Oman advances plans for mega minerals complex

Pexels/Piotr Arnoldes

State-backed Minerals Development Oman (MDO) has awarded a feasibility study contract for a new industrial minerals complex in Dhofar governorate.

The company is working to secure the final investment decision to proceed with the Al Shuwaimiyah industrial minerals project, according to its 2023 annual report.

MDO is also in discussions with potential investors to take part in the project.

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No details were given on the project’s cost and completion date.

However, the company has signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with global buyers for the offtake of 17 million tonnes of gypsum and limestone.

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The project targets three concessions, covering an area of 1,500 sq km, estimated to have 1.5 billion tonnes of limestone reserves, 1.3 billion tonnes of dolomite reserves and 960 million tonnes of gypsum.

The total peak output from the complex is estimated at 40 million tonnes per annum. 

In addition, the MDO intends to build a deep mining port to help transport minerals inland, the report said.