Minerals

Industrial Minerals Companies in Oman

Oman’s push toward economic diversification beyond oil has fueled growth in its mining and industrial minerals sector . Several prominent industrial minerals companies are now at the forefront of this transformation, extracting and processing essential raw materials such as limestone, gypsum, silica sand, and dolomite .

These companies support national infrastructure projects, supply global markets, and contribute significantly to Oman’s non-oil GDP.

Let’s explore the top industrial minerals companies in Oman, what they produce, and how they’re shaping the country’s industrial future.


Key Industrial Minerals Companies in Oman

1. Oman Cement Company (SAOG)

  • Headquarters: Rusayl, Muscat
  • Key Products: Limestone-based cement, clinker
  • Operations: One of the largest cement producers in Oman, using locally mined limestone from Al Wusta and Al Batinah regions.
  • Significance: Supplies major construction projects and exports to East Africa and South Asia.

2. Gulf Gypsum Company LLC

  • Headquarters: Sohar, Al Batinah
  • Key Products: Gypsum boards, plaster, wallboard
  • Operations: Processes natural gypsum into building materials used in residential and commercial construction.
  • Market Reach: Supplies domestic construction firms and regional exporters.

3. Al Madina Minerals LLC

  • Headquarters: Muscat
  • Key Products: Silica sand, quartz, feldspar
  • Applications: Glass manufacturing, foundry casting, water filtration
  • Specialty: High-purity silica sand for industrial use, sourced from deposits in Al Buraimi and Dhahirah.

4. Dofasco Oman Mining & Processing LLC

  • Headquarters: Al Hajar Mountains region
  • Key Products: Dolomite, limestone, calcium carbonate
  • Uses: Steelmaking flux, agriculture, construction
  • Export Focus: Supplies GCC countries and Indian subcontinent.

5. Al Saffra Minerals LLC

  • Headquarters: Salalah, Dhofar
  • Key Products: Salt, gypsum, limestone
  • Operations: Coastal salt evaporation ponds and inland mineral processing
  • Exports: Rock salt and mineral products to agricultural and chemical industries.

What Do These Companies Produce?

LimestoneCement, lime, constructionOman Cement, Dofasco Oman
GypsumDrywall, plaster, insulationGulf Gypsum, Oman Cement
Silica SandGlass, foundries, filtrationAl Madina Minerals
DolomiteSteel production, soil conditionerDofasco Oman
Salt (Halite)Food, de-icing, chemicalsAl Saffra Minerals

Supporting National Development & Exports

1. Construction & Infrastructure

Industrial minerals are the backbone of Oman’s urban development , road networks, and large-scale projects like Duqm Special Economic Zone and Muscat International Airport expansion .

2. Export Markets

Oman’s strategic location on key shipping routes allows industrial minerals companies to export to:

  • India and Pakistan (cement, gypsum)
  • East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya – cement and lime)
  • GCC Countries (silica sand, salt)

This boosts foreign exchange earnings and strengthens Oman’s position in regional trade.


Government Support & Investment Opportunities

The Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM) actively supports private investment in the sector through:

  • Licensing transparent mining concessions
  • Promoting value-added processing
  • Developing industrial zones near mineral-rich areas

Investors can explore opportunities in:

  • Mineral beneficiation plants
  • Bulk packaging and logistics hubs
  • Green mining technologies

Sustainability & Environmental Responsibility

Leading industrial minerals companies in Oman are adopting sustainable practices such as:

  • Land rehabilitation after quarrying
  • Dust suppression systems
  • Water recycling in processing plants

These efforts align with Oman’s Vision 2040 goals for sustainable economic growth.


Final Thoughts

Industrial minerals companies in Oman are more than just suppliers — they are key drivers of economic diversification , job creation, and industrial growth. From cement giants to specialty mineral processors , these businesses are helping build Oman’s future — one stone at a time.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Which company is the largest producer of cement in Oman?
A: Oman Cement Company (SAOG) is the largest cement producer, relying heavily on local limestone reserves.

Q2: Can foreign investors enter Oman’s industrial minerals sector?
A: Yes, Oman welcomes foreign investment with incentives and streamlined licensing through the Ministry of Energy and Minerals.

Q3: Where is silica sand mined in Oman?
A: High-quality silica sand is primarily extracted in the Al Buraimi and Al Dhahirah regions, used for glass and industrial applications.


Final Tip:
For business inquiries or partnership opportunities, visit the official websites of these companies or contact the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry for supplier directories and market insights.

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