MUSCAT : This step comes within the Ministry’s plan to support the national economy by exploiting mineral resources and maximising their contribution to the gross domestic product.

The agreements for Concession Area 11-A was signed by H.E. Eng. Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals and Humaid Masoud Ali Al Maqbali, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oman Chromite Company.

As per the agreement, the company will be obligated to conduct a comprehensive exploration program, including topographic, geophysical, and remote sensing surveys. They will also map the geology of the areas and conduct geochemical and physical analysis. To identify potential mineral deposits, the companies will drill a total of 35,000 meters.

Concession Area 11-A is located in the Governorate of Al Buraimi, and covers an area of 1438 km². The area is characterized by its ophiolite sequence in the eastern part. The area contains indicators of chromium and copper, making it of strategic importance.

The agreement for Concession Area 51-F was signed by the Minister of Energy and Minerals and Nasser Saif Al Maqbali, the CEO of Minerals Development Oman (MDO).

For this concession area, the initial phase of exploration operations includes conducting desk studies, topographic and geological surveys, as well as drilling and sample analysis.

Concession Area 51-F, located in Al Wusta Governorate, covers a vast expanse of 2,156 square kilometres. Preliminary assessments reveal substantial deposits of high-purity silica ore, with purity levels reaching a remarkable 95 percent.

The Ministry of Energy and Minerals, in collaboration with Minerals Development Oman (MDO), is actively exploring these resources and conducting feasibility studies to determine the viability of mining operations that meet the stringent purity standards demanded by the silica industry.

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