MUSCAT : The Ministry of Energy and Minerals on Tuesday organised a workshop titled “Roadmap for Integration between Minerals, Fertilizers and Chemicals in the Sultanate of Oman”, under the patronage of His Excellency Mohsen bin Hamad Al Hadhrami, Undersecretary of the Ministry.

The workshop focused on developing an integrated roadmap linking the minerals sector with the fertilizer and related chemical industries, while reviewing existing and future projects and identifying potential investment opportunities.

Discussions also examined the stakeholders, roles and timelines required to move priority projects towards implementation.

The roadmap is based on a study prepared by Falaj Point Company for the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, aimed at connecting Oman’s mineral resources and concession areas with downstream manufacturing industries.

It seeks to establish an integrated framework linking raw materials, manufacturing capabilities, infrastructure, logistics and markets, supporting a shift from exporting minerals in their primary form towards producing higher-value products that contribute to local content and food-related manufacturing.

According to the study, Oman has a strong base of mineral and industrial resources that could support the development of fertilizer and associated chemical industries. These include gypsum, limestone, dolomite, laterite, kaolin and potash, alongside existing capabilities in the production of urea, ammonia and sulfur.

The roadmap also highlights opportunities to develop industrial clusters in Sohar, Duqm, Salalah and Ibri, based on the resources, industrial capabilities and infrastructure available in each location.

These clusters are intended to strengthen integration between raw materials, manufacturing, logistics and access to markets.

The workshop included interactive discussions on the current state of the minerals sector, its potential inputs into fertilizer production, existing industrial capacity and the role of sulfur and associated chemicals.

Participants also reviewed proposed investment projects and opportunities and discussed priorities and implementation steps in coordination with relevant authorities.

The initiative supports Oman’s efforts to maximise the economic value of its natural resources, localise industries, enhance local content, attract investment, expand the manufacturing base and diversify sources of income, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

The workshop was attended by CEOs of companies operating in the minerals and fertilizer sectors, along with representatives of government entities, investors and other stakeholders.

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