Oman’s Silica-Based Industrial Cluster at Duqm SEZ: What It Means for Investment Opportunities in the Region
Plans for Silica-Based Industrial Cluster in Duqm
Muscat, November 22 – The Omani government is moving forward with plans to establish a silica-based industrial cluster at the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). This initiative aims to foster growth in the glass, ferrosilicon, and solar panel manufacturing sectors, contributing to Oman’s clean energy transition.
Leveraging the country’s rich reserves of high-purity silica, this proposed cluster aligns with national objectives for industrial diversification and economic value addition. The production of glass and ferrosilicon is expected to transform raw minerals into high-value industrial materials that will benefit various sectors, including construction, automotive, and metallurgy. Furthermore, solar panel manufacturing directly supports Oman’s expanding renewable energy initiatives, positioning the nation within global clean-tech supply chains. Collectively, these industries are anticipated to stimulate downstream manufacturing, attract foreign investment, create skilled jobs, boost non-oil exports, and solidify Oman’s role as a regional hub for low-carbon, mineral-based industries.
To ensure the availability of high-purity silica for the cluster, senior officials from the Ministry of Energy and Minerals recently conducted a field visit to mineral-rich sites in Al Wusta Governorate. Participants included Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals; Eng. Mohsin bin Hamad al Hadhrami, Under-Secretary of the Ministry; and Shaikh Ahmed bin Musallam al Kathiri, Governor of Al Wusta. The visit included an inspection of the F-51 concession in the Wilayat of Mahout, which contains some of Oman’s largest silica deposits.
“During our field visit, I was encouraged by the richness of Oman’s mineral resources and the significant opportunities they present for supporting the national economy and future industries,” said Under-Secretary Al Hadhrami.
He further emphasized that this visit is part of Oman’s broader goal to create an integrated industrial complex for silica-based industries at SEZAD, a key step towards enhancing local value and developing advanced sectors such as glass, ferrosilicon, and solar panel manufacturing.
The Ministry is collaborating with the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), which oversees SEZAD, to ensure the sustainable management of national resources. “With this spirit of partnership, we aim to transform our natural resources into valuable development opportunities that align with Oman Vision 2040, reinforcing the Sultanate’s status as a regional hub for advanced, sustainable industries,” added Al Hadhrami.
The field visit also included a silica production site in the F-51 concession, awarded to Minerals Development Oman (MDO), the state-owned mining and minerals processing investment entity under the Oman Investment Authority (OIA). A portion of the concession, measuring 5 km² within the broader 2,156 km² area in Mahout, has recently commenced operations with an initial target of producing 100,000 tonnes of high-purity silica ore annually.
The Omani geo-consultancy firm Earth Sciences Consultancy Centre, led by CEO Dr. Mohammed al Kindi, is partnering with MDO to develop the silica reserves in this concession. Future phases of this collaboration aim to establish a primary silica processing facility to enhance product quality and attract high-tech industries, including semiconductors, glass manufacturing, chemical processing, and metallurgy. These initiatives will support the development of sustainable local value chains and contribute to advanced industrial growth in Oman.
The Earth Sciences Consultancy Centre is managing the operational and developmental aspects of the project, including investment and production management, while MDO retains ownership of the resources and oversees the overall project.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The establishment of a silica-based industrial cluster at Duqm presents compelling opportunities for businesses in Oman, particularly in sectors like glass, ferrosilicon, and renewable energy. This initiative not only aims to boost foreign investment and create skilled jobs but also positions Oman as a regional hub for sustainable industries, enhancing its economic diversification efforts. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should strategically align themselves with Oman’s clean energy transition, leveraging local resources to capitalize on emerging market demands.
