In this exclusive interview, The Energy Circle by IN-VR spoke with Fabie Reza, Technical Director at Peak Everest, about the company’s early manganese discoveries in Lautém, Timor-Leste’s under explored geology and investment-friendly policies, and their partnership-driven approach to community engagement, capacity building, and transparent governance, laying the groundwork for a modern mining sector that supports national diversification beyond oil and gas.
Q1. Peak Everest Mining was one of the successful bidders in Timor-Leste’s first mineral tender and has been awarded exploration licences in Lautém. What attracted your company to participate in this historic process, and how do you view Timor-Leste’s mineral potential?
Attraction to Timor-Leste and mineral potential
A: Peak Everest was proud to participate in Timor-Leste’s first mineral tender, which reflects the country’s commitment to diversifying its economy. We were drawn by both the strong geological potential and the government’s transparent approach to attracting responsible investment. Timor-Leste remains largely underexplored with modern methods, offering genuine opportunities for discovery. We believe its mineral resources, particularly manganese, can play an important role in long-term national development.
Q2. Your licences focus on manganese exploration in areas such as Euquisi, Afabubu, Wairoke and Daudere. What have been the main findings or insights so far from your fieldwork, and how do you see these contributing to the country’s resource development?
Early findings from Euquisi, Afabubu, Wairoke, and Daudere
A: Our fieldwork has focused on mapping, sampling, and early structural interpretation across the licence areas. Initial results confirm manganese-bearing horizons and surface mineralization, which warrant systematic follow-up. These findings are encouraging and add valuable data to Timor-Leste’s geological record. Over time, they will help shape a modern resource inventory and guide investment into the sector.
Q3. Timor-Leste is still shaping its mining sector and regulatory environment. From your perspective as an early entrant, what are the key strengths of Timor-Leste as a destination for mineral exploration, and what improvements would help attract more investment?
A: Timor-Leste’s greatest strengths are its underexplored geology, clear national policy for diversification, and the openness of its stakeholders to collaboration. For investors, the potential for new discoveries is significant. To enhance competitiveness, improvements in permitting timelines, geological data access, and infrastructure would be valuable. Continued investment in local capacity building will also strengthen the country’s position as an exploration destination.
Q4. Partnerships with local stakeholders are crucial for the long-term success of mining projects. How is Peak Everest Mining engaging with communities, local partners such as MRT, and the government to ensure mutual benefits?
A: Our approach is based on partnership and transparency at every level. With MRT and other local partners, we prioritize hiring and training Timorese staff while sourcing services locally. We engage communities through open dialogue, respect for cultural traditions, and clear channels for feedback. With government, we maintain compliance and transparency to ensure exploration creates lasting benefits.
Q5. Looking ahead, what is Peak Everest Mining’s long-term vision for its role in Timor-Leste’s mining industry, and how do you see the company contributing to the country’s economic diversification beyond oil and gas?
A: Peak Everest Mining’s vision is to help establish a modern, responsible mining industry in Timor-Leste. We aim to progress our manganese projects step by step while building local skills and capabilities. In the longer term, we see opportunities for value addition and local participation across the mining value chain. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to the country’s broader economic diversification beyond oil and gas.
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