New Mining Opportunities: How 3 Upcoming Projects and Blocks in Oman Could Transform Your Investment Strategy by 2026
Oman’s Minerals Sector Sees Significant Growth and Future Potential
MUSCAT, MAY 13 — The year 2025 marked a transformative period for Oman’s minerals sector, highlighting the rapid development of mining as a key component of the nation’s economic diversification strategy. This assertion was made by Eng. Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, during the annual media briefing.
Al Aufi noted that multiple agreements and mining concessions related to copper, chromium, and salt resources have been signed, paving the way for increased future revenues and enhancing the sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP. He anticipates that new concession areas will drive accelerated growth in the upcoming years.
This initiative aligns with Oman’s national vision to bolster local content by developing national capabilities and localizing industries and services linked to mining. A significant achievement was reached with the full digitalization of operations via the “Taqa” platform, which aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and the overall investment climate.
In 2025, four new concession areas were opened for investment, with bids currently under evaluation. Additionally, there are 28 active concession areas being managed by 13 companies. Al Aufi indicated that advancement will continue into 2026, with plans to offer three additional concession areas and three public investment sites, reflecting growing confidence from investors and international partners in the Omani market.
Eng. Saud al Mahrouqi, Director General of Minerals, presented visual data showcasing the ongoing positive growth indicators in Oman’s minerals sector. These indicators are supported by a set of development policies focused on improving investment attractiveness, maximizing added value, and reinforcing environmental sustainability principles, thereby enhancing the sector’s role in economic diversification.
In 2025, the mining sector signed six new concession agreements, raising the total number of mining concession areas to 28. Exports of copper concentrate also saw significant growth, reaching approximately 95,000 tonnes, while total investments surpassed RO 105 million.
To further enhance the investment landscape, there is an emphasis on increasing the availability of concession areas and public investment sites. Efforts to improve the business environment include the digital “Taqa” platform and the adoption of smart regulatory frameworks to oversee mining operations, thus strengthening governance and compliance.
The sector showcased robust production performance, achieving a total output of about 65 million tonnes and sales totaling 60 million tonnes, with an overall value nearing RO 159 million.
On the sustainability front, the mining sector continues to implement responsible practices to minimize environmental impact. This involves mandatory environmental impact assessments, mine rehabilitation programs, and the promotion of innovative low-emission mining technologies, aligned with the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Looking ahead, the sector’s ambitious strategy aims to expand the exploration of strategic minerals, enhance local manufacturing to minimize raw material exports, support the Minerals Trading Company as a national entity for marketing mineral products, and provide additional concession areas and public investment opportunities.
The ongoing growth trajectory underscores the minerals sector’s accelerating role in bolstering its contribution to the national economy, while creating broader investment opportunities and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.
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The recent developments in Oman’s minerals sector highlight فرص كبيرة for businesses seeking to engage in economic diversification, particularly through the upcoming mining concessions. With the digitalisation of operations via the "Taqa" platform, smart investors and entrepreneurs should consider leveraging this enhanced transparency and efficiency to enter a market poised for growth. However, they must also navigate risks associated with environmental sustainability requirements to align with national goals for responsible mining practices.
