Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, accompanied by the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco da Costa Monteiro, officially launched, on January 11th, 2025, a seismic survey project in the administrative post of Natarbora, in the municipality of Manatuto. This study aims to assess the feasibility of oil and gas exploration in the Pualaca Block area, located on the south coast of Timor-Leste, which covers an area of 1,575 km² and three municipalities: Manatuto, Manufahi and Viqueque. The initiative is led by TIMOR GAP, together with the National Petroleum Authority (ANP), and the launch event took place at the Natarbora Parish Hall. 
The event was preceded by a traditional ceremony conducted by lian-na’in from the municipalities involved, held the night before, to request permission from nature to open the way for the investigation process in the Pualaca Block for the three municipalities.
After cutting the ribbon, the Prime Minister appealed to the population of the three municipalities to collaborate with the technicians, so that the prospecting process runs successfully, and drilling can be carried out in a way that brings benefits to the people and the country. 
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister called on the people and local authorities of the three municipalities to work together to ensure the success of the seismic study. “It is essential that everyone works together so that this project brings concrete benefits to our people and our country,” said Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
The Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco Monteiro, highlighted the importance of this study in confirming the region’s energy potential. 
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Justice, Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Verónica das Dores, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz, and the Secretary of State for Local Development, Mateus dos Santos Tallo. Also present were the Chinese Ambassador to Timor-Leste, veterans, presidents of the Municipal Authorities of Viqueque and Manatuto, TIMOR GAP leaders and staff, as well as representatives of local communities and other relevant entities. 
