EMG-MRT Ilimanu Hosts Cultural Ceremony to Commence Marble Project in Ilimanu, Manatuto
EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda., a joint venture between Elegant Marble Group (EMG), Unip. Lda. and the state-owned enterprise Murak Rai Timor, E.P., successfully delivered a Cultural Ceremony with the traditional leaders of Lisan Haik Badu, today in We-Uah, Suco Uma Caduac, Postu Administrativu Laclo, Manatuto Municipality.
The cultural ceremony held in accordance with Decree Law No. 39/2022 and Law No. 12/2021, ensuring that all field activities are preceded by traditional and community engagement in line with Timorese cultural values.
Distinguished Attendees
The ceremony was attended by Mr. Rafael Danilson Magno de Araújo, President of the Autoridade Nacional dos Minerais (ANM), and Mr. José Manuel Gonçalves, President of Murak Rai Timor, E.P, Local Authority, along with traditional leaders (Lia-nain of Lisan Haik Badu), community legal representatives, members of the Ilimanu community and executives of EMG-MRT ILIMANU, Lda.
Community members and traditional leaders gather for the cultural ceremony
Culture and Development in Harmony
In remarks delivered on behalf of the CEO of EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda., the company emphasized that the project is not merely a mining initiative but a collaboration between people, land and culture.
"Before touching the land, we must seek the blessing of the beiala, the guardians of nature, through traditional ceremony, so that work is carried out in harmony and safety. This marble is not just a resource; it represents the dignity, culture, and identity of the Ilimanu people. EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda has not come to replace tradition, but to show that culture and development can grow together."
Traditional Blessing Ceremony
Following Timorese tradition, the "Fo Matak Malirin" ritual was performed by local elders to seek blessings from nature and ancestral spirits, ensuring harmony and safety for the team before commencing exploration and quarrying works. This act symbolizes deep respect for local customs and the sacred relationship between people, land, and the natural environment.
Project Authorization and Scope
EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda. holds a Prospecting and Research License granted by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, facilitated through ANM, authorizing marble exploration in Ilimanu. The project aims to uncover and develop the country's ornamental-stone potential, producing Manatuto White Marble for both domestic and international markets.
Initial geological mapping indicates that marble resources extend to the We-Uah area, which is recognized as a culturally sacred site within Lisan Haik Badu.
Community Partnership and Benefit Sharing
To ensure community ownership and transparency, an Act of Concordance was signed between EMG-MRT Ilimanu and Lisan Haik Badu before commencing fieldwork, marking a mutual commitment to cooperation, respect, and benefit-sharing.
The partnership will deliver tangible benefits to the Ilimanu community through:
- Creation of local employment opportunities
- Professional training for young people
- Technical capacity-building for long-term sustainability
Celebrating unity between modern development and traditional heritage
A Partnership Built on Trust
Speaking at the event, representatives reaffirmed that the success of this project depends on more than technology or investment — it relies on people, trust, and cultural wisdom.
EMG-MRT Ilimanu pledged to continue working with the local community in a spirit of collaboration, transparency, and accountability, aligning with national goals for sustainable development and cultural preservation.
The ceremony concluded with a cultural lunch, celebrating unity between modern industrial development and traditional Timorese heritage — symbolizing how progress and culture can coexist in harmony.
"Together with the wisdom of Lisan Haik Badu and the strength of the local community, we will build Ilimanu's future, a future founded on progress, respect, and unity."
About EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda.
EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda. is a joint venture between Elegant Marble Group (EMG), Unip. Lda. and Murak Rai Timor, E.P. The company is committed to developing a sustainable marble industry in Timor-Leste through responsible mining, local employment, and environmental protection. Its flagship Ilimanu Marble Project in Manatuto will serve as a foundation for future stone processing and export development.
For Media Inquiries
EMG-MRT ILIMANU, LDA
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Timor-Leste