New
Agreements Signed for Mining, Exploration in Al Buraimi, Al Wusta Muscat,
12 Aug (ONA) — The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has signed three new
agreements for exploration and mining with two specialized companies. The aim
is to strengthen the mining sector, enhance the added value of mineral
resources in the Sultanate of Oman, open new horizons for investors in
geologically prioritized areas and boost national production.The
first agreement grants exploration and mining rights to Gulf Mining Materials
Company in Concession Area C-11 in Al Buraimi Governorate. This area spans
1,089 square kilometers and is characterized by the ophiolite rock series and
indicators of copper and chromium ores. The first phase of the project, which
will last for two to three years, will include topographical, geochemical, and
geophysical surveys, in addition to drilling and exploratory trenching.The
second and third agreements cover Concession Areas G1-51 and G2-51 in Al Wusta
Governorate. The Ministry signed these agreements with Novel Muscat International
Company to implement an integrated industrial project in Area G2-51, which
spans 30 square kilometers. A factory will be built to produce salts and sodium
carbonate (soda ash) through water channels that transport seawater to
specialized evaporation, drying, and production basins. In
Area G1-51, which covers 558 square kilometers, a factory will be established
to produce hydrated lime. The company will begin with exploratory studies to
identify the locations and quality of ores and estimate their reserves in
geological formations rich in silica, limestone, and various clays.The
total investment in these projects, which includes factories, studies, and
mining plans, is estimated at RO 192 million (USD 500 million) and in
accordance with approved international standards.Eng.
Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, stated that the mining
sector is one of the main engines of economic growth in Oman. He explained that
the Ministry is working to attract qualitative investments capable of creating
a tangible economic impact, not just through the extraction of mineral
resources, but also by transforming them into advanced processing industries
that support value chains and open new opportunities for national competencies.
He
noted that the agreements signed today are part of this direction, as they
focus on leveraging the knowledge and technical expertise of specialized
companies and enhancing cooperation between the public and private sectors to
ensure optimal utilization of resources.The
Minister pointed out that these projects will contribute to diversifying the
economic base, increasing the competitiveness of Omani products, and raising
the mining sector’s contribution to the GDP. They will also provide meaningful
job opportunities for the people of the governorates and wilayats where these
projects are located, in addition to providing support services for local small
and medium enterprises.Abdullah
Ahmed Al Hadi, CEO of Gulf Mining Materials Company, explained that the company
has successfully developed a ferrochrome factory in the Wilayat of Sohar, North
Al Batinah Governorate, in alliance with strategic international partners. The
aim is to increase production capacity to 7,200 tons per month by 2026 and
improve the efficiency of operational processes.Al
Hadi noted that the company is committed to enhancing operational
sustainability according to best global practices, localizing modern technologies,
developing national cadres, attracting foreign direct investment, and
contributing to economic diversification. He emphasized that national cadres
will be prioritized for employment and that sufficient opportunities will be
provided to small and medium enterprises through subcontracts.For
his part, Hamoud Said Al Aufi, Managing Director of Novel Muscat International
Company, stated that with the signing of the concession agreement, the company
will begin the phase of national manufacturing by establishing an integrated
industrial complex that transforms mineral resources into locally processed
products. This will enhance added value and create job opportunities. He
explained that this agreement will contribute to developing processing industries
and maximizing the added value of natural resources, in line with national
sustainable development goals.These
agreements reflect the Ministry of Energy and Minerals’ direction toward
building an integrated mining sector that keeps pace with global developments
in mining industries and enhances Oman’s competitiveness at the regional and
international levels. They also confirm the Ministry’s commitment to creating a
flexible and attractive investment environment that draws in specialized companies
with high technical expertise and opens the door for qualitative partnerships
between the public and private sectors.Through
these projects, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals seeks to develop processing
industries related to mineral resources, improve the efficiency of national
resource utilization, expand the base of local production, create qualitative
job opportunities for the residents of the targeted governorates, and increase
the mining sector’s contribution to supporting the national economy and
diversifying income sources. This solidifies Oman’s position as a regional hub
for advanced mining industries.—Ends/AG