Dili, March 12, 2025 (Lusa) - The Geosciences Institute of Timor-Leste (IGTL) and Portugal's National Energy and Geology Laboratory (LNEG) are identifying metallic mineral resources in the Oecusse enclave, namely chromium, nickel, copper, and gold.
"As Portugal's geological service, LNEG is working together with IGTL to prospect for mineral resources in Timor-Leste. This work is the result of a memorandum of understanding that IGTL and LNEG signed in March 2024," the president of that Timorese institute, Job Brites dos Santos, told Lusa.
According to Brites dos Santos, after the memorandum of understanding was signed, an implementation agreement was immediately established to define the work related to prospecting for mineral resources in Oecusse, located on the Indonesian side of the island of Timor.
"As part of this joint work, we have already carried out an initial study or reconnaissance in Oecusse and have managed to detect some areas with potential for minerals such as chromium, nickel, copper and gold," he explained.
Asked about the economic value of these mineral resources, Job Brites dos Santos said that he could not yet determine their exact value, but emphasised their strategic importance.
"At the moment, there is a great need to produce these minerals for military equipment, electric vehicles and to support the production of renewable energy," he said.
The official said an LNEG technician is in Timor-Leste to continue the study, with a more detailed analysis of the areas already identified with mineral potential.
"We're going to conduct a detailed study to assess the economic value of the mineral resources we've already detected," he added.
Regarding the possibility of metallic mineral resources in other regions, the IGTL president explained that the studies will be carried out in phases.
"We started in Oecusse and will also carry out a reconnaissance study in Maliana, Aileu and others. The scientific study has complex phases, so we're focusing on Oecusse first and then moving on to Maliana and other areas," he explained.
The official also said that 22 Timorese have completed a master's degree in geology at the University of Coimbra, to increase knowledge in the area, including prospecting and identifying mineral resources.
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