BUSINESS REPORTER
MUSCAT, JAN 22
Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals has signed two major mining concession agreements aimed at expanding the country’s resource base and driving economic diversification.
According to officials, the first deal, signed with Al Hadeetha Resources, grants mining rights in Concession Area 22-B, a 1,448 square kilometer site in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate. The project will focus on copper mining at the Washihi-Mazzaza site in the Wilayat of Mudhaibi, where 16 million tonnes of copper have been discovered, including over 10 million tonnes deemed mineable.
Under the agreement, Al Hadeetha Resources will carry out a three-year exploration phase involving surveys, geological mapping, and the drilling of 27 boreholes totaling 4,000 meters.
The second agreement, with Al Baraka Salt Petrochemical Company, covers Concession Area 62-A in Al Wusta Governorate. The project, located in Al-Lakbi, plans to produce 4 million tonnes of salt annually through seawater evaporation, with an investment of $29 million. The initiative includes establishing facilities for refining industrial and edible salt and producing magnesium, bromine, lithium, and sodium sulfate compounds.
“These agreements represent an important step in utilizing local resources to support sustainable development and the national economy,” said Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals
Oman has signed 21 mining concession deals and two seawater salt production agreements in recent years, with exploration investments totaling $86 million. The Ministry has also opened six new concession areas via its digital platform “Taqa,” targeting key minerals like copper, chromium, nickel, silica, and kaolin.
The deals are part of Oman’s broader strategy to integrate upstream and downstream industries, supporting sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and trade, while creating jobs and opportunities for local businesses, the Ministry said.
“This is about building a sustainable future by maximizing resource potential and supporting Omanis with skills and opportunities,” Al Aufi added.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
