Oman Awards Fourth A’Sharqiyah Mining Concession: Key Opportunities for Investors and Entrepreneurs
MUSCAT – Oman has signed its fourth mining concession in North A’Sharqiyah, awarding a new licence to explore manganese and associated minerals as part of the Sultanate’s ongoing efforts to expand its minerals sector under Oman Vision 2040.
The Ministry of Energy and Minerals finalized the concession agreement for area 25-B with Majan Manganese, a joint venture between an Omani and an Iranian partner.
Covering 747 square kilometres, the concession was offered through the ministry’s Taqa platform. It is regarded as a highly promising site for manganese alongside diverse geological formations, including the Hawasina sequence, ophiolite rocks, and sedimentary deposits.
Under the terms of the agreement, Majan Manganese will conduct an exploration programme over an initial period of two to three years, with planned investments exceeding RO 1.5 million. The programme will encompass topographic, geochemical, and geophysical surveys, as well as geological mapping across approximately 90 percent of the concession area. Drilling and trenching activities will be carried out over 50 to 70 percent of the site to collect detailed geological data.
Eng. Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, emphasized that this agreement aligns with the ministry’s strategy to enhance mineral exploration and optimize Oman’s natural resources by fostering a conducive environment for quality investment. He noted that area 25-B is among the most promising mineral zones in North A’Sharqiyah, and advanced exploration efforts will help determine its commercial viability, paving the way for further investments in mineral-based industries.
This marks the fourth mining concession signed in North A’Sharqiyah, reflecting broader governmental initiatives to develop the governorate’s rich mineral resources, including copper, chromium, manganese, and laterite.
Minister al Aufi also highlighted ongoing efforts to support sustainable growth in the mining sector through legal and regulatory reforms, allocation of economically feasible investment zones, and the expanded use of digital systems to enhance transparency and facilitate investor access.
The ministry has introduced an integrated digital platform to streamline mining investment procedures, alongside a comprehensive occupational health and safety guide and specialized training programmes aimed at building national expertise in the sector.
Majan Manganese affirmed its commitment to executing the exploration programme with the highest technical and environmental standards, supporting the long-term development of Oman’s mining value chain.
— ONA
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s recent manganese mining concession in North A’Sharqiyah represents a strategic move to diversify and bolster the minerals sector under Vision 2040, creating significant opportunities for investment in mineral exploration and downstream industries. Smart investors should consider the growing government support through legal reforms, digital platforms, and sustainability initiatives, positioning Oman as a promising hub for environmentally conscious and technologically advanced mining ventures.
