Oman Advances In Copper Production, Enhancing Global Market Position

Oman is making significant progress in the development of key copper mining projects, positioning itself as an emerging producer of a crucial metal for the global energy transition. Al Hadeetha Resources, an Omani-Australian joint venture, recently announced the successful shipment of a second consignment of copper concentrate from its Al Washihi Majaza mine. This shipment yielded 174 metric tonnes (MT) of copper, a 25% increase over the first shipment's 139 MT. Additionally, around 11.5 kilos of gold were recovered between the two shipments, creating a new revenue stream.

Minerals Development Oman (MDO), the mining sector investment arm of Oman Investment Authority (OIA), is spearheading this new push in copper production. Three major MDO-backed copper mining projects are progressing at various locations in northern Oman. One notable project is Mazoon Mining's development of a copper ore project in the Wilayat of Yanqul in Al Dhahirah Governorate. The concession area covers 19.8 km2 and hosts five mines with estimated copper ore reserves of 22.9 million tonnes.

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The Ministry of Energy and Minerals' newly released 2023 Annual Report reveals that construction work on the project began in February this year following a Final Investment Decision (FID) adopted in February 2023. The implementation phase is expected to last 30 months.

Other copper mining projects underway

In North Al Batinah Governorate, Oman Mining Company is advancing the development of the Al Aseel and Al Bayda mines in Block 4, which hold an estimated 2.78 million tonnes of copper ore. Parent company MDO has enlisted local mining firm Mawarid Mining to process the copper ore at its Wadi Al Jizzi processing plant. Groundbreaking on the Block 4 mines took place earlier this year.

Meanwhile, MDO is preparing to bring its Al Ghuzayn copper mining project into production in the nearby Wilayat of Al Khabourah, targeting over 6 million tonnes of copper ore. The ore will also be processed at Wadi al Jizzi copper concentration plant, according to the Ministry's Annual Report.

As these projects come online within a year or two, they will enhance Oman's status as a globally significant copper producer with potential to attract investments in refining, copper alloying and other downstream value-adding industries.