Timor-Leste's Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources…has been talking with people around the country about a proposed law and code to license and regulate mining operations...La'o Hamutuk is circulating the draft law…and…encourage[s] people to study it and offer suggestions…Although…[mining] may provide income for governments and transnational companies, they often result in environmental destruction…human rights violations; conflict; war and other devastating consequences for people living near or downstream from the mines.