issued in the Official Gazette today, has ratified the Exploration and Mining Concession Agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and Gulf Mining Materials Company for Area No. (11)-(C), signed on 12 August 2025.
The agreement, signed by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, grants Gulf Mining Materials Company exploration and mining rights in Concession Area 11-C in Al Buraimi Governorate. The area spans 1,089 square kilometers and is distinguished by its ophiolite rock formations and indications of copper and chromium ores. The first phase of the project, lasting between two to three years, will involve conducting topographical, geochemical, and geophysical surveys, along with exploratory drilling and trenching works.
Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Hadi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gulf Mining Materials Company, valued the Royal support extended by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the private sector. He stated that this support has had a profound impact on entrenching the foundations of growth and enhancing economic activity across the nation. He affirmed that the constant Royal directives serve as a major incentive for national companies to continue their role in development and to uphold their responsibilities in enriching the national economy with high-value projects.
He explained that granting the company the right to invest in Concession Area C-11 under Royal Decree No. (101/2025) embodies the Royal confidence in the ability of Omani companies to contribute effectively to broadening the national economic base. It opens wide horizons for them to work and build according to the highest professional and technical standards, Al Hadi added.
He confirmed that this area will be a pivotal tributary for the company in implementing qualitative projects that feed economic development, support the path of diversification and competitiveness, and contribute to reinforcing the sustainability principles it follows in line with Oman Vision 2040.
He also affirmed that Gulf Mining Materials Company will fully undertake its national responsibilities. It will work to absorb more qualified national cadres, provide training and employment opportunities, enhance their presence in the mining sector, and enable small and medium enterprises to benefit from subcontracts associated with the project, he elaborated. This, Al Hadi explained, is to achieve added economic and social value, support the local investment environment, and strengthen national supply chains.
He said the company possesses extensive experience in the mining sector, which has enabled it to build a solid operational and knowledge system. This qualifies it to manage this strategic project with high efficiency, relying on a clear vision and a firm commitment to environmental, technical, and sound governance standards, he further added.
Al Hadi confirmed the full readiness of Gulf Mining Materials Company to begin exploration and prospecting operations and to work in a strategic alliance with international partners who possess the deep expertise and financial solvency necessary to ensure the project is implemented in the best possible manner, achieving the desired national goals.
He pointed out that the Sultanate of Oman is rich in natural resources and mineral treasures, many of which still await optimal investment. The future of the mining sector in the country promises prosperity and contribution, especially amid the accelerating global race among major powers to acquire precious and rare metals, which have become a decisive element in advanced industries, renewable energy, and fourth industrial revolution technologies, he added.
He pointed out that Gulf Mining Materials Company believes that the Sultanate of Oman, with its unique geological components, is capable of making the mining sector an economic tributary parallel to oil and gas, if its resources are invested optimally under the wise directives and policies of the wise leadership. He added that the company will work with all responsibility to be an active part of this promising national transformation.
He stated that the near future holds great promise for the Sultanate of Oman in the fields of mining and energy, expressing his confidence that hard work, strategic partnerships, and clarity of vision will contribute to building an advanced mining sector worthy of Oman’s ambitions and its precious status. He affirmed the company’s commitment to contribute with effort and sincerity to serving the nation and enhancing its blessed development march under the wise leadership of His Majesty the Sultan.
