MUSCAT: Oman’s mining sector is emerging as one of the country’s most promising growth areas, supported by a clear exploration road map and improved availability of geological data across several governorates. Recent aerial and geochemical surveys conducted by Minerals Development Oman (MDO) have identified geological indicators of strategic minerals, including gold, copper, zinc, lead and chromium.
Engineer Mattar bin Salim al Badi, CEO of Minerals Development Oman, said the findings point to fertile geological environments that require further detailed exploration to confirm resource size and quality. He stressed that the current phase remains technical in nature and that commercially viable reserves can only be confirmed after completing internationally recognised exploration programmes.
Al Badi noted that official reserve estimates will only be announced once standards such as the Australian or Canadian reporting codes are met, as these are relied upon by investors and financial institutions. As such, it is premature to declare precise quantities of minerals, including gold, at this stage.
He said Oman’s mining sector underwent major regulatory reforms between 2017 and 2023, adopting a new investment model similar to that used in the oil and gas industry. This approach focuses on allocating large concession areas, making wide-scale aerial surveys more cost-effective and internationally competitive.
MDO, which operates as the sector’s investment and development arm, holds 14 concession areas covering about 24,000 square kilometres. Since launching intensive exploration activities in 2022, the company has conducted aerial surveys over more than 16,000 square kilometres, drilled over 100,000 metres and analysed more than 80,000 samples using ground surveys and satellite imagery.
The company’s strategy aims to reduce investor risk by providing high-quality geological data, while promoting responsible development of metallic, precious and rare earth minerals. It also seeks to attract international partnerships and expand downstream value creation.
Al Badi highlighted a major industrial minerals project in the Al Shuwaymiyah region, which includes a dedicated export terminal and targets production of 23 million tonnes of limestone and gypsum in its first phase, rising to 40 million tonnes. He also stressed the importance of environmental protection and community acceptance, citing the use of dry tailings technology at the Yanqul project to safeguard groundwater.
MDO is also working to build a local mining services ecosystem, issuing tenders for specialised laboratories and supporting the localisation of drilling and surveying services. The long-term goal is to develop an integrated mining industry in Oman, spanning research, services and downstream processing, while maximising local added value. — ONA
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