Oman’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, Salim Al Aufi, has signed an agreement with Oman-based Sindbad Mining Resources Co. for the exploration and mining of potash in the country’s concession area 53-A in Umm Al Samim, according to a report by the Oman Observer.
The agreement, which was inked on June 25, will allow Sindbad Mining Resources Co. to explore and mine potash in the concession area. Umm Al Samim is a region of quicksand on the eastern edge of the Rub al’khali desert in Central Oman. Sindbad already is involved in several mining projects in Oman, including copper mining.
Another Oman company, Muscat-based Gulf Mining, earlier was conducting exploratory work on the potash deposits in Umm Al Samim (GM April 19, 2019), although it is unclear if this is the same concession area awarded to Sindbad Mining Resources Co.
Gulf Mining was pursuing a potash mining project in Umm Al Samim and was targeting the establishment of a potassium sulfate plant in Oman’s Duqm Special Economic Zone. Gulf Mining was last heard looking for a partner for the project.
The mining sector is a priority for Oman’s economic diversification strategy, and the government has taken several steps to attract investment and promote the development of the sector.