The Ministry of Energy and Minerals organized the Energy and Minerals Forum in Al Buraimi Governorate, under the patronage of His Excellency Engineer Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, and in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Hamad Ahmed Al Busaidi, Governor of Al Buraimi, and His Excellency Mohsen Hamad Al Hadhrami, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals. The forum aimed to enhance communication with the local community and foster community engagement and collaborative efforts towards achieving national goals and visions. The forum highlighted key current and future projects led by the Ministry, emphasizing its role in realizing Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to diversify the economy and maximize the utilization of natural resources and renewable energy, positioning them as a cornerstone for sustainable development and a promising opportunity for growth and prosperity, while prioritizing environmental protection and community development.
In a statement regarding the forum, His Excellency Engineer Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, expressed, "It is with great pleasure that we convene at this pivotal national forum, an embodiment of the spirit of communion and synergy between the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and the governorates. This forum echoes our deeply held belief that the economic and social renaissance we aspire to can only be achieved through the shared endeavor and purposeful coordination of governmental entities, the private sector, and the local populace."
His Excellency added, "Al Buraimi Governorate, with its geological resources, strategic location, and vital export outlets, represents a promising pillar within the national investment landscape in the energy and minerals industries. We, in the Ministry, believe that empowering the governorates and investing in their resources is a crucial step towards achieving comprehensive and sustainable development.”
This forum addresses five pivotal issues with a direct impact on the national economy and energy security. These include: oil and gas exploration and production, mining, renewable energy and hydrogen, oil and gas pipeline right-of-way, in addition to digital transformation as a working methodology to streamline procedures and enhance transparency. The accompanying workshops also provided platforms for discussion on crucial topics such as enhancing local content, activating social responsibility, attracting quality
investments, and listening to the visions of young people as genuine partners in shaping the future of these industries.
His Excellency, the Minister of Energy and Minerals, affirmed, "Our commitment lies in cultivating a robust investment climate within the minerals industry, achieved through a novel system of concession area and public site allocation. This system ensures the selection of investors according to well-defined criteria, for experience has demonstrated that the choice of the most suitable investor is paramount to the venture's success."
His Excellency also mentioned that 22 active quarries and crushers are currently operating in Al Buraimi Governorate, in addition to the concession agreement A/11, which covers an area exceeding 1400 km² and is in the exploration and prospecting phases. There are promising initial indicators for diverse ores, including copper, chromium, marble, basalt, gabbro, and gypsum. Furthermore, new opportunities will be presented for mining investment in the governorate in the near future.
We also recognize the importance of supporting the logistical infrastructure, including the Al Khatam port, which recorded approximately 90,000 export trucks in 2024, generating financial revenues of 3.6 million Omani Riyals for the Ministry in export fees. This underscores the governorate's role as a strategic transit hub.
The Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, is engaged in a review of mining fees, with the aim of striking a balance between incentivizing investment in the mining industry and securing optimal financial benefits for the government. We also continue to enhance digital transformation through the "Taqa" platform, which has emerged as a potent instrument for investor empowerment and the cultivation of a transparent and competitive business milieu.
No investment project can flourish through the investor's abilities alone; it also requires the backing of the local community. We perceive this as a national exigency, crucial for the sustainability of such projects and the maximization of their economic and social influence upon our people.
His Excellency affirmed, "This forum is not only a platform for discussion but also a launchpad for ideas, visions, and initiatives that align with the aspirations of the Sultanate of Oman and propel the development process forward, guided by the directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said – May God protect and preserve him – towards building a diversified and sustainable economy, and a productive and inclusive society based on partnership and empowerment."
H.E. Dr. Sayyid Hamad Ahmed Al-Busaidi, Governor of Al Buraimi, emphasized that the forum constituted a valuable opportunity to enhance institutional communication between government agencies, representatives of the local community, and investors. It also helped to solidify the principles of community partnership and integration between the public and private sectors. The forum showcased the most prominent projects and investment opportunities available in the Sultanate of Oman in general, and in Al Buraimi Governorate in particular, thereby strengthening the paths of economic development and keeping pace with the aspirations of Oman Vision 2040.
His Excellency further affirmed that the forum triumphantly fulfilled its mandate by underscoring the Ministry of Energy and Minerals' endeavors in the efficient management and utilization of natural resources, the advancement of transparency, and the facilitation of constructive dialogue pertaining to challenges and opportunities. Moreover, the forum empowered participants to share insights and explore solutions via dedicated technical workshops incorporated into its program.
The forum witnessed the attendance of a number of Excellencies and Honorables, their Excellencies members of the State Council and Shura Council, their Excellencies the Governors, and members of the Municipal Council, in addition to representatives of government and private entities with a shared interest in developing the minerals industry.
The forum's program included the presentation of five visual displays. These displays showcased the features of the minerals industry in the Sultanate of Oman, addressing key sectoral indicators, updates on concession areas and public sites, as well as investment mechanisms, initiatives, enablers, and projects that support the industry’s development. Emphasis was placed on the smart control project and the marketing plan for investment in the minerals industry, aiming to enhance its sustainability by attracting local and foreign investments, improving the regulatory environment, and focusing on achieving a balance between economic, social, and environmental development, while contributing to the development of local communities.
The first session in the forum, presented by Dr. Saleh Ali Al Anboori, Director General of Oil and Gas Exploration and Production, showcased the features of the oil and gas industry in the Sultanate of Oman. It highlighted the Sultanate's role as a major contributor to the global energy market, with a focus on production sustainability, enhanced partnerships, and investment in modern technologies to achieve national objectives in the industry.
The presentation began by noting the stable reserves that the Sultanate possesses, estimated at around 5 billion barrels of oil and 23 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Dr. Al Anboori explained that the Sultanate's oil production reached approximately 1 million barrels per day, while natural gas production reached 5 billion cubic feet per day, reflecting the Sultanate's ability to meet the growing demand, both locally and internationally.
The presentation also addressed the important role that operating companies play in supporting the industry. The list includes national companies such as Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), OQ Group, and Daleel Petroleum, along with major international companies like Shell, BP, and TotalEnergies. The Omani government's relationship with these companies is managed through exploration and production sharing agreements, which contribute to strengthening cooperation and partnership between the public and private sectors. Dr. Saleh emphasized the stimulating investment environment in the Sultanate, which attracts foreign investments and facilitates the adoption of global best practices in exploration and production operations.
The Director General of Oil and Gas Exploration and Production also pointed out in the presentation the ongoing efforts in concession areas 31 and 44, where "Ara Petroleum" is developing two major fields, "Aflak" and "Munhamar South". These areas are characterized by their complex geological nature, requiring in-depth studies and the use of advanced technologies, with expectations that production will reach 5,000 barrels per day if exploration and evaluation operations are successful.
The presentation concluded by discussing digital transformation projects aimed at enhancing the industry's efficiency, such as the National Oil and Gas Data Repository platform, which focuses on collecting and analyzing technical data, and the Asset Management System, which facilitates operations between the Ministry and companies. These initiatives contribute to improving resource management and increasing operational efficiency in the oil and gas industry.
The Minerals Industry in the Sultanate of Oman: A National Imperative for Optimal Resource Utilization
The second session, dedicated to the minerals industry, offered a far-reaching exposition, centering upon the national strategy devised to organize and cultivate this pivotal industry. This strategy aims to amplify the industry's contribution to the national economy and harmonize its trajectory with the
aspirations of Oman Vision 2040. The presentation also addressed the investment framework in the minerals industry through the "TAQA" digital platform, which offers investment opportunities in both public sites (designated for Omani companies) and concession areas (available to local and international companies with technical competence and financial solvency), while adopting the auction system as a key mechanism to ensure transparency and competition.
The presentation included a range of enablers and initiatives, most notably: launching copper mining projects in several promising areas, using advanced technologies in exploration work, enhancing Omanization, digital transformation, improving environmental compliance, and fulfilling social responsibility, where companies' contributions are set at 1% of the monthly sales value, as per the Mineral Wealth Law.
The presentation also highlighted the Ministry's efforts in adopting an advanced regulatory model that includes smart data analysis, environmental oversight, and adherence to international health and safety standards. Within the geographical focus, the presentation addressed Al Buraimi Governorate, noting the 22 active quarry and crusher sites producing materials such as construction materials, marble, clay, and limestone. It also discussed mining concession area 11A, for which an agreement was signed with the Oman Chrome Company, with initial investments estimated at US$11.83 million, and concession area C11, which is currently open for investment and includes strategic ores like copper, chromium, and basalt.
The presentation concluded by emphasizing the importance of social responsibility in the mining industry and the institutional mechanisms that ensure companies' contributions are directed towards sustainable development projects at the state level, within clear regulatory and financial frameworks.
Subsequently, the third session, concerning the Sultanate of Oman's policy on energy industry transformation, was presented by Mr. Muhannad Al-Khattab Al Hinai, Director of the Hydrogen Policies and Strategies Department. He shed light on the strategic plans and future projects aimed at achieving the transition towards renewable energy and green and low-carbon hydrogen, in line with the Sultanate's goals of reaching organized net-zero emissions by 2050, diversifying economic resources, and building a low-carbon energy economy and related industries.
The presentation outlined that the Sultanate of Oman possesses significant potential in the field of renewable energy. Royal Decree 10/2023 allocated 65,000 square kilometers of suitable land for the development of solar and wind energy projects. This expanse allows for the production of up to 500 gigawatts of renewable energy, exceeding the Sultanate's projected electricity needs and green hydrogen production for 2050, according to estimates from the Ministry of Energy and Minerals. The Sultanate also enjoys solar irradiance of up to 2500 kWh/m2 annually and a wind energy capacity factor of up to 53% in selected locations.
Mr. Al Hinai also indicated in the presentation that the Sultanate seeks to raise the share of renewable energy in the electricity mix to 30% by 2030. This will be achieved through the development of new solar and wind energy projects, alongside gas-fired power plants. Currently, the national energy mix relies on 95% natural gas, and the Sultanate aims to reduce this percentage to 70% by 2030, thereby enhancing the industry‘s sustainability and meeting future energy needs.
The presentation also indicated the notable increase in renewable energy projects in the Sultanate of Oman, with a focus on developing projects such as 1000 megawatts of solar energy by 2025, and 500 megawatts of wind energy by 2027, in addition to a 140-megawatt waste-to-energy plant in Barka. These projects contribute to raising the contribution of renewable energy in electricity production, thereby enhancing the Sultanate's ability to achieve a sustainable transformation in the energy industry.
The Director of the Hydrogen Policies and Strategies Department also noted that the Sultanate of Oman has completed the first phase of evaluating pumped-storage hydroelectricity systems. These systems enable energy storage during periods of low demand and its release when needed, helping to balance loads, reduce fluctuations from renewable energy sources, and support national sustainability goals.
He further expounded upon the Sultanate's ambitious initiatives in the realm of green hydrogen, as it endeavors to augment its productive capacity in this industry and ascend to a position of regional preeminence. Current plans envision an annual output of 1.25 million tons of green hydrogen by 2030, with a subsequent target of 8 million tons by 2050. Concomitantly, the Sultanate is committed to fortifying the requisite infrastructure to attract international investment and facilitate the transition towards a sustainable, green economy.
In this regard, this session emphasized the Sultanate of Oman's commitment to developing the renewable energy and hydrogen industry, enhancing its position as a regional hub for clean energy, and reflecting its efforts to achieve a more sustainable and less carbon-dependent future, leveraging its rich natural resources and well-considered strategies.
Digital Transformation at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals: A Smart System for Enhanced Transparency and Investment
Within the framework of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals' efforts to establish a culture of innovation and provide smart services, the digital transformation presentation during the forum, presented by Mr. Said Awad Al Shukri, Director of the IT Department at the Ministry, highlighted the qualitative leap in institutional work mechanisms through the provision of an integrated digital experience for investors, based on data and accelerating decision-making.
The presentation emphasized that digital transformation transcends a mere technical upgrade, representing instead a strategic trajectory designed to elevate institutional efficacy, amplify transparency and equitable access, and augment the caliber of services. This, in turn, fosters an environment conducive to attracting discerning investments and cultivating better customer satisfaction.
The Ministry has successfully digitized 35 services, achieving an 84% service streamlining rate, with 100% of the 2024 service digitization target met, and raising the average completion rate by 90%. More than 21,000 transactions were received and processed through digital channels during the same year.
The "TAQA" platform represents the most prominent tool of digital transformation, providing a unified portal for service delivery to investors. This includes bidding applications, issuing and renewing exploration and mining licenses, paying royalties, registering production and sales reports, and accessing community services. The platform is characterized by a user-friendly experience, integration with government agencies, and smart tools such as an alert center, transaction log, and electronic payment.
In conclusion, Mr. Al Shukri emphasized that the criterion for success is no longer tied to the number of transactions completed but to the level of investor satisfaction and the ease of procedures, affirming the Ministry's commitment to continuing the development of the digital system in a way that enhances the efficiency of government services and contributes to building a flexible and sustainable economy
Protecting Oil and Gas Pipelines: A National Responsibility to Ensure Energy Security
In the final session, Mr. Said Nasser Al Shuaili, External Affairs Officer at OQGN, stated that there is a national drive to maximize benefits and capitalize on opportunities at OQGN in Al Buraimi Governorate. He highlighted the importance of protecting oil and gas networks in the Sultanate of Oman and preserving its vital assets to ensure supply continuity and enhance national energy security.
The presentation addressed the main aspects of the topic, emphasizing that oil and gas network systems represent a vital artery for the national economy, necessitating the imposition of pipeline rights-of-way (ROW) to protect pipelines from any encroachments or unauthorized uses that threaten their integrity. He pointed out that the Pipeline Right-Of-Way (ROW) Law came to reinforce this objective by defining protection areas around transmission lines and regulating permissible activities therein.
Mr. Al Shuaili also reviewed a range of challenges facing the protection of these assets, including urban encroachments/sprawls, unlicensed excavations, and haphazard work near pipelines, leading to unfortunate incidents that may cause environmental and economic disasters, such as the accident that occurred in a gas pipeline in the Sohar area.
It was clarified that these encroachments could provoke detrimental repercussions, including, but not limited to, considerable financial losses, interruptions in critical provisions, elevated expenses for restorative measures, and hazards to ecological and societal well-being.
The presentation underscored the significant efforts made by oil and gas operating companies to enhance oversight, conduct regular inspections, and raise community awareness about the importance of adhering to laws and regulations to protect the networks. An appeal was made to all members of society and institutions to cooperate in preserving oil and gas resources, ensuring the sustainability of these vital national assets for future generations.
Accompanying Technical Workshop
The proceedings of the Energy and Minerals Forum also included a specialized workshop on a number of topics, most notably local content and social responsibility, oil and gas
minerals industry, and a workshop on youth perspectives on the sustainability of the energy and minerals industries.
Field Visit
The forum included a field visit by His Excellency the Minister of Energy and Minerals, His Excellency the Governor of Al Buraimi, and a number of Excellencies and stakeholders, to several crushers and quarries to observe the progress of operations.
pipeline ROW, investment in the energy and