Probable GTPase that plays a role in the mitochondrial ribosomal small subunit assembly. Specifically binds the 12S mitochondrial rRNA (12S mt-rRNA) to a 33 nucleotide section delineating the 3' terminal stem-loop region. May act as a chaperone that protects the 12S mt-rRNA on the 28S mitoribosomal subunit during ribosomal small subunit assembly (By similarity). Localizes on the matrix side on the mitochondrial inner membrane. Belongs to the TRAFAC class TrmE-Era-EngA-EngB-Septin-like GTPase superfamily. Era GTPase family.