Muscat: The total number of mining licenses in South Al Batinah Governorate reached 35 by the end of 2025, distributed across 15 active licenses-14 for construction material ores and one for chromium ore-according to the Ministry of Energy and Minerals.
According to Oman News Agency, Juma Khamis Al Bakari, Director of the Minerals Department for North Al Batinah and South Al Batinah Governorates, highlighted that quarries and crushers are distributed across several wilayats of South Al Batinah Governorate, based on geological formations and the availability of mineral ores. The Wilayat of Nakhal hosts the largest number of quarries.
He added that investment in quarries and crushers in South Al Batinah Governorate ranges between RO 500,000 and RO 20 million. This investment varies depending on the scale of investment, the project scope, and the type of ore involved. Al Bakari indicated that the mining sector's contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) in South Al Batinah Governorate is approximately 0.7%. Ongoing exploration studies and programs are being conducted, revealing promising indicators for the presence of mineral ores such as copper and chromium.
He affirmed that the investment opportunities available in South Al Batinah Governorate align with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals' strategy to build an integrated mining sector. This approach aims to keep pace with global developments in the mining industry and enhance Oman's competitiveness regionally and internationally.
Al Bakari also mentioned that 16 licenses are currently in the closure process due to the depletion of raw materials from those quarries. Additionally, four licenses have not yet commenced operations, distributed across the wilayats of A'Rustaq and Nakhal.
He further noted that a prospecting license for copper ore was issued at the beginning of 2026. Efforts are ongoing to finalize procedures and coordinate with relevant authorities concerning 13 public-use sites for construction materials in the governorate, with completion targeted within the same year.
It is worth noting that the mining sector in South Al Batinah Governorate is considered promising. Geological studies and indicators suggest the presence of various mineral ores, including copper and chromium. This enhances investment opportunities and supports the expansion of mining activities in the governorate, contributing to economic development and the optimal utilization of natural resources.
