MUSCAT – The agreement forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance exploration and mining activities, develop the minerals sector, and maximise the use of natural resources in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

The agreement was signed by His Excellency Eng. Salem bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, and Mustafa bin Salem Al Azri, CEO of Majan Manganese Company, which is a partnership between Alfirdaws for Mining LLC (Omani) and Iran’s Farco Company. The partners bring extensive experience in manganese and metallic ore exploration and mining, as well as in developing related industries, including processing facilities and specialized equipment manufacturing to improve mineral quality.

Under the agreement, Majan Manganese Company has been granted exploration and mining rights in concession area No. 25B, covering approximately 747 square kilometres. The block was awarded through a competitive process via the Ministry’s ‘Taqa’ platform. The area is geologically diverse, comprising the Hawasna Formation, ophiolite rocks, and sedimentary deposits, and is considered promising for manganese and associated mineral resources.

The agreement outlines a phased exploration programme over two to three years, including geochemical, geophysical, and topographic surveys, as well as detailed geological mapping covering up to 90 percent of the concession area. It also includes excavation and trenching activities covering 50 percent to 70 percent of the block. Total planned investment exceeds RO 1.5 million.

His Excellency Al Aufi said the agreement reflects the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen exploration and investment in Oman’s mineral resources and to create an attractive investment environment that supports economic diversification and increases local value addition.

He noted that Block 25B is among the promising mineral-rich areas in the Sultanate, adding that advanced exploration programs will help assess its potential and open new opportunities for mining industries. He also highlighted the role of such projects in knowledge transfer and the development of national expertise, noting the investor’s patented technology for improving low-grade ore quality.

He added that this agreement is the fourth of its kind in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, which contains significant deposits of copper, chromium, manganese, and laterite—reflecting the region’s strong geological potential and its contribution to the growth of Oman’s mining sector.