Minerals Development Oman (MDO) has announced the start of the airborne survey for exploration of metallic minerals, which is conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy & Minerals (MEM) and a number of government entities. The survey aircraft started today flying over Masirah Island, as part of the first phase of the project.
The MDO’s CEO, Eng Nasser bin Saif al Maqbali, said: “We are pleased to start the airborne survey on MDO’s concession areas in order to obtain geophysical and geological data, which will contribute to supporting the exploration of metallic minerals.”
He added: “The first phase of the program will cover Masirah Island on an area of 658 km2. The next phases will target big areas in number of Governorates including North and South Al Batinah, Al Dhahirah, Al Buraimi, Al Dakhiliyah and North Al Sharqiyah. Last month, MDO conducted a mini-pilot program over 14 days in Suhar successfully, in order to identify the potential challenges that the survey may face when it launches.”
The airborne survey is the first step in the exploration for metallic ores, which hopefully will result to a number of potential sites. Excavation activities will continue in these sites by conducting geochemical studies, excavation works and other exploration activities.
Last March, MDO signedan agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM), granting MDO 12 concession areas in a solid reflection of the recent Government directions aimed at promoting mining sector for effective contribution into the national economic growth.
Minerals Development Oman was established in 2017 with a clear strategic vision to invest in the mining sector in the Sultanate and to increase its contribution to the growth of the economic and social sectors by creating job opportunities and building local competencies, in addition, to supporting small businesses and to develop the in-country value.
