EMG-MRT Ilimanu Presents USD 51 Million Marble Industrial Platform Proposal to TradeInvest Technical Commission
Dili, 8 May 2026 — EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda. presented its investment proposal for the development of an integrated marble industrial platform to the Technical Commission of TradeInvest Timor-Leste, I.P., as part of the process for applying for a Declaration of Benefits (DB) and a Special Investment Agreement (SIA).
The meeting was convened by TradeInvest Timor-Leste through its Technical Commission, composed of representatives from relevant ministries and institutions. It was chaired by the Deputy Executive Director of TradeInvest Timor-Leste, Mr. Roberto da Costa Cabral Lai, and accompanied by the General Coordinator of the Office of the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs / MKAE, Mr. Jorge Martins, with the active participation of representatives from ministerial institutions integrated into the Technical Commission.
Technical evaluation meeting convened by TradeInvest Timor-Leste’s Technical Commission
Purpose of the Meeting
The purpose of the meeting was to conduct a technical evaluation of the business plans submitted by EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda., in accordance with the provisions of Private Investment Law No. 15/2017 and other applicable legislation.
During the meeting, EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda. presented its proposed USD 51 million investment program for the development of the EMG-MRT Marble Industrial Platform in Manatuto Municipality, covering the villages of Uma Kaduak, Lacumesac, and Iliheu.
Presentation of the integrated marble industrial platform and investment program
About EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda.
EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda. is a joint venture between Elegant Marble Group, Limitada / EMG and Murak Rai Timor, E.P. / MRT, with EMG holding 51% and MRT holding 49%. The company was established to develop Timor-Leste’s white marble resources and to build the country’s first integrated marble industry, covering quarry development, stone processing, local construction supply, export, training, SME participation, and future creative industries.
Opening Remarks and Presentation
In his opening remarks, Mr. Victor Lei, Chairman and CEO of EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda., expressed appreciation to TradeInvest for organizing the meeting and emphasized that the Manatuto white marble project is not only a mining project, but a long-term industrial platform for Timor-Leste’s economic diversification and industrial development.
Following Mr. Victor Lei’s opening remarks, Ms. Efigénia Almeida, Director of EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda., delivered the main presentation on behalf of the company. She introduced the project’s overall development plan, phased investment structure, industrial platform concept, and the key requests submitted for Government consideration under the Declaration of Benefits and Special Investment Agreement process.
Leadership and Technical Commission engagement during the proposal review
Phased Development Plan (2026–2031)
The EMG-MRT proposal is designed as a phased development plan from 2026 to 2031. Phase I will focus on green quarry development, access infrastructure, initial processing workshops, tile and mosaic production, water recycling, workforce training, and domestic market supply. Phase II will expand into advanced slab processing, CNC and waterjet production, and international market entry. Phase III will further develop engineered stone, circular green building materials, and downstream creative industries.
Representatives from ministries and institutions integrated into the Technical Commission
National Priorities and Projected Impact
The project aims to support Timor-Leste’s national priorities, including economic diversification beyond petroleum, development of non-oil exports, domestic value-added manufacturing, skilled employment, SME participation, local content, and ASEAN market positioning. At full maturity, the EMG-MRT Marble Industrial Platform is projected to generate more than USD 75 million in annual revenue, create over 800 direct jobs and 2,000 indirect jobs, and train local technicians through a dedicated Marble Training Center.
Technical Commission Discussions
During the discussions, members of the Technical Commission provided technical observations, recommendations, and inputs related to legal compliance, environmental considerations, economic development, and employment opportunities for Timorese citizens.
EMG-MRT welcomes the constructive comments from TradeInvest and the Technical Commission and will continue to work closely with relevant government institutions to refine the project proposal and move forward with the DB and SIA application process.
Through this project, EMG-MRT aims to transform Timor-Leste’s high-quality white marble resources into a sustainable national industry, creating long-term value for the country, local communities, and future generations.
For Media Inquiries
EMG-MRT ILIMANU, LDA
Communication Office, 17 de Abril, Metiaut, Cristo Rei, Dili
Info@emg-mrt.tl
+670 75445566
Timor-Leste