Oman has announced three new mining concession areas covering a total of 2,062 square kilometres, aimed at attracting international investment for the exploration and development of various mineral resources, including copper, chromite, gold, nickel, and manganese. The announcement was made on October 27 by Mohsin bin Hamad al Hadhrami, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC 2026) held in Sydney, Australia.
This initiative is part of Oman’s broader strategy to engage international mining companies, exploration experts, and technology providers to help unlock the country’s significant mineral wealth. It also continues the Ministry’s previously stated plan announced earlier in the year to offer three additional mining concessions as part of the 2026 investment program.
During his address in Sydney, al Hadhrami highlighted the longstanding historical relationship between Oman and mining, referencing the nation’s ancient role as a copper producer and trading hub. He described mining as integral not only to Oman’s economy but also to its identity and future vision.
Oman boasts notable geological diversity, including the Semail Ophiolite, one of the world’s largest and best-preserved exposures of ancient oceanic crust and upper mantle rocks. This geological feature underlies the country’s rich metallic and industrial mineral resources.
The government has reported considerable progress in commercializing these deposits. In 2025, Oman became the world’s leading gypsum exporter, shipping over 14 million tonnes. Meanwhile, three copper mining projects are currently supported by ore reserves exceeding 50 million tonnes. Additionally, Oman’s marble products have reached over 100 international markets, demonstrating growing global competitiveness within the mineral products sector.
The latest mining concession announcement supports Oman Vision 2040, the country’s long-term economic diversification plan which prioritizes mining and mineral-based manufacturing. The vision emphasizes not only the extraction of resources but also mineral beneficiation, downstream processing, industrial integration, and increasing domestic value addition.
Al Hadhrami emphasized the government’s ambition to strengthen international cooperation, stating a desire to partner with Australia and other countries by combining mineral resources, capital, technology, and expertise to build competitive industries and resilient value chains.
IMARC 2026 is one of the world’s premier mining and resources industry events, bringing together representatives from governments, mining companies, investors, technology developers, and equipment suppliers. Oman’s participation offers a platform to showcase its emerging mining prospects to global investors and to enhance collaboration in mineral exploration, advanced mining technologies, and industrial development along the minerals value chain.