Sohar Titanium Launches First Furnace Production: Key Opportunities for Investors and Entrepreneurs in Oman
MUSCAT: Sohar Titanium, Oman’s inaugural titanium slag production facility, has officially commenced production with the startup of its first electric arc furnace at Sohar Freezone.
Yusuf bin Abdullah Al Balushi, Acting CEO of Sohar Titanium, confirmed that the company has begun operating the first of three furnaces at the RO 63.5 million plant, marking a significant step in Oman’s entry into the global titanium value chain.
“We have started operating the first furnace, which has a capacity of 50,000 tonnes, and the project is progressing on schedule,” Al Balushi stated in a recent video update.
The remaining two furnaces will be commissioned in phases, with the project aiming to reach full production capacity of 150,000 tonnes annually by the end of 2026. “By that time, we expect to have all furnaces operational and to commence exports to international customers interested in titanium metal,” he added.
The project is a joint venture between Sohar Titanium (FZC) LLC, Dubal Holding LLC, Minerals Development Oman (MDO), and TI International via Gulf Titanium DMCC. Dubal Holding, the investment arm of the Dubai Government, holds a 65% stake, while MDO owns the remaining 35%.
Titanium slag is produced by processing ilmenite ore in electric arc furnaces and is primarily used in the production of titanium dioxide (TiO2), a white pigment widely utilized in paints, coatings, plastics, paper, and consumer products. The remaining titanium output is used to manufacture titanium sponge and metal, valued for their strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance.
Al Balushi described titanium as a “rare and highly specialised metal” crucial to aerospace, submarine manufacturing, military applications, medical technologies, and space industries.
He highlighted that industrial customers from China, Japan, the United States, and Europe have already shown interest in sourcing titanium products from Sohar.
The project aligns with Oman Vision 2040 by enhancing downstream mining industries, promoting industrial diversification, and increasing the contribution of value-added mineral processing to the national economy.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The launch of Sohar Titanium’s first furnace marks a strategic breakthrough for Oman’s industrial diversification and entry into the high-value global titanium market. Businesses should explore opportunities in downstream supply chains, while investors must consider the growing demand from aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors, positioning Oman as a key titanium supplier by 2026. This development also signals rising potential risks for competitors as Oman leverages Vision 2040 to expand value-added mineral processing.
