Oman
Minerals Trading Company Launches First Integrated Chromite Shipment

Muscat,
11 Aug 2026 (ONA) — Oman Minerals Trading Company (OMTC) has launched its
first integrated shipment of Omani chromite ore, with a cargo exceeding 50,000
tonnes through the Port of Sohar, marking a new step in the marketing and
export of Omani chromite to international markets.

The
company also reported an 8% increase in the average selling price of gypsum
exports compared with the same period last year.

The
integrated chromite shipment combined several grades of Omani ore in a single
cargo, enabling the company to meet the requirements of a wider range of buyers
and industrial users. The move is aimed at expanding the customer base, opening
new marketing channels and strengthening the position of Omani chromite in
global markets.

OMTC’s
marketing efforts have targeted Asian and European markets, alongside direct
engagement with industrial plants using Omani chromite ore for the first time.
The approach is designed to diversify export destinations, expand access to end
users and establish long-term commercial relationships.

In
the gypsum sector, the company has marketed and exported more than 1.8 million
tonnes to 11 countries, through over 32 vessels departing from the Port of
Salalah. This was accompanied by an 8% rise in the average selling price compared
with the same period last year.

Gypsum
export destinations included several Gulf markets, including Kuwait, as well as
new African markets. The company also resumed exports to the South Korean
market, as part of its efforts to diversify destinations and reduce reliance on
a limited number of markets.

Hussain
Ali Al Lawati, Chairman of Oman Minerals Trading Company, said the launch of
the integrated chromite shipment represents an important step in developing
markets for Omani minerals.

He
said that market diversification and direct access to end users are key pillars
of the company’s marketing strategy, adding that the performance recorded in
gypsum exports—including the increase in average selling prices and expansion
of market reach—highlights the importance of managing marketing and export
operations through a more integrated approach.

Al
Lawati said the company’s priority is to achieve the highest possible
commercial value for Omani mineral resources, while continuing to meet the
requirements of the local market.

He
added that OMTC is also working to support the growth of mineral-related
downstream industries in Oman by balancing exports with the supply requirements
of local industries. This approach aims to increase the added value generated from
Oman’s mineral resources and support related investments.

OMTC,
a subsidiary of Minerals Development Oman (MDO), is responsible for marketing
and exporting gypsum and chromite ore through the centralised management of
export operations and negotiations with international buyers.

The
company commenced its commercial operations with the export of its first gypsum
shipments through the Port of Salalah, as part of its mandate to manage the
export of gypsum and chromite from Oman.

Established
under Ministerial Decision No. 18/2025, OMTC was granted exclusive rights to
export gypsum and chromite ore effective June 2026, while domestic sales remain
outside the company’s mandate.

Through
its centralised export model, the company aims to streamline marketing and
negotiations, improve access to international markets and buyers, and enhance
transparency and competitiveness in the marketing of Omani mineral
exports—supporting their commercial value in global markets.

—Ends/AG