DILI, 17 august 2023 (TATOLI) – The ninth government, through the council minister’s meeting, has approved five draft decree-laws introduced by the Ministry of Petroleum and Minerals (MPM) to improve the jobs and skills performance of Timor Gas & Petroleum (Timor Gap) E.P.
According to the official statement that Tatoli Agency accessed, the second amendment to Decree-Law No. 31/2011, of July 27, is Timor Gas & Petroleum, E.P.
“This amendment aims to correct inaccuracies and flaws detected, as well as adapt the governance structure of TIMOR GAP, E.P., to the standard followed by international and national companies in the energy sector, in addition to expanding its scope of action to better face the challenges of the energy transition “, quotes the statement.
This amendment will simplify and optimize the diploma, revoking provisions already provided for in other applicable legislation to avoid duplication and confusion. The aim of this strategic reorientation is for TIMOR GAP, E.P., to focus on its priority mission, avoiding unnecessary dispersion in less advantageous commercial activities, while strategic projects for the future of Timor-Leste have not made the desired progress.
This change is intended to increase the degree of transparency and control of TIMOR GAP, E.P.’s activities by aligning them with the best international practices and national legislation, contributing to the recovery of the sector’s credibility, and maintaining the statute of Timor-Leste with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.
The Government also amended Decree-Law No. 20/2008, of June 19, which created the National Petroleum Authority.
With this change, the National Petroleum Authority will once again assume powers and attributions exclusively centered on matters in the oil and gas sector and related areas, thus being able to focus on the sector and allocating all its resources to its development so that this can effectively contribute, as it has done so far, to the country’s economic development, thus allowing the State to invest in other priority economic and social sectors”, quotes the statement.
This amendment will reformulate the organization rules of the executive structure of the ANP, giving priority to the merit and technical skills of its team, in addition to expanding the scope of its action to cover new areas arising from the energy transition.
The Government also approved the creation of the National Authority for Minerals, a Public Institute whose attributions are to act as a regulatory institution for the mineral resources sector in scrupulous compliance with the provisions set out in the Mining Code and in any existing or future legislation or regulation governing the mineral resources sector.
“The regulatory competence of the National Minerals Authority is confined to the regulated sector and restricted to setting operational technical standards, requirements of an administrative nature, or regulating non-compliance with both in strict dependence and obedience to the laws in force, including, namely, for the purposes of Article 157.o no 2 of the Mining Code”, quotes the document.
The Government approved the extinction of the Mineral Company of Timor-Leste, S.A., and the creation of Murak Rai Timor, E.P.
Considering the evidence of mineral wealth and the significant increase in the number of private individuals interested in investing in the mineral resources sector, it is imperative to provide the State with the necessary mechanisms to act efficiently, clearly, and transparently in this key sector of the national economy.
Taking into account that the priorities and national strategic interests, as listed in the Program of the IX Constitutional Government, recommend a profound review of the form of State participation in Mining Activities, namely through the extinction of the Mineral Company of Timor-Leste, S.A., and the creation of a Public Company capable of operating in the sector in a full and efficient manner and under effective teaching and supervision of the government.
Finally, the Government approved the first amendment to Decree-Law No. 33/2012, of July 18, which created the Institute of Petroleum and Geology.
Considering that the Institute of Petroleum and Geology (IPG) was created more than 11 years ago, it is intended to update its organization and mission, ensuring the continuous improvement of knowledge about existing geological resources and the possibility of sustainable use in a concept of circular economy, with its transformation into the Institute of Petroleum and Geology.
This public institute’s main mission will be to promote and carry out research, demonstration, and knowledge transfer actions, technical and technological assistance, laboratory support, and other services aimed at companies in the field of geosciences and technologies.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
