Timor-Leste has become the 83rd member country of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF).
“Working with the IGF will help advance our national objective to support sustainable economic and social development through mining in Timor-Leste. We hope to draw on the IGF’s expertise to learn more about mining opportunities related to the energy transition and best practices for regulating the sector,” said Rafael Danilson Magno de Araújo, President of the National Mining Authority, Timor-Leste.
Timor-Leste’s mining sector is small, but the country has recently taken steps to support growth in the industry, including conducting the first geophysical surveys in 2018 and enacting a new mining code in 2021 (Law No. 12/2021 of 30th June on the Mining Code). In 2023, Timor-Leste held its first mineral licensing tender, making available exploration opportunities in 49 concession areas, out of which 13 concessions have been awarded.
“We are happy to welcome Timor-Leste as our newest member, and we look forward to working with the country as it pursues sustainable development through mining,” said Greg Radford, Director of IGF.
“Additionally, we are encouraged to see our membership grow in Southeast Asia, a key mineral region where the IGF has been working on key mining policy issues related to the energy transition,” said Radford.
The IGF supports its 83 member countries in advancing their sustainable development goals through effective laws, policies, and regulations for the mining sector. We help governments take action to develop inclusive and gender-equitable practices, optimize financial benefits, support livelihoods, and safeguard the environment. Our work covers the full mining life cycle, from exploration to mine closure, and projects of all sizes, from artisanal mining to large-scale operations. Guided by our members’ needs, we provide in-country assessments, capacity building, technical training, publications, and events to advance best practices, peer learning, and engagement with industry and civil society. The International Institute for Sustainable Development has hosted the IGF Secretariat since October 2015. Core funding is provided by the governments of Canada and the Netherlands.