WEB DESK
In a major development for Oman’s mining sector, the sultanate has recommenced copper exports after a 30-year break with its first shipment of 900 tonnes of copper concentrates from the Lasail mine in Sohar. The project, overseen by Minerals Development Oman (MDO), marks a crucial step in the nation’s economic diversification efforts.
The milestone carries particular historical weight, as the region boasts a 3,000-year legacy of copper mining, including operations by the Oman Mining Company since 1983.
The Lasail mine is projected to produce high-grade copper concentrates with 18% to 22% purity levels, with an estimated annual production capacity of 500,000 tonnes of copper ore. This operation represents just the beginning of MDO’s broader vision for copper mining in the region. Looking ahead, MDO plans to expand operations with the launch of the Al-Baydha mine in Liwa by 2025-2026. The two mines combined hold reserves of approximately 2.78 million tons of copper ore, with the initial redevelopment phase expected to last four to five years. The company is also conducting exploratory studies in surrounding areas to increase copper reserves and is developing the Mazoon project, which is set to become Oman’s largest integrated copper concentrate production initiative.