EMG-MRT Ilimanu Becomes the First Mining Company in Timor-Leste to Receive an Environmental License (Category B)
EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda. announces the official handover of the Environmental License (Category B) for the Ilimanu Marble Project, granted by the Autoridade Nacional dos Minerais on 19 January 2026.
According to EMG-MRT Ilimanu's understanding, this approval represents the first Environmental License (Category B) issued within Timor-Leste's mineral sector, marking a significant regulatory milestone for the country's emerging mining and stone industries.
EMG-MRT Ilimanu receives the Environmental License (Category B) from the Autoridade Nacional dos Minerais
A Platform-Based Approach to Stone Industry Development
Beyond being a project-level approval, this license is the first practical implementation of EMG-MRT's platform-based stone industry strategy. From the exploration stage, the Ilimanu Marble Project has been designed as part of a broader industrial platform that integrates environmental management, local content, community engagement, and long-term value-chain development, rather than as a standalone extraction activity.
The Environmental License authorizes EMG-MRT Ilimanu to proceed with exploration and evaluation activities for ornamental stone within the Ilimanu concession area in Manatuto Municipality, in accordance with approved environmental management and monitoring requirements.
Official handover of the Environmental License (Category B) for the Ilimanu Marble Project
A New Phase for Timor-Leste's Mineral Sector
This milestone demonstrates that Timor-Leste's mineral sector is entering a new phase—one that moves beyond resource access toward structured, transparent, and environmentally responsible industrial development, creating the foundation for downstream processing, skills development, and higher domestic value creation.
EMG-MRT Ilimanu's Commitment
EMG-MRT Ilimanu reaffirms its commitment to:
- Embedding environmental responsibility into industrial design
- Advancing local content through employment, services, and knowledge transfer
- Respecting local communities and cultural practices
- Working in close partnership with ANM and other public institutions
The company expresses its sincere appreciation to the Autoridade Nacional dos Minerais for its guidance and cooperation, and looks forward to continued collaboration as the stone industry platform progresses to its next stage.
About EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda.
EMG-MRT Ilimanu is a joint venture dedicated to building a platform-based, sustainable stone industry in Timor-Leste, combining international technical expertise with strong local partnership to support long-term industrial and economic development beyond raw material extraction.
For Media Inquiries
EMG-MRT ILIMANU, LDA
Communication Office, 17 de Abril, Metiaut, Cristo Rei, Dili
Info@emg-mrt.tl
+670 75445566
Timor-Leste