MUSCAT, DEC 25
The potential for large-scale and sustainable lithium mining in the Sultanate of Oman, in support of its clean energy transition, has been underscored in a new scientific paper published by researchers of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU).
According to Muscat-based scientists Ashraf Mishrif and Asharul Khan of SQU’s Humanities Research Centre, the sprawling mudflats of Umm as Samim in Al Dhahirah Governorate, as well as the lithium-rich seawaters off Mahout in Al Wusta Governorate, hold rich potential as sources of high-grade lithium for a future lithium processing industry in Oman, as well as for global markets.
“This study is probably the first of its kind to explore the potential and challenges of developing a clean energy transition through sustainable exploration and the use of lithium in Oman’s mining industry,” the scientists said in an introduction.
“The findings reveal that Oman has huge potential for lithium exploitation and production, considering the enormous quantities of spodumene and seawater salt with high-grade lithium available...” the researchers stressed.
A potentially promising source of lithium are the massive rock salts in Umm as Samim, one of the largest mudflats in the Arabian Peninsula, adjoining Oman’s border with Saudi Arabia. Among the many minerals found in the thick sediments of the mudflats is spodumene, which is regarded as the most significant lithium ore material because of its high lithium concentration.
A small handful of SMEs are currently exploiting parts of the sediments, but mainly for industrial salts with applications in the Oil & Gas sector. However, at least three applications for lithium exploration and development are presently being evaluated by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, according to the research paper.
Another key source is briny seawater found off Mahout on the Al Wusta coast, the study points out. Concentrations of lithium in seawater can range from 0.14 to 0.25 parts per million. At present, however, all solar salt exploited from the Mahout and Duqm areas is destined for Oil & Gas operations.
Importantly, these sites at Umm al Samim and Mahout have the potential to not only support commercial-scale lithium extraction, but also potentially fuel the manufacturing of lithium-oil batteries for Electric Vehicles (EV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) in the future, according to the study.
“Our analysis reveals the growing importance of lithium in the energy and industrial sectors, with the increasing utilization of the mineral in the production of aircraft, electronic equipment, pharmaceuticals, pyrotechnics, and batteries for electronic devices. The pivotal role of lithium in powering EVs, smartphones, personal electronic devices, and many more has encouraged industrialists to label it the new “white gold”,” it added.
Efforts to unlock Oman’s lithium resource potential are now at a nascent stage. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals awarded a landmark concession to UK-based Knights Bay for the development of lithium and cobalt rich laterites in a 1,444 sq km mineral block in the Wilayat of Ibra.
Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has also invested in a number of international companies specializing in the development of lithium and non-lithium based battery technologies, among other clean energy innovations.
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