its people.
EMR is financing the exploration and development phases independently, demonstrating confidence in the project’s potential. The company is also focused on building local capacity by training young Timorese professionals in modern exploration techniques, including geophysics, environmental management, and drilling operations. This approach aims to ensure that the benefits of the mining sector extend beyond resource extraction to include skills development and sustainable industry growth.
The involvement of international investors, including major shareholders from companies such as CPS Capital Group, Barclay Wells Limited, and Ratta Investments Pty Ltd, underscores the global interest in Timor-Leste’s mineral resources. Their visit allowed them to witness firsthand the progress made and the promising future of manganese mining in the country.
Overall, this venture positions Timor-Leste as an emerging player in the global manganese market. The discovery of high-quality manganese deposits not only enhances the country’s economic prospects but also lays the foundation for a sustainable mining industry that can contribute significantly to national development in the years ahead.