Australian government representatives observe developments on South Coast « Government of Tim-Leste

On July 15, 2024, the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco da Costa Monteiro, accompanied by the Executive Director of TIMOR GAP, the European Parliament and the Municipality of Covalima, and the Special Representative of Australia for Greater Sunrise, Steve Brax, visited key sites on the South Coast, including the future Suai supply base, community housing projects and onshore drilling operations.

Physical measurements and geotechnical investigations are currently being carried out on land and sea for the construction of the Suai supply base, which covers an area of ​​414 hectares. The results will be submitted for laboratory analysis before entering the bidding process in August or September.

Steve Bracks visited the South Coast at the invitation of Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão to observe the implementation of integrated projects under the initiative of Tasi Mane. The visit coincided with the conceptual study being carried out by the British company Wood.

Australian Government representatives were impressed by the Timorese Government’s investment in Covalima and recognised that the development model would be further evaluated based on ongoing conceptual studies and ongoing technical discussions.

Minister Francisco Monteiro stressed that phased investments in the South Coast will help deliver natural gas to Timor-Leste and develop the national oil industry. Government investments begin with the construction of Suai Airport, the first section of the highway and the Suai Supply Base.

In the near future, the government will continue with the Covalima Expressway project to the site of the LNG plant, petrochemical complex and refinery in Natabora. This infrastructure is an important part of the South Coast Project.

The visit also included the community housing construction site in Sucohor Belis, Covalima municipality. The project is expected to last from June to March 2026. The team also observed a model of community housing being built for victims affected by the airport construction process.

The Liurai well was also inspected, where Timor Resources, in partnership with TIMOR GAP, EP, has been making technical discoveries since 2021 and will start addressing commercial issues. The delegation also visited the well in Suai Loro.