Mazoon Copper Project Breaks Ground as Oman’s Largest Integrated Copper Production Venture
Minerals Development Oman (MDO), through its subsidiary Mazoon Mining Company, has officially broken ground on the Mazoon Copper Project, the largest integrated copper concentrate production venture in Oman. The project, located in the Wilayat of Yanqul in Dhahirah Governorate, aims to establish Oman as a strategic hub for high-quality copper concentrate production, meeting growing global demand for copper.
The Mazoon Copper Project covers an area of 20 square kilometers and consists of five open-pit mines with estimated copper ore reserves of 22.9 million tonnes. The project will also include the construction of a 56,000 square meter processing plant with the capacity to process 2.5 million tonnes of copper ore annually, yielding 115,000 tonnes of copper concentrate per year with a grade of 21.5%.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place under the patronage of H E Abdul Salam Mohammed al Murshidi, Chairman of the Oman Investment Authority (OIA). The project has been in development since extensive exploration activities culminated in the signing of a concession agreement for Concession Area 12-A1 in 2022. To support the project's successful delivery, Canadian firm Lycopodium has been appointed to provide engineering, procurement, and construction management services. Initial site preparations are already underway, and tenders are being issued as part of the next steps for the project's development.
Construction of the state-of-the-art processing plant is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2025, with copper concentrate production expected to commence in early 2027. This strategic timeline is designed to ramp up copper production to meet both local and international market demands.
Speaking at the groundbreaking, H E Murshidi highlighted the transformative role of the Mazoon Copper Project for Oman, noting that it contributes significantly to diversifying the national economy and creating sustainable job opportunities for Omanis. He emphasized the project's potential to drive economic development by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and fostering community growth.
Dr. Badar Saud al Kharusi, Chairman of Minerals Development Oman, expressed pride in witnessing the fruition of the Mazoon Copper Project. He highlighted the project's contribution to MDO's asset portfolio and the growth of Oman’s resource base. Copper ore extraction had already begun at Block 4 in the Wilayat of Sohar in 2024, with ongoing exploration efforts across MDO's 23,644 square kilometer concession area.
With financing secured, the project underscores both the financial stability of MDO and the trust it has built among local and international partners. Dr. Kharusi noted that the project is committed to upholding high environmental and social standards at every stage.
Sustainability remains a core focus for the Mazoon Copper Project. The project incorporates a zero-water discharge system, ensuring that treated water is fully recycled to minimize water consumption. Additionally, comprehensive waste management systems have been implemented to preserve the environment, protect groundwater, and maintain air quality.
Alongside the Mazoon Copper Project, MDO is advancing exploration across other strategic minerals, including chrome, gypsum, limestone, dolomite, and silica. MDO has also started the redevelopment of copper mines in Sohar and Liwa, with an aim to produce 800,000 tonnes of copper ore annually, backed by confirmed reserves of 2.78 million tonnes.
