Oman’s 2030 Chromite Output Goal: What the 400,000 t/y Target Means for Investors and Industry Growth
MUSCAT, MARCH 29 — Minerals Development Oman (MDO) has announced an ambitious plan to expand the exploration and production of chromite ore, aiming to boost both export-led growth and downstream value addition within the Sultanate.
MDO’s chromite strategy focuses on accelerating exploration efforts to build a larger resource base and increase chromite ore production to 400,000 tonnes annually by 2030. The ultimate objective is to establish Oman as a reliable supplier of chromite ore and value-added products across Asia by that year.
A key component of this plan is to achieve a profit margin exceeding 20 percent on chromite ore production through beneficiation and blending processes. To support this, MDO has partnered with Oman Chromite Company—of which it holds a 25 percent stake—to develop the existing chromite deposits within the latter’s mining licenses.
Currently, MDO’s chromite exploration and production activities are concentrated in two locations in Al Batinah North Governorate. The Mahrah Project targets development of an estimated 167,000 tonnes of 29 percent grade chromite ore deposits in Block 11B, located in the Wilayat of Shinas. Meanwhile, the Sarrami Project in adjacent Al Khabourah has identified approximately 31,000 tonnes of ore with a 10 percent grade in Block 12B.
Further drilling conducted in 2025 revealed additional chromite resources totaling around 254,000 tonnes from several sites: Jibjibba (163,000 tonnes at 32.30% grade), Wadi Rajmi (31,000 tonnes at 31.95% grade), Mahrah (168,000 tonnes at 29.16% grade), and Daqrah (60,000 tonnes at 36.23% grade).
According to MDO’s 2025 Annual Report, chromite ore mining and production with grades between 30 to 32 percent yielded 64,972 tonnes, which were successfully sold and shipped to both local and international customers, demonstrating the company’s effective global marketing capabilities.
MDO is a central player in the government’s strategic effort to transform Oman’s chromite sector from a predominantly raw ore export industry to a more integrated minerals ecosystem emphasizing beneficiation, ferrochrome production, and more stringent export controls. This transformation aims to sustain Oman’s role as a key supplier to global steel markets.
In line with this strategy, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals introduced a new regulatory framework in 2025 to tighten oversight of chromite ore marketing and exports. Ministerial Decision 18/2025 imposes stricter controls including mandatory approvals, quality certification, and a minimum chromium oxide (Cr₂O₃) grade of 36 percent for raw ore exports.
A cornerstone of these reforms is the creation of a state-backed marketing entity designed to streamline mineral exports, enhance pricing transparency, and strengthen Oman’s negotiating position internationally. Oman Minerals Trading Company (OMTC) has been established as a subsidiary of MDO to fulfill this role.
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Oman’s strategic push to expand chromite ore exploration and enhance downstream value addition positions the country as a key reliable supplier to Asia by 2030, creating significant growth opportunities for businesses involved in mining, beneficiation, and ferrochrome production. However, tighter export regulations and quality controls introduce compliance risks that necessitate adaptive strategies; smart investors and entrepreneurs should focus on value-added processes and aligning with the new regulatory framework to capitalize on this evolving minerals ecosystem.
