Exploration of silica resources reflects Oman’s untapped potential to support critical industries
In a landmark development for Oman’s mining sector, Minerals Development Oman (MDO), has signed a pivotal mining concession agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM).
This agreement empowers MDO to explore and develop strategic minerals within the concession area located in the Al Wusta Governorate, covering 2,156sqkm in the Wilayat of Mahout.
The area holds high-value deposits of silica, limestone, and dolomite – critical minerals poised to drive industrial growth and economic diversification in Oman.
Concession
MDO’s new concession positions the company to become Oman’s first silica sand miner, advancing its strategy to diversify its mineral portfolio and tap into new growth opportunities. Silica sand, also known as industrial sand, is primarily composed of quartz and valued for its high silica content, strength, and non-reactive properties —qualities essential to industries like glass, solar technology, and chemicals.
“Our exploration of silica resources reflects Oman’s untapped potential to support critical industries, especially those related to the energy transition,” remarked Nasser Al Maqbali, CEO, MDO.
With this new agreement, MDO’s total concession area has expanded to 24,119sqkm, reinforcing the company’s role as a key player in supporting Oman’s economic diversification and strengthening industrial capacity.
Strategic Projects
Throughout 2024, MDO has undertaken several strategic exploration projects targeting key minerals such as copper, chromite, gypsum, limestone, dolomite, salt and hard silica. Earlier this year, the company celebrated the groundbreaking of the Lasil and Al Baydha Copper Mines Redevelopment Project in Sohar, Liwa.
In the coming months, MDO will announce the commencement of construction on the Yanqul Copper Project, led by its subsidiary Mazoon Mining. Located in the Yanqul region, Mazoon Mining was granted exclusive rights by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals in 2022 to explore, develop, and produce copper concentrates, with gold as a secondary by-product.
