The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has announced new investment opportunities in the marble sector, offering two public mineral areas in Al Sharqiyah North Governorate to local and international investors as part of its strategy to expand Oman’s mining investment base.
The offering period runs from December 28, 2025, to April 28, 2026 and targets high-quality, commercially viable projects supported by strong geological and economic fundamentals.
The two areas cover a combined 2.55 square kilometres, with preliminary studies indicating the presence of dark marble deposits with promising investment potential.
Engineer Saud bin Khamis al Mahrouqi, Director General of Minerals at the Ministry, said Omani marble has emerged as one of the mining sector’s most notable success stories, underpinned by its high geological quality and wide range of colours that make it competitive in regional and global markets.
He noted that Omani marble is extensively used in the production of tiles, slabs and decorative stone, with exports reaching several international markets. This performance reflects the Sultanate of Oman’s abundant reserves and the growing efficiency of its extraction, processing and manufacturing value chains.
Al Mahrouqi revealed that Oman currently has more than 15 active quarries and around 11 integrated marble processing plants, with annual production exceeding one million tonnes. He added that production capacity could increase further in line with improving global demand.
The Ministry’s policy, he explained, prioritises maximising local added value by restricting the export of raw marble blocks and encouraging the production of higher-value finished and semi-finished products. Beyond output growth, the strategy also focuses on improving operational efficiency, promoting advanced technologies, creating employment opportunities and strengthening environmental sustainability.
Recycling marble waste and linking it to supporting industries forms a core part of the Ministry’s push towards a circular economy, helping to reduce environmental impact while generating additional economic value.
Al Mahrouqi added that the Ministry is advancing strategic programmes to develop the marble sector, including preparing fully approved public mining sites and implementing a transparent bidding system that ensures equal opportunity for investors and provides clear regulatory and legislative frameworks.
Omani marble consists mainly of metamorphic limestone and dense, polishable sandstone in colours ranging from white and brown to yellowish-brown and black. Major reserves are located in Ibri, Bahla, Nizwa, Ibra, Al Qabil and Mahadha, as well as in parts of the Western and Eastern Al Hajar Mountains.
Extraction is carried out in mountainous areas using advanced cutting technologies before blocks are transported for processing. Exports are primarily directed to GCC markets, India and South Korea, in line with the policy restricting raw block exports.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
