Muscat: The Oman Minerals Trading Company announced the launch of its first integrated shipment of Omani chromium ore, exceeding 50,000 tons, via Sohar Port. This achievement marks a new chapter in the marketing and export of Omani chromium. Meanwhile, the average selling price of gypsum exports increased by 8 percent compared to the same period last year.
The chromium shipment included several types of Omani ore in a single consignment, allowing the company to meet the needs of a larger number of buyers and factories. This move aims to expand the customer base and open new marketing channels for Omani chromium ore in global markets.
Marketing efforts included Asian and European markets, as well as direct engagement with factories using Omani chromium ore for the first time. This supports market diversification, direct access to end consumers, and paves the way for building long-term business relationships.
In the gypsum sector, the company marketed and exported more than 1.8 million tons to 11 countries via over 32 ships departing from the Port of Salalah, coinciding with an 8 percent increase in the average selling price compared to the same period last year.
Gypsum export destinations included several Gulf markets, including Kuwait, in addition to expanding into new African markets and revitalizing exports to South Korea, as part of efforts to diversify destinations and reduce reliance on a limited number of markets.
Hussain bin Ali Al Lawati, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Oman Minerals Trading Company, stated that the launch of the integrated shipment of chromium ore represents a significant step in developing Omani mineral markets.
He noted that market diversification and direct access to consumers are key pillars of the marketing strategy.
Al Lawati added that the results achieved in gypsum exports, including the increase in the average selling price and the expansion of the market base, reflect the importance of managing marketing and export operations in a more integrated manner.
He emphasized that the priority is to achieve the best possible commercial value for Omani raw materials while continuing to meet the needs of the local market.
He noted that the company is working to support the growth of mineral-related downstream industries within the Sultanate of Oman by balancing exports with providing the necessary supplies for local industry. This contributes to increasing the added value of mineral resources and supporting related investments.
The Oman Minerals Trading Company (OMTC), a subsidiary of Oman Minerals Development Company, is responsible for marketing and exporting gypsum and chromium ores. It centrally manages export operations and negotiates with buyers in international markets.
The company commenced its commercial operations by exporting its first shipment of gypsum through the Port of Salalah, as part of its mandate to manage exports of gypsum and chromium ores from the Sultanate of Oman.
The company was established by Ministerial Decision No. (18/2025), which granted it the exclusive right to export gypsum and chromium ores starting in June 2026. Domestic sales remain outside its purview.
Through its centralized export model, the company aims to unify marketing and negotiation processes, improve market access and buyer engagement, and enhance transparency and competitiveness in export marketing. This will bolster the commercial value of Omani mineral resources in global markets.
