Mining concession pact inked for exploration of manganese ores, associated minerals in North Al Sharqiyah

Muscat: The Ministry of Energy and Minerals, acting on behalf of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman, on Thursday signed a mining concession agreement with Manganese Majan Company for Concession Area No. (25 B) in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate.

This agreement is part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to enhance exploration and mining activities and to develop the minerals sector, thereby contributing to the optimal utilisation of natural resources and achieving the sector's targets under Oman Vision 2040.

The agreement was signed by Eng. Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals and Mustafa Salim Al Azri, CEO of Manganese Majan Company.

Manganese Majan is a partnership between Al Ferdous Mining Company (an Omani company) and Farco Iranian Company. Both companies possess advanced expertise in exploration and mining of manganese ore and other metallic ores, as well as in the development of related industries, including the establishment of processing plants and the manufacturing of specialised equipment for mineral beneficiation.

Under the agreement, Manganese Majan Company has been granted exploration and mining rights for Concession Area No. (25 B), which spans approximately 747 square kilometers. The area was competitively tendered through the Ministry's "Taqa" platform. Located in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, the concession area is characterised by its geological diversity, encompassing the Al Hawasinah Formation, ophiolitic rocks, and sedimentary rock accumulations. It contains promising mineral ores, most notably manganese and associated minerals.

The agreement includes the implementation of an exploration work program during the initial period of two to three years. This program comprises conducting topographical, geochemical, and geophysical surveys, preparing geological maps covering approximately 90% of the concession area, as well as carrying out drilling and trenching operations to collect geological data covering between 50% and 70% of the concession area. The program involves investments exceeding OMR1.5 million.