The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry is all set to organize the first exhibition and conference on mines and minerals sector this year.
Mr Khalil bin Abdullah al Khonji chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that this conference will among other things focus on the vast untapped metallic and non metallic resources of the country. Slowly but surely these resources are being tapped. The time is not far when this will give a big push to Oman’s economic diversification programs.
Oman’s 700 kilometers long and nearly 150 kilometers wide mountains contain the best exposed ophiolite suite of rocks, which are favourable for copper, gold, silver, chromite, lead and zinc. The Sultanate’s vast non-metallic minerals wealth is recognized worldwide. There are about seven or eight non metallic minerals which are required in almost every industry. These are limestone, dolomite, various clays, gypsum, silica sand and quartzite, iron oxide, marble and ornamental stones, and construction materials. Oman boasts all these non-metallic minerals in huge quantities.
The production of minerals and rocks has seen a quantum jump in Oman in recent years. The production of rocks and minerals shot up to OMR 168.87 million in 2008 from OMR 24.16 million in 1996 to OMR 33.32 million in 2000. More than 150 quarrying and mining operations are going on for fill material, 71 for Chromite, 183 (Crusher), 57 (Marble), 3 (Sandstone), 4 (each for Gypsum, Laterite and Clay), two (each for Copper and Limestone for cement and Limestone for export), and one (salt and Dune sand).
A host of major projects are currently under way in Oman. In the metallic minerals sector, a concession holder in one of the blocks is planning to mine copper from their deposit at Shinas and Liwa. This company is also conducting drilling and planning feasibility study for Ghuzayn deposit. Another concession holder is working on exploration in Washihi and Al Ajal prospects. Exploitation will start once the exploration is completed 1327661468353117600 and positive feasibility study is established.
Mining copper from Rakah and Hayl As Safil is being planned. Gold has already been mined from there but now feasibility study is being conducted for mining of copper. Another company is performing exploration for copper and gold in their concession block. Manganese exploration is being conducted by four companies. One of the companies has already finished the feasibility report and is ready to exploit.
In the non metallic sector of minerals, two companies are exporting steel grade limestone from south Oman to India. Many other companies have applied for exploration permits for limestone export to India for the steel industry from South Oman. Gypsum is also very much required by many cement companies in India. Some of these companies want to set up their own Gypsum quarry in Thumrait area. Huge reserves of Gypsum are available in south Oman at four evaporite basins.
The Directorate General of Minerals, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, continues to build a huge geological infrastructure in the form of a geological database which can be used by the investors. The DGM also conducts pre feasibility and feasibility studies of rocks and minerals which have the potential for exploitation and development.
Presently, Oman is mining and processing several rocks and minerals, including building materials, chromite, shale and clay, gypsum, gold, silver, low grade iron ore (laterite), limestone, marble, salt and quartzite.
(Sourced from main.omanobserver.om)
