Portugal and Timor-Leste Collaborate on Metallic Mineral Exploration

Portugal’s LNEG is collaborating with Timor-Leste to assess its mineral potential, including gold and critical minerals. Project leader Igor Pereira Morais reports promising findings and emphasizes ongoing data collection and knowledge transfer. The initiative supports sustainable development and capacity building in Timor-Leste as it explores economic diversification away from fossil fuels.

Portugal is collaborating with Timor-Leste in a significant project led by the National Energy and Geology Laboratory (LNEG). This partnership aims to assess the mineral potential of Timor-Leste, as reported by Lusa news agency. Project leader Igor Pereira Morais stated that the surveys indicate the presence of potential gold, chromium, nickel, and copper deposits within the region.

The cooperation is not limited to assessment alone; it involves collaboration with the Geosciences Institute of Timor-Leste and researchers from the Earth Sciences Department of the University of Coimbra. Should the project confirm valuable metallic minerals in Timor-Leste, it will be the responsibility of specialized firms to assess the commercial viability of these resources. Morais noted, “We’ve already made an initial inventory. In the next phase, it’s necessary to go to the sites and delve deeper.”

According to LNEG, extractive industries, particularly in metallic minerals, are crucial for sustainable development. This can provide Timor-Leste with a robust economic future as it transitions from fossil fuel dependency. Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding last March, the fieldwork commenced later in the year, with Morais conducting extensive data standardization surveys and mapping efforts in Timor-Leste.

Moreover, LNEG has committed to offering training opportunities for Timorese personnel as part of this collaboration. Two representatives from Timor-Leste are slated to visit the LNEG Aljustrel campus in Portugal soon. Morais underscored the importance of LNEG in facilitating knowledge transfer between the two nations, highlighting the organization’s in-depth experience in various global projects.

In conclusion, the partnership between Portugal and Timor-Leste, spearheaded by LNEG, aims to assess and possibly exploit the mineral resources of Timor-Leste. The collaboration is set to foster sustainable development and prepare for economic transition as the region evaluates its mineral wealth. The knowledge transfer initiatives also signify a commitment to capacity building within Timor-Leste, ensuring that the benefits of mineral resources can be optimized sustainably.

Original Source: macaonews.org