Minerals Development Oman plans integrated mining area in Dhofar

Minerals Development Oman aims to establish three main quarries to produce 40 million tons of industrial minerals in Dhofar.

Minerals Development Oman, a leading Omani mining firm, is embarking on an ambitious project to establish a state-of-the-art integrated mining area in Shuwaymiyah, Dhofar Governorate. With three main quarries expected to yield 40 million tons of limestone, dolomite, and gypsum ores, this venture aims to drive export operations and catalyze downstream industries in steel, fertilizers, cement, and chemicals.

Minerals Development Oman – Enhancing industrial potential

Nasser bin Saif Al-Muqbali, CEO of Minerals Development Oman, underscored the significance of the Shuwaimiyah industrial minerals project as a key strategic initiative within the company’s concession areas, covering an estimated expanse of 1,500 square kilometers. Scheduled to commence construction in 2024, the project is poised to begin commercial operations by 2027, offering abundant opportunities for economic growth.

Promising reserves

The inception of the project dates back to 2017 when Minerals Development Oman initiated the first geological study. Subsequently, in 2020, comprehensive preliminary economic feasibility studies confirmed the presence of highly promising commercial reserves of industrial raw materials in both the upper and lower regions. Detailed economic feasibility studies, conducted in the past year and due for completion this year, have further validated the project’s potential.

Limestone ore is one of the most abundant materials in the Sultanate of Oman, with a stock of 2.5 billion tons at a purity of 99 percent. Its versatile applications span vital industries such as steel, cement, and chemicals. Additionally, the project will focus on producing dolomite stone, with reserves totaling 1.3 billion tons and a magnesium concentration of 19 percent. This resource finds utility in the fertilizer, steel, and glass sectors. Furthermore, gypsum ore, with a stockpile of 960 million tons and purity levels reaching up to 97 percent, plays a pivotal role in the cement, gypsum board, and fertilizer industries.

Strategic infrastructure

Integral to the success of the project is the development of a mining port, which will serve as a crucial facility. With a depth of 20 meters, the port will be equipped with three dedicated cranes to facilitate handling operations. Furthermore, it will feature three berthing areas capable of accommodating simultaneous docking of two Panamax vessels and one Cape class vessel.

By strategically leveraging its mineral resources, aims to position itself as a regional player in the mining sector. The establishment of the integrated mining area in Dhofar marks a significant milestone towards fostering economic diversification and attracting further investments in Oman’s burgeoning industrial landscape.

September of last year saw an agreement reached to link Oman and the UAE with a passenger and freight rail connection.

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