Ministry of Energy and Minerals Signs Two Mining Concession Agreements
Published: 12:10 PM,Oct 09,2024 | EDITED : 03:10 PM,Oct 09,2024
Muscat : The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has signed two major mining concession agreements to enhance Oman’s growing minerals sector. These agreements cover Concession Areas 11-A and 51-F, representing a significant step in the development of mineral resources aimed at boosting the national economy.
The first agreement, covering Concession Area 11-A in Al Buraimi Governorate, was signed by His Excellency Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, on behalf of the government. Humaid Masoud Ali Al Maqbali, Chairman of Oman Chromite Company, signed on behalf of the company. The company has committed to conducting extensive geological surveys and drilling operations over an area of 1,438 km², targeting chromium and copper deposits.
The second agreement, for Concession Area 51-F in Al Wusta Governorate, was signed by Eng. Al Aufi, with Nasser Saif Al Maqbali, CEO of Minerals Development Oman (MDO), signing on behalf of the company. The area, spanning 2,156 km², contains high-purity silica deposits, with initial studies showing purity levels of up to 95%. MDO plans to conduct feasibility studies to explore mining opportunities that meet the high standards demanded by silica-related industries such as glass and solar panel manufacturing.
“These agreements reflect our ongoing commitment to the strategic development of the minerals sector,” said Al Aufi, noting the government’s efforts to allocate mining concessions transparently. He also highlighted the launch of a digital platform to simplify investment procedures and attract new opportunities in the sector.
Both Oman Chromite Company and MDO see these projects as key steps in expanding their mineral portfolios and supporting Oman’s vision for sustainable energy solutions, with a focus on developing clean energy technologies.
These initiatives mark a vital phase in Oman’s minerals sector, further strengthening the country’s position as a major player in the region’s mining industry.
The first agreement, covering Concession Area 11-A in Al Buraimi Governorate, was signed by His Excellency Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, on behalf of the government. Humaid Masoud Ali Al Maqbali, Chairman of Oman Chromite Company, signed on behalf of the company. The company has committed to conducting extensive geological surveys and drilling operations over an area of 1,438 km², targeting chromium and copper deposits.
The second agreement, for Concession Area 51-F in Al Wusta Governorate, was signed by Eng. Al Aufi, with Nasser Saif Al Maqbali, CEO of Minerals Development Oman (MDO), signing on behalf of the company. The area, spanning 2,156 km², contains high-purity silica deposits, with initial studies showing purity levels of up to 95%. MDO plans to conduct feasibility studies to explore mining opportunities that meet the high standards demanded by silica-related industries such as glass and solar panel manufacturing.
“These agreements reflect our ongoing commitment to the strategic development of the minerals sector,” said Al Aufi, noting the government’s efforts to allocate mining concessions transparently. He also highlighted the launch of a digital platform to simplify investment procedures and attract new opportunities in the sector.
Both Oman Chromite Company and MDO see these projects as key steps in expanding their mineral portfolios and supporting Oman’s vision for sustainable energy solutions, with a focus on developing clean energy technologies.
These initiatives mark a vital phase in Oman’s minerals sector, further strengthening the country’s position as a major player in the region’s mining industry.