MUSCAT – The agreements aim to strengthen Oman’s mining sector, enhance the value of mineral resources, and open new investment opportunities in priority geological areas.
The agreements, with a total investment value of RO 192 million (USD 500 million), reflect the government’s commitment to developing the mining sector as a key driver of economic diversification and sustainable growth.

The first agreement grants Gulf Mining Materials Company exploration and mining rights in concession area 11-C in Al Buraimi Governorate, covering 1,089 square kilometres. The area is known for its ophiolite rock formations and indicators of copper and chromium ores. The initial phase, lasting two to three years, will include topographic, geochemical, and geophysical surveys, as well as drilling and exploratory trenching.

The second and third agreements cover concession areas 51-G1 and 51-G2 in Al Wusta Governorate. The Ministry signed two agreements with Novel Muscat International Company to implement an integrated industrial project in area 51-G2, covering an area of 30 square kilometres. A factory will be established to produce salts and sodium carbonate (soda ash) through water channels that transport water from the sea to basins designated for evaporation, drying, and production processes.

In area 51-G1, which covers an area of 558 square kilometres, a factory will be established to produce hydrated lime. The company will begin conducting exploratory studies to determine the locations and quality of raw materials and estimate their reserves in geological formations rich in silica, limestone, and various clays.

His Excellency Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, emphasized that the agreements support the Ministry’s strategy to attract high-quality investments capable of delivering tangible economic impact. Beyond extraction, the focus is on transformational industries that strengthen value chains and create employment opportunities.

He noted that the agreements signed today are part of this approach, as they focus on harnessing the knowledge and technical expertise of specialised companies and enhancing cooperation between the public and private sectors to ensure optimal utilization of resources.

His Excellency pointed out that these projects will contribute to diversifying the economic base, increasing the competitiveness of Omani products, and raising the mining sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product. They will also provide meaningful job opportunities for residents of the governorates and wilayats hosting these projects – in addition to providing support services to local small and medium-sized enterprises.