Sohar Titanium Project Nears Completion: What a RO 63.5 Million Investment Means for Oman’s Industrial Growth and Business Opportunities
MUSCAT: Construction is nearing completion on a strategic titanium slag production facility in Sohar Freezone, marking the first project of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman. Valued at RO 63.5 million, the facility is set to begin operations later this year, positioning Oman within the global titanium value chain, which serves diverse sectors including aerospace, industrial, and consumer markets.
Minerals Development Oman (MDO), which holds a 35% stake in Sohar Titanium (FZC) LLC, highlighted that the project’s titanium dioxide production will enhance industrial value chains and support Oman’s economic diversification goals. MDO, a state-owned entity under the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), reported in its 2025 Annual Report that construction is 89% complete for the facility, which has an annual production capacity of 150,000 tonnes.
Two of the project’s three electric arc ore-thermal furnaces have been successfully commissioned—a critical milestone that advances the facility towards full operational status while adhering to rigorous standards of safety, quality, and efficiency, MDO stated.
MDO’s partners in this landmark project include Dubal Holding, a Dubai government investment firm specializing in aluminium, metals, and natural resources, and TI International, which invests through Gulf Titanium DMCC. TI International, affiliated with the globally recognized Stork Group, provides specialized titanium supply chain management, commercial expertise, and market access, aiding projects such as Sohar Titanium.
The facility produces titanium slag by reducing ilmenite (titanium ore) via electric arc furnaces. Approximately 80% of this slag is used to manufacture titanium dioxide (TiO₂), the world’s most widely used white pigment known for its brightness and opacity. TiO₂ is integral to a variety of everyday products, including paints, coatings, plastics, paper, inks, food, medicines, and toothpaste.
The remaining titanium slag is primarily processed into titanium sponge and metal, prized for their strength, light weight, and exceptional corrosion resistance. These qualities make titanium alloys increasingly essential in aerospace, chemical processing, marine industries, and medical devices, with growing applications in nuclear technology, desalination, electronics, and consumer goods.
This pioneering project firmly establishes Oman’s position in the high-value titanium market, supporting the nation’s industrial and economic growth objectives.
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The near completion of Oman’s first titanium slag production facility in Sohar Freezone marks a strategic entry into the global titanium value chain, offering Oman significant industrial diversification and economic growth opportunities. Businesses should explore partnerships and innovation in high-value sectors like aerospace, chemicals, and consumer products that rely on titanium materials, while investors should anticipate a competitive edge by positioning early in this emerging market segment. Smart entrepreneurs must consider leveraging the facility’s output to tap into expanding international markets for titanium dioxide and alloys, aligning with Oman’s broader economic diversification goals.
