As Timor-Leste takes decisive steps to unlock its untapped mineral wealth, Rafael Danilson Magno de Araujo, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Minerals Authority (ANM), discusses the institution’s role in shaping a responsible and investor-friendly mining sector. From new policy frameworks and exploration opportunities in manganese, copper, gold, and rare earths to inclusive community engagement and environmental governance, he outlines how ANM is laying the foundation for a sustainable and globally competitive mining industry.
Q1. How does ANM see the mining sector contributing to economic diversification in Timor-Leste?
A: Economic diversification requires a collaborative effort from all parties / stakeholders who are involved directly in this sector.
ANM, as the government entity which is responsible for managing and regulating the sector should be able to develop strategic plans and policies and encourage the development of the mining industry the country by creating an environment to allow the growth of the industry. These plans and environment shall include sharing information pertaining to countries rich mineral potentials to interested investors and the government entity responsible for mining shall be able to work on the developing critical legal framework in ensuring the proper governance of mining sector and ensure that the economic growth in all levels of the country.
The community stakeholders play important roles in ensuring the sustainable development of the mining activities. The economic diversification in mining could be achieved through encouragement of rigid relationship between the government, communities and the private sectors. This stakeholder local content development program plays an important role in the value from the extraction of mineral ores is benefited to all parties.
Q2. What key reforms or frameworks is ANM implementing to attract responsible mining investors?
A: ANM’s efforts to attract investors in mining sector to the country are made through the active mineral promotion activities. So far. ANM has been engaging in many international events related to mining sector in promoting Timor Leste’s mineral potentiality as the result ANM managed to secure sufficient investment in the country.
Q3. What minerals offer the most strategic opportunity right now?
A: Manganese, Cupper, Gold, REE and limestone could be considered as the main strategic minerals, but we believe there more minerals could be discovered underneath Timor Island. All we need to do is to continuously promote the sector and to attract more investment to the country.
Q4. How important is environmental governance in ANM’s project evaluation?
A: Environmental governance plays critical roles to balance and ensure the safeguard of environmental aspects in all mining activities. To include environmental governance in project assessment will ensure sustainable and responsible mining activities which will benefit all parties or stakeholders.
Q5. What would a successful Forum outcome look like for ANM?
A: To ANM, a successful forum should reflect in the accomplishment of goals and objectives of the forum itself.
Q6. What message do you have for international mining companies attending the Summit?
A: Timor Leste’s mining industry is an emerging industry. As a country, Timor Leste offers promising and untapped mineral resources to be discovered. To better manage its resources, Timor Leste is equipped with advanced legal frameworks to safeguard investment as well as to ensure sustainable development in the mining industry. Please join us to explore this promising industry. The ANM is committed to working with the interested companies to explore the mineral resources and to benefit all parties.
Q7. How is ANM engaging with local communities to ensure inclusive and sustainable mining development?
A: In implementing its role and functions as the regulatory authority body, ANM has established various work programs such as outreach to communities and local authorities.
The outreach programs were designed as part of ANM’s efforts to promote the roles of mining activities to the locals and to build strong connections and relationships between the government and the communities. In progressing its roles and function as the regulatory authority in mining sector, ANM will continuously develop important programs and work closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the mining activities to be carried out are aligned with the applicable laws and regulations as well as industry best practices.
Q8. What role does technology and innovation play in shaping the future of Timor-Leste’s mining sector?
A: It is undeniable that technology and innovation have contributed significantly to the development of the mining sector globally, particularly ensuring efficiency and productivity throughout the mining cycles.
Countries like Timor Leste; where mining industry is an emerging industry, we believe that with the use of technology and innovation in the industry will provide significant assistance to the development of mining activities.
For instance, using advanced technology in the exploration phase will provide more efficiency and cost effectiveness to track down the mineral distribution.
Having said that, it is true that technology and innovation will contribute to shaping the future of Timor Leste’s mining sector and to ensure that Timor Leste’s mining sector can be developed in a sustainable way.
Q9. How does ANM plan to collaborate with educational institutions to build a skilled workforce for the mining industry?
A: Currently, ANM is developing a program with the educational institutions in the country as part of ANM’s mission to prepare skilled work force in the mining industry. These programs were designed to introduce fresh graduate and final year students to the importance of mining sector in the nation building. A part of that, ANM also working very closely with the neighboring countries to explore opportunities in the partnership for capacity development and capacity strengthening programs.
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