An analysis of metal mineral resource potential and mining investment environment in East Timor

The metallogenic geological condition of East Timor is fairly favorable, and many different types of mineral resources have been found there. Chromite mineralization was found in Manatuto，Manufahi，Baucau provinces，and this type of chromite mineralization is hosted in the ultramafic rocks within the Circum Pacific belt. In Hili Manu district of Manatuto province，the podiform chromites with Cr2O3 grade between 36%~ 51% occur in the serpentinized ultramafic rocks，showing great mineral exploration potential. The manganese mineralization associated with the marine strata was mainly found in Baucau, Viqueque and Manatuto provinces. The manganese deposit located in Vemasse region of Manatuto province is high in grade and large in size, with great potential to be a middle to large manganese deposit. Copper mineralization outcrops were found in Baucau，Viqueque，Covalima，Manufahi，Manatuto and Lautem provinces and hosted in ophiolite suite. Cu-Au-Ag mineralization occurs in serpentinized mafic - ultramafic rocks, suggesting that a large sulfide-mineralized body may exist under the serpentinite rock in the Ossu region of Viqueque province. Middle to high-grade old mineralization was found not only in quartz veins but also in altered disseminated chalcopyrite and pyrite. There are prospects to find gold placer in the sandy gravel strata in Sue River，Laclo River and Cler River of Turiscai district in Manufahi province. More importantly，it gives the possibilities to find primary gold deposits along the upper part of the rivers. In summary，the geological setting in East Timor shows good potential of different types of mineralization. It is suggested that more exploration should be done in East Timor. Now，the investment environment of mining in East Timor is good and hence the authors suggest intervening at the right time.