EMG-MRT Announces White Marble Industrial Project at the 5th Timor-Leste Energy, Mining & Business Forum
EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda. officially announced the launch of its White Marble Industrial Development Project during the 5th Timor-Leste Energy, Mining & Business Forum 2025, marking a significant milestone for the company and the nation's emerging non-oil industries.
The announcement was delivered by Victor Lei, Chairman & CEO of EMG-MRT, who was invited as a keynote speaker on Day 1 of the forum. In his presentation, Mr. Lei introduced the scale, strategic importance, and development roadmap of the Ilimanu White Marble Project—Timor-Leste's first large-scale ornamental stone industrial initiative.
Left: Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, HE. Francisco Monteiro, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the F-FDTL Calisto dos Santos "Coliati", Member of Parliament-HE. Cedelizia dos Santos, Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion-HE. Veronica das Dores, Vice Prime-Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister for Tourism and Environment, HE. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, Efigenia Almeida, Director of EMG-MRT, Jose Goncalves, President & CEO of Murak Rai Timor, E.P., Victor Lei, Chairman & CEO of EMG-MRT
Corporate Film Premiere
As part of the keynote presentation, EMG-MRT premiered a specially produced corporate film, created exclusively for this forum. The video showcased the project's geological foundation, environmental commitments, and long-term vision for value creation in Timor-Leste.
Later in the evening, the film was officially screened during the Gala Dinner, attended by over 250 VIP guests, including senior government officials, CEOs, international investors, and industry leaders. The screening marked a high-profile introduction of the project to key national and regional stakeholders.
Moving Into Construction Phase
"This project represents a new chapter for EMG-MRT and for Timor-Leste's industrial diversification. With the completion of the geological, technical, and environmental groundwork, the Ilimanu White Marble Project is now moving decisively into the construction and commissioning phase."
A Significant Untapped Resource
The Ilimanu marble deposit—estimated at 125 million cubic meters of high-purity calcitic marble—is one of the largest untapped ornamental stone resources in Southeast Asia. EMG-MRT's development strategy includes a full value chain approach: quarry development, slab and tile processing, mosaic production, export operations, and future downstream creative industries.
Socio-Economic Impact
The project is expected to generate significant socio-economic impact, including:
- Job creation for local communities
- Skills development for Timorese workers
- Infrastructure upgrades in the region
- Establishment of a new national export sector
These outcomes are aligned with Timor-Leste's long-term economic diversification strategy, positioning the nation to develop sustainable industries beyond oil and gas.
Acknowledgments
EMG-MRT expressed its appreciation to ANP, ANM, government partners, and the international business community for their support during the forum. The company will continue close collaboration with all stakeholders as the project advances toward production.
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
Communication Office, 17 de Abril, Metiaut, Cristo Rei, Dili
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Timor-Leste