MUSCAT – The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 10th annual ‘Rawabet’ Forum organised by the Oman Investment Authority in Muscat.
Under the deal, a state-of-the-art laboratory will be developed in phases, equipped with advanced analytical technologies including X-ray metal analysis, high-precision element measurement, and mineral composition testing.
The facility will operate in accordance with internationally recognised quality standards and is expected to reduce analysis turnaround times by 30 to 60 per cent, accelerating mining project timelines from exploration to production.
The laboratory will serve multiple sectors, including mining, oil and gas, environmental chemistry, and industrial analysis, supporting broader economic diversification efforts.
The move comes amid rapid growth in Oman’s mining sector, particularly in Concession Area No. 14 operated by Minerals Development Oman company, where demand for fast and accurate laboratory testing has increased significantly to support exploration, resource assessment, and feasibility studies.
Engineer Matar bin Salim Al Badi, CEO of MDO, said the agreement marks a strategic shift from reliance on overseas laboratories to building in-country capabilities aligned with international standards.
He told Oman News Agency that the partnership aims to protect national geological data, maximise local value, and develop skilled Omani talent to enhance long-term sector competitiveness.
Al Badi noted that between 2026 and 2028, at least 15,000 samples are expected to be analysed annually, including core, rock, and wadi sediment samples – highlighting the urgent need for a domestic, internationally accredited facility.
Nasser bin Saif Al Rashdi, General Manager of ALS Arabia, said the partnership reflects a shared vision to transfer global expertise and build a modern laboratory ecosystem in Oman.
He added that the company will implement training and knowledge transfer programmes to develop national capabilities in laboratory analysis, quality control, and management, creating new employment opportunities for Omanis.
Previously, reliance on overseas laboratories resulted in delays, higher logistics costs, and risks related to data security, as well as the loss of local economic value.
With the new agreement, mineral analysis will, for the first time, be conducted within Oman, reducing turnaround times, safeguarding geological data, and supporting the creation of high-quality jobs in technical fields.