Oman Workshop Explores Integration of Minerals and Fertilizer Industries

Muscat:The Ministry of Energy and Minerals organized a workshop titled "Roadmap for Integration Between Minerals, Fertilizers, and Chemicals in the Sultanate of Oman," under the patronage of Mohsen Hamad Al Hadrami, Undersecretary of the Ministry. According to Oman News Agency, the workshop aimed to develop an integrated roadmap that links the minerals sector with the fertilizer and chemicals industry. It reviewed current and future projects, proposed opportunities, and identified stakeholders as well as timelines necessary to advance priority projects to the implementation stage. The roadmap is based on a study by Falaj Point Company for the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, which aims to connect mineral resources and concession areas with manufacturing industries. It seeks to build an integrated framework that connects resources, manufacturing capabilities, infrastructure, logistics services, and markets. This initiative is intended to enhance the transition from exporting raw materials to producing value- added products that support local content and food manufacturing. The study highlights the potential for developing the fertilizer and chemicals industry using resources such as gypsum, limestone, dolomite, laterite, kaolin, and potash, alongside existing production capabilities in urea, ammonia, and sulphur. Opportunities for developing industrial clusters in Sohar, Duqm, Salalah, and Ibri are also reviewed, with a focus on the resources, capabilities, and infrastructure available at each site to enhance integration between raw materials, manufacturing, logistics, and markets. Interactive sessions at the workshop addressed the current state of the minerals sector and its contributions to the fertilizer industry, including existing industrial capabilities and the role of sulphur and associated chemicals. Proposed investment projects and opportunities were discussed, and priorities and implementation steps were identified in collaboration with relevant authorities. The roadmap aims to support Oman's strateg ies for maximizing the economic value of natural resources, localizing industries, developing local content, attracting investments, expanding the manufacturing industry base, and diversifying income sources, aligning with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. The workshop was attended by chief executive officers from companies in the minerals and fertilizer sectors, as well as representatives from government entities, investors, and other stakeholders.