Drones deployed to unlock Duqm SEZ’s mining potential

New technology: Local AI startup ESBAAR has received many offers from local and international investors

BUSINESS REPORTER

MUSCAT, MARCH 26

The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) continued to pursue a set of aerial and marine surveys and experiments using drones in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). These experiments come within the framework of empowering entrepreneurs and opening opportunities for the Omani youth to develop their skills and capabilities in this field, and carry out their experiments in the zone designated by OPAZ for artificial intelligence (AI) purposes, which stretches over an area of 18 square kilometres in the zone.

OPAZ, in cooperation with Marmul Integrated Company, succeeded recently in implementing a number of experiments and aerial surveys using drones in one of the mining sites in SEZAD and positive results had been achieved that helped in taking appropriate decisions aimed at enhancing productivity and proper planning of quarrying and mining sites in addition to enhancing knowledge of safety & security aspects and inventory management.

Ahmed al Farsi, Chairman of the Steering Committee to supervise the Artificial Intelligence zone, said drones are one of the techniques of the 4th Industrial Revolution. Mining surveys using drones were carried out to collect aerial data of the mining sites to be processed through specialised programmes and formed into 3D maps of these sites.

Hussain bin Habib al Lawati from ESBAAR Company, which specialises in providing AI and drone services, said ESBAAR has benefited greatly from opening opportunities in this field, and was pleased that OPAZ designated a special zone for AI with a vast area which enables specialists to launch their projects, works, and experiments.

“OPAZ efforts in this field are remarkable and we had the opportunity to learn more about the special economic zones and free zones, the investment opportunities available, and the business opportunities with the organisations and beneficiary companies in the zone. In addition, the meeting with entrepreneurs and companies specialised in the field of drones, enabled us to share information, discuss challenges and gain knowledge of OPAZ’s future plans to ease work for investors and entrepreneurs,” he said.

He added that ESBAAR has received many requests from Oman and abroad, and recently from South Africa, to carry out aerial surveying of usufruct lands at Duqm.

"ESBAAR carried out a variety of works in the areas affiliated with OPAZ, and our technologies have been used in the inspection work in Suhar free zone, as well as examining Thermal towers - or what is known as toxic gas incinerators - in the refinery, as well as various works for geological surveying, and 3D modelling for the buildings and assets in Duqm and Suhar,” he added.