{"id":1384,"date":"2025-07-15T15:47:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T11:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/news\/business\/mining-sector-expands-26-new-licences\/"},"modified":"2025-07-15T20:20:32","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T16:20:32","slug":"mining-sector-expands-26-new-licences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/news\/business\/mining-sector-expands-26-new-licences\/","title":{"rendered":"26 New Mining Licences Granted: What This Growth Means for Investors and Entrepreneurs in Oman"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-fadein{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(14px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-slideup{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(20px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-pulse{0%,100%{box-shadow:0 0 14px #dc262688}50%{box-shadow:0 0 32px #dc2626,0 0 60px #dc262655}}\r\n@keyframes 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solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18);backdrop-filter:blur(8px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(8px);border-radius:20px;padding:3px 10px 3px 7px;margin-bottom:clamp(5px,0.6vw,9px);animation:hitv3sog-badge 0.5s ease both;\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:clamp(8px,0.9vw,10px);font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.07em;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.88);text-transform:uppercase;white-space:nowrap;\">EXCLUSIVE OMAN OFFER<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogh\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.15s;\">Websites For <span style=\"color:#dc2626;\">Omani Businesses.<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogs\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.3s;\">Empower your brand with custom digital solutions designed for high conversion and market dominance.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogbl\"><div class=\"hitv3sogbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Responsive designs built for growth<\/span><\/div><div class=\"hitv3sogbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Fast loading with smart automation<\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitv3sogct\">\r\n    <button class=\"hitv3sogbtn\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-pulse 2.5s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:1s;\">Build Your Free Website <span style=\"opacity:.9;\">\u2192<\/span><\/button>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogbr\">hit.land<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><strong>MUSCAT, JULY 15<\/strong> \u2014 In a pivotal year for Oman\u2019s minerals sector, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals issued 26 new mining licenses in 2024 and celebrated the commencement of commercial copper exports. This milestone represents a significant advancement in the Sultanate&#8217;s efforts to diversify its economy as part of the Vision 2040 initiative.<\/p>\n<p>According to the Ministry\u2019s annual report for 2024, the government granted 14 permanent mining licenses and 12 exploration licenses across key governorates including <a href=\"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/resources\/dhofar-governorate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Dhofar\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"5\">Dhofar<\/a>, Al Wusta, North Al Sharqiyah, Al Batinah, and Al Dhahirah. These licenses encompass a wide range of resources, such as gypsum, limestone, chromite, copper, iron ore, marble, and various construction materials. Additionally, the Ministry renewed 10 mining licenses and one exploration license, ensuring continuity for ongoing operations while also inviting new market participants.<\/p>\n<p>Significant developments in copper mining emerged as two strategic projects began production and exports. The Al Ghuzayn Copper Project in Al Khaboura commenced commercial operations in 2024, backed by an initial investment of RO 43 million. Developed by Mawarid Mining, the project aims to extract six million tonnes of copper ore over six and a half years. Following the successful production and export of its first copper shipments, the company issued sales invoices and official export certificates, marking Oman\u2019s re-entry into the global copper market. Notably, the project is set to create 50 direct jobs for Omani nationals and will allocate one percent of its annual output to support local community development, in adherence to Oman\u2019s Mineral Wealth Law.<\/p>\n<p>In the Wilayat of Al Mudhaibi, the Wash-hi Copper Project achieved a significant milestone with the initiation of copper concentrate exports. This site is estimated to contain reserves of 16 million tonnes and can produce high-quality copper concentrate with a purity of 24 percent. Officials noted this development as a strong indicator of increased investor confidence in Oman\u2019s mineral resources, particularly in base metals.<\/p>\n<p>Despite facing challenges, including production reporting delays from several operators, Oman\u2019s overall mineral output for 2024 remained substantial, totaling 67.7 million tonnes\u2014though this reflects a 14 percent decrease compared to the previous year. Of this total, 62.5 million tonnes were sold, generating revenues of RO 114.3 million. Export volumes reached 35.9 million tonnes, with gypsum making up the largest share at 12.4 million tonnes (35 percent of total exports). Limestone exports saw a significant increase of 49 percent, totaling 7.4 million tonnes, while exports of raw construction materials decreased by 39 percent. Importantly, 2024 marked the first commercial copper exports from Oman, with 24,000 tonnes shipped to international markets.<\/p>\n<p>Alongside licensing activities, the Ministry finalized several long-term concession agreements aimed at promoting industrial-scale mining development. Notable agreements included Area 22-D in North Al Sharqiyah, awarded to Al Tamman Indsil Ferrochrome Company; Area 51-K, granted to Naqa Salt Company; and Area 11-A, signed with Al Tasnim Gulf Potash. These agreements underscore Oman\u2019s commitment to attracting responsible investment in mineral development while encouraging downstream processing and value-added industries to localize production chains.<\/p>\n<p>By the end of 2024, ten companies were operational across 21 designated mining concession areas in the Sultanate, which contain commercially viable reserves of copper, chrome, laterite, potash, dolomite, gypsum, limestone, nickel, and cobalt. The Ministry is also promoting digital transformation within the sector, having launched an online bidding platform to ensure transparency in access to mineral blocks and streamline application evaluations for potential investors.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of workforce statistics, the mining sector employed 3,942 workers in 2024, including 890 Omani nationals, resulting in an Omanisation rate of 23 percent. The Ministry has expressed its intention to increase this figure by enhancing workforce development and supporting national capacity-building initiatives in mining engineering, geology, and environmental management.<\/p>\n<p><style>\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-fadein{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(14px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-slideup{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(20px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-pulse{0%,100%{box-shadow:0 0 14px #dc262688}50%{box-shadow:0 0 32px #dc2626,0 0 60px #dc262655}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-shimmer{0%,100%{opacity:0.3;transform:scaleX(0.4)}50%{opacity:1;transform:scaleX(1)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-glow{0%,100%{opacity:0.6}50%{opacity:1}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-badge{from{opacity:0;transform:scale(0.8)}to{opacity:1;transform:scale(1)}}\r\n<\/style><style>\r\n.hitl8gakw{container-type:inline-size;width:100%;max-width:970px;margin:0 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solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18);backdrop-filter:blur(8px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(8px);border-radius:20px;padding:3px 10px 3px 7px;margin-bottom:clamp(5px,0.6vw,9px);animation:hitl8gak-badge 0.5s ease both;\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:clamp(8px,0.9vw,10px);font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.07em;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.88);text-transform:uppercase;white-space:nowrap;\">EXCLUSIVE OFFER<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakh\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.15s;\">Your Website <span style=\"color:#dc2626;\">Should Sell.<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gaks\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.3s;\">Custom-built websites with smart automation & AI-powered features.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakbl\"><div class=\"hitl8gakbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>SEO-optimized & lightning fast<\/span><\/div><div class=\"hitl8gakbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Smart features built for your business<\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitl8gakct\">\r\n    <button class=\"hitl8gakbtn\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-pulse 2.5s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:1s;\">Get Free Consultation <span style=\"opacity:.9;\">\u2192<\/span><\/button>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakbr\">hit.land<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/div><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<p><strong>Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman&#8217;s Market<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The recent issuance of <strong>26 new mining licenses<\/strong> and the initiation of <strong>commercial copper exports<\/strong> in Oman represents a pivotal move towards <strong>economic diversification<\/strong> under Vision 2040. This presents <strong>strategic opportunities<\/strong> for businesses, particularly those in the mining and raw materials sectors, emphasizing the importance of <strong>investing in local production chains<\/strong> to capitalize on the burgeoning mining landscape. <strong>Smart investors<\/strong> should now focus on <strong>Long-term concession agreements<\/strong> and training initiatives to align with the government\u2019s vision for sustainable growth and <strong>increased Omani employment<\/strong> in the sector.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In 2024, Oman\u2019s minerals sector thrived with the issuance of 26 new mining licences, marking the start of commercial copper exports. The Al Ghuzayn Copper Project began operations, producing six million tonnes of copper ore and creating jobs while supporting local development initiatives.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":1385,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[114],"tags":[258,257,161],"class_list":["post-1384","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business","tag-copper","tag-mining","tag-oman"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/3071891.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1384","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1384"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1384\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3148,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1384\/revisions\/3148"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1385"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1384"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1384"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1384"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}