Latest news with #Timorese
West Australian
6 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
Estrella to drill deeper into manganese-rich discovery in Timor-Leste
Estrella Resources has deployed the heavy-duty diamond rig to build on a recent high-grade massive manganese discovery at its Ira Miri prospect in Timor-Leste. The new rig has begun twinning the company's first discovery hole, which previously intersected 6.45 metres of massive manganese oxides averaging 40.1 per cent manganese from just 1.35m depth. The discovery hole ended early - in manganese-rich mineralisation - because of intermittent core recovery from the weaker drill mount. Estrella says it has uncovered further significant new supergene manganese outcrop at its Ira Miri project in Timor-Leste, about 350m north of its initial discovery hole. Management believes the outcrop is a direct continuation of the discovery. Visual estimates suggest it could comprise more than 90 per cent manganese oxide content. Coupled with the mobilisation of a powerful track-mounted diamond drill rig, Estrella is charging forward with the nation's first modern minerals exploration program, cementing its first-mover advantage in the long-underexplored frontier. When the diamond twin is complete, the company will venture north to the new outcrop. Estrella says the new outcrop is mapped across an impressive 4.5-kilometre strike length and is hosted within the same Noni Formation. The company will rely on laboratory assays to confirm the mineralisation. The assays are en route to the lab and will provide critical data on grades and impurities essential for an economic valuation. Estrella says its ambitious frontier drilling campaign comprises an initial 3000m of diamond drilling and 10,000m of reverse circulation drilling to target its Ira Miri and Sica prospects. It has already contracted a second phase of 10,000m reverse circulation drilling, which will launch after a review of initial results. Over the next three weeks, Estrella will drill the initial discovery zone and the newly identified extension. Track and pad preparations for the reverse circulation drilling program are set to commence shortly, paving the way for kick-off in about seven weeks. Estrella says cultural integration remains a cornerstone of its in-country progress. Local community members have been instrumental in hand-clearing drill lines, while track reinforcement ensures long-term access and erosion control at its projects. It says its collaborative approach is backed by the Timorese government and positions the company as a trusted operator in an emerging mining jurisdiction. The Ira Miri project sits within Estrella's 195-square-kilometre concession, held in a 70:30 joint venture with state-owned Murak Rai Timor. The project features multiple occurrences of high-purity limestone overburden to its manganese targets, potentially enabling efficient dual-commodity exploration and maximising the value of each drilling campaign. With assays from the new outcrop pending and drilling intensifying, Estrella is set to present its early results at the International Manganese Institute's conference in Tokyo this month. Estrella's first-mover advantage looks to be a defining move as the scale of its discovery begins to spotlight Timor-Leste as a welcome global critical minerals frontier. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact:
New Straits Times
09-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Batik Air launches first direct flights between KL and Timor-Leste
KUALA LUMPUR: Batik Air has launched a new direct air link between Kuala Lumpur and Dili, becoming the first Malaysian airline to operate scheduled commercial flights to Timor-Leste. The airline said its entry into the emerging Timor-Leste market is a timely and forward-looking move that supports the growth of Malaysia's tourism sector by attracting new travellers from one of Asean's youngest nations. Operated by a Boeing 737 aircraft, the direct flight between Dili and Kuala Lumpur takes approximately four hours and 15 minutes. The twice-weekly service reflects Batik Air's commitment to enhancing regional connectivity through strategic market expansion. With Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA T1) serving as a central hub, passengers from Dili now enjoy convenient onward connections to over 60 destinations across 20 countries, spanning Asia, the Middle East and Australia. Chief executive officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said the airline see enormous potential in this new route, not just in terms of passenger movement, but in the wider opportunity to invite Timorese travellers to discover Malaysia's diverse tourism offerings. "As Timor-Leste expands its global outlook, we are honoured to offer a gateway to Malaysia and beyond, through KLIA's extensive connectivity and Batik Air's growing international network. "Batik Air is proud to play a role in making Malaysia more accessible and attractive to new markets, while contributing to the region's tourism revival and long-term development," he said in a statement. Tourism Malaysia director general Datuk Manoharan Periasamy said the launch of this direct route between Kuala Lumpur and Dili is a timely and strategic effort in strengthening bilateral tourism cooperation. "With Malaysia having welcomed 38 million international visitor arrivals in 2024, we are optimistic that this new connectivity will further enhance visitor numbers and contribute positively to the success of our Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. "Malaysia's diverse tourism offerings, ranging from world-renowned gastronomy and rich cultural heritage to premium shopping experiences, make it an ideal destination for Timorese travellers seeking quality leisure and business experiences," he said.
The Star
06-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Batik Air makes inaugural direct flight from KL to Dili
Batik Air operates two weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur to Dili. — JAIME GUSMAO/Unsplash Batik Air Malaysia's inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Dili, Timor-Leste successfully touched down at the President Nicolau Lobato International Airport this morning (June 6). Welcomed with a traditional water salute (whereby two firetrucks generously hosed down the plane once it landed), the first batch of Malaysian passengers – including a handful from the media – were also greeted with a welcome ceremony attended by local dignitaries and industry shareholders. The direct flight to the capital city of Timor-Leste marks Batik Air as the first Malaysian carrier to serve the route. The airline operates two flights (Monday and Friday) weekly to Dili. "The commencement of this route is very significant," said Datuk Amarjit Sarjit Singh, ambassador of Malaysia to Timor-Leste, at the welcoming ceremony. He shared that many in the country, including non-citizens and expatriates were excited about the new route, as Batik Air's extensive connectivity would "allow for seamless travel to and from Dili". Dili is one of the newest capitals in South-East Asia, with Timor-Leste having only gained independence in 2002. A seaside destination rich in culture and history, the city showcases a unique blend of Timorese culture with Portuguese colonial heritage. From buildings boasting European architecture to delectable traditional Timorese cuisine, Dili is the perfect starting point for folks looking to explore Timor-Leste. Its strategic location within the Coral Triangle also offers spectacular marine biodiversity, which is great for snorkelling and scuba diving. The Kuala Lumpur-Dili service flies out of KL International Airport Terminal 1. The direct flight, operated by a Boeing-737 aircraft, takes approximately four hours and 15 minutes. From Economy Super Saver, Value and Flexi to Business Class, there are several ticket options for travellers to choose, depending on their preferences. More information is available on the Batik Air mobile app as well as the official website (
Filipino Times
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Ex-lawmaker Arnie Teves deported from Timor-Leste, back in the Philippines
Former Negros Oriental Representative Arnie Teves, who is facing multiple murder charges, has returned to the Philippines after being deported from Timor-Leste. Teves arrived aboard a military aircraft after two years of seeking political asylum in the Southeast Asian nation. Timor-Leste authorities arrested Teves in his Dili residence and held him at the Ministry of the Interior before deportation. The Timorese government justified his removal, stating that allowing him to stay in Timor-Leste could be seen as providing refuge to fugitives, which would compromise efforts against transnational crime. Teves' legal team attempted to halt the deportation by filing for a writ of habeas corpus, which his lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, claimed was granted. However, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla asserted that no such writ was issued. Teves faces 13 counts of murder, 13 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder for crimes allegedly committed between 2019 and 2023, including the killing of a provincial governor and nine others.
The Star
29-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ex-Filipino congressman accused of murders to be deported
Under arrest: Teves being escorted by Timorese security personnel for deportation to the Philippines at Nicolau Lobato airport in Dili. — AFP The country said it would deport a former Filipino congressman charged with multiple murders in the Philippines and added that he was a national security threat whose presence could damage the country's image ahead of its entry to Asean. Ex-Rep Arnolfo Teves Jr was arrested in Timor-Leste's capital Dili on Wednesday by immigration authorities and would immediately be deported to the Philippines for staying without a visa and after his passport was cancelled by Manila's Department of Foreign Affairs, the Timor-Leste government said in a statement. Teves has been staying in Dili for more than two years as he tried to seek asylum, straining relations between the two South-East Asian democracies. The Philippines has been calling on Timor-Leste to repatriate Teves to face trial. The Department of Justice in Manila welcomed Timor-Leste's decision yesterday and said it has designated a team of justice and immigration officials to help repatriate Teves. Timor-Leste said in a statement that Teves' presence in the country was 'unacceptable' and his stay for more than two years 'poses a disruptive factor in bilateral relations between the two states, establishing a serious precedent with potential implications for internal security. Teves has been sought by the Philippine government in connection with the March 2023 killings of Negros Oriental Gov Roel Degamo and several other people, including impoverished villagers seeking medical aid from him, by men in military camouflage and body armour who barged into his central Philippine home with assault rifles. At least 17 others were wounded in the brazen attack, which was captured on security cameras. Teves has denied involvement in the killings, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who was backed by Degamo, then called 'purely political'. — AP
