BUSINESS REPORTER
MUSCAT, OCT 27
Oman has unveiled three new mining concession areas covering a combined 2,062 square kilometres, offering fresh opportunities for international investment in the exploration and development of copper, chromite, gold, nickel, manganese and other mineral resources.
The announcement was made by Mohsin bin Hamad al Hadhrami, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC 2026), which opened in Sydney, Australia, on Tuesday, October 27.
According to a report by The Mining Beacon, the initiative forms part of Oman's strategy to attract international mining companies, exploration specialists and technology providers to help unlock the Sultanate's substantial mineral wealth.
The unveiling marks a further step in implementing the Ministry's previously announced programme to offer three additional mining concessions during 2026. The initiative was first outlined at the Ministry's annual media briefing in May, alongside plans to offer three other investment sites.
Addressing delegates in Sydney, Al Hadhrami underscored the historical significance of mining to Oman, recalling the country's ancient reputation as a copper producer and trading centre.
“For the Sultanate of Oman mining is more than an economic opportunity. It is part of our history, our identity and our vision for the future,” he stated.
He highlighted Oman's exceptional geological diversity, including the internationally renowned Semail Ophiolite, one of the world's largest and best-preserved exposures of ancient oceanic crust and upper mantle rocks. This geological heritage underpins the country's extensive metallic and industrial mineral resources.
The Under-Secretary also pointed to significant progress in commercialising these resources. Oman emerged as the world's leading gypsum exporter in 2025, with shipments exceeding 14 million tonnes, while three copper mining projects are backed by confirmed ore reserves exceeding 50 million tonnes.
Omani marble, meanwhile, reaches more than 100 international markets, reflecting the growing global competitiveness of the Sultanate of Oman's mineral products.
The latest concession offering aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which identifies mining and mineral-based manufacturing as important pillars of economic diversification. Beyond resource extraction, the government's strategy emphasises mineral beneficiation, downstream processing, industrial integration and greater domestic value addition.
Al Hadhrami reaffirmed this ambition, stating: “We seek to strengthen cooperation with Australia and with partners around the world — bringing together mineral resources, capital, technology and expertise to develop competitive industries and resilient value chains.”
IMARC 2026, one of the world's leading mining and resources industry gatherings, brings together government representatives, mining companies, investors, technology developers and equipment suppliers to explore investment opportunities, technological advances and international partnerships across the minerals value chain.
Oman's participation provides a platform to showcase its emerging mining opportunities to Australian and international investors, while strengthening cooperation in mineral exploration, advanced mining technologies and downstream industrial development.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
