New exploration and mining agreements in Al Buraimi and Al Wusta Governorates

The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has signed three new exploration and mining agreements with two specialised companies. The aim is to boost the mining sector, enhance the added value of the Sultanate’s mineral resources, open new opportunities for investors in priority geological areas, and strengthen national production.

The first agreement grants Gulf Mining Materials Company the rights to explore and mine in concession area 11-C in Al Buraimi Governorate, covering 1,089 km². The area is notable for its ophiolite rock formations and indications of copper and chromite deposits. The project’s first phase, lasting between two and three years, will involve topographic, geochemical and geophysical surveys, in addition to drilling and exploratory trenching.

The second and third agreements were signed with Novel Muscat Global Company and cover concession areas 51-G1 and 51-G2 in Al Wusta Governorate. In area 51-G2, spanning 30 km², the company will establish a plant to produce salts and sodium carbonate (soda ash) using water channels that transfer seawater to designated ponds for evaporation, drying and production. In area 51-G1, covering 558 km², a plant will be set up to produce hydrated lime. The company will begin with exploratory studies to identify raw material locations, assess quality and estimate reserves in geological formations rich in silica, limestone and various clays.

The total investment in these projects, which includes factories, studies and mining plans, is estimated at 192 million Omani rials (500 million US dollars).

Eng. Salim Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, stated that the mining sector is one of the main drivers of economic growth in Oman. He noted that the Ministry of Energy and Minerals is working to attract quality investments capable of delivering a tangible economic impact, not only through the extraction of mineral resources but also by transforming them into advanced manufacturing industries that support value chains and create new opportunities for national talent. He pointed out that these new agreements fall within this approach, focusing on leveraging the knowledge and technical expertise of specialised companies and strengthening public-private sector cooperation to ensure the optimal utilisation of resources.