MUSCAT: Construction has begun on a $50 million (RO 19.2 million) zinc recycling and processing industrial park at SOHAR Freezone, marking the latest investment in Oman's downstream metals sector as the Sultanate of Oman seeks to expand value-added manufacturing under Oman Vision 2040.
The project, being developed by Oman Zinc (FZC) LLC, a subsidiary of Oman Zinc Group, will occupy a 100,000-square-metre site within the freezone. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to produce 100,000 tonnes of refined zinc ingots and 50,000 tonnes of zinc oxide annually for export to GCC countries, India, Pakistan and other international markets.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held under the auspices of Shaikh Saif bin Khaled al Risi, Member of the Shura Council representing Liwa.
The project will be developed in two phases. The first will focus on processing zinc-bearing materials and residues and pilot-scale production of special high-grade (SHG) zinc ingots. The second phase will add a full-scale zinc refinery and zinc oxide production plant, expanding operations into higher-value manufacturing.
"This project represents another important step in strengthening SOHAR's integrated metals ecosystem through advanced manufacturing, downstream value creation and greater resource efficiency," said Dr Raid al Rubaiey, Chief Executive Officer of SOHAR Freezone and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of SOHAR Port.
"By connecting zinc recovery with refining, manufacturing and export through one integrated ecosystem, we are creating stronger industrial linkages, supporting the more productive use of resources and expanding Oman's participation in global metals value chains," he added.
Lin Feng, Chairman of Oman Zinc Group, said the investment underscores the company's long-term commitment to Oman.
"SOHAR offers a distinctive combination of industrial infrastructure, global maritime connectivity and access to important growth markets. Through this investment, we aim to build a competitive regional platform for zinc recovery and processing while contributing to the development of Oman's advanced manufacturing capabilities," he said.
The plant will recover zinc-bearing industrial residues and convert them into commercially usable products, supporting more efficient resource utilisation and circular industrial practices.
Its output will supply downstream industries including galvanising, alloy manufacturing, battery production and specialty chemicals, while complementing SOHAR's growing metals cluster.
The project is also expected to create business opportunities for logistics providers, maintenance companies, engineering firms and specialist contractors, supporting local suppliers and strengthening SOHAR Port and Freezone's position as a regional industrial and logistics hub for high-value manufacturing investments.
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