Minerals Development Oman has signed a concession agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals to develop concession area 51k in the Al Wusta Governorate, marking the official launch of the Naqa Salt project. 

 

The project aims to produce high-quality industrial salt in the Wilayat of Mahout through extraction and refining processes, with a plan for export via Duqm Port.

 

This project marks a significant step in advancing Oman’s minerals sector and positioning Oman as a key producer of industrial salt in the region. It is estimated to cover an area of 109 square kilometers that includes the construction of salt evaporation ponds capable of producing approximately 400,000 metric tonnes in its initial phases then expand to 2 million tonnes of raw and refined industrial salt annually. Construction work is expected to begin early 2025, with the development phase extending over four years.

 

Advanced systems

The Naqa Salt project utilises advanced systems that aim to improve production efficiency of the project, in addition to using innovative salt refining techniques with natural evaporation processes for industrial salt aimed at minimising environmental impact and promoting sustainability. The sea salt industry is also considered environmentally friendly, providing a habitat for migratory birds and marine life.

 

Additionally, the Naqa Salt project supports Oman’s strategy to boost in-country value (ICV), by leveraging local raw materials and enhancing the local industries, which will in return develop Oman’s competencies, and contribute to Omani employment and opportunities. In addition, this also supports downstream industries by facilitating the production of vital materials such as bromine, caustic soda, soda ash, chlorine, and PVC; all critical to sectors in chemicals and plastics, water treatment, energy and construction.

 

The industrial salt sector is one of the fastest-growing globally, with global demand for salt expected to reach 372 million tonnes by 2027, reflecting an annual growth rate of more than 2%. The Naqa Salt project’s role will contribute to meeting this global rising demand, further establishing Oman as a strategic industrial salt supplier in global markets.

 

Dr Badar bin Saud Al Kharusi, Chairman of Minerals Development Oman, added: "This agreement comes as a result of three years of continuous exploration and studies that proved the mining potential of the concession area, allowing us to move forward with the project’s development. We are confident this project will open new horizons for Oman in the international markets, enhance Oman’s exports, and attract foreign investments, particularly in manufacturing industries."

 

Exploration campaigns

In 2024, Minerals Development Oman continued to advance its exploration campaigns across a diverse range of strategic minerals, including copper, chromite, gypsum, limestone, dolomite and silica. 

 

Last November, Minerals Development Oman celebrated the groundbreaking of Mazoon copper project in Yanqul, the largest integrated copper concentrate production project in the sultanate. These efforts reflect MDO’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its market position and driving sustainable economic development across Oman.--TradeArabia News Servce