EMG-MRT Commences Construction of Access Road for Ilimanu White Marble Project
Dili, Timor-Leste - 20 July 2026 - EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda. has commenced construction of the access road serving the Ilimanu White Marble Project in Manatuto Municipality, marking an important transition from project planning and preparation into physical implementation.
The EMG-MRT Ilimanu project team at the access-road construction site in Manatuto Municipality.
From Planning to Physical Implementation
The access road is a key piece of infrastructure for the development of the project. It will connect the proposed quarry development area with the future processing facilities, industrial park and wider transport network, enabling the movement of personnel, construction materials, machinery and, in future, natural stone products.
The commencement of the works follows a period of geological studies, environmental and technical preparation, land coordination, infrastructure planning and engagement with relevant authorities and project stakeholders.
Construction machinery assembled for the first stage of the access-road works.
"This is an important milestone for EMG-MRT and for the development of Timor-Leste's natural stone industry," said Victor Lei, President and CEO of EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda.
"The access road is more than a construction project. It is the first physical connection between our natural resources, the future industrial park, local communities and international markets. It demonstrates that the Ilimanu project is moving from vision into implementation."
Building an Integrated Natural Stone Platform
The Ilimanu project is being developed as an integrated natural stone industrial platform rather than as a standalone quarry. EMG-MRT's long-term strategy is to connect responsible resource development with local processing, industrial infrastructure, skills development, architectural applications, design, technology and international distribution.
The platform is expected to create opportunities for a wide range of partners, including:
- Investors and financial institutions
- Quarry and processing companies
- Machinery and technology producers
- Construction companies
- International distributors and agents
- Architects, designers and artists
- Logistics and infrastructure providers
- Universities and training institutions
- Local contractors, suppliers and small businesses
Access-road earthworks underway at the Ilimanu White Marble Project site.
First-Stage Project Works
The access-road works form part of the first stage of project implementation, which also includes site preparation, development of the initial quarry area, construction of temporary operational facilities, preparation of the processing area and procurement of mining and processing equipment.
EMG-MRT is coordinating the works with its shareholders, contractors, relevant government institutions and local stakeholders. Health, safety, environmental protection, community communication and clear operational responsibilities will remain priorities throughout the construction period.
Project personnel take part in an on-site briefing during the commencement of works.
Responsible Industrial Development
The company's development model is based on sustainable and responsible industrialization. Planned measures include controlled quarry development, water recycling, dust and noise management, material recovery, progressive land rehabilitation, local recruitment, workforce training and opportunities for community participation.
EMG-MRT's broader objective is to establish Timor-Leste's first integrated natural stone industrial ecosystem, supported by the country's white marble and amphibolite resources and connected to domestic, regional and international markets.
The project builds on EMG-MRT's strategy to transform Timor-Leste's natural stone resources into long-term industrial, economic, cultural and social value. The company's platform business model combines resource stewardship, industrial infrastructure, partner investment, processing, design and creative-industry development.
EMG-MRT previously presented the Ilimanu White Marble Project as a potential new national industry capable of supporting economic diversification, local-content development, skills transfer and non-oil exports.
Invitation to Partners
"As the physical development of the project begins, we welcome capable and responsible partners to join the platform," Mr. Lei added.
"Our ambition is not simply to extract stone. It is to build an industry that creates jobs, develops skills, supports local businesses, introduces new technology and establishes Timor-Leste as a new origin for high-quality natural stone."
EMG-MRT will provide regular updates as access-road construction and other first-stage works progress.
About EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda.
EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda. is a public-private joint venture established by Elegant Marble Group and Murak Rai Timor, E.P. to develop Timor-Leste's natural stone resources and build an integrated marble and stone industrial platform.
The company's development strategy covers responsible quarrying, local processing, industrial infrastructure, architectural products, design, technology, skills development and international market cooperation.
Contact
EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda.
Ilimanu, Manatuto, Díli, Timor-Leste
Email: info@emg-mrt.tl
Website: www.emg-mrt.tl
Building Timor-Leste's Future in Stone