The Ministry of Energy and Minerals and Naqaa Salt Company LLC finalized a mining concession agreement for concession area No. (51-K) located in Filim, Al Wusta Governorate, encompassing 109 square kilometers. His Excellency Eng. Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, signed on behalf of the Omani government, while Dr. Badar Al Kharusi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Minerals Development Oman, represented Naqaa Salt Company. The agreement aims to extract salt at a production rate starting at approximately 400,000 metric tons. The project will utilize natural evaporation, washing, and refining operations, employing modern production technologies for industrial salt extraction and production. Construction is slated to begin early next year, with the project development phase spanning the next four years in partnership with a foreign investor.
This project will stimulate industries reliant on salt ore, including the production of bromine, caustic soda, soda ash, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These essential materials are utilized across diverse sectors such as chemical and plastics manufacturing, water treatment, energy production, and construction. The project prioritizes the latest technologies in the design and implementation of evaporation ponds, minimizing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.
H.E. Eng. Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, highlighted the Ministry's significant achievement this year, marked by the signing of several mining concession agreements focused on producing strategic ores like copper, chromium, and silica. Today, we celebrate the signing of an agreement dedicated to mining sea salt and connecting it with transformative industries. This initiative aims to fulfill local and global market needs for vital products utilized in various sectors, particularly oil and gas.
His Excellency emphasized the project's utilization of sustainable technologies, such as solar power, for electricity generation, thereby enhancing energy efficiency. He further stated, "These agreements underscore the Ministry's vision to develop the mining sector as a cornerstone of a robust national economy and diversified income sources, aligning with the Sultanate of Oman's sustainable development aspirations."
His Excellency emphasized the project's utilization of sustainable technologies, such as solar power, for electricity generation, thereby enhancing energy efficiency. He further stated, "These agreements underscore the Ministry's vision to develop the mining sector as a cornerstone of a robust national economy and diversified income sources, aligning with the Sultanate of Oman's sustainable development aspirations."
On this occasion, Dr. Badar Saud Al Kharusi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Minerals Development Oman, stated: “This agreement represents a fruitful cooperation between the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and Minerals Development Oman, and is a qualitative step aimed at expanding the scope of Minerals Development Oman' s investments in strategic mineral resources. The agreement also confirms the Company’s commitment to continuing to invest in mineral resources and developing projects related to industries that contribute to strengthening the Sultanate’s position asas a leader in mineral sector investment development.
Today's concession agreement is the culmination of the company's extensive efforts over the past three years, encompassing exploration, prospecting, and chemical studies of the region. These efforts have confirmed the mining potential of sea salt ore within the concession area, paving the way for Minerals Development Oman to initiate project development procedures.”
He added: “This agreement unlocks opportunities within promising markets, increasing potential for Omani exports and attracting foreign investment, particularly in industries related to industrial salt processing."