Metallic Minerals Potential in Timor Leste
Chromite
The chromite deposits have been reported from Baucau, Hili Manu
(Manatuto district) and Manufahi districts. The deposits were found as
primary mineralisation in the serpentinites hosts. The chromite in the
Manatuto districs is similar to chromite mineralisation in allochtone
ophiolite bodies found in the Circum Pacific belt in the Philippines, New
Caledonia and Kalimantan, Indonesia. The quality of the chromite is
good, with grades between 36% and 51% Cr₁₂03. As for grade, 80% of
the world's major deposits have between 33% and 52% Cr₂03.
Manganese
The manganese deposits were discovered in several places such as
Vemmasse, Talamata, Venilale( Baucau district), Uato Carabau
(Viqueque district). The deposits are interbedded form within red
shale and associated with the limestone of the Bobonaro Formation.
The manganese deposits mainly composed of pyrolusite mineral with
the grade range between 84-94.5% MnO2.View entire presentation