DILI, 26 march 2024 (TATOLI) – Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, accompanied by the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco da Costa Monteiro, and the President of the Lautém Municipal Authority, Melio de Jesus officially awarded mineral exploration license to two companies (Estrella Resources and Peak Everest Mining) to carry out mineral exploration in Lautém municipality.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MPRM) will collaborate with Estrella Resources and Peak Everest Mining to carry out the exploration of metallic ores in Lautém.
Exploration activities will be carried out in several villages, covering Euquisi, Daudere, Afabubu, Wairoque, Borubatu, Saquili, Dalarai, Luturo, and other locations.
At the launch of the licensing round for mineral exploration, Prime Minister Gusmão said it marked a significant milestone for the development of Timor-Leste’s mining sector.
He said that the development of the country’s mining sector will contribute to improving people’s well-being and advancing development.
Gusmão urged local communities to collaborate with the companies to ensure smooth mineral exploration in the identified villages.
Minister Monteiro thanked the two companies for their trust in the government to carry out mineral exploration in the country.
He said that the government will facilitate the two companies with exploration activities to attract more international companies to invest in Timor-Leste, especially in the mining sector.
The representative of Estrela Resources, Chris Daws, thanked the government for granting his company the mineral exploration license, saying that Estrela Resources would cooperate with the government and Peak Everest Mining to carry out mineral exploration activities in Lautém.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
