The Oman Ministry of Energy and Minerals has signed a mining concession agreement with Manganese Majan Company for concession area No. (25B) in the North Al Sharqiyah Governorate to strengthen the country’s minerals sector.
The agreement was signed by Engineer Salem bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, and Mustafa bin Salem Al Azri, Chief Executive Officer of Manganese Majan Company.
The company is a joint venture between Al Firdous Mining Company and Varco, bringing together extensive expertise in manganese exploration, mining, and related industrial development.
Under the terms of the agreement, Manganese Majan Company has been granted exploration and mining rights over an area spanning approximately 747 square kilometers.
The concession, awarded through the Ministry’s ‘Taqah’ digital platform, is located in a geologically diverse zone featuring the Hawasna Formation, ophiolite sequences, and sedimentary rock accumulations, known to host promising deposits of manganese and associated minerals.
The initial phase of the project will involve a comprehensive exploration program over two to three years, including topographic, geochemical, and geophysical surveys, as well as the preparation of detailed geological maps covering around 90 percent of the concession area.
Excavation and trenching activities will also be undertaken to collect geological data across 50 to 70 percent of the site. The company has committed investments exceeding $3.9 million (1.5 million Omani riyals) during this phase.
Salem bin Nasser Al Aufi Oman Minister of Energy and Minerals
“This agreement reflects the Ministry’s strategic focus on expanding mineral exploration and optimizing the utilization of Oman’s natural resources. Such initiatives are central to creating an attractive investment environment, supporting economic diversification, and enhancing in-country value across the mining sector. Concession area No. (25B) is among the Sultanate’s most promising mineral zones, and advanced exploration activities are expected to unlock new investment opportunities, strengthen downstream industries, and facilitate knowledge transfer and capacity building for national talent.”
The Minister highlighted that the agreement represents the fourth mining concession signed in North Al Sharqiyah, underscoring the governorate’s rich and diverse mineral base, including copper, chromium, manganese, and laterite deposits.
The Ministry has concurrently introduced a series of reforms and initiatives to enhance sector competitiveness, including updated regulatory frameworks aligned with global best practices, the allocation of high-potential investment zones, and the deployment of integrated digital platforms to streamline licensing and operational processes.
These efforts are supported by Oman’s advanced infrastructure, including world-class ports and industrial zones, as well as comprehensive health, safety, and environmental standards.
Mustafa bin Salem Al Azri reaffirmed that the company is committed to executing the project in accordance with the highest technical and environmental standards.
Al Azri noted that the partnership would leverage combined expertise to deliver sustainable mining outcomes, strengthen mineral value chains, and contribute to the long-term growth of Oman’s mining industry.
