May 24, 2010 - The production of minerals and rocks has seen a quantum jump in Oman in recent year. The production of rocks and minerals shot up to RO 168.87 million in 2008 from RO 95.86 million in 2007, the minister said. Currently, the number of quarrying and mining operations under way in Oman stand at 150 for fill material, 71 for chromite, 57 for marble, 3 for sandstone, 4 (each) for gypsum, laterite and clay, 2 (each) for copper and limestone for cement and limestone for export.
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. Efforts are continuing to get a larger area so that all applicants get permits. One company has finished all studies; the Directorate-General of Minerals will soon issue the permit. The company is ready for exploitation of dolomite from Quriyat area.
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. In addition to these projects, several companies have received exploration licenses for various minerals and the studies are under way. They include five licenses for laterite, four for manganese, three for gyspum, two for dolomite, 12 for copper and one each for silica sand/quartzite and limestone.
About the most promising areas in the mineral sector, Maqbool said, "The famous ophiolitic suite of rocks in Omani mountains, host copper, gold, silver, chromite and some lead, zinc and manganese. Aggressive exploration work is already under way by eight companies for copper. Three companies are involved in exploration of copper and gold in Oman. The ministry will issue new licences for chromite exploration in near future."
In the non-metallic minerals, huge commercial deposits of limestone, dolomite, silica sand/quartzite, various clays including Kaolin and Attapulgite, gypsum, marble, construction material in the form of aggregate and armour rocks, and low grade iron ore are available for exploitation. Their use presupposes establishment of minerals-based industries in Oman. Investors can tap these lucrative opportunities with innumerable benefits for themselves and for the society at large.
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. Efforts are continuing to get a larger area so that all applicants get permits. One company has finished all studies; the Directorate-General of Minerals will soon issue the permit. The company is ready for exploitation of dolomite from Quriyat area.
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. In addition to these projects, several companies have received exploration licenses for various minerals and the studies are under way. They include five licenses for laterite, four for manganese, three for gyspum, two for dolomite, 12 for copper and one each for silica sand/quartzite and limestone.
About the most promising areas in the mineral sector, Maqbool said, "The famous ophiolitic suite of rocks in Omani mountains, host copper, gold, silver, chromite and some lead, zinc and manganese. Aggressive exploration work is already under way by eight companies for copper. Three companies are involved in exploration of copper and gold in Oman. The ministry will issue new licences for chromite exploration in near future."
In the non-metallic minerals, huge commercial deposits of limestone, dolomite, silica sand/quartzite, various clays including Kaolin and Attapulgite, gypsum, marble, construction material in the form of aggregate and armour rocks, and low grade iron ore are available for exploitation. Their use presupposes establishment of minerals-based industries in Oman. Investors can tap these lucrative opportunities with innumerable benefits for themselves and for the society at large.
