Oman Signs RO 1.5m Mining Agreement for Manganese Exploration

Muscat, 23 Apr 2026 (ONA) — The Ministry of Energy and Minerals, on behalf of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman, today signed a mining concession agreement with Manganese Majan Company for Concession Area No. (25 B) in North A’Sharqiyah Governorate.

The agreement forms part of efforts to enhance exploration and mining activities and develop the minerals sector, contributing to the efficient utilisation of natural resources and supporting the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

The agreement was signed by Eng. Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, and Mustafa Salim Al Azri, Chief Executive Officer of Manganese Majan Company.

Manganese Majan Company is a partnership between Al Ferdous Mining Company (Oman) and Farco Iranian Company, both of which have expertise in manganese exploration and mining, as well as in the development of related industries, including processing and mineral beneficiation.

Under the agreement, the company has been granted exploration and mining rights for Concession Area No. (25 B), covering approximately 747 square kilometres. The concession was awarded through the Ministry’s “Taqa” platform. The area is characterised by geological diversity, including the Al Hawasinah Formation, ophiolitic rocks and sedimentary formations, and contains deposits of manganese and associated minerals.

The agreement includes the implementation of an initial exploration programme over a period of two to three years. The programme covers topographical, geochemical and geophysical surveys, preparation of geological maps for most of the concession area, and drilling and trenching operations to collect geological data. Investments in the programme are estimated to exceed RO 1.5 million.