OIA expands strategic investments in Türkiye

ISTANBUL: The Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has signed agreements to acquire stakes in two Turkish companies operating in the mining and defence sectors through the Turkish-Omani Investment Company, established under the Oman-Türkiye Joint Fund.
The agreements involve SAMAS Mining, a producer of sodium bentonite and Tekatron, which specialises in remotely operated unmanned ground military systems.
The investment in SAMAS Mining is aimed at expanding production of sodium bentonite, a strategically important material used in oil and gas operations, industrial applications, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The investment in Tekatron forms part of efforts to diversify the Authority’s portfolio into sectors with strategic and technological importance.
Ibrahim bin Said al Aisri, Head of Private Markets Investments at the Oman Investment Authority, said the move reflects OIA’s strategy of incorporating an “Omani dimension” into overseas investments by supporting priority sectors within the Sultanate of Oman, including oil and gas, industry, logistics and defence-related industries.
SAMAS Mining operates the Tokat bentonite deposit in Türkiye, regarded as one of only two remaining deposits of its kind globally. The reserve is expected to remain viable for nearly 200 years. Under the agreement, the company’s production capacity is planned to increase from 160,000 tonnes annually to more than 300,000 tonnes annually. Oman will also receive priority access to the material to support local industries linked to the resource.
Tekatron designs and manufactures remotely operated unmanned ground systems in Ankara and has demonstrated operational capabilities in military applications within Türkiye. The investment is expected to strengthen Oman’s access to advanced defence technologies for border security, surveillance and military logistics, while also creating opportunities to localise related technologies and manufacturing capabilities in the Sultanate of Oman.
The Turkish-Omani Investment Company was established in 2025 through a partnership between the Oman Investment Authority and OYAK with a capital of $500 million contributed equally by both parties. The fund seeks to promote joint investments, technology transfer and cooperation in sectors including mining, logistics, industry, agriculture and renewable energy. — ONA