Critical minerals: Oman’s place in the global energy transition

The global race towards clean energy is often told through the rise of solar farms, wind turbines and electric vehicles. Less visible, but equally important, is the growing demand for the minerals that make these technologies possible.
Known as critical minerals, these resources are becoming the foundation of the energy transition. Lithium powers batteries, copper carries electricity, nickel and cobalt improve battery performance, while rare earth elements are essential for the powerful magnets found in wind turbines and electric vehicle motors. As governments and industries seek to reduce carbon emissions, demand for these materials is expected to grow significantly over the coming decades.
For Oman, the question is no longer confined to renewable energy generation. It is whether the Sultanate can become an important contributor to the global supply chain that supports the transition itself.
Oman has long been recognised for its geological diversity. Copper has been mined in the country for thousands of years, while modern exploration continues to identify new mineral prospects across the Sultanate. Today, renewed interest in the mining sector is driven not only by economic diversification, but also by the world’s increasing appetite for the materials required to build a low carbon future.
The country’s ambitions extend beyond extracting raw materials. Global industries are placing greater value on processing, refining and manufacturing, stages where minerals are transformed into products ready for international markets. Developing these capabilities could allow Oman to capture more value while strengthening its position as an industrial and logistics hub linking Asia, Africa and Europe.
This opportunity is supported by established ports, expanding industrial zones and a strategic location along major shipping routes. Combined with investments in renewable energy and green hydrogen, Oman has the potential to develop an integrated industrial ecosystem that serves multiple parts of the clean energy economy.
Yet the opportunity also brings important questions. Mining has environmental consequences that require careful management, including water consumption, land disturbance and biodiversity protection. Around the world, investors and manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on responsibly sourced minerals, meaning environmental stewardship is becoming as important as geological potential.
For Oman, this creates an opportunity to establish high standards from the outset. Advances in exploration technology, environmental monitoring and resource management offer new ways to develop mineral resources while minimising environmental impacts. Responsible mining practices could become a competitive advantage as international markets increasingly seek transparent and sustainable supply chains.
The growth of critical minerals also highlights the need for investment in knowledge and skills. Geologists, mining engineers, environmental scientists and mineral processing specialists will all play an important role in shaping the sector’s future. Universities, research institutions and industry partnerships are likely to become increasingly important as the country develops the expertise needed to support long term growth.
The energy transition is often described as a shift away from fossil fuels, but it is equally a transition towards new materials. Every solar panel, wind turbine and battery depends on a complex network of minerals extracted, processed and transported across the globe.
For Oman, the challenge is not simply whether these resources exist beneath its landscape. It is whether the country can position itself as a reliable, responsible and competitive supplier in one of the world’s fastest growing industries.
Oil transformed Oman’s economy during the twentieth century. Critical minerals may not replace hydrocarbons overnight, but they could become one of the building blocks of the country’s next chapter, supporting economic diversification while contributing to the technologies shaping a more sustainable future.