Led by H.E. Mohsin Al-Hadhrami, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, a high-level delegation including Eng. Mattar Salim Al-Badi, CEO of Minerals Development Oman, and other officials from the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and Omani mining companies, is actively engaging in the Future Minerals Forum in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. This prestigious international event brings together governments, global corporations, research institutions, and industry experts to discuss cutting-edge technologies and investment opportunities.
In his statement, His Excellency stated: "Oman's participation in this forum underscores its commitment to fostering international cooperation and building relationships to drive the development of the mining sector as a cornerstone of economic diversification and sustainable development. Through this engagement, Oman aims to attract foreign direct investment, adopt cutting-edge technologies, empower national competencies, and promote value-added industries to align with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040."
His Excellency added: "Oman possesses abundant and diverse mineral resources, including copper, chromium, nickel, silica, and lithium, making it a promising destination for regional and global investment. These resources, coupled with a robust infrastructure and supportive policies fostering innovation and strategic partnerships, position Oman as a competitive player in the global mining sector."
His Excellency also stated: "In Oman, we believe that innovation and strategic partnerships are the cornerstones of achieving excellence in the mining sector. By driving the adoption of sustainable practices and advanced technologies, we aim to position Oman as a global leader in mining, contributing significantly to emerging industries such as clean energy, batteries, and electric vehicles. Our commitment to sustainable development ensures that the benefits of our mineral resources are realized for generations to come."
His Excellency elaborated: "Our participation today marks the beginning of a journey towards even greater ambitions and deeper partnerships. Through our collective efforts, we aim to achieve tangible results that enhance our countries' global standing and contribute to building strong, sustainable economies that meet the aspirations of our people and keep pace with the evolving world."
Eng. Matar bin Salem Al Badi, CEO of Minerals Development Oman, stated: "Our participation in this international mining conference is a continuation of our ongoing commitment to developing Oman's mining sector and solidifying its position as a premier investment destination. We are actively showcasing the sector's promising investment opportunities, from exploration and upstream development to downstream processing, aiming to maximize the value of our mineral resources and contribute to Oman's economic diversification.
In the exploration field, we are introducing the 11-B concession area for investment and partnership with strategic investors. This area spans 84.5 square kilometers west of the Wilayat of Sohar. Our exploration team has made significant progress through a series of in-depth geological studies, geophysical surveys, and drilling operations, which have revealed encouraging indicators of copper deposits.
Regarding upstream operations, Minerals Development Oman aims, through this conference, to establish strategic partnerships to implement a silica quartz mining project with an annual production capacity of 3 million tons. This initiative aims to meet the growing demand for this material in industrial markets.
In the manufacturing sector, we are actively pursuing strategic projects such as a copper smelter and a metallurgical-grade silicon plant, as well as ferrosilicon and dolomite projects. These initiatives aim to maximize the value of Oman's mineral resources and position the country as a global hub for the minerals industry. 
Strategic partnerships with local and international investors are crucial for the growth of our mining sector. This conference provides an ideal platform to foster these relationships, exchange best practices, and showcase Oman's investment potential. Our efforts align with Oman's vision of economic diversification, driven by innovation and sustainable growth.”
To enhance investment in Oman's mining sector and promote sustainability, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals has undertaken several key initiatives, most notably:
1.    Updating the legal and regulatory framework to align with global best practices and enhance transparency and investment attractiveness, such as implementing a flexible fiscal regime with competitive royalties ranging from 5% to 10% and reducing surface rental costs during the exploration phase. 
2.    Identifying high-potential investment areas, leveraging world-class infrastructure to optimize resource utilization and maximize value addition, benefiting from an advanced infrastructure that includes global ports and integrated industrial zones.
3.    Launching a comprehensive digital platform for investment management and streamlining procedures, enabling domestic and international investors to access promising opportunities with ease and transparency.
4.    Developing a comprehensive occupational health and safety manual to ensure adherence to the highest safety standards in mining operations, safeguarding workers, and maintaining environmental sustainability.
5.    Launching specialized training and qualification programs aimed at developing national competencies and enhancing the capabilities of workers in the sector, in line with market needs and the global industry trends. 
These initiatives underscore Oman's proactive approach to creating an attractive and sustainable investment climate, positioning the mining sector as a key driver of economic growth
Forging the Future: Oman's Path to Mining Excellence Through Concession System
The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has implemented a competitive concession system, awarding 21 exploration and prospecting licenses to both domestic and international companies. These agreements have the potential to attract investments totaling approximately 37 million Omani Rials (USD 96.2 million). 14 of these licenses have been granted to Minerals Development Oman for the development of copper, chromium, silica, and other industrial minerals. Furthermore, 6 new concession areas, encompassing resources such as chromium, copper, manganese, granite, and other associated minerals, have been put up for bid, further enhancing investment opportunities in the sector.
The Rebirth of Copper: Oman's Mining Sector Awakens After a Decade
A significant achievement this past year was the resumption of copper production in Oman after a decade-long hiatus. The first shipment of copper concentrates was successfully exported, marking a key milestone for the sector. With an expected annual production capacity of 150,000 cubic meters and a purity level ranging from 18% to 22%, this development opens new avenues for investment and production, solidifying the promising potential of Oman's mining sector.