MUSCAT, APRIL 9
The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has invited local and international mining companies with experience in mining projects to participate in a new tender round targeting rich potash reserves in the Sultanate of Oman.
Potash salts, which are primarily used in the production of fertiliser, among other commodities, are found in four blocks – 53-A, 53-B, 53-C and 51-D – covered in the latest tender round.
Three of the blocks are located in the Um A’Samim sabkhah on the Sultanate of Oman’s border with Saudi Arabia. Distributed across the Wilayat of Ibri in Al Dhahirah Governorate, they comprise Block 53-A (covering 3,719 sq km, Block 53-B (3,823 sq km) and Block 53-C (5,067 sq km). Block 51-D, covering an area of 567 sq km, is located in Wilayat of Mahout overlooking the Arabian Sea. According to ThermoFisher, a key reference source, most of the world’s potash comes from Canada, with the largest deposits located in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick. Russia and Belarus rank as the second and third highest potash producers. In the United States, 85 per cent of potash is imported from Canada, with the remaining produced in Michigan, New Mexico, and Utah.
Last month, the ministry awarded a total of 12 exploration-to-mining concession agreements – the largest such mining-related concession awards – Minerals Development Oman (MDO), an affiliate of Oman Investment Authority (OIA). Covering a total area of 21,480 sq km, the concessions target a number of potential minerals, mainly strategic minerals (metallic) such as Copper, Gold, and Chromium.
The landmark pacts are part of a new strategy adopted by the ministry to support the development of the minerals sector through concession agreements.