Baucau Limestone Quarry

The Baucau Limestone Quarry is a pivotal industrial project located near Timor-Leste's second-largest city, targeting the region's vast deposits of high-grade limestone. This extraction site is integrated with the planned 'TL Cement' manufacturing facility, an initiative aimed at making the country self-sufficient in essential building materials. Currently, Timor-Leste relies almost exclusively on expensive cement imports, which inflates the costs of national infrastructure and housing development. The quarry taps into the geological formations of the Baucau plateau, renowned for producing limestone of exceptional purity. Economically, the project is expected to create hundreds of direct jobs and lower construction expenses nationwide, facilitating faster development. The project scope also includes the development of a dedicated coastal jetty for shipping surplus product to regional markets. Environmental concerns, such as dust management and the protection of local groundwater aquifers, are central to the project's regulatory oversight. Financed by an international consortium, the quarry and cement complex represent a significant step toward diversifying the nation's economy beyond oil and gas.

Nearby cities

Venilale

Venilale was a well-known holiday resort during the Portuguese colonial period.

Baucau

Baucau is the second-largest city in East Timor.

Laleia

Laleia is located in a broad river valley on the northern coast.

Uatucarbau

Uatucarbau is located in the Viqueque municipality near the south coast.

Luro

Luro is a small rural administrative seat in the east of the country.

Iliomar

Iliomar is located in the south of the Lautém municipality.

Laclubar

Laclubar is a traditional mountain village in East Timor.

Fatuberlio

Fatuberlio is a small administrative unit on the coast.

Alas

Alas is located in the Manufahi municipality.

Turiscai

Turiscai is located at an altitude that offers a pleasant climate.

History & landmarks

Baucau Municipal Pool

A historic outdoor pool supplied with fresh water from a natural mountain spring.

One Dollar Beach

A popular stretch of coastline east of Dili, known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful views.

Fataluku Traditional Houses

Culturally significant sacred stilt houses characteristic of the architecture of the Fataluku ethnic group.

Nature

Seiçal River

The Seiçal River originates in the mountainous interior and flows into the sea near Baucau.

Laga Coast

The northern coast near Laga offers pristine beaches and fascinating salt pans.

Irabere River

The Irabere forms a natural border between the Viqueque and Lautém districts.

South Laclo River

The South Laclo drains parts of the southern highlands into the Timor Sea.

Lore Coast

A remote and untamed coast on the southeastern edge, rich in marine biodiversity.

More places

Baucau Plateau

An extensive limestone plateau on which the country's second largest city is located.

Venilale Japanese Caves

These tunnels were carved into the rock by local forced laborers for the Japanese military during World War II.

Old Municipal Market of Baucau

The ruins of the historic market hall in Baucau reflect classic Portuguese colonial architecture.

Baucau Terrace Fields

Terraced fields irrigated by natural springs, where rice and vegetables are grown in the hilly landscape.

Matebian Caves

Mount Matebian was a refuge for Japanese troops during WWII and later for the Timorese resistance in the late 1970s, which faced heavy ae…

Mount Matebian

Matebian is one of the highest mountains in the country and is known as the "Mountain of the Dead".

Baguia Fort

Another ruined Portuguese fortification in the mountainous interior.

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Mount Bibileo

A prominent mountain in the south of the country, surrounded by untouched tropical forests.