Concession agreements inked to boost mineral development in areas 11-A, 51-F

Muscat: The Ministry of Energy and Minerals signed two concession agreements for the development of concession areas 11-A and 51-F, as part of its efforts to enhance the minerals industry.

The agreements for Concession Area 11-A was signed by Eng. Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals and Humaid Masoud Ali Al Maqbali, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oman Chromite Company.

Under the terms of the agreement, the company will be obligated to conduct a comprehensive exploration program, including topographic, geophysical, and remote sensing surveys. They will also map the geology of the areas and conduct geochemical and physical analysis. To identify potential mineral deposits, the companies will drill a total of 35,000 meters.

Concession Area 11-A is located in the Governorate of Al Buraimi, and covers an area of 1438 km². The area is characterized by its ophiolite sequence in the eastern part. The area contains indicators of chromium and copper, making it of strategic importance.

As for the Concession Area 51-F agreement, it was signed by Eng. Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals and Nasser Saif Al Maqbali, the CEO of Minerals Development Oman (MDO).

For this concession area, the initial phase of exploration operations includes conducting desk studies, topographic and geological surveys, as well as drilling and sample analysis.

Concession Area 51-F, located in Al Wusta Governorate, covers a vast expanse of 2,156 square kilometers. Preliminary assessments reveal substantial deposits of high-purity silica ore, with purity levels reaching a remarkable 95%. The Ministry of Energy and Minerals, in collaboration with Minerals Development Oman (MDO), is actively exploring these resources and conducting feasibility studies to determine the viability of mining operations that meet the stringent purity standards demanded by the silica industry.

The Minister of Energy and Minerals, stated: "These agreements represent a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to revitalize the minerals industry. A key initiative has been the allocation of concession areas through open, competitive processes that prioritize transparency and fairness. We have invested in developing national capacities through specialized training programs in natural resource management and cutting-edge mineral technologies. To further streamline investments, we have launched a digital platform that provides investors with easy access to mineral opportunities, thereby facilitating investment procedures and making them more attractive.”

On his turn, Eng. Nasser Saif Al Maqbali, CEO of Minerals Development Oman, said that, “This agreement represents a significant strategic step within the company's efforts to expand its portfolio of strategically important mineral resources. We pay particular attention to developing the production of fine silica, which is expected to contribute positively to enhancing the Sultanate of Oman’s role as one of the region's important mining centers. Through this project, we also aim to attract new investments in mining operations and manufacturing industries related to fine silica, such as glass and solar panels, which enhances Oman's vision in the fields of manufacturing clean energy solutions.”