MUSCAT: Oman is making significant strides in its electricity and minerals sectors with strategic projects aimed at boosting sustainability, energy efficiency, and economic diversification in line with Oman Vision 2040. These initiatives not only strengthen the country’s infrastructure but also create jobs and enhance resource utilisation while reducing environmental impact.
TRANSFORMING OMAN’S ELECTRICITY LANDSCAPE
Amal bint Salem al Jardani, Director of the Office for Follow-up of the Implementation of Oman Vision 2040 at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, highlighted key projects that are set to reshape Oman’s electricity sector. Among them is the North-South Electricity Grid Connection, a transformative initiative that will enhance national grid stability, optimise gas usage, and facilitate future hydrogen and renewable energy integration.
Another milestone project is the Masirah Island Electricity Connection, managed by Oman Electricity Transmission Company. This project aims to integrate the island into the national electricity grid, cutting dependence on diesel fuel and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The project involves the construction of Masirah station (132/33 kV), a 94-kilometer network of overhead, underground, and marine transmission lines, and a connection to Mahout station (400/132 kV) at a total cost of RO 72 million.
Oman is also accelerating its renewable energy transition with the Manah Solar Power Plants, which will produce 1,000 MW of solar energy. This project plays a crucial role in achieving the country’s target of generating 10% of electricity from renewables by 2025, progressing toward 30% solar energy generation by 2030.
UNLOCKING OMAN’S MINERAL WEALTH
Oman’s minerals sector is equally pivotal to its economic diversification efforts. The government is spearheading projects to expand mining infrastructure, increase value-added production, and leverage advanced technology.
One of the key initiatives is the Kunuz Dolomite Project, which aims to extract up to 3 million tonnes of raw dolomite annually, with high-grade dolomite earmarked for magnesium production and lower-grade material used in iron-making. The project, with estimated reserves of 250 million tonnes, is expected to be completed by 2026.
The Al-Ghaizin Copper Mine Project in Al-Khabourah, North Al Batinah, marks Oman’s first underground copper mining operation. Mawarid Mining Company has already commenced exports, with plans to extract 1 million tonnes of copper ore annually, producing 20,000 tonnes of copper concentrate.
Meanwhile, the Shaleem Mining Development Project targets the extraction of gypsum, limestone, and dolomite for global export. Spanning 3,314 square kilometers in Dhofar and Al-Wusta Governorates, the project is in the exploration phase and is set for completion in 2026.
The Naqaa Salt Project, a strategic industrial salt production venture in Al-Wusta, is also gaining momentum. With a target output of 400,000 metric tonnes of salt annually, the project will utilise advanced refining techniques and is scheduled to begin construction in early 2025, with full development extending over the next four years.
Oman is also advancing its copper and gold mining projects, with Block 10 in Yanqul showing commercially viable discoveries across five sites. Expected to yield 1.6 million tonnes of copper per year, the project is projected to generate RO 500 million in annual revenues and is set for completion in 2025.
Additionally, the Al Washhi-Al Mujazah Copper Mine in Al Mudhaibi, North Al Sharqiyah, is progressing with over 16 million tonnes of copper reserves identified, of which 10 million tonnes are mineable. Al Haditha Resources has been granted rights to develop the site, with plans to produce concentrated copper at 24% purity for commercial sale.
Oman’s investments in electricity and minerals underscore its commitment to sustainable economic development. These projects are not only strengthening the country’s infrastructure but also positioning Oman as a key player in regional and global energy and mining markets. With strategic execution and technological advancements, Oman is set to reap the long-term benefits of its Vision 2040 roadmap. — ONA
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