SALALAH: On a splendid Sunday, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals played host to an exalted Energy and Minerals Forum in Dhofar Governorate, presenting a myriad of investment and commercial prospects linked primarily to the governorate’s opulent mineral wealth. The event, graced under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, the Governor of Dhofar, brought together distinguished personalities, including Mohsen bin Hamad al Hadhrami, the Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, as well as esteemed shaikhs and local dignitaries.
The forum commenced with a thought-provoking keynote address by Mohsen al Hadhrami, illuminating Oman’s thriving minerals sector, with a special emphasis on the abundant resources of the Dhofar Governorate. He also acquainted the audience with the immense potential of hydrogen and vital projects under the Ministry’s supervision. Addressing the gathering, the Under-Secretary emphasized the Ministry’s comprehensive approach to the minerals sector, encompassing exploration, local value addition, production, manufacturing, and exports. This holistic strategy aimed at maximizing the economic benefits derived from the country’s rich mineral resources while also ensuring the sector’s commitment to community development, environmental preservation, and the supply of raw materials for the thriving construction industry.
The forum served as a pivotal component of the Ministry’s broader initiatives to attract investment and foster growth in the sector. The audience was informed of the Ministry’s endeavors to streamline the investment system in mining, defining concession areas, and addressing challenges in relation to prior requests. Additionally, the announcement of an extensive database encompassing geological, geophysical, and exploration surveys across the nation promised a consistent and sustainable supply of exploration and mining opportunities.
Emphasizing the Ministry’s dedication to high-value metallic minerals, the Under-Secretary stressed the importance of collaborating with international companies specialized in exploration and mining. Such partnerships aimed at developing mining industries, generating secure job opportunities, and embracing cutting-edge technologies. Furthermore, the Ministry designated public sites for local companies to access industrial raw materials, including gabbro ore, limestone, marble, and ornamental stones. This strategic allocation aimed to curtail random quarrying and protect residential areas, thereby striking a harmonious balance between industrial growth and environmental preservation.
Al Hadhrami also outlined the Ministry’s groundbreaking strides in regulating the hydrogen sector. Robust legal frameworks and policies were established to foster its growth and attract investments. The Ministry also earmarked suitable locations for hydrogen production, with a commitment to localizing the technology. Hydrogen was hailed as a pivotal player in diversifying energy sources, reducing carbon emissions, and driving economic growth, aligning with global movements towards sustainability and clean technologies.
Reflecting on the significant progress made in the mineral sector, the production statistics for 2022 were unveiled. An impressive 63.6 million tonnes of mineral ores were produced, with total sales reaching 57.3 million tonnes, valued at RO 98.974 million. The establishment of a well-defined regulatory environment would facilitate effective marketing, attract investors, and significantly reduce time and effort in the process, as emphasized by officials. Moreover, the Ministry’s vision encompassed social responsibility, community development, and the empowerment of local capabilities.
