Mineral Sector in Oman to Grow

Seeking investment for undeveloped or underdeveloped operations, the Middle East in general and Oman in particular is set to experience an industrial minerals mining boom, according to the London-based Metal Bulletin and Industrial Minerals Events. The mining and mineral sector’s contribution to the GDP reached RO 101.1 million in 2012, from RO 99.3 million in 2011, RO 91.7 million in 2010 and RO 82.6 million in 2009. This trend is expected to keep on increasing considering a number of new developments. It is in view of these facts that Metal Bulletin and Industrial Minerals Events is all set to organise a major two-day international conference on mining and mineral sector from November 18 in Muscat.

The “Middle East Industrial Minerals Conference-2013” will bring together members of the global industrial minerals markets, Paul Dallman, Programme Manager, Metal Bulletin and Industrial Minerals Events, told the Observer. Mining in Oman can be a significant primary industry and a big contributor to the national economy. Historically, mining has attracted big foreign investors to Oman. Many different ores and minerals are mined throughout the country. Authorities are however concerned that mining should not result in a substantial environmental impact in some areas of the country. The conference comes at a time when the industry is transitioning from a reactive to a proactive one. Gathering senior members of the Middle East industrial minerals industry in Muscat, the conference will provide the information and contacts to capitalise on the potential this industry represents.

“In particular the construction industry is expecting huge developments in the coming years and the demand for industrial minerals will be consequently surging. Potash and phosphate are minerals which have long been important to the Middle East economy but the future looks even more promising,” Paul added. The conference assumes significance because it comes at a time when Oman and Saudi Arabia are restructuring their mining industry and there are a number of developments in this industry. In Oman, there is gypsum, limestone, marble, laterite, chromite and kaolin, not to mention the port of Duqm and the additional terminal at Sohar for aggregates.

The conference will shed light on the most important recent developments in the Middle East’s minerals sector and enable delegates to gather exclusive information, network and build business relations with Industrial Minerals Middle Eastern and international industry professionals. The conference will deliver a unique insight into the current station of the market in this region, with presentations examining the growing importance of the Middle East as a transport hub for minerals. Delegates will discuss the scope of the Gulf Co-operation Council’s (GCC) various construction projects and how they will impact the demand for raw materials, as well as discussing new and important markets, such as photovoltaics and frac sands. The delegates will get an insight into mining developments in the GCC, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Turkey and as also into new markets and resources for magnesia, limestone, basalt fibre and rare earths.

There will be special presentations on what will be Oman’s mining and processing capacity from now to 2015 and beyond; status and how to obtain mining licenses; what do foreign investors need to know; dolomite deposits in the GCC; limestone in the Gulf region; future uses for calcium carbonate; phosphate and potash in the Middle East; construction projects in Qatar and Saudi Arabia; the future of soda ash, basalt fibre and other salt-based products in the GCC; limestone and silica sand supply to meet the glass demand; and Oman’s logistic developments; Duqm, rail and road. It is not just Saudi Arabia and Oman that are taking steps towards successfully exploiting their minerals resources; Yemen, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and, of course, Turkey are all establishing a regional and hence global presence in the industrial minerals.