Muscat: Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals has signed two mining concession agreements covering a combined area of about 1,687 square kilometres, with planned exploration investments estimated at around RO 6 million, or $15.4 million.

The agreements, signed in Muscat, cover Concession Area 51-B in Al Dakhiliyah and Al Wusta governorates and Concession Area 25-E in South Sharqiyah Governorate.

The first agreement is aimed at developing Concession Area 51-B, which extends over around 1,050 square kilometres, with exploration investments estimated at approximately $6.2 million.

The initial exploration programme will run for two years and three months and includes topographic, geophysical and remote sensing surveys, geochemical and physical analyses, as well as exploratory drilling and trenching.

The second agreement covers Concession Area 25-E in South Sharqiyah, spanning approximately 637 square kilometres, with exploration investments estimated at around $9.2 million.

Exploration work in the area will include topographic, geophysical and remote sensing surveys, geochemical and physical analyses, exploratory drilling and trenching to improve geological understanding and assess the area’s mineral potential.

The agreements were signed on behalf of the Ministry by His Excellency Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals.

Ahmed bin Khalid Al Shanfari, Managing Director of Emaar Mining Company, signed on behalf of the company investing in Concession Area 51-B, while Zhang Xiaolong, Chairman of Gulf Royal Minerals and Energy Company, signed for the investor in Concession Area 25-E.

H.E said the agreements represent a continuation of the Ministry’s efforts to create investment opportunities, expand mineral exploration and build a pipeline of projects that can eventually move into production.

He said the next phase would focus on accelerating the conversion of exploration results into productive projects while increasing the local economic value generated from Oman’s mineral resources through manufacturing and related processing industries.

The Minister said Oman’s minerals sector has undergone a major transformation in its investment and regulatory framework over the past five years.

During that period, 28 mining concession areas have been awarded for the exploration and development of a range of mineral resources including copper, chromium, gypsum, limestone, dolomite, silica and salts, alongside other mineral ores.

The expansion has been accompanied by regulatory reforms, including the introduction of an occupational health and safety guide aimed at improving mining standards and operational efficiency.

Oman has also established the Omani Company for Minerals Trading to regulate the trading and marketing of raw materials and improve their access to local and international markets.

The Ministry has also shifted its mining-related transactions and services from paper-based procedures to an integrated digital system, providing a sector-wide database, facilitating applications and follow-ups, and making investment opportunities available under principles of transparency and equal opportunity.

Minerals sector revenues grew by around 39 per cent in 2025 compared with 2024, supported by expanding activity and the commencement of copper ore production.

He added that the gradual progression of concession areas from exploration to development and production, alongside new projects entering operation, would further strengthen the sector.

Among the major projects expected to support future growth is the Mazoon Copper Project, which is set to enter the production stage next year.