During this exclusive interview, The Energy Circle by IN-VR spoke with José Gonçalves, CEO & President of Murak Rai, about the company’s five-year vision to evolve into a fully operational mining leader, its pioneering work in rare earth exploration and marble development, the focus on local capacity building and community engagement, and its commitment to sustainable, innovation-driven mining practices in partnership with ANM and international investors.
Q1. What’s MRT’s strategic vision for the mining sector in the next 5 years?
Within the next 5 years MRT envision to be a fully operational Timor-Leste mining company having not only exploration assets but also production assets covering metallic and non-metallic minerals. MRT’s partnership with key strategic partners brings positive impact to economic growth in the country. Furthermore, MRT envision its service capability to grow significantly to support development in mining industry not only inTimor-Leste but overseas.
Q2. How is MRT supporting capacity building and local workforce development?
MRT is a state-owned mining company employing Timorese workforce in all its operations. Provide equal opportunities for all its Timorese employees and provide capacity building support through initiative such as technical training program and secondment to elevate competence and skills. During exploration stage MRT provides limited opportunity for community to support its field operations, including first aid training, basic sample collection techniques, environmental and health and safety awareness, and internship.
Q3. Are there any active exploration or development projects MRT is championing?
MRT currently owns 8 concessions in Timor-Leste. We are the only Rare Earth Element explorer exploring for Timor-Leste’s Rare Earth mineral Potential in 3 concessions.Additionally, MRT and its Joint Venture Partner, EMG, is currently working towards developing white marble resources located on the North coast of Timor-Leste.
Q4. What are the biggest opportunities for investors in the mining sector?
We view that the biggest opportunity for investors in mining sector in Timor-Leste would be to secure access to exploration concessions through tender or direct sourcing and to work closely with the national mining company as local partner to advance their operations. Furthermore, provision of mining related services as the industry reach maturity in the coming years remains a key opportunity to keep an eye on.
Q5. How is MRT working alongside ANM for better industry coordination?
ANM is our key stakeholder in mining industry in Timor-Leste. we work closely with ANM not only to ensure our operations comply with the applicable laws but above all to provide constructive feedback on ways to better develop the mining industry in sustainable manner.
Q6. What can international participants learn from MRT during the Forum?
•International participants will become aware of potential partnership opportunities through MRT’s projects – and available technical services provided by MRT.
•Gain on the ground perspective and realities of exploring mineral resources in Timor-Leste – and how navigate local regulations and logistic complexities in exploration
•How to deal with socio-economic and cultural aspects
•MRT has effective community engagement strategy
Q7. How does MRT plan to integrate environmental and social safeguards into future mining projects?
At MRT, we are driven by the commitment to protect the environment we recognize that sustainable mining is only possible when environmental protection and social responsibility are integrated at every stage of project lifecycle – starting from exploration to closure. We are aligning our operations with national environmental regulation as well as international best practices. For instance, prior to commencing any mining projects, we must first secure environmental license.
Q8. What steps is MRT taking to encourage innovation and the adoption of best practices within the mining sector?
AT MRT we encourage the use of technology and innovation to improve productivity and chances to make discovery. We are building our competence base on solid ground to operate in accordance with inter nation standard frameworks both in corporate level as well as in operational level.
Q9. How does MRT engage with local communities and stakeholders to ensure transparency and mutual benefit in mining activities?
MRT’s approaches towards community engagement are through adoption of core principle particularly through consultation, involvement, collaboration, and respect of local communities’ culture and way of living. MRT believes that through these principles, a good relationship and transparency can be established. To ensure mutual benefit, we develop plans with community input and create programs that provide local jobs, training, and support for local development
