North Al Sharqiyah Records OMR 1.6 Million in Mining Revenues in 2025

North Al Sharqiyah Mining Sector Attracts Investment and Supports Economic Diversification

Ibra:  The mining sector in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate is witnessing continued development in mineral exploration and investment, benefiting from the governorate’s diverse geological formations and promising mineral resources.

The sector is pursuing efforts to maximize the added value of mineral resources, enhance local content and strengthen links between mining activities and manufacturing industries.

Ali bin Abdullah Al Hamouda, Director of the Minerals Department in the North and South Al Sharqiyah Governorates, told the Oman News Agency that the governorate currently has 34 mining licences covering various mineral resources, including copper, chromium, manganese, laterite, marble and building materials.

He said mining revenues in the governorate amounted to about OMR 1.6 million in 2025, while community contributions reached approximately OMR 263,897.

The Al-Washahi-Al-Majazah copper mine project in the Wilayat of Al-Mudhaibi is among the governorate’s most prominent mining projects. Its geological reserves are estimated at about 16.1 million tonnes, with a copper grade of 0.87 percent. The project aims to produce approximately 35,000 tonnes of copper concentrate annually, strengthening the governorate’s position in the copper sector and supporting opportunities for related industries.

Al-Hamouda pointed out that 2026 witnessed a significant development with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals signing a mining concession agreement with Manganese Magan Company for concession area No. 25 B to explore manganese ores and associated minerals.

The concession area covers approximately 747 square kilometres. The first phase of the exploration programme, which will extend for two to three years, includes topographic, geochemical and geophysical surveys, geological mapping, excavation and trenching works, with investments exceeding OMR 4 million.

He said the agreement forms part of efforts to expand mineral exploration, attract investment and technical expertise, and improve knowledge of the governorate’s mineral resources in preparation for their development and economic utilisation.

North Al Sharqiyah also offers investment opportunities in copper, chromium, nickel, laterite, gold, manganese, marble, basalt and gabbro, contributing to diversification of the mining base and opening opportunities for new exploration, development and production projects.

Al-Hamouda explained that the sector is increasingly focused on maximizing the added value of mineral resources by linking exploration and extraction with manufacturing industries. This approach increases the economic return from local raw materials and creates opportunities for small and medium enterprises in transportation, logistics, drilling, maintenance, contracting and technical services.

He noted that this approach is reflected in efforts to link chromium, copper and manganese ores with existing industries in Oman, supporting local value chains and reducing reliance on exporting minerals in their raw form.

The concession agreement for area D-22 provides an example of this approach, granting Altman Andsil Ferrochrome Company the right to explore and mine copper and chromium ores in the area.

The Ministry also signed an agreement for area B-22 with Modern Mining Company to explore for copper ore, while investment opportunities have been offered for exploration of manganese, nickel, laterite, copper, gold, chromium, basalt and gabbro.

Al-Hamouda added that concession agreement No. 21, signed with Fursan Al Khaleej Mining and Trading Company, covers approximately 1,444 square kilometres for the exploration and extraction of nickel, cobalt and iron oxide from laterite ore.

Investments during the exploration phase are expected to range between USD 25 million and USD 30 million, supporting industries associated with strategic minerals and clean energy.

He stressed that mining activities also contribute to local development by creating employment and training opportunities, providing community contributions and stimulating economic and service activities linked to mining operations.

With exploration activities continuing, existing projects developing and new investment opportunities being introduced, North Al Sharqiyah is strengthening its position as one of Oman’s promising mining areas, supported by its mineral wealth and geological diversity.

These efforts are aligned with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 to diversify the national economy, promote investment in natural resources and develop manufacturing industries, positioning mining as an important pillar of sustainable economic growth and the development of local value from Oman’s mineral wealth.